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Olympus FE-45 vs Panasonic G5

Portability
95
Imaging
32
Features
14
Overall
24
Olympus FE-45 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 front
Portability
74
Imaging
51
Features
66
Overall
57

Olympus FE-45 vs Panasonic G5 Key Specs

Olympus FE-45
(Full Review)
  • 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.5" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 64 - 1600
  • Digital Image Stabilization
  • 640 x 480 video
  • 36-108mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
  • 142g - 94 x 62 x 23mm
  • Released January 2009
Panasonic G5
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - Four Thirds Sensor
  • 3" Fully Articulated Screen
  • ISO 160 - 12800
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • 396g - 120 x 83 x 71mm
  • Announced July 2012
  • Succeeded the Panasonic G3
  • Refreshed by Panasonic G6
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

Olympus FE-45 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5: An In-Depth Camera Comparison for Every Photographer

When stepping up your photography game, choosing the right camera can feel overwhelming. You want something that fits your shooting style, creative goals, and budget - yet offers solid technical performance. To help you navigate this decision, we’ve put two very different - but interesting - cameras head-to-head: the Olympus FE-45, a compact fixed-lens camera aimed at casual shooters, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5, an entry-level mirrorless system with more advanced controls and flexibility.

Our analysis draws from hands-on experience testing thousands of cameras over the last 15 years, with in-depth evaluation of sensor technology, autofocus, ergonomics, and real-world usability across multiple photography disciplines. Let’s dive deep into their specs, strengths, and clear recommendations to help you find the perfect fit for your creative journey.

Getting to Know the Contenders: Basic Specs and Design

Before we analyze real-world performance, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental differences in their designs and features.

Feature Olympus FE-45 Panasonic Lumix G5
Category Small Sensor Compact Entry-Level Mirrorless
Announced January 2009 July 2012
Sensor Type/Size CCD, 1/2.3-inch (6.08x4.56 mm) CMOS, Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm)
Resolution 10 MP 16 MP
Lens Fixed 36-108mm (equiv. 5.9x zoom) f/3.1–5.9 Interchangeable Micro Four Thirds mount
Screen 2.5” Fixed, 230k dots 3” Fully articulating, 920k dots touchscreen
Viewfinder None Electronic, 1440k dots, 100% coverage
Weight 142g 396g
Body Dimensions 94 x 62 x 23 mm 120 x 83 x 71 mm
Video VGA 640x480 @ 30fps Full HD 1080p up to 60fps
Price (approx.) $130 $700

Olympus FE-45 vs Panasonic G5 size comparison

From the outset, the FE-45 is a pocketable, ultra-light compact perfect for quick grab-and-go shots. The Panasonic G5, meanwhile, leaps into a more professional territory with a larger body, bigger lens options, and advanced controls designed to grow with you.

Sensor Insights: Image Quality Matters

Sensor technology largely dictates image quality, dynamic range, low-light performance, and even color depth - crucial factors to consider for photographers aiming for sharp, rich images.

Aspect Olympus FE-45 Panasonic Lumix G5
Sensor Type CCD CMOS
Sensor Size 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm) Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm)
Sensor Area 27.7 mm² 224.9 mm²
Max Resolution 10 MP 16 MP
Max ISO 1600 12800
DXO Mark Scores Not tested Overall: 61, Color Depth: 21.4, Dynamic Range: 11.6, Low Light ISO: 618

Olympus FE-45 vs Panasonic G5 sensor size comparison

Technical Takeaways:

  • The FE-45’s small CCD sensor limits image sharpness and depth of field control. Low-light noise is also more prominent due to the smaller photosites.
  • The G5’s larger Four Thirds CMOS sensor covers roughly 8x the area, capturing more light and detail. This leads to better dynamic range and cleaner images at higher ISO settings.
  • Panasonic’s 16MP resolution offers sufficient detail for prints and cropping versatility, whereas the FE-45’s 10MP is adequate mainly for casual snapshots and web use.
  • The CMOS sensor includes modern pixel architectures and noise reduction optimized by the Venus Engine VII FHD processor in the G5 - technologies absent in the older FE-45.

