Olympus FE-4030 vs Olympus Stylus 550WP: a detailed compact camera showdown

When hunting for a compact point-and-shoot, especially on a budget or for casual shooting, it can be easy to overlook subtle tech differences buried in spec sheets. Today, I’ve taken an in-depth journey through two very similar small sensor compacts from Olympus - the FE-4030 and the Stylus 550WP (also known as the mju 550WP) - both introduced around a decade ago but still worth a measured look for collectors or budget hikers seeking a tiny backup camera.

With the benefit of hands-on experience testing over a thousand cameras spanning the last 15 years, I’ll share practical insights into how these models differ - sensor tech, ergonomics, usability, durability, and image quality - with the aim of informing enthusiasts and professionals digging for reliable, simple shooters with distinctions that matter.

Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

Starting the day with the camera in hand sets the tone for all else. Compact shooters, by definition, need to marry portability with ease of use and robustness - that trio is often where compromises happen. The FE-4030 and the 550WP both aim for pocketability but diverge in some important ways.

When placed side-by-side, the physical dimensions and weight immediately stand out. The FE-4030 is a featherlight 146 grams tucked into a 93x56x22 mm body - slim and pocket-friendly. The Stylus 550WP is slightly chunkier at 167 grams and marginally wider and taller. That extra bulk isn't mere vanity: it corresponds to its more solid build and environmental sealing.

Ergonomically, the FE-4030 embraces simplicity with a smooth, minimal front that feels somewhat delicate in the hand. The 550WP leans toward ruggedness with rubberized grips and a sturdier chassis that inspires confidence outdoors - particularly given that it touts weather sealing, a feature absent on the FE-4030.

Though neither camera offers full manual controls, the 550WP provides a better grip for burst shooting and handling in challenging conditions - something wildlife or travel shooters may appreciate.

Top-Down: Controls and User Interface

Navigating camera controls swiftly and intuitively under shooting pressure can make or break the experience. Let’s open the hood on how these two cameras handle command layout.

The FE-4030’s top plate reveals a straightforward, minimalistic approach: a power button, shutter release, and a zoom rocker. While this means fewer distractions, it also means limited control flexibility on the fly. No dedicated exposure compensation or mode dials here - not surprising given its entry-level positioning.

In contrast, the Stylus 550WP offers a few more user-friendly touches: its shutter button is slightly larger with a textured finish, and zoom controls are coupled with a mode dial that offers quick access to scene presets geared toward outdoor use. These include options like underwater, snow, and macro modes - aligning well with the camera’s rugged ethos.

Buttons across both bodies lack illumination, which makes nighttime operation fiddly but consistent with their age and category.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras house a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring 6.08 x 4.56 mm (27.72 mm² sensor area), but their resolutions differ - the FE-4030 with 14 megapixels and the Stylus 550WP offering 10 megapixels.

For context, many modern smartphones now eclipse this sensor size but pack far more advanced sensors and processing. The CCD technology of these Olympus compacts was still respectable a decade ago but presents typical challenges: limited dynamic range and high noise above ISO 400.

Resolution’s real-world impact: Although the FE-4030’s 14MP count seems an advantage on paper, in practice the extra pixels yield marginal detail gain due to sensor noise and diffraction beyond f/5.9. The 550WP’s 10MP strikes a good balance between file size and usable detail - something evident when reviewing landscape and portrait shots side-by-side.

Color depth and tonal reproduction depend heavily on the image processor and lens quality here. The FE-4030 deploys the TruePic III processor, a modern (for its time) chip helping extract punchy colors but occasionally producing oversaturated skin tones. The 550WP’s processor isn’t explicitly specified but doesn't stray from Olympus’ typical approach: natural but sometimes flat colors.

Interestingly, the 550WP’s digital image stabilization assists in mitigating camera shake, a feature absent from the FE-4030. This matters during handheld shots in low light at slower shutter speeds, contributing to sharper images in everyday conditions.

Viewing and Framing: Screens and Viewfinders

A reliable LCD screen is crucial for composing shots and reviewing images in the field. Both cameras eschew electronic viewfinders (no surprise), putting the emphasis on their rear LCD displays.

The FE-4030 sports a 2.7-inch fixed LCD with 230k-dot resolution. The slightly larger screen lends itself to easier framing and image review. However, the screen feels more reflective and less vibrant under sunlight, which can frustrate shooting outdoors.

The Stylus 550WP's 2.5-inch, 230k-dot LCD is smaller but benefits from a matte finish that reduces glare. Coupled with the camera’s weather sealing, this makes the 550WP more adept for shooting outdoors in bright or damp conditions.

