Olympus FE-3010 vs Panasonic FH2

A Closer Look at the Olympus FE-3010 and Panasonic Lumix FH2: Two Compact Contenders from the Early 2010s

When diving into the compact camera market, especially models released a decade or so ago, it can feel like sorting through a treasure trove of basic yet surprisingly competent devices. Today, I’m unpacking two such ultracompact cameras - the Olympus FE-3010 and the Panasonic Lumix FH2 - that sat comfortably in the budget-friendly segment but came equipped with some interesting features. Let's explore what these models offer, see how they compare technically and practically, and identify which photographers might still find a surprising value in them.

Understanding the Physical Presence: How Size and Handling Impact Usability

I always start my hands-on evaluations by holding the cameras - it grounds the technical specs in a tactile reality that’s indispensable for real-world use. Both the Olympus FE-3010 and Panasonic FH2 are small, pocketable compacts, but subtle differences emerge when you hold them side by side.

The Olympus FE-3010 measures a compact 93 x 56 x 18 mm and weighs a mere 108 grams, clearly designed to slip unobtrusively into a pocket or small bag without a hint of bulk. The Panasonic FH2 is slightly longer and thicker at 94 x 54 x 19 mm and weighs 121 grams - marginally heavier but still very portable.

These differences may seem negligible on paper, but in use, that extra thickness and weight in the FH2 give it a somewhat more substantial, reassuring feel. The Olympus feels more fragile, maybe 'toy-like,' in comparison. Ergonomically, both prioritize simplicity over bulk, but the FE-3010’s slick, minimalistic shape makes it less comfortable to grip for prolonged shooting. The FH2's slightly better contours offer firmer handling, especially with extended one-handed use.

If you prioritize extreme pocketability and a secondary or emergency camera to keep always handy, Olympus’ ultracompact is compelling. However, if a bit more grip and weight stability are your preferences, Panasonic pulls ahead here.

Top-Down Controls: Navigating the User Interface Experience

After the first impressions of size and feel, the next step is hands-on interaction. Cameras shine or sink based on how intuitive and efficient their controls are for the user - especially important in fast-paced shooting environments.

Looking from the top, the Olympus FE-3010 reveals a stripped-back control layout - no physical dials or advanced mode selectors; it mostly relies on menus and on-screen navigation. You have a basic power button, shutter, zoom rocker, and limited physical buttons. It’s ultra-simple, almost too barebones for enthusiasts who want direct control at their fingertips. Beginners might appreciate this straightforwardness, though.

The Panasonic FH2’s top layout includes a dedicated video mode button and slightly more pronounced control buttons, delivering quicker access to some shooting functions. That Venus Engine IV processor inside (more on that shortly) is emphasized through a menu system slightly better tuned for casual shooting.

In both cases, be prepared for limitations if you like manual settings or fast mode-switching. Neither camera offers shutter or aperture priority modes, let alone full manual control - so don’t expect to get very creative with exposure.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of Any Camera’s Performance

The sensor is the engine room for image quality, so let’s dig into the heart here. Both cameras sport the ubiquitous 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor, popular in compact models of that era.

The Olympus FE-3010 carries a 12-megapixel sensor, while the Panasonic FH2 ups the ante slightly to 14 megapixels. While resolution alone doesn’t guarantee better image quality, more pixels can help with cropping and generating bigger prints - as long as noise isn’t excessive.

Both sensors measure 6.08 x 4.56 mm, yielding an image area of roughly 27.7 mm². In practice, that’s small compared to DSLR or mirrorless systems, hence the compact’s natural struggle in low light and limited dynamic range.

Subtly, the FH2’s newer Venus Engine IV image processor gives it a measurable edge in image noise reduction and color accuracy. Olympus relies on a simpler setup without a dedicated processor mention, resulting in images with flatter colors and more noise at higher ISO.

ISO ranges offer a stark contrast: Olympus maxes out at ISO 1600 native, while Panasonic reaches ISO 6400 (native) - though ISO beyond 800 on these cameras tends to get noisy quickly, so take those numbers with a grain of salt.

In my experience comparing JPEG images from these models (more on image samples later), the FH2 handles finer detail and color gradations more naturally, especially under tricky lighting.

Rear LCD and Viewer Experience: The Window to Your Composition

Neither model offers an electronic viewfinder, which is typical in ultracompacts and emphasizes reliance on the LCD panel for composition and review.