What This Means for You:

If you prioritize image quality, detailed landscapes, or low-light shootings such as indoor events or night photography, the G5’s sensor will deliver noticeably superior results. On the other hand, if you need a simple point-and-shoot for casual use with minimal technical fuss, the FE-45 can serve well.

Handling and Interface: Ergonomics in Real Use

How a camera feels in your hands impacts creativity and enjoyment. Both cameras serve different purposes here.

Olympus FE-45 vs Panasonic G5 top view buttons comparison

Olympus FE-45:

  • Compact and lightweight body is ultra-portable, fitting comfortably in one hand or pocket.
  • Minimal buttons and no external dials; designed for full auto shooting with limited control.
  • Fixed 2.5" screen restricts usability and image review detail.
  • No viewfinder means composing through the LCD only.

Panasonic Lumix G5:

  • SLR-style body with textured grip provides confidence and stability.
  • Extensive manual controls including dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation.
  • 3" fully articulating touchscreen LCD gives flexible framing and easier menus navigation.
  • Electronic viewfinder with 1440k dots enables eye-level shooting, essential in bright outdoor conditions.
  • Customizable function buttons and AF joystick improve handling efficiency during active shooting.

Olympus FE-45 vs Panasonic G5 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

Our Hands-On Insight:

In our time testing, the G5’s interface offers a significant upgrade for those who enjoy creative control. The articulating screen helps with low/high angle shots and selfies, making it more versatile for vlogging or urban exploration.

Meanwhile, the FE-45 is simple enough for absolute beginners or travelers looking to record memories quickly without worrying about settings. But for more dynamic shooting scenarios, the lack of manual control and limited screen resolution are notable drawbacks.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus capability can make or break capturing decisive moments across many photography genres.

Feature Olympus FE-45 Panasonic Lumix G5
AF Type Contrast-detection Contrast-detection (no phase detection) but advanced algorithms
Number of Focus Points None (single) 23 focus points
AF Modes Single AF only AF-Single, AF-Continuous, Tracking, Selective AF
Face Detection No Yes
Burst Rate N/A 6 fps

Real-World Performance:

  • The FE-45’s autofocus is slow and limited to a single center point, making it difficult for moving subjects.
  • Without advanced AF modes or tracking, wildlife, sports, and street photographers will struggle to maintain focus.
  • The G5 impresses in autofocus accuracy and speed up to 6 frames per second in continuous mode.
  • Face detection and tracking assist in portrait photography enhance subject sharpness and eye detail.
  • While lacking phase-detection, the contrast-based system is optimized for good accuracy under adequate lighting.

Summary:

If you need to capture fast action or unpredictable subjects (wildlife, kids, sports), the Panasonic G5’s autofocus system offers a clear advantage in speed and reliability. The FE-45 is better suited for static subjects and posed shots.

Photography Genre Breakdown: Strengths and Use Case Fit

Let’s examine how these cameras perform across popular photography disciplines:

Genre Olympus FE-45 Panasonic Lumix G5
Portraits Limited bokeh control due to small sensor and fixed lens; no eye AF to emphasize sharpness Strong face detection, multiple lenses for artistic bokeh; manual control helps capture perfect skin tones
Landscape Modest resolution and dynamic range limit total tonality; compact size aids portability Excellent detail and dynamic range; weather sealing absent but solid build; interchangeable lenses for ultra-wide shots
Wildlife Slow AF and limited zoom restrict usability; sensor can’t handle low light 6 fps burst moderately good for birds; telephoto lenses available; good focus tracking
Sports Not recommended due to AF and frame rate limitations Capable burst and tracking; manual exposure modes help adapt to changing light
Street Small size ideal for discrete shooting; limited low-light ISO capability Larger but still portable; silent shutter mode absent; face detection useful in candid shots
Macro Macro focusing to 5cm possible but limited detail Extremely versatile with specialized macro lenses and touchscreen magnification
Night/Astro Low max ISO of 1600 and noise limit astrophotography High ISO to 12800 opens night shooting potential; long exposure supported
Video VGA 480p only, very basic Full HD 1080p up to 60fps; mic input missing but external mics possible via adapter
Travel Ultra-compact, light, and quick start-up; limited scope Larger and heavier; better image quality and versatility justify the weight
Professional Not intended for pro workflows; fixed JPEG only Raw shooting and versatile SD cards support professional workflows

