Olympus FE-3010 vs Sony HX350
97 Imaging
34 Features
20 Overall
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62 Imaging
46 Features
51 Overall
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Olympus FE-3010 vs Sony HX350 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 64 - 1600
- Digital Image Stabilization
- 640 x 480 video
- 36-108mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
- 108g - 93 x 56 x 18mm
- Announced January 2009
(Full Review)
- 20MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Tilting Display
- ISO 80 - 3200 (Bump to 12800)
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-1200mm (F2.8-6.3) lens
- 652g - 130 x 93 x 103mm
- Introduced December 2016

Olympus FE-3010 vs Sony Cyber-shot HX350: A Detailed Comparison for Today’s Creative Photographers
Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task. Whether you're just starting your photography journey or looking to supplement your gear kit with a reliable second camera, understanding what each model truly offers is essential. Today, we'll dive into a comprehensive, hands-on comparison between two distinct ultracompact and superzoom models: the Olympus FE-3010 and the Sony Cyber-shot HX350.
This article will guide you through every critical aspect - from sensor technology to real-world shooting across photography genres - arming you with clear insights so you can pick the perfect fit for your creative needs.
First Impressions: Size, Build, and Ergonomics
How a camera feels in your hand directly impacts your ability to shoot comfortably and confidently. The Olympus FE-3010 and Sony HX350 each inhabit different design philosophies, with the FE-3010 embracing true pocketable ultracompact sizing, while the HX350 is a larger bridge-style superzoom camera designed for extended versatility.
Feature/Dimention | Olympus FE-3010 | Sony HX350 |
---|---|---|
Dimensions (mm) | 93 x 56 x 18 | 130 x 93 x 103 |
Weight (g) | 108 | 652 |
Body Type | Ultracompact | SLR-like (bridge) |
Weather Sealing | Environmentally sealed | No |
Key Takeaway:
The FE-3010 can fit effortlessly in your pocket, making it a simplistic grab-and-go option for casual shooting. However, the camera’s small size naturally limits manual controls and handling grip. On the other hand, the HX350’s substantial grip, robust body, and larger size afford it improved ergonomics ideal for longer shooting sessions and heavier lenses.
This difference also means the HX350 feels more like a “serious” camera - ideal for photographers wanting substantial zoom reach with manual control - while the FE-3010 is better suited for casual snapshots or those valuing portability above all else.
Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Your Photos
The sensor is where image quality begins, directly influencing resolution, dynamic range, and noise performance in low light. Both cameras use a 1/2.3” sensor size class but differ notably in resolution and sensor design:
Specification | Olympus FE-3010 | Sony HX350 |
---|---|---|
Sensor Type | CCD | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor Size (mm) | 6.08 x 4.56 | 6.17 x 4.55 |
Sensor Area (mm²) | 27.72 | 28.07 |
Megapixels | 12 | 20 |
Native ISO Range | 64-1600 | 80-3200 |
Max ISO Boost | N/A | 12800 |
Antialias Filter | Yes | Yes |
Technical Insights:
The Sony HX350’s advanced backside-illuminated CMOS sensor offers a marked advantage in terms of sensitivity and dynamic range relative to the older CCD sensor used by Olympus. This design innovation inherently improves low-light performance and overall image clarity - especially vital for challenging lighting conditions such as dusk, interiors, and night scenes.
Similarly, the higher 20MP resolution of the HX350 means more detail and cropping flexibility, which can be particularly beneficial for enthusiasts working in landscape or wildlife genres who demand high resolution to print large images or crop tightly.
For everyday snapshots, the FE-3010’s 12MP is sufficient, but you should temper expectations regarding noise control and image sharpness, especially beyond ISO 400.
Lens Performance and Zoom Power: From Wide Landscapes to Distant Wildlife
Lens versatility often defines what kind of photography a camera can support. The Olympus FE-3010 features a modest 3x optical zoom, while the Sony HX350 impresses massively with 50x zoom range.
Lens Specification | Olympus FE-3010 | Sony HX350 |
---|---|---|
Focal Range (35mm equiv.) | 36-108 mm | 24-1200 mm |
Max Aperture Range | f/3.1 - f/5.9 | f/2.8 - f/6.3 |
Macro Focus Range | 5 cm | 1 cm |
Image Stabilization Type | Digital | Optical |
Practical Experience:
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FE-3010: The 36-108mm range covers basic daily and portrait photography, but the zoom is limited for wildlife or distant subjects. Its digital stabilization helps reduce blur but can lead to some image softness during heavy zooming or low light. Macro shots at 5cm are workable for casual tabletop photography but lack precision.
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HX350: Here, the standout feature is that serious 50x superzoom - from a wide 24mm to an incredible 1200mm equivalent telephoto lens. Coupled with optical stabilization, this opens up remarkable possibilities for wildlife, sports, and telephoto landscape photography. Macro focus at 1cm adds fine detail capture capability, which is impressive in this price and class.
The HX350 also supports manual focus, aperture priority, and full manual exposure modes - features important for advanced users seeking creative control.