Neither camera offers touchscreen control, live histogram overlays, or articulation - the norms of contemporary models but understandably absent here. However, both support live view autofocus, a boon for precise framing in macro and still life shots.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

Here’s where these cameras reveal the limits imposed by their era and price point. Neither support manual focus, aperture priority, or shutter priority modes.

The FE-4030 uses contrast-detection autofocus with multi-area coverage and a somewhat basic continuous AF mode - nominally tracking motion but prone to hunting in low light or fast action. Face detection is not included, making portraits hit-or-miss, especially indoors.

The Stylus 550WP, also contrast-detection-based, offers center-weighted AF only and lacks any face or eye-detection features. This reduces accuracy for portraits but was common for rugged compacts designed with snapshot simplicity in mind.

Neither camera has high-speed burst modes; continuous shooting is not available on the FE-4030, while the 550WP offers no burst at all. Slow shooting rates limit applications in fast-paced sports or wildlife.

Low-light autofocus performance is mediocre on both, occasionally resulting in missed focus or hunting - a predictable compromise when dealing with limited sensor sensitivity and compact lenses.

Lens Optics: Versatility and Image Rendering

The fixed lens system defines each camera’s versatility and optical character.

• FE-4030: 26-105 mm equivalent, 4x zoom, f/2.6-5.9 aperture
• 550WP: 38-114 mm equivalent, 3x zoom, f/3.5-5.0 aperture

While the FE-4030’s wider starting focal length (26mm) slightly edges out the 550WP for landscapes and environmental portraits, the 550WP compensates with a slightly longer telephoto reach.

Both lenses are typical compact zooms with optical compromises: visible distortion wide open, soft corners at tele, and moderate chromatic aberration. The FE-4030’s wider aperture at 26mm helps in lower light but quickly narrows beyond 50mm, impacting shallow depth of field control.

Neither lens is stabilized optically. The 550WP uses digital image stabilization, less ideal but preferable to nothing. Macro performance peaks at 4cm for the FE-4030 and 7cm on the 550WP, with noticeably better close-up detail on the former thanks to the tighter macro focusing range.

Durability and Outdoor Use

One standout difference is the 550WP’s weather sealing versus the FE-4030’s lack thereof.

The Stylus 550WP earns points as a ruggedized compact designed for rougher conditions - rain, dust, and light splashes won’t phase it. This makes it an excellent take-anywhere option for hiking, casual underwater snorkeling (not fully waterproof but splash resistant), or cold environments.

The FE-4030, while pocketable and lightweight, demands more careful handling to avoid damage from moisture or dust ingress. Outdoor photographers prioritizing durability clearly lean into the 550WP’s build.

Battery Life and Storage Compatibility

Neither model boasts remarkable battery life, a reflection of their compact, entry-level designs and modest batteries.

Both use proprietary lithium ion batteries (specific models vary) with average endurance sufficient for several hundred shots on a full charge - enough for casual day trips but lacking for extended professional use without spares.

Storage-wise, the FE-4030 sticks with SD/SDHC cards, a more universally common format that’s easy and affordable. The 550WP takes xD-Picture Cards or microSD cards - a slightly less common pairing that could complicate card availability or transfer speeds. Both cameras offer internal memory but tiny capacities, best considered a backup only.

Video Capabilities: Basic and Serviceable

Both cameras offer modest video capture: 640x480 resolution at 30fps in Motion JPEG format.

This limited quality suffices for short clips but pales against modern HD or 4K standards. Neither camera supports microphone input or electronic stabilization during video, typical of compact shooters of this vintage.

Video autofocus is contrast-based and slow, often hunting and creating distracting focus shifts in motion scenes.

In short, video is a bonus rather than a serious feature on these Olympus models.

Real-World Image Samples: Color, Sharpness, and Noise

I sampled both cameras across multiple conditions: sunlit landscapes, interior portraits under incandescent light, close-up flowers, and urban night scenes.

Olympus FE 4030 front Olympus FE 4030 screen back Olympus 550WP front Olympus 550WP screen back

• Color: The FE-4030 delivers punchier, sometimes warmer colors especially outdoors - pleasing but occasionally inconsistent skin tones indoors. The 550WP shows more natural but somewhat muted colors with a slight cool cast.

• Sharpness: Both cameras produce adequate sharpness at base ISO and daylight. The FE-4030’s higher resolution allowed for slightly better detail on textures when viewed at 100%, but noise quickly offsets this advantage above ISO 200.

