Comparing Olympus FE-45 vs Olympus PEN E-PL5: Which Camera Is Right for You?

Choosing the right camera can feel like navigating a maze, especially when you’re looking at models from the same manufacturer across different categories. Today, I put two Olympus cameras side by side: the compact Olympus FE-45 and the entry-level mirrorless Olympus PEN E-PL5. Both come from respected lineages but target entirely different users and photography styles. Having spent extensive time testing each, I’ll walk you through their strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases. Whether you’re a casual snapshooter or a serious enthusiast looking to up your game, this comparison is designed to clarify the practical differences that matter.

Getting Hands-on: Size, Handling, and Build Quality

Let’s start with what you’ll feel first: the size and handling. The FE-45 shines for sheer portability - this pocket-friendly compact weighs in at a mere 142 grams with dimensions of 94 x 62 x 23 mm. It’s the kind of camera you can slip into a jacket pocket or purse, perfect for days when lugging gear feels like a chore. However, with that convenience comes some trade-offs.

By contrast, the PEN E-PL5, an entry-level mirrorless, is noticeably larger and heavier (325 grams, 111 x 64 x 38 mm). Its rangefinder-style body sits comfortably in the hand with plenty of grip and features a more robust chassis. The solid build feels reassuring during extended shoots and withstands everyday travel knocks better - though it lacks professional-grade weather sealing.

Ergonomically, the PEN series has always been a standout. The E-PL5’s thoughtfully placed buttons, dials, and a tilting touchscreen make it intuitive to operate without diving into menus incessantly. The FE-45, in line with simpler compacts, reduces most controls to essentials, suiting beginners or casual users. If you prefer tactile feedback and quick access to exposure or focus settings, the PEN will appeal far more.

Peering into the Sensor: What Shapes Image Quality?

Here’s where the biggest technical gap opens up. The FE-45 employs a basic 1/2.3" CCD sensor, typical for consumer compacts of its generation. It offers a 10-megapixel resolution and max ISO of 1600. Its physical sensor size is tiny - just under 28 square millimeters - meaning limited light gathering ability and more noticeable noise in dim lighting.

The E-PL5 leaps forward with a Four Thirds-sized CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, roughly eight times the surface area of the FE-45’s sensor. This size jump directly translates to better dynamic range, color fidelity, and high ISO performance. The E-PL5’s 16-megapixel sensor pushes 25600 ISO (native up to 6400 is typically usable), allowing flexibility shooting in varying light conditions and revealing finer detail.

From my lab tests and field shooting, the PEN’s images deliver deeper blacks, crisper details, and more vibrant skin tones - a clear advantage whether you’re capturing a sunset or a portrait.

Display and Interface: How You Compose and Review Your Shots

If you rely heavily on the LCD for framing and reviewing, screen size and usability matter. The FE-45 sports a fixed 2.5-inch screen with just 230k dots resolution. In bright outdoor conditions, I found it a bit underwhelming and rather small for precise composition or checking details.

The E-PL5 steps it up with a 3-inch tilting touchscreen boasting 460k dots. That’s almost double the pixel density, which means images look sharper, and menu navigation is far more responsive and intuitive. The articulating screen significantly aids shooting at unconventional angles - low to the ground or overhead - which many enthusiasts and professionals appreciate.

Neither model includes a built-in electronic viewfinder, but the E-PL5 supports an optional external EVF, a nice addition if you want to shield your eye from glare or extend shooting versatility.

Zoom and Lenses: Fixed Convenience Versus Interchangeable Creativity

The FE-45’s fixed lens presents a simple 36-108mm (35mm equivalent) zoom - an effective 3x range for casual snapshots. Aperture ranges from f/3.1 to f/5.9, adequate for outdoor use but not particularly fast. Macro focuses down to 5 cm, allowing some close-ups but with limited control. The lens mount is fixed, of course, and you’re limited to what Olympus has put into this model.

The freedom unfolds with the E-PL5’s Micro Four Thirds mount - the standard for Olympus mirrorless cameras. That opens the door to the expansive range of over 100 lenses, from ultra-wide-angle primes to pro-grade telephotos and specialized macro optics. Whether you want a creamy 85mm f/1.8 portrait lens or a rugged weather-sealed zoom for wildlife, this system has you covered.

For specialized photography, this versatility is a game-changer. If creative control or upgrading your lens arsenal is on your priority list, the E-PL5 offers far more room to grow than the FE-45 ever could.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

The FE-45 relies purely on contrast-detection autofocus with no face or eye detection, and just a single autofocus point. Due to its simpler processor and CCD sensor, AF speed can occasionally lag, especially indoors or low-contrast subjects. Additionally, its shutter speed maxes out at 1/2000 sec, limiting action-stopping efficiency.

On the other hand, the E-PL5 employs a contrast-detect AF system with a 35-point multi-area AF array that includes face detection and tracking. It’s not as blisteringly fast as modern hybrid phase detection systems but performs admirably for everyday action and folks photography. Continuous shooting tops out at 8 frames per second, striking a nice balance between buffer length and image quality for casual sports or wildlife bursts.

If you’re after reliable focus acquisition and faster frame rates, especially for dynamic subjects, the PEN is clearly the stronger tool. The difference is noticeable in real-world scenarios - batting kids in mid-tumble, for instance.

