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Olympus FE-3010 vs Olympus E-M1

Portability
97
Imaging
34
Features
20
Overall
28
Olympus FE-3010 front
 
Olympus OM-D E-M1 front
Portability
71
Imaging
52
Features
85
Overall
65

Olympus FE-3010 vs Olympus E-M1 Key Specs

Olympus FE-3010
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 64 - 1600
  • Digital Image Stabilization
  • 640 x 480 video
  • 36-108mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
  • 108g - 93 x 56 x 18mm
  • Launched January 2009
Olympus E-M1
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - Four Thirds Sensor
  • 3" Tilting Screen
  • ISO 100 - 25600
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • 497g - 130 x 94 x 63mm
  • Released October 2013
  • Successor is Olympus E-M1 II
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images

Olympus FE-3010 vs Olympus OM-D E-M1: A Hands-On Comparison for Every Photographer

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task given the diverse range of models available - even from a single brand like Olympus. Today, I’m pitting two very different Olympus cameras against each other: the compact and approachable Olympus FE-3010 versus the professional-grade mirrorless Olympus OM-D E-M1. These cameras represent vastly different generations, systems, and ambitions in photography. Yet, understanding their strengths and limitations across genres can help you pick the right tool for your creative journey.

As someone who has extensively tested hundreds of cameras in real-world conditions, here’s a thorough, balanced comparison based on hands-on experience, technical insights, and user-centric analysis. Whether you’re a casual shooter, enthusiast, or pro, this will help you understand what you get with each camera - and decide which suits your needs best.

Olympus FE-3010 vs Olympus E-M1 size comparison

Design and Ergonomics: Pocketable Versus Professional Handling

One of the first things you notice when placing the Olympus FE-3010 and OM-D E-M1 side by side is the physical disparity.

  • The FE-3010 is a true ultracompact camera, measuring just 93x56x18 mm and weighing only 108 grams. It’s designed for ultimate portability, perfect for slipping into a pocket or small purse, ideal for casual day-to-day snapshots or travel where carrying minimal gear is priority.
  • The OM-D E-M1 is a more substantial SLR-style mirrorless body, at 130x94x63 mm and weighing nearly half a kilogram (497 grams). This heft reflects its rugged construction and comprehensive controls aimed at professional and serious enthusiast use.

The ergonomics of the E-M1 are superior in terms of grip, button layout, and customization options. Its SLR style allows for one-handed operation of most key functions without navigating complex menus - something I found indispensable during high-pressure shooting like events or wildlife action.

Meanwhile, the FE-3010’s minimal controls and fixed lens make it very beginner-friendly and convenient but limit creative control. If you crave tactile dials and dedicated buttons, the FE-3010 feels severely constrained.

Olympus FE-3010 vs Olympus E-M1 top view buttons comparison

Control Layout Deep Dive

Looking down on the control decks:

  • The FE-3010 offers very minimal buttons - no manual exposure modes, no dedicated AF modes, just basic auto and digital stabilization toggles. This simplicity suits casual users but frustrates those desiring more artistic control.
  • In contrast, the OM-D E-M1 sports a rich array of customizable buttons, a mode dial, and dual control dials for aperture and shutter speed adjustment. The top LCD panel consolidates critical shooting info, speeding workflow in tricky lighting or fast-paced environments.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Sensor performance profoundly impacts photo quality, and here the gulf between these two cameras is vast.

Olympus FE-3010 vs Olympus E-M1 sensor size comparison

Olympus FE-3010 - Small Sensor, Modest Resolution

The FE-3010 features a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring approximately 6.08x4.56 mm, with a 12 MP resolution. This sensor size is common in basic point-and-shoot cameras but comes with limitations:

  • Image Quality: At base ISO 64, images are reasonably detailed and color accurate for casual use but quickly degrade beyond ISO 400 due to increased noise and lack of advanced noise reduction without RAW support.
  • Dynamic Range: Limited, resulting in easier clipping of highlights and shadows, making post-processing latitude minimal.
  • Lens: The fixed 36-108mm (35mm equivalent approx.) zoom lens with a variable aperture range of f/3.1 to f/5.9 delivers decent sharpness in the center but softness toward the edges - typical of ultracompacts.

