Olympus FE-45 vs Panasonic G5
95 Imaging
32 Features
14 Overall
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74 Imaging
51 Features
66 Overall
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Olympus FE-45 vs Panasonic G5 Key Specs
(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
(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

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 |
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 |
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:
- 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.
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
Olympus FE-45 | Panasonic 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 |