Olympus E-510 vs Panasonic LX100: An Experienced Photographer’s Practical Comparison

Choosing the right camera sometimes feels like standing at a crossroads with two appealing but very different paths ahead. That’s the situation with the Olympus E-510 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100. Each hails from a different era and category, targeting distinct photography habits and preferences. Having spent years in the trenches putting cameras through their paces - manual focus chores, autofocus marathons, real-world photo sessions under diverse conditions - I’m here to map out the terrain for you. Whether you’re a keen enthusiast tipping toe-first toward serious photography, or a seasoned pro curious about how these two stack up, this detailed comparison will spill the beans.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into everything that counts - sensor tech, ergonomics, handling, autofocus, shooting scenarios, and value for money - with plenty of firsthand insight and no marketing fluff. And hey, I’ll share my view on who benefits most from each model based on actual photographic use cases.

Size, Ergonomics, and Handling: The Feel Factor

First impressions matter. You could have the baddest image sensor in the world, but if the camera feels like a brick or slips awkwardly in hand, getting great photography out of it is an uphill battle.

The Olympus E-510, launched in late 2007, is a mid-sized DSLR body designed with traditional SLR ergonomics. It weighs about 490 grams and measures 136 x 92 x 68 mm - chunky, with enough heft to feel solid without tiring your wrists after extended use. The body is a little thicker and has predictable clubs-for-thumbs grips. DSLR shooters will appreciate the dedicated claw grip and plentiful buttons arranged comfortably for quick access.

On the other side, the Panasonic LX100 is a compact powerhouse, weighing just 393 grams and roughly 115 x 66 x 55 mm in size. It fits snugly in one hand or even a roomy coat pocket - the appeal here is the travel photographer or street shooter who won’t want to lug a DSLR around all day. Despite its smaller size, Panasonic did a masterful job of fitting physical dials and rings that give you tactile control over aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation, preserving an engaging shooting experience.

Let’s pull back and look at their top-deck controls:

Olympus’s layout sticks to classic DSLR form: mode dial, control wheels, and dedicated buttons for white balance, ISO, and metering modes - all spaced generously. The LX100’s top surface fills with compact dials and buttons but remains intuitively arranged without a cluttered feel.

If you’re a fan of big, comfortable grips and physical buttons that don’t feel cramped, Olympia takes the win here. For photographers who prize portability and direct manual control in a compact package, Panasonic’s design steals the spotlight.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality – A Generational and Technical Leap

Sensor tech is the heart of any imaging device, so let’s talk brass tacks. Both cameras use a Four Thirds sensor format sized 17.3 x 13 mm, which puts them in the mirrorless and compact large-sensor segment rather than full-frame territory.

The E-510 sports a 10-megapixel sensor, which, for its time, offered solid image quality with respectable dynamic range - measured here at roughly 10 EV - and a decent color depth of 21.2 bits per channel according to DxOmark data. Its ISO ceiling maxes out at 1600 (native), meaning low-light work was possible but noisy under harsher conditions.

The LX100, introduced in 2014, markedly improves on resolution with 13 megapixels, larger files at 4112 x 3088 pixels, and enhanced dynamic range around 12.5 EV. It also boasts superior color depth (22.3 bits) and a higher max native ISO of 25600, significantly expanding low-light capabilities. Lastly, its sensor benefits from Panasonic’s later-generation Venus Engine processor, reducing noise and improving tonal transitions.

In everyday terms, you'll see cleaner shadows, richer hues, and more recovered highlight detail on the LX100 compared to the E-510 - particularly when pushing exposure in landscape or event photography.

On-Screen Interaction and Viewfinder Experience

While optical viewfinders have their charms, the ways we frame and review images have shifted drastically with LCDs and EVFs.

The Olympus E-510 offers a modest 2.5-inch fixed LCD screen with 230k dots resolution. It’s serviceable for basic framing and image playback but can feel cramped when reviewing fine details or fiddling with menus. Plus, no touchscreen or articulating abilities limit shooting flexibility - particularly in awkward angles.

By contrast, the Panasonic LX100 steps up with a 3-inch fixed LCD boasting 921k dots and live view autofocus. This clarity pays dividends when inspecting sharpness or adjusting parameters on the fly. The LX100 adds a 2764-dot electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.7x magnification - far superior to the E-510’s low-coverage optical pentamirror experience. This EVF lets you compose accurately, preview settings, and shoot comfortably even in bright sunlight.

For those who’ve relied on DSLRs with optical finders, the LX100’s EVF might take a minute to get used to, but I found it invaluable in street and travel scenarios where accuracy and info feedback beats the older optical viewfinder experience.

Autofocus and Burst Performance: Speed Matters in Many Genres

Autofocus and frame rates are the variable that make or break cameras for wildlife, sports, and casual fast-action shooting.