Viewing and Controls: Framing Your Shot and Navigating Menus
The way you compose and interact with your camera influences both speed and creativity in capturing images.
Feature | Olympus FE-3010 | Sony HX350 |
---|---|---|
LCD Screen Size | 2.7” Fixed | 3” Tilting |
LCD Resolution | 230k Pixels | 922k Pixels |
Viewfinder | None | Electronic (202k resolution) |
Touchscreen | No | No |
Control Layout | Minimal, basic controls | SLR-like with manual dials |
In Practice:
The FE-3010 relies solely on its small fixed LCD for framing, which is less effective under bright sunlight or when shooting at awkward angles. The lack of a viewfinder limits compositional precision outdoors.
The HX350’s 3-inch tilting screen with a much higher pixel count provides clearer images and flexibility for creative shooting angles. The presence of a full electronic viewfinder means you get consistent visibility of the scene even under harsh lighting, perfect for sports or wildlife.
Ergonomically, the HX350 offers a traditional DSLR-like grip and a more advanced control scheme including shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes, enabling professional-style control and creative experimentation.
Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Never Miss the Moment
For action and wildlife photographers, autofocus speed and burst rate are critical.
Feature | Olympus FE-3010 | Sony HX350 |
---|---|---|
Autofocus Type | Contrast Detection | Contrast Detection |
Face Detection | Yes | Yes |
Continuous AF | No | Yes |
Continuous Shooting | N/A | 10 fps |
Observations from Testing:
The FE-3010 delivers basic autofocus with face detection but lacks continuous autofocus and tracking. This limits its utility for moving subjects. If you’re photographing static scenes or posed portraits indoors, it should suffice.
Conversely, the HX350 supports continuous autofocus and boasts a fast 10 frames per second burst rate. While the autofocus system is still contrast-based and thus slower than mirrorless phase-detection systems, it performs admirably on tracking slow- to moderate-speed subjects such as birds, animals, or kids playing sports.
For photographers interested in sports or wildlife, the HX350’s AF system is a significant advantage.
Photography Genres: What Can Each Camera Best Handle?
Let's break down how these cameras perform in the most popular photography genres:
Portrait Photography
- FE-3010: Modest zoom and basic autofocus, some face detection. Limited bokeh control due to small sensor and aperture range. Good for casual portraits under good light, but expect softer background blur.
- HX350: Larger zoom range and manual focus helps frame and fine-tune portraits. Wider f/2.8 aperture at wide angle can create pleasing background separation. Face detection combined with tilting screen assists in composing shots creatively.
Landscape Photography
- FE-3010: Adequate resolution and sensor for casual landscape work. Fixed lens limits perspective options. Environmentally sealed body gives a slight edge for outdoor use.
- HX350: Greater resolution and wide-angle 24mm coverage ideal for vast landscapes. No weather sealing means caution in wet conditions. Higher ISO capacity helps shooting in low-light conditions like sunrise or sunset scenes.
Wildlife Photography
- FE-3010: Zoom insufficient for distant wildlife. Slow shoot-to-shoot speed and no continuous AF limit success with moving subjects.
- HX350: 1200mm zoom and faster burst rates make it a strong entry-level wildlife camera for those who cannot invest in interchangeable lens systems.
Sports Photography
- FE-3010: Fixed aperture and slow burst make it unsuitable for action sports photography.
- HX350: Fast burst speed and decent autofocus allow for capturing fast-moving subjects. Optical zoom helps frame distant players.
Street Photography
- FE-3010: Small, discreet, pocketable; naturally suited for street candid shooting, especially in good light.
- HX350: Larger and more conspicuous but still manageable. Tilting screen helps shooting from creative angles.
Macro Photography
- FE-3010: 5cm macro focusing is basic, no focus stacking or bracketing.
- HX350: Close focusing at 1cm delivers sharp macro results. Manual focus aids precision.
Night and Astro Photography
- FE-3010: Limited by ISO 1600 max and lack of manual exposure modes.
- HX350: ISO up to 3200 (boost to 12800), longer exposures (up to 30s), and manual controls ideal for low-light and night scenes.
Video Capabilities
- FE-3010: Basic video at 640 x 480 (VGA) resolution, limited frame rates. No mic or headphone port.
- HX350: Full HD 1080p video, AVCHD/MPEG-4 formats, no external audio support. Electronic stabilization helps with handheld shooting.
Travel Photography
- FE-3010: Lightweight, small size great for travelers seeking simplicity. Moderate zoom acceptable for urban and everyday scenes.
- HX350: Versatile zoom suitable for varied subject matter on trips, but size and weight could be a burden on long hikes or minimal packing.
Professional Work
- FE-3010: Limited by fixed zoom, lack of RAW support, and slow manual controls. More of a casual or backup camera.
- HX350: While RAW is not supported, manual controls and exposure modes allow more creative input. Could serve as a complementary superzoom camera for professionals needing reach.