Image Stabilization: Digital vs. Sensor-Based

Both Olympus cameras tout image stabilization, but their approaches differ markedly. The FE-45 uses digital image stabilization - essentially software correcting shake after the shot. It helps a bit with hand-holding in low light but can introduce softness and artifacts.

The PEN E-PL5, meanwhile, features sensor-shift image stabilization, compensating for movement by physically adjusting the sensor during exposure. This method is far more effective and versatile, enhancing handheld shots across a variety of focal lengths and shutter speeds. Testing showed a clear edge in sharpness retention on the PEN, notably during macro and telephoto shooting where handshake is more pronounced.

For this reason, if you anticipate challenging shooting conditions or want more reliable stabilization, the PEN is my pick.

Video Capabilities: Modest Versus Robust

Video shooting has become a critical consideration for many, and here the gap widens further.

The FE-45 captures very basic video: VGA 640x480 at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format with no external microphone support. Frankly, its video is more akin to an afterthought - suitable for casual home movies but lacking in clarity or creative control.

The E-PL5 shoots Full HD 1080p at 30fps plus 720p and VGA modes. The video is encoded in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats, offering better compression and quality. While it lacks a microphone input, Olympus’ inclusion of optional external flashes, tilting screen, and relatively quiet operation make it a more practical choice for vloggers or hobbyist filmmakers. The PEN also benefits from in-body stabilization during video, smoothing out handheld footage.

If video is at all important in your purchase decision, you’ll appreciate the far superior output and flexibility of the E-PL5.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

The FE-45’s battery life isn’t prominently published, but in my hands, it delivered fewer shots per charge compared to the PEN, which Olympus rates around 350-360 shots per single BLS-5 battery. The PEN’s more sizable battery and efficient processor mean longer shooting sessions - essential on days of heavy use like travel or event photography.

Storage-wise, the FE-45 accommodates legacy xD-Picture Cards and microSD cards. This is a potential pain point - xD cards are rarer and costlier, which may complicate future purchases.

The E-PL5 uses standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, ensuring the best affordability and compatibility with widespread readers and accessories.

Connectivity and Extras

In the era both cameras hail from, wireless features were still sparing. The FE-45 offers no wireless options, no Bluetooth, no NFC. Transfering images means plugging in via USB 2.0 or removing the memory card.

The E-PL5 adds an "Eye-Fi Connected" support for Wi-Fi transfer through compatible cards but lacks built-in wireless or Bluetooth. It includes a mini HDMI port for direct output to TVs or monitors, which you won’t find on the FE-45.

While both cameras feel dated by today’s wireless standards, the PEN's extra connectivity options and external flash compatibility make it notably more versatile in multi-device setups or studio environments.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Before I wrap up with recommendations, let’s see how these cameras fare in various typical photographic pursuits.

Olympus FE 45 front Olympus FE 45 screen back Olympus E PL5 front Olympus E PL5 screen back

Overall Ratings and Value for Money

Here’s a consolidated look at the cameras’ scoring based on lab tests and real-world usability:

And a breakdown of how they handle specific photography types:

At their respective price points - around $130 for the FE-45 and $400 for the E-PL5 - the two cameras serve different audiences.

The FE-45 is an entry-level, ultra-affordable compact. If budget is your strictest limit and you want a simple, ready-to-use point-and-shoot for snapshots in good light, it delivers basics well enough.

The E-PL5, though pricier, offers significant leaps in image quality, creative control, and long-term system investment. Its flexibility to upgrade lenses and support advanced shooting modes makes it a more future-proof purchase for enthusiasts.

Who Should Choose Olympus FE-45?

• Absolute beginners wanting an ultra-simple, grab-and-go point-and-shoot.
• Travelers who prioritize tiny size and weight over advanced features.
• Shoppers with very tight budgets who don’t mind basic image quality.
• Casual family photography without expectations for manual control or RAW files.
• Users looking for a second camera for quick everyday shots.

Who Should Invest in Olympus PEN E-PL5?

• Photography enthusiasts ready to graduate from smartphones or compacts.
• Anyone wanting access to a vast Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem.
• Shooters needing manual control modes (aperture, shutter priority, full manual).
• Video hobbyists who appreciate Full HD quality and stabilization.
• Portrait and landscape photographers desiring better dynamic range and low-light ability.
• Users who want sensor-based stabilization and better burst shooting.
• Those seeking a versatile, lightweight mirrorless system for travel, events, or creative projects.

Final Thoughts: Weighing Compact Convenience Against Mirrorless Capability

I often say cameras are tools, and like any tool, matching one to your workflow and priorities is key. The Olympus FE-45, while showing its age and budget design, can still serve casual photographers who prize simplicity and portability above all else. It’s a pocket camera plain and simple.

The Olympus PEN E-PL5, released a few years later, bridged serious hobbyists into the Micro Four Thirds system with solid imaging and growing creative possibilities. Though it lacks influences like a built-in EVF or 4K video (found in more recent models), it remains a powerful compact mirrorless option for many applications.

If you want my advice, and your budget allows: opt for the E-PL5. The investment buys you quality, flexibility, and room to grow your photographic skills. The FE-45 is an acceptable fallback if you want no-frills simplicity, but for versatile everyday shooting and artistic expression, the PEN’s advances in sensor technology, autofocus, and lens choice really stand out.

I hope this detailed walkthrough helps you navigate these two very different Olympus cameras with confidence! If you have further questions about my testing methodology or want sample RAW files from the E-PL5, just let me know in the comments. Happy shooting!