Both cameras sport 2.7-inch fixed LCD screens with 230k-dot resolutions. That’s modest by today’s standards and reflects the market segments they targeted.

The quality and reflectiveness of these screens differ slightly - Panasonic’s FH2 tends to have less glare outdoors and marginally better contrast, which helps framing under bright light, but neither competes with modern IPS or OLED displays.

Touchscreen functionality is absent on both, though the FH2 supports touch AF (face detection) which enhances ease of focus selection on-screen.

During testing, the Olympus screen’s dimmer appearance sometimes complicates framing in direct sunlight. The FH2’s slightly warmer color and better viewing angles offer a smoother shooting experience, though neither shines for critical image evaluation.

Exploring the Lens and Focusing Capabilities

Neither camera offers interchangeable lenses - fixed zooms lock you into their respective focal ranges:

• Olympus FE-3010: 36-108mm equivalent with a 3x zoom, max aperture f/3.1 to f/5.9
• Panasonic FH2: 28-112mm equivalent with a 4x zoom, max aperture f/3.1 to f/6.5

What strikes me here is the Panasonic’s wider angle reach at 28mm, valuable for landscapes and group shots, especially given the Olympus starts at 36mm, which is more telephoto.

Both have macro focusing capabilities down to 5 cm, letting you explore close-up shots, though optical quality at macro distances is understandably modest.

Regarding autofocus, the Panasonic FH2 incorporates an 11-point contrast-detection AF system with face and tracking detection, whereas the Olympus employs a simpler AF system with face detection but no continuous or tracking modes.

Hence, the FH2 offers smoother, more accurate AF in general, particularly when subjects move, which might be crucial depending on your shooting style.

Performance in Specific Photography Genres

Let’s break down how these cameras perform in various popular photography disciplines.

Portrait Photography: Getting Skin Tones and Bokeh Right

Both cameras use CCD sensors that generally capture pleasant skin tones but won’t deliver the creamy bokeh or shallow depth of field that larger sensors or lenses with wider apertures achieve.

Because the Olympus FE-3010 maxes out broadly at f/5.9 telephoto, and the FH2 goes even slower to f/6.5, background blur is minimal. Both rely on digital face detection - the FH2 adds touch AF to help with precise focusing on eyes or faces, resulting in slightly sharper subjects.

In practice, portraits from the Panasonic appear slightly crisper with more accurate exposure, though neither camera will satisfy demanding portrait photographers seeking nuanced skin tone rendition or shallow depth effects.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range, Resolution, and Weather Resistance

Landscape photography benefits from high resolution and dynamic range, plus durable builds for outdoor use.

The FH2 edges higher with a 14 MP sensor versus 12 MP on Olympus, meaning better cropping or printing potential. However, neither sensor excels in dynamic range.

Interestingly, the Olympus FE-3010 claims environmental sealing, a feature almost unheard of at this price point and size - though it’s not waterproof or shockproof, it can tolerate dusty or light moisture conditions slightly better than the FH2, which offers no such sealing.

If you trek outdoors regularly and worry about weather, Olympus may be your safer bet, but Panasonic’s wider angle and resolution make it a better landscape tool in fair weather.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: AF Speed and Burst Rates

For subjects on the move, autofocus speed and continuous shooting are paramount.

Olympus offers a single AF mode with face detection - no continuous or tracking autofocus. Burst mode is unspecified - this basically rules it out for fast action.

The Panasonic offers single and tracking AF with 11 focus points and a 4 fps continuous shooting mode. That’s limited but enough for casual wildlife or sports shooting under good light.

Neither camera excels here - you’d need more advanced systems for serious action photography - but Panasonic still takes a clear lead.

Street Photography: Portability and Discreteness

Street photographers prize small size, fast operation, and comfort.

Olympus is unrivaled in pocket portability and discreetness. Its slimmer profile can be less obtrusive, ideal for candid street moments.

Panasonic, slightly larger and heavier, is still reasonably discreet but less inconspicuous.

Optically, the wider 28mm on the FH2 is more flexible for tight urban environments, whereas Olympus’s start at 36mm is restrictive.

Macro and Close-Up: Magnification and Stabilization

Both measure a minimum focusing distance of 5cm, typical for compacts.

Both include image stabilization - Olympus opts for digital stabilization while Panasonic uses optical stabilization.

Optical IS in the FH2 tends to yield better results in macro work, reducing the blurriness from hand shake.

Expect modest macro detail from both but better sharpness with the Panasonic thanks to superior stabilization and a slightly sharper lens.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Modes

Low-light performance hinges on sensor noise control and ISO reach.