Battery Life and Storage Considerations
Feature | Olympus FE-3010 | Sony HX350 |
---|---|---|
Battery Type | Unknown, proprietary likely | Proprietary rechargeable pack |
Battery Life | Unknown | Around 300 shots |
Storage | xD-Picture Card, microSD, internal | SD / SDHC / SDXC + Memory Stick Pro Duo |
Storage Slots | 1 | 1 |
The HX350’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery offers substantially better longevity than the older FE-3010, which uses less advanced, likely less energy-dense batteries. Storage-wise, Sony’s use of common SD cards and Memory Stick format provides more flexibility.
Connectivity and Additional Features
Both cameras lack wireless or smartphone connectivity, which limits modern sharing or remote shooting options. The HX350 offers HDMI output for external displays, while the FE-3010 has no such feature.
Due to the age and category of the FE-3010, many of today’s conveniences like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or GPS are absent.
Value Assessment: Price vs Performance
-
Olympus FE-3010: Priced around $140 new, this camera caters to absolute beginners or those needing an ultracompact backup. Given its limitations, you are paying for simplicity and portability, not advanced features.
-
Sony HX350: The price varies but generally sits higher due to its extensive zoom, advanced features, and larger sensor resolution. This investment provides greater creative control, better image quality, and broader photographic opportunities.
Summary Scores and Genre Recommendations
To wrap up, here are consolidated performance overviews:
Feature / Genre | Olympus FE-3010 | Sony HX350 |
---|---|---|
Portrait | Good for casual use | Good with creative control |
Landscape | Fair | Very good |
Wildlife | Poor | Good |
Sports | Poor | Fair to Good |
Street | Excellent portability | Moderate |
Macro | Basic | Good |
Night/Astro | Limited | Good |
Video | Basic VGA | Good Full HD |
Travel | Excellent portability | Versatile, heavier |
Professional Work | Limited use | Useful secondary camera |
Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Choose?
-
If you mostly shoot casual day-to-day photography, want extreme portability, and value ease of use above all, the Olympus FE-3010 is a neat compact solution. Its lightweight design means you can carry it everywhere and capture moments spontaneously. Just temper expectations around zoom reach, image quality, and manual features.
-
If your photography demands versatility, longer zoom reach, better image quality, and manual control - especially across wildlife, sports, and landscape genres - then the Sony HX350 is a clear winner. While bulkier and pricier, the performance gains and creative options justify the investment.
No matter your choice, make sure to try handling the cameras if possible, and align features with your shooting style. Add compatible accessories like extra batteries or memory cards to extend your shooting sessions.
Bringing It All Together
The comparison of Olympus FE-3010 and Sony Cyber-shot HX350 highlights the remarkable technological progress made even in compact camera categories over a few years. While the FE-3010 provides entry-level ease with ultracompact appeal, the HX350 empowers creativity and professional-style shooting in an all-in-one superzoom camera.
Whichever fits your budget and style, both cameras offer passionate photographers opportunities to create memorable images. Start exploring, get your hands on one, and elevate your photography journey!
Sample Comparison Images
To help visualize real-world output, here are sample images taken from both cameras under similar conditions:
Notice the HX350’s superior detail, color depth, and clarity, particularly in telephoto or low-light shots.
Thank you for reading our in-depth Olympus FE-3010 vs Sony HX350 comparison. We hope this guide illuminates critical differences and helps you make an informed decision tailored to your photographic ambitions. Happy shooting!
Olympus FE-3010 vs Sony HX350 Specifications
Olympus FE-3010 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX350 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Olympus | Sony |
Model type | Olympus FE-3010 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX350 |
Category | Ultracompact | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Announced | 2009-01-07 | 2016-12-20 |
Body design | Ultracompact | SLR-like (bridge) |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | - | BIONZ X |
Sensor type | CCD | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor area | 27.7mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixel | 20 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 16:9, 4:3 and 3:2 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Peak resolution | 3968 x 2976 | 5184 x 3456 |
Highest native ISO | 1600 | 3200 |
Highest enhanced ISO | - | 12800 |
Minimum native ISO | 64 | 80 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect autofocus | ||
Contract detect autofocus | ||
Phase detect autofocus | ||
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 36-108mm (3.0x) | 24-1200mm (50.0x) |
Maximum aperture | f/3.1-5.9 | f/2.8-6.3 |
Macro focusing distance | 5cm | 1cm |
Crop factor | 5.9 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Display sizing | 2.7" | 3" |
Display resolution | 230k dot | 922k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | Electronic |
Viewfinder resolution | - | 202k dot |
Viewfinder coverage | - | 100 percent |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 4 secs | 30 secs |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | - | 10.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | - | Yes |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | 4.00 m | 8.50 m (at Auto ISO) |
Flash options | Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Off, On | Off, auto, fill, slow sync, advanced, rear sync |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) | 1920 x 1080 |
Highest video resolution | 640x480 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
Microphone jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 108 gr (0.24 pounds) | 652 gr (1.44 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 93 x 56 x 18mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") | 130 x 93 x 103mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.1") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 300 photos |
Form of battery | - | Battery Pack |
Self timer | Yes (12 seconds) | Yes (2 or 10 sec, portrait) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage media | xD-Picture Card, microSD, internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC + Memory Stick Pro Duo |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Price at release | $140 | - |