Olympus OM-D E-M1 - Large Sensor, Professional Output

The OM-D E-M1 utilizes a Four Thirds CMOS sensor sized 17.3x13 mm with 16 MP resolution:

  • Image Quality: Thanks to larger pixel pitch and the TruePIC VII processor, the E-M1 produces impressively sharp images with low noise even at high ISOs (native max ISO 25600).
  • Dynamic Range: A substantial 12.7 EV stops (DxOMark tested) allows retention of highlight and shadow detail in challenging lighting.
  • Lens Ecosystem: Being a Micro Four Thirds body, it offers compatibility with over 100 lenses - from fast primes to super-telephotos, vastly expanding creative possibilities.

In practice, this sensor advantage means the OM-D E-M1 excels in all photographic disciplines demanding image quality, especially large prints, detailed landscapes, and critical professional workflows.

Screen and Viewfinder: Seeing Your Shot

Display and viewfinder technology impact how comfortably and accurately you can compose and review images.

Olympus FE-3010 vs Olympus E-M1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

The FE-3010 has a fixed 2.7-inch LCD with 230k-dot resolution and no viewfinder, relying entirely on screen framing. This small and low-resolution display can be difficult to assess focus and exposure in bright conditions.

The OM-D E-M1 improves dramatically with a 3-inch tilting touchscreen boasting over 1 million dots resolution plus a 2360k-dot electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage. The EVF is critical for shooting in bright daylight or tight action scenarios where LCD glare is problematic. I found the EVF a game-changer for accurate composition and exposure preview, especially for manual focus.

Autofocus Systems: From Basic to Professional Precision

The autofocus system often determines whether cameras meet the demands of fast-moving subjects like wildlife or sports.

  • The FE-3010 employs a simplistic contrast-detection AF with limited focus point options and a single AF mode (face detection included). This made focusing slow and sometimes inaccurate in low light or fast action during my tests. There’s no continuous AF or tracking, making it mainly suitable for stationary subjects.
  • The OM-D E-M1 features a hybrid AF system combining 81 phase-detection points with contrast detection, affording lightning-fast and reliable focus acquisition. This includes face detection, continuous tracking, and selective AF point selection. With 10fps burst shooting, it’s a solid performer for wildlife and sports photographers.

Photography Genres: How Each Camera Performs Across the Board

Here’s a breakdown of how the FE-3010 and OM-D E-M1 compare in popular photographic disciplines based on real-world use and performance testing:

Photography Type FE-3010 OM-D E-M1
Portraits Soft bokeh due to modest aperture; skin tones reasonable indoors but noisy in low light. No eye AF. Excellent color rendering, smooth bokeh with fast primes; face/eye detection autofocus ensures tack-sharp eyes.
Landscapes Limited dynamic range, low resolution; difficulty capturing fine detail. High resolution with excellent dynamic range; tilting screen aids composition; weather sealing helps in harsh outdoor conditions.
Wildlife Slow AF, narrow focal length – not ideal. Fast-accurate AF, high burst rate, and compatibility with long telephotos. Ideal for wildlife shooting.
Sports Limited burst, slow AF, no tracking - struggles with fast action. 10 fps continuous shooting, advanced AF tracking - excellent for sports.
Street Small size boosts discretion but fixed lens limits versatility. Larger but manageable; silent shutter mode minimizes disruption; faster AF useful for capturing fleeting moments.
Macro 5 cm macro focus is usable but limited by fixed lens and no focus stacking. Supports focus bracketing and stacking with macro lenses; stabilization aids handheld macro shooting.
Night / Astro Limited ISO performance and shutter speeds make astrophotography impractical. High ISO performance, bulb mode, and stabilization make it suitable for night sky images.
Video Basic VGA (640x480) resolution video at 30fps, no external mic input. Full HD 1080p 30fps, mic input, and image stabilization yield professional-level video capability.
Travel Lightweight and compact - ideal for casual travel shoots. Heavier but versatile; weather sealing and extensive lens options justify the weight for serious travelers.
Professional Work No raw output, limited control, and basic storage options restrict professional use. Raw support, extensive storage flexibility, robust build, and wireless connectivity make it work-ready.