Panasonic's higher max ISO (6400) coupled with their image processor makes it better equipped for dim environments, although noise creeps in at high ISO quickly.

Olympus’s ISO cap at 1600 coupled with digital IS limits its night capabilities. Long exposures up to 4 seconds help, but start to show noise.

Neither offer bulb or advanced astro modes, so for night photographers, these cameras are quite limited.

Video Recording Capabilities

Video is typically an afterthought in ultracompacts of this era.

Olympus records VGA (640x480) at 30 fps, Panasonic offers HD 720p at 30 fps, clearly superior.

Both use Motion JPEG compression - heavy and less efficient compared to modern codecs.

No microphone or headphone ports, no 4K, no advanced stabilization for video. However, the Panasonic FH2’s HD video capability makes casual video capture more practical.

Travel and Everyday Use: Battery Life and Compatibility

Panasonic claims approximately 270 shots per charge versus Olympus’s unspecified battery life - unclear but likely less.

The Olympus uses xD-Picture Cards or microSD, an aging format with limited availability. Panasonic uses standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards - far more practical today.

Connectivity is minimal on both - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS. USB 2.0 transfer only.

For travel, the Panasonic’s better lens versatility, longer battery life, and broader storage support make it my pick.

Professional Use and Workflow Integration

Neither camera supports RAW files, limiting post-processing flexibility.

They are not designed for professional workflows - no tethering, no advanced bracketing, limited exposure control.

Still, good for casual backup shooters or social media snaps.

Summarizing Strengths and Weaknesses

Seeing the Cameras in Action: Image Gallery Comparison

Nothing beats actual images to understand a camera’s capabilities.

Olympus FE 3010 front Olympus FE 3010 screen back Panasonic FH2 front Panasonic FH2 screen back

The Panasonic’s samples show better exposure balance, sharper details, and improved color rendition in daylight scenarios. Indoors or low light reveals more noise on both, but FH2’s noise reduction is less intrusive.

Olympus images exhibit more muted colors and softer details but benefit from a slightly warmer tone in some cases.

Performance Ratings and Scoring Overview

Based on extensive testing regimes (including resolution charts, ISO steps, dynamic range targets, and AF speed tests), here’s a consolidated performance rating:

Unsurprisingly, the Panasonic FH2 edges out the Olympus FE-3010 across most parameters by a noticeable margin, especially image quality and autofocus.

Ratings by Photography Types: Where Each Camera Shines

Breaking down performance according to genre:

• Portrait: Panasonic leads, thanks to sharper AF and color fidelity.
• Landscape: Tie, with Olympus’ sealing offering slight physical durability advantage.
• Wildlife/Sports: Panasonic favored for AF and burst.
• Street: Olympus preferred for size and discretion.
• Macro: Panasonic has the edge due to optical stabilization.
• Night/Astro: Panasonic’s higher ISO handling wins.
• Video: Panasonic’s HD video is superior.
• Travel: Panasonic for versatility and battery.
• Professional use: Neither recommended, but Panasonic edges due to better controls.

Final Recommendations: Which One Should You Choose?

If you want a pocket-friendly, ultra-minimalist camera that can take a decent snapshot on the go and be ready in emergencies - grab the Olympus FE-3010. Its environmental sealing is rare for this class, making it a good companion in dusty or damp conditions if you’re easygoing on image quality and control flexibility.

If you value stronger autofocus, a wider zoom range, better image quality, HD video, and longer battery life - the Panasonic Lumix FH2 is the smarter pick for casual photography enthusiasts wanting a compact all-rounder with a bit more punch, especially for travel, street, casual portraiture, and light action.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just Numbers

While these cameras might seem outdated by today’s standards, their thoughtfully designed features still serve photographers who want simplicity, reliability, and basic photo quality without breaking the bank. I always recommend physically handling such compacts before buying - because feel, control layout, and operational ease frequently offset pure specs.

Dear photographers: Remember, the best camera is the one you enjoy carrying and shooting with - these two offer two slightly different takes on ultracompact simplicity. So, choose accordingly and happy shooting!

For further visual comparisons and detailed hands-on analysis, I encourage checking out my video review and test gallery linked above - seeing is believing when it comes to camera choices!

This concludes our comprehensive comparison of the Olympus FE-3010 and Panasonic Lumix FH2, two reasonably priced compact shooters from the recent past with unique strengths tailored to different niches.