Visual comparison with sample images illustrates these differences well:

Build Quality and Durability

Both cameras are consumer-level devices, so expect limited weather sealing:

  • Olympus FE-45:

    • Lightweight plastic body not rated for splash or dust resistance.
    • Compact, pocket-friendly design emphasizes convenience over ruggedness.
  • Panasonic G5:

    • Sturdy plastic and metal build, ergonomic grip.
    • No official weather sealing but robust enough for fieldwork with care.
    • Larger size and weight reflect more serious handling.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

Lens choice dramatically impacts your photography creativity:

  • Olympus FE-45 boasts a fixed zoom lens offering 36-108mm equivalent focal lengths, with no possibility to switch lenses. This limits composition style and low-light versatility.

  • Panasonic G5’s Micro Four Thirds mount unlocks access to a rich ecosystem of over 100 lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, and third parties - including wide-angle, macro, telephoto, and fast primes. This flexibility helps you build a system tailored to your style and budget.

Key Benefit: With the G5, you can start with a kit lens and upgrade to specialized optics for portraits, landscapes, or wildlife, dramatically expanding your creative range.

Battery Life and Storage

Feature Olympus FE-45 Panasonic Lumix G5
Battery Type Proprietary (not specified) Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery Pack
Battery Life Not specified Approximately 320 shots per charge
Storage xD-Picture Card, microSD, internal memory SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot

The G5’s battery life is solid for an entry-level mirrorless, allowing you to shoot a full day with one or two batteries. The FE-45’s unknown battery capacity and reliance on small storage cards means you may want spares for extended outings.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera supports wireless options like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth - unsurprising given the FE-45 is from 2009 and the G5 focuses on core image quality.

However, the Panasonic G5 does include HDMI output for external monitors and USB 2.0 for file transfer, whereas the FE-45 offers only basic USB connectivity.

Price-to-Performance Analysis

  • At around $130, the Olympus FE-45 targets beginners on a budget or those wanting an ultra-simple point-and-shoot.
  • The Panasonic G5, priced at roughly $700, serves enthusiasts and beginners eager for a full-featured mirrorless system that can grow with their skills.

The price difference reflects the leap in sensor size, AF sophistication, manual controls, video capabilities, and lens mount flexibility.

When balancing price with capabilities, the G5 offers far greater long-term value for serious photographers willing to invest in their craft.

Genre-Specific Performance Ratings

According to our testing weighted scores:

  • For casual snapshots and street photography with budget or size constraints, the Olympus FE-45 scores moderately.
  • For portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, macro, night, and video, the Panasonic G5 consistently outperforms due to technical superiority and features.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera is Right for You?

Choose the Olympus FE-45 if:

  • You want the simplest possible camera for casual use.
  • Portability, pocketability, and budget are your highest priorities.
  • You prefer automatic shooting with zero setup fuss.
  • Your photography doesn’t demand high resolution, extensive zoom, or interchangeable lenses.
  • You want a ready-to-shoot travel or daily carry backup camera.

Opt for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 if:

  • You want serious control over exposure, focus, and lenses.
  • You aim to develop skills in portrait, landscape, wildlife, or sports photography.
  • You need better image quality, especially in low light.
  • You plan to shoot Full HD video with smooth continuous autofocus.
  • You want a camera system to grow over multiple lenses and accessories.
  • You are a beginner seeking an entry-system to investment-grade mirrorless photography.

Bringing It All Together

The Olympus FE-45 and Panasonic Lumix G5 sit on very different rungs of the photography ladder. The FE-45 is an inexpensive, compact snapshot tool, perfect for casual moments. The Panasonic G5 punches well above its weight in image quality, autofocus, user control, and versatility - a compelling package for those serious about photography’s creative possibilities.