Looking at side-by-side sample images highlights the considerable image quality gap. The FE-3010 produces usable snapshots in good lighting, but the E-M1 delivers richer detail, more natural colors, and far better low light handling.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Both cameras offer some degree of environmental sealing but cater to different expectations:

  • FE-3010: Marked as "environmental sealing" but no dustproof, shockproof, or waterproof certification. Suitable for gentle everyday use but avoid harsh conditions.
  • OM-D E-M1: Weather-sealed against dust and splashes, recommended for outdoor, aggressive shooting environments.

The OM-D E-M1's magnesium alloy body and robust construction make it a durable choice for serious photographers shooting in the field - an essential aspect which I tested extensively during outdoor sessions in rain and dust.

Handling and User Interface: Experienced Photographer’s Take

The harsh reality is the FE-3010 feels dated by modern standards. No touchscreen, basic menus, tiny screen, and limited manual control can frustrate anyone seeking creativity or speed.

By contrast, the OM-D E-M1 boasts an intuitive touchscreen UI with many customization options. The tilting display assists in composing awkward low or high angle shots, and the comprehensive hardware controls accelerate workflow.

Battery Life and Storage

  • The FE-3010’s battery life is not widely documented but given to last several hundred shots - typical for compact cameras. It uses proprietary small batteries (battery model unspecified) and supports xD-Picture Cards or microSD.
  • The OM-D E-M1 benefits from a high-capacity BLN-1 battery, rated for around 350 shots per charge under normal use, extendable with battery grips. Storage is flexible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, ensuring compatibility with modern fast UHS-I cards.

Connectivity and Expansion

Connectivity can streamline your workflow, and here the cameras part ways:

  • FE-3010 lacks wireless features, HDMI, or microphone ports, limiting connectivity to USB 2.0.
  • OM-D E-M1 includes built-in Wi-Fi for wireless image transfer and remote shooting via smartphone apps, plus HDMI-out and a microphone input for advanced video work.

Price vs Performance: Practical Considerations

While the FE-3010 retailed around $140 at launch, and the E-M1 at about $800, prices today will vary. Nonetheless:

FE-3010 Pros:

  • Ultra-lightweight and pocketable
  • Affordable for beginners or casual shooters
  • Basic image stabilization aids in handheld shooting

FE-3010 Cons:

  • Small sensor limits image quality
  • Minimal controls; no manual exposure modes
  • Poor low light and video capabilities
  • No raw capture for post-processing flexibility

OM-D E-M1 Pros:

  • Large, modern sensor with excellent image quality
  • Fast, reliable autofocus system with tracking
  • Five-axis in-body image stabilization
  • Weather-sealed, robust build performance
  • Advanced video features with mic input
  • Extensive lens ecosystem and accessories
  • Raw shooting and professional-grade controls

OM-D E-M1 Cons:

  • Larger and heavier, less pocketable
  • More expensive and greater learning curve

Who Should Buy Which?

  • Casual, entry-level users or travelers prioritizing convenience and ease-of-use:
    The FE-3010 is a decent compact that requires minimal technical knowledge. Its lightweight body makes it a grab-and-go option for casual snapshots. However, do temper expectations for quality and creative control.

  • Enthusiasts and professionals needing a versatile, high-performance system:
    The OM-D E-M1 is a proven workhorse supporting raw workflows, fast autofocus, and a wide lens lineup. It excels across all genres from landscapes to wildlife and video, justifying the extra investment. For those who demand reliability and image quality, it’s a strong recommendation.

Final Thoughts: My Tested Verdict

Handling and testing these two Olympus cameras side-by-side illuminated just how far digital camera technology had advanced within a few years.

The FE-3010 is a pure point-and-shoot device with limited artistic scope but suitable for users who want an affordable, lightweight, and simple camera for everyday casual shooting.

The OM-D E-M1 is a highly capable mirrorless system packed with sophisticated features and controls, aimed squarely at enthusiasts and professionals seeking image quality, speed, and versatility in one package.

If you want my personal take: I found the FE-3010 charming in its simplicity but hampered by its sensor and limited features. The OM-D E-M1 remains a formidable option even years after release, holding up well thanks to its high-end engineering and Olympus's proven Micro Four Thirds ecosystem.

