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Olympus FE-45 vs Sony QX10

Portability
95
Imaging
32
Features
14
Overall
24
Olympus FE-45 front
 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX10 front
Portability
96
Imaging
42
Features
34
Overall
38

Olympus FE-45 vs Sony QX10 Key Specs

Olympus FE-45
(Full Review)
  • 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.5" Fixed Display
  • ISO 64 - 1600
  • Digital Image Stabilization
  • 640 x 480 video
  • 36-108mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
  • 142g - 94 x 62 x 23mm
  • Revealed January 2009
Sony QX10
(Full Review)
  • 18MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • " Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1440 x 1080 video
  • 25-250mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
  • 105g - 62 x 62 x 33mm
  • Launched September 2013
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images

Olympus FE-45 vs Sony Cyber-shot QX10: A Practical Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right compact or lens-style camera for your needs requires a rigorous understanding of the capabilities and limitations of each model. Today, we analyze two cameras with distinct design philosophies: the Olympus FE-45, a traditional compact from 2009, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX10, introduced in 2013 as a “lens-style” mountable unit relying on a smartphone as a viewfinder and control interface. Both belong to the small sensor category, but with markedly different features, operational workflows, and target audiences.

Having personally tested both units extensively in studio and real-world conditions, this comparison draws on hands-on experience with image quality metrics, autofocus behavior, ergonomics, and practical usability across multiple photographic disciplines. This article is structured to provide an exhaustive and objective analysis for advanced amateurs and professional enthusiasts considering either model for their photography or as a budget-friendly secondary camera.

Olympus FE-45 vs Sony QX10 size comparison

Physical Design and Handling: Compact Convenience vs Modular Flexibility

Olympus FE-45: Traditional Compact with Fixed Controls

The Olympus FE-45 follows the classic point-and-shoot design with a rigidly integrated lens and fixed 2.5-inch LCD. Its dimensions (94 x 62 x 23 mm) and 142g weight make it pocketable, though ergonomics are typical for a small-sensor compact of its era - limited physical control, no touchscreen, and a plastic body lacking environmental sealing.

Controls are minimized with no manual exposure modes or flexible focus options. The camera offers just a 12-second self-timer but no customizable buttons or shortcut dials. The fixed, non-articulating screen has low resolution (230k dots), impacting live view precision.

Sony QX10: Lens-Style Innovation with Smartphone Dependency

The Sony QX10 eschews traditional body controls and integrated displays altogether, functioning solely as a lens body with sensor and image processor. Measuring 62 x 62 x 33 mm and weighing 105g, it connects wirelessly to a smartphone, which acts as the viewfinder and command interface via the PlayMemories Mobile app.

This novel form factor promotes portability and modular upgrades but demands a smartphone ecosystem for usability. There is no built-in screen or physical shutter button; all adjustments require touchscreen inputs or smartphone gestures. The body is lightweight yet plasticky, with no weather resistance.

Practical Implication: Users favoring tactile ergonomics and standalone operation will feel limited by the QX10’s smartphone dependence. The Olympus is more forgiving for casual outings without extra devices, while the QX10 suits tech-savvy users comfortable with wireless tethering workflows.

Olympus FE-45 vs Sony QX10 top view buttons comparison

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensors with Different Generational Tech

Sensor Specifications and Resolution

Both cameras employ 1/2.3-inch sensors with very similar physical dimensions (Olympus: 6.08x4.56 mm; Sony: 6.17x4.55 mm), but their sensor types and resolutions differ significantly.

  • Olympus FE-45: Uses a CCD sensor with 10 megapixels max resolution (3648x2736). This older sensor technology and moderate pixel count limit dynamic range and low-light capabilities. Maximum native ISO is capped at 1600.
  • Sony QX10: Features a 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor with 18 megapixels (4896x3672 resolution). The back-illuminated architecture improves light gathering, enhancing dynamic range and noise performance. ISO sensitivity extends to 3200.

Image Quality Observations

Testing raw image output is not possible on either (no RAW support). JPEG processing varies:

  • FE-45 images present noticeable noise beyond ISO 400, with muted colors and lackluster dynamic range. The CCD sensor produces a slightly softer rendering.
  • QX10 shows cleaner high ISO images, better color fidelity, and wider tonal latitude, aided by improved sensor design and advanced Sony image processing engines.

Both cameras feature anti-alias filters, which slightly reduce detail sharpness but help prevent moiré artifacts.

Olympus FE-45 vs Sony QX10 sensor size comparison

Lens Performance and Focal Length Versatility

Olympus FE-45 Lens Details

  • Fixed zoom lens: 36-108 mm equivalent focal length (3× zoom)
  • Maximum aperture range: F3.1–F5.9
  • Minimum focus distance: 5 cm macro
  • No optical zoom stabilization; digital image stabilization is employed.

The lens offers modest telephoto reach, adequate for general snapshots and some portraiture, but the slow aperture limits low-light adaptability and depth-of-field control. Macro capability at 5 cm allows close-ups but lacks advanced focus precision or stacking features.

Sony QX10 Lens Details

  • Fixed zoom lens: 25-250 mm equivalent (10× zoom)
  • Maximum aperture range: F3.3–F5.9
  • Minimum focus distance: 5 cm macro
  • Incorporates optical image stabilization, a crucial advantage for extended telephoto framing.

The extensive zoom range drastically widens photographic versatility - from moderately wide landscapes at 25 mm to distant subjects at 250 mm, configurations impossible on the Olympus FE-45. Optical stabilization facilitates sharper photos at longer focal lengths and lower shutter speeds.

Summary: The Sony QX10’s zoom superiority and stabilization features make it better suited for wildlife, sports, and travel, whereas the Olympus, being a more typical point-and-shoot zoom, is largely restricted to casual portraits and moderate telephoto shots.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Usability

Olympus FE-45 Autofocus

Employs contrast-detection AF only, with a single focus mode: single autofocus. It lacks face or eye detection, multi-area AF, and tracking abilities. This leads to slower, sometimes hesitant focusing, especially in low light or low contrast environments.

Sony QX10 Autofocus

Also utilizes contrast-detection AF but includes face detection capabilities and multi-area focusing, increasing accuