Olympus FE-3010 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX700: A Detailed Camera Comparison For Every Photographer’s Journey

Stepping into the world of digital cameras, especially compacts, can be daunting with so many models promising “perfect” shots. Today, we’re placing two noteworthy cameras side-by-side: the Olympus FE-3010, an ultracompact from 2009, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX700, a compact model launched in 2010. Though they come from different eras and price points, they each deliver value tailored to vastly different photography needs.

Whether you’re a casual snapshooter, a budding enthusiast, or a more advanced photographer seeking a reliable travel companion, this comparison will help you identify which camera serves your creative ambitions best.

A First Glance: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

Before even thinking about sensors or autofocus, how a camera feels in your hands can make or break your shooting experience.

What this means for you:
The Olympus FE-3010 is exceptionally slim and lightweight - ideal if absolute portability is paramount. It slips into pockets easily, encouraging spontaneous shooting. In contrast, the Panasonic FX700 is chunkier but provides a firmer grip, which helps with steadiness during longer shoots or when using slower shutter speeds.

If you travel light and prefer unintrusive cameras, the FE-3010 fits your style. But if you often find yourself adjusting settings or shooting handheld in varying conditions, the FX700’s enhanced ergonomics offer superior control.

Seeing Things Clearly: Top-View and Control Layout

Efficient handling owes as much to button placement and control ergonomics as it does to size.

• Olympus FE-3010: Features a straightforward button array with limited manual controls. Perfect if you want “point and shoot” simplicity, but less ideal for photographers who like accessing aperture or shutter priority modes quickly.
• Panasonic FX700: Includes dedicated dials and buttons for shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure. The touchscreen adds an intuitive interface for setting adjustments.

Practical takeaway: For photographers who enjoy the tactile experience of quickly changing settings or tweaking exposure on the fly, the FX700 stands out. The FE-3010 caters more toward casual users who want minimal fuss.

What’s Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Raw Image Capture

Sensor size, resolution, and processing significantly affect image quality. Both cameras use the same sensor format but differ in resolution and tech.

Expert insight:
The CCD sensor in the FE-3010 tends to deliver pleasing image quality in good light but can struggle with noise at higher ISOs due to older technology. The FX700’s CMOS sensor is more modern, supports higher ISO settings (up to 6400), and tends to be more power-efficient.

Neither camera supports RAW files, limiting post-processing flexibility - but the Panasonic’s higher resolution and improved sensor tech mean better detail and low-light performance straight out of the camera.

Viewing and Framing: LCD Screen and Interface

The shooting experience also depends on how well you compose and review images.

Real-world context:
While the LCD resolution is identical, the FX700's touchscreen unlocks faster, more intuitive menu navigation and focusing control. The slightly larger screen also aids composition and playback.

On the other hand, the FE-3010’s minimal interface could appeal to users who want simplicity and less distraction.

Powering Creativity: Lens Capabilities and Focusing Systems

Your lens's focal range, aperture, and autofocus features dictate the types of shots you can capture.

Applied perspective:
The Panasonic FX700’s wider zoom - from wide-angle 24mm to telephoto 120mm - and brighter aperture at the wide end (f/2.2) facilitate creative framing, landscapes, and low-light photography. Its macro focusing closer to 3 cm rewards macro enthusiasts with finer detail capture.

Olympus’s FE-3010, by comparison, is more limited with a narrower zoom and smaller max aperture at 36mm equivalent.

Optical image stabilization on the FX700 reduces blur from hand shake more effectively than Olympus’s digital stabilization.

Putting It Through Its Paces: Performance Across Photography Genres

Your shooting needs shape which camera serves you best in specific genres:

Portrait Photography

• Panasonic FX700: Wider lens starts at 24mm equivalent, better for environmental portraits. Manual focus helps nail sharpness on eyes. Lack of face detection is a drawback. Bokeh is limited by small sensor but brighter lens aperture helps.
• Olympus FE-3010: Face detection assists beginners here but smaller zoom range and slower lens somewhat restrict framing and background separation.

Landscape Photography

• FX700 shines with a sharper 14MP sensor, wide-angle zoom, and optical stabilization, allowing crisp handheld shots. Manual exposure modes enable control over depth of field and exposure.
• FE-3010 works but limited zoom range and older technology reduce dynamic range and detail.

Wildlife Photography

Neither are ideal for serious wildlife due to limited autofocus speed and max zoom. However:

• FX700, with faster continuous shooting (10 fps), edges out FE-3010 for capturing quick moments. 120mm max telephoto is modest but better than 108mm.

Sports Photography

The FE-3010 doesn’t support continuous shooting, limiting burst capture. FX700’s 10fps burst allows capturing command moments, though autofocus is not as sophisticated as DSLRs.

Street Photography

• FE-3010 excels for discrete snaps due to compact size and silent operation.
• FX700 larger and weighty. Touchscreen may be distracting, but faster autofocus helps grab fleeting moments.

Macro Photography

• FX700’s 3cm macro focusing and manual focus option give creative flexibility.
• FE-3010’s 5cm minimum focus distance is less fine, with digital stabilization only.

Night and Astro Photography

Higher ISO capability on FX700 and manual exposure modes allow longer exposures - advantageous for night shots. FE-3010 limited to ISO 1600 and no manual modes.

Video Capabilities

The Panasonic FX700 is clearly better suited for video enthusiasts, offering full HD, smoother frame rates, and superior codec. Olympus’s video features are basic and best for casual capture.

Battle of the Build: Durability, Weather Sealing, and Battery

Environmental sealing on the FE-3010 offers modest protection from splashes - helpful for travel in light rain. The FX700 lacks any weather sealing.

Connecting to Your Workflow: Storage and Connectivity

Panasonic’s adoption of SD cards provides greater flexibility and storage capacity options, plus HDMI allows easy viewing on TVs - a plus for vloggers. Olympus only supports less common xD and microSD cards, limiting options today.

Pricing and Value: Which Camera Offers More Bang for Your Buck?

If budget is your primary constraint and you need a simple camera for instant snaps, FE-3010 fits the bill. However, for serious enthusiasts craving features, image quality, and creative control, the FX700 justifies its higher cost with advanced capabilities.

Summary and Scores

Here is a consolidated view of the cameras’ performance across key areas:

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

Sample Image Gallery: Real-World Results

Viewing actual images is always instructive.

Olympus FE 3010 front Olympus FE 3010 screen back Panasonic FX700 front Panasonic FX700 screen back

• The Panasonic FX700’s images generally show better dynamic range and detail, particularly in shadows and low light.
• Olympus shots have slightly softer focus and less punch but handle bright daylight well.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Who Should Buy the Olympus FE-3010?

• Casual shooters wanting a pocket-friendly, lightweight camera.
• Travelers who prioritize minimal gear and need a basic camera for snap-and-go.
• Beginners who value simplicity and basic point-and-shoot usability.

When to Consider the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX700?

• Photography enthusiasts who want manual controls and decent zoom range in a compact body.
• Vloggers or casual videographers needing high-definition video capture.
• Macro and landscape photographers benefiting from better low-light specs and sharper lens.
• Users prioritizing burst shooting and faster autofocus for dynamic scenes.

Getting Started with Your Choice

Whichever camera you pick, exploration is key. For the FX700, pairing it with a sturdy SD card and a compact tripod will unlock creative potential. Beginners choosing the FE-3010 will benefit from experimenting with lighting and close-up subjects to maximize its strengths.

Be sure to visit a camera retailer and handle both models if possible. Nothing replaces the tactile feel and intuitive interface discovery firsthand.

In Conclusion: Matching Gear to Your Vision

Every camera is a tool shaped by its era and designers’ goals. The Olympus FE-3010 remains relevant for those needing featherweight simplicity, while the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX700 pushes boundaries within compact cameras toward manual control, superior image quality, and video.

Your photographic journey deserves gear that feels like an extension of your creative vision. Choose what complements your style and inspires your best work. Happy shooting!

If you enjoyed this comparison and want further advice on lenses, accessories, or technique tailored to these cameras, don’t hesitate to reach out or explore our in-depth tutorials.

Check out these cameras in person, get started with sample shots, and embrace your evolving photographic adventure!