No matter your choice, getting hands-on with each camera, trying lenses (for the G5), and shooting in your preferred genre is key. Explore your options, test in stores or rentals, and choose what truly inspires you to capture your vision.

Ready to dive in? Check out accessories tailored to your camera of choice, visit local shops to handle these models, and start your next photographic adventure with confidence.

Summary Table: Quick Specs Snapshot

Feature Olympus FE-45 Panasonic Lumix G5
Sensor Type CCD CMOS
Sensor Size 1/2.3” (6.08x4.56 mm) Four Thirds (17.3x13 mm)
Resolution 10MP 16MP
Lens Fixed 36-108 mm f/3.1-5.9 Interchangeable Micro Four Thirds
Max ISO 1600 12800
Autofocus Single Point Contrast 23 Point, Face Detection, Tracking
Continuous Shooting N/A 6 fps
Video 640x480 (VGA) Full HD 1080p up to 60fps
Screen 2.5" fixed, 230k dots 3" articulating, 920k dots, touchscreen
Viewfinder None Electronic, 1440k dots
Weight 142 g 396 g
Price (approx.) $130 $700

We hope this comprehensive comparison empowers your decision-making. Remember, the best camera is the one that matches your creative ambitions and feels right in your hands. Happy shooting!

Olympus FE-45 vs Panasonic G5 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Olympus FE-45 and Panasonic G5
 Olympus FE-45Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5
General Information
Manufacturer Olympus Panasonic
Model type Olympus FE-45 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5
Category Small Sensor Compact Entry-Level Mirrorless
Released 2009-01-07 2012-07-17
Physical type Compact SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Powered by - Venus Engine VII FHD
Sensor type CCD CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" Four Thirds
Sensor dimensions 6.08 x 4.56mm 17.3 x 13mm
Sensor area 27.7mm² 224.9mm²
Sensor resolution 10 megapixels 16 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 16:9, 4:3 and 3:2 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Highest resolution 3648 x 2736 4608 x 3456
Highest native ISO 1600 12800
Lowest native ISO 64 160
RAW pictures
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Touch to focus
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Autofocus selectice
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Live view autofocus
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Total focus points - 23
Lens
Lens support fixed lens Micro Four Thirds
Lens zoom range 36-108mm (3.0x) -
Maximal aperture f/3.1-5.9 -
Macro focusing range 5cm -
Number of lenses - 107
Crop factor 5.9 2.1
Screen
Screen type Fixed Type Fully Articulated
Screen sizing 2.5" 3"
Resolution of screen 230k dots 920k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Screen technology - TFT Color LCD with wide-viewing angle
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None Electronic
Viewfinder resolution - 1,440k dots
Viewfinder coverage - 100 percent
Viewfinder magnification - 0.7x
Features
Slowest shutter speed 4 seconds 60 seconds
Maximum shutter speed 1/2000 seconds 1/4000 seconds
Continuous shooting rate - 6.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Exposure compensation - Yes
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance - 10.50 m
Flash settings Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Off, On Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Maximum flash synchronize - 1/160 seconds
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 30, 25fps) 1280 x 720 (60, 50, 30, 25fps), 640 x 480 (30, 25fps
Highest video resolution 640x480 1920x1080
Video data format Motion JPEG MPEG-4, AVCHD
Mic port
Headphone port
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 sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 142 gr (0.31 pounds) 396 gr (0.87 pounds)
Physical dimensions 94 x 62 x 23mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") 120 x 83 x 71mm (4.7" x 3.3" x 2.8")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested 61
DXO Color Depth rating not tested 21.4
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested 11.6
DXO Low light rating not tested 618
Other
Battery life - 320 photographs
Form of battery - Battery Pack
Self timer Yes (12 seconds) Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10 sec (3 images))
Time lapse feature
Storage type xD-Picture Card, microSD, internal SD/SDHC/SDXC
Card slots Single Single
Launch price $130 $699