Choose based on your photography goals, budget, and how much control and quality you need. Both have merits, but the OM-D E-M1 clearly offers a professional experience and image quality that justifies its position - and price - in the market.

Summary: Side-by-Side at a Glance

Feature Olympus FE-3010 Olympus OM-D E-M1
Body Type Ultracompact Pro Mirrorless (SLR-style)
Sensor Size 1/2.3" CCD Four Thirds CMOS
Resolution 12 MP 16 MP
Lens Fixed 36-108mm (3x zoom) Interchangeable (MFT mount, 100+ lenses)
Viewfinder None 2360k-dot EVF
Screen 2.7", 230k dots, fixed 3", 1.03m dots, tilting touchscreen
Image Stabilization Digital 5-axis sensor-shift
Video VGA 640x480 @ 30fps Full HD 1080p @ 30fps
Max ISO 1600 25600
Burst Rate Limited 10 fps
Manual Controls None Full manual exposure modes
Weather Sealing Basic sealing Dust/splash resistant
Battery Life Modest ~350 shots
Weight 108 grams 497 grams
Price (at launch) $140 $800

Thank you for reading this detailed Olympus FE-3010 vs OM-D E-M1 comparison. If you want to dive deeper into any specific area or need advice tailored to your photographic style, feel free to reach out - I’m here to help you capture your vision with the right gear.

Happy shooting!

Olympus FE-3010 vs Olympus E-M1 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Olympus FE-3010 and Olympus E-M1
 Olympus FE-3010Olympus OM-D E-M1
General Information
Brand Name Olympus Olympus
Model Olympus FE-3010 Olympus OM-D E-M1
Class Ultracompact Pro Mirrorless
Launched 2009-01-07 2013-10-28
Body design Ultracompact SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Chip - TruePIC VII
Sensor type CCD CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" Four Thirds
Sensor measurements 6.08 x 4.56mm 17.3 x 13mm
Sensor area 27.7mm² 224.9mm²
Sensor resolution 12MP 16MP
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 16:9, 4:3 and 3:2 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Peak resolution 3968 x 2976 4608 x 3456
Highest native ISO 1600 25600
Lowest native ISO 64 100
RAW pictures
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Touch focus
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Tracking autofocus
Autofocus selectice
Autofocus center weighted
Multi area autofocus
Live view autofocus
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Number of focus points - 81
Lens
Lens mount fixed lens Micro Four Thirds
Lens focal range 36-108mm (3.0x) -
Largest aperture f/3.1-5.9 -
Macro focus range 5cm -
Amount of lenses - 107
Crop factor 5.9 2.1
Screen
Screen type Fixed Type Tilting
Screen size 2.7 inch 3 inch
Screen resolution 230 thousand dot 1,037 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch operation
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None Electronic
Viewfinder resolution - 2,360 thousand dot
Viewfinder coverage - 100%
Viewfinder magnification - 0.74x
Features
Min shutter speed 4s 60s
Max shutter speed 1/2000s 1/8000s
Continuous shutter speed - 10.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation - Yes
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash range 4.00 m no built-in flash
Flash modes Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Off, On Flash Auto, Redeye, Fill-in, Flash Off, Red-eye Slow sync (1st curtain), Slow sync (1st curtain), Slow sync (2nd curtain), Manual
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
White balance bracketing
Max flash sync - 1/320s
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Highest video resolution 640x480 1920x1080
Video format Motion JPEG H.264, Motion JPEG
Microphone input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless None Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 108g (0.24 lbs) 497g (1.10 lbs)
Physical dimensions 93 x 56 x 18mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") 130 x 94 x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5")
DXO scores
DXO Overall score not tested 73
DXO Color Depth score not tested 23.0
DXO Dynamic range score not tested 12.7
DXO Low light score not tested 757
Other
Battery life - 350 pictures
Type of battery - Battery Pack
Battery model - BLN-1
Self timer Yes (12 seconds) Yes (2 or 12 secs, custom)
Time lapse shooting
Type of storage xD-Picture Card, microSD, internal SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots One One
Launch pricing $140 $799