• Noise: Both cameras struggle with noise past ISO 400. The 550WP’s sensor handling appears slightly cleaner, possibly due to reduced resolution. Shadows show grain, and high ISO images demand careful noise reduction in post.

• Dynamic Range: Narrow on both cameras; shadows clip and highlights blow out easily in high contrast scenes, requiring exposure bracketing (not supported) or raw shooting (also unsupported) to salvage.

Strengths and Weaknesses Summed Up

Olympus FE-4030

• Pros: Lighter, more compact; wider lens start at 26mm; higher resolution sensor; slightly better macro focusing; TruePic III processor yields vibrant images.
• Cons: No image stabilization; no weather sealing; limited control interface; weaker build quality; no video mic input; face detection AF absent.

Olympus Stylus 550WP

• Pros: Weather-sealed, rugged chassis; digital image stabilization; better grip and control layout; natural colors; slightly longer telephoto reach; matte screen easier to use outdoors.
• Cons: Lower resolution sensor; narrower lens at wide end (38mm); slower max shutter speed (1/1000s); less versatile storage options; no continuous AF or burst shooting; video limited.

Which Should You Choose? Recommendations For Different Users

It boils down to your priorities as a photographer, and here’s how I’d advise:

For casual daily snapshots and travel light, prioritizing pocketability

That 10 grams and slightly slimmer profile on the FE-4030 pays off if you need a camera that tucks gently into a jacket pocket or daypack outside compartment. Its wider 26mm lens gives you more framing flexibility in tight cityscapes or interiors. However, remember to keep it dry.

Verdict: FE-4030 for spontaneous, everyday ease and a little more detail.

For rougher outdoor adventures, where durability and weather resistance count

If you hike, are prone to drops, or want to shoot confidently in mist or light rain, the Stylus 550WP’s weather sealing and sturdier body tilt the scales. The digital stabilization helps get sharper images without a tripod, and the grip feels reassuring.

Verdict: Stylus 550WP if you value ruggedness and off-road reliability over compactness.

For macro and close-ups

The FE-4030’s closer 4cm macro focusing distance delivers more satisfying close-ups with crisp detail. The 550WP’s 7cm minimum distance means a bit less magnification, making it less ideal for flower, insect, or detail work.

Verdict: FE-4030 for specialized close-up shooters on a budget.

For video usage

Neither excels here, but with identical video specs and no audio input, video use should be secondary or infographic-level only.

How These Cameras Stack in Genre-Specific Photography

To provide a holistic view through the lens of popular genres, I examined both on relevant criteria:

• Portrait: FE-4030 edges ahead with wider lens and slightly faster aperture enabling a more pleasing background blur - though both struggle without face detection.
• Landscape: 550WP’s weather sealing offers a more confident companion, but FE-4030’s wider lens gives composition benefits.
• Wildlife: Neither suited due to slow autofocus and no burst modes; 550WP’s grip and build marginally favored.
• Sports: Not recommended for either.
• Street: FE-4030’s compactness better; no silent shutter modes on either.
• Macro: FE-4030 wins with closer focusing.
• Night/Astro: High noise levels limit utility; neither geared to astro.
• Video: Basic, no differentiation.
• Travel: 550WP's ruggedness vs FE-4030’s easy-carry balance.
• Professional Work: Neither offers RAW or advanced controls.

Overall Performance Ratings

Pulling it all together, here’s my overall competitive scoring (scale out of 10):

The results are nearly neck and neck, reflecting distinct tradeoffs rather than superior/inferior absolutes. Price also plays a factor - the FE-4030 being significantly more affordable, while the more expensive 550WP demands a premium for ruggedness that not all will need or appreciate.

Final Thoughts: Know Your Needs to Pick Your Champion

Neither the Olympus FE-4030 nor the Stylus 550WP will wow modern photographers seeking cutting-edge tech, but both hold lessons in compact camera simplicity and tradeoffs.

• The FE-4030 is a compact marvel in portability, delivering decent resolution and decent optics at a friendly price point. Great for documenting travels, casual day photos, or macro enthusiasts hunting value.

• The 550WP caters to adventurous souls who need a tough, reliable companion that won’t balk at rain or rough handling, sacrificing some sharpness and wide framing for durable peace of mind.

In choosing between these vintage Olympians, consider if your shooting style favors careful outdoor exploration or accessible everyday snapshots. This detailed look, backed by real-world testing and technical analysis, empowers you to make your call.

Thank you for joining me in this hands-on comparison. Keep shooting, and may your images be ever inspiring.

If you’d like to see more in-depth camera comparisons, testing methodologies, or genre-specific advice, feel free to reach out or browse my previous reviews.