• Olympus E-510 operates a phase-detection AF with 3 focus points and offers single and continuous autofocus modes. It can shoot bursts at 3 fps max but has no face or tracking detection. This means moving subjects can often confound the focus system, requiring deliberate recomposing or manual focus adjustments.

• The Panasonic LX100 utilizes contrast-detection autofocus with 49 focus points and advanced face detection. It tracks subjects in continuous AF mode and can push burst speeds to 11 frames per second, which is impressively fast for a compact camera class. This makes it far more capable capturing moments in street photography or casual sports.

Bottom line: If your shooting style includes wildlife or sports, the LX100’s AF system and burst rate offer superior practical performance. The E-510’s autofocus is serviceable but definitely feels relic-like by today’s fast-paced standards.

Lens Ecosystem and Focal Range Flexibility

The lens strategy is often a decisive consideration. Here the cameras part ways entirely.

The Olympus E-510 uses the Micro Four Thirds lens mount, meaning you get access to a mature system with over 45 compatible lenses ranging from affordable primes, versatile zooms, macro lenses, to specialty glass from Olympus and Panasonic. This brings tremendous creative freedom and upgrade paths - perfect for photographers planning to grow skills over years. The E-510 also benefits from sensor-based image stabilization to complement lens capabilities.

The Panasonic LX100 packs a formidable built-in fixed zoom lens covering 24-75mm (35mm equivalent) with a bright maximum aperture of f/1.7–2.8. This versatile range suits landscapes, portraits, street, and moderate telephoto. The bright aperture yields excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for background separation. However, no lens swapping means you’re committing to this zoom alone. Fortunately, it’s sharp and well-constructed - no complaints about image quality here.

If you prize ultimate creative control and plan to make serious portraiture, macro, or telephoto investments, Olympus’s interchangeable lens system is a significant advantage. If you want a compact all-in-one with quality optics and fast glass, the LX100’s fixed zoom is a winner.

Burst Shooting, Video, and Specialized Features

The Olympus E-510 is strictly a stills DSLR - no video capture capabilities, reflecting its time. Its continuous shooting speed of 3 fps is slow by modern standards but acceptable for casual snapshots.

Conversely, the Panasonic LX100 shines as a versatile hybrid device. It records 4K UHD video up to 30p and Full HD up to 60p, enabling complex multimedia projects, vlogging, or cinematic travel logs. The camera supports 4K photo capture, which lets you extract 8-megapixel frames from video clips - a handy tool for fast-moving subjects. A built-in Wi-Fi/NFC provides seamless wireless image transfer to smartphones and remote control, ideal for on-the-go sharing. It also offers time-lapse recording and wide exposure bracket options.

In essence, the LX100 is a far more capable tool for today’s multi-dimensional creators wanting both stills and video, whereas the E-510 is purely traditional stills gear.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity: Staying Powered and Wired

• Battery Life: The E-510's unspecified battery life from 2007-era packs is typically around 350-400 shots per charge, standard for early DSLRs. The LX100 claims about 300 shots, slightly lower but typical for compact, EVF-equipped cameras, though power consumption spikes during 4K video.

• Storage types: The E-510 uses Compact Flash and xD cards, now largely obsolete and hard to find or expensive, while the LX100 uses ubiquitous SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I cards - more convenient and affordable for buyers.

• Connectivity: LX100’s built-in Wi-Fi and NFC enable easy remote shooting and image transfer - a feature lacking on the Olympus, reliant on older USB 2.0 connections and no wireless.

Real-World Use Across Photography Genres

Olympus E 510 front Olympus E 510 screen back Panasonic LX100 front Panasonic LX100 screen back

Now let’s ground these specs into how both cameras perform across popular photography styles based on my testing experience.

• Portraits: The LX100’s bright fixed lens and improved AF face detection yield better skin tone rendering, sharper eye focus, and creamier bokeh compared to the E-510. The Olympus can produce nice portraits with the right glass, but limited AF points and older tech make critical focus a gamble under fast moves.

• Landscapes: Both excel in daylight scenes, but LX100’s higher dynamic range and resolution help preserve shadow and highlight detail better, especially when tweaking RAW files. Weather sealing is absent on either, so be mindful of elements.

• Wildlife: Olympus’s slow burst rate and minimal AF points restrict results. Panasonic’s faster AF and burst improve chances to nail fleeting moments, though longer telephoto reach via interchangeable lenses on Olympus could compensate when paired with a proper zoom.

• Sports: LX100’s superior burst speed and tracking AF make it the preferred pick for casual sports and street action shooting. E-510 struggles with tracking pace.

• Street: LX100 wins hands down for size, stealth, and quick focus. The small body and EVF aid discreet shooting in urban scenarios.

• Macro: Olympus paired with a dedicated macro lens excels here; the LX100 struggles due to fixed zoom limits despite a close focusing distance of 3 cm.

• Night/Astro: LX100’s cleaner high ISO credit and exposure modes give better night shots. The E-510’s ISO 1600 maximum and noise hold it back.

• Video: Only the LX100 supports video with 4K capabilities - decisive for modern hybrid shooters.

• Travel: LX100's compact size, lens flexibility, and wireless features make it a brilliant travel companion versus the bulkier Olympus and outdated storage.

• Professional use: Olympus’s DSLR form factor, lens mount ecosystem, and RAW workflow integration matter to pros who favor optical viewfinders and physical control. The LX100 suits multimedia professionals needing a compact hybrid but lacks lens interchange.

Build Quality and Durability

The build is solid on both but neither the E-510 nor LX100 offers weather sealing or ruggedized bodies. Handling feels reliable but treat both with care in wet or dusty environments.

Image Stabilization

Olympus uses sensor-based stabilization effectively for stills, reducing camera shake impact. Panasonic uses optical stabilization in its lens, helpful for low shutter speeds and video steadiness.

Price Versus Performance: Value Judgement

At launch, the Olympus E-510 retailed around $550, while the Panasonic LX100 camped nearer $800 despite being a compact. Today, you’ll typically find the E-510 very affordable on the used market and LX100 as a premium used compact.

For cheapskates wanting to explore DSLR features and interchangeable lenses, the Olympus is a good starting offer. If you can spend more for superior sensor, faster AF, video versatility, and portability, the LX100 is a more futureproof investment.

Performance Scores Overview

Summarized DxOmark and user-experience scores favor the LX100 for sensor performance, autofocus, and system speed, while Olympus holds respect for build and lens flexibility.

How These Cameras Score Across Photo Genres

Panasonic LX100 clinches most categories except macro and traditional pro workflows, which lean toward Olympus’s lens system and ergonomics.

Pros and Cons Summary

Olympus E-510 Pros:

• Interchangeable Micro Four Thirds lenses
• Solid optical viewfinder and ergonomics
• Sensor-based image stabilization
• Lower cost (used market)
• Traditional DSLR shooting experience

Olympus E-510 Cons:

• Outdated 10 MP sensor with limited dynamic range
• Slow AF with only 3 focus points
• No video capabilities
• Limited continuous shooting speed (3 fps)
• Low-resolution, non-articulating LCD screen
• Uses obsolete Compact Flash and xD cards

Panasonic LX100 Pros:

• Larger 13 MP sensor with better dynamic range and ISO
• High-quality 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 fixed zoom lens
• Fast autofocus with face tracking and 49 focus points
• 11 fps continuous shooting
• 4K UHD video recording with 4K photo feature
• EVF with 100% coverage and bright magnification
• Compact and lightweight body with tactile manual controls
• Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy sharing
• Uses standard SD cards

Panasonic LX100 Cons:

• Fixed lens limits focal length versatility
• Battery life fair but constrained by video and EVF use
• No headphone or microphone ports for extended video work
• No weather sealing or rugged features
• Higher price point

Who Should Choose Which?

Let’s get practical.

• Go for the Olympus E-510 if:

  • You want a low-budget entry into DSLR photography
  • You plan on building a lens collection and experimenting creatively
  • You prefer an optical viewfinder and physical shooting control
  • Video is not a concern
  • You’re okay with modest sensor capabilities and slower auto focus

• Choose the Panasonic LX100 if:

  • You want a portable all-in-one with pro-level image quality
  • You shoot portraits, street, landscapes, and video occasionally
  • Fast autofocus and high burst rates matter for your work
  • You need modern connectivity options and 4K video
  • You want an EVF with full coverage and top-notch LCD for image review
  • You’re willing to accept fixed focal range for portability

Final Thoughts

After thoroughly testing and comparing these two classics, it’s clear the Panasonic LX100 offers a much more evolved photographic experience, packing features and image quality that align well with 2010s-era standards and contemporary content creation needs. It’s a compact hybrid that punches well above its size and class.

The Olympus E-510, though a decade and a half old, still has value as an affordable DSLR choice for beginners wanting hands-on control, lens flexibility, and those who appreciate a traditional optical exposure experience. But in 2024 terms, it’s showing its age clearly in autofocus, sensor tech, and missing video entirely.

If you want my honest take, and your budget can stretch, I’d lean toward the Panasonic LX100 - especially if you shoot a variety of subjects including video, travel, and street photography. However, if you treasure the tactile DSLR feel and aim to build on a lens ecosystem, the Olympus remains a respectable stepping stone for the price.

Hope this comparison helps you make a confident choice for your next camera adventure!

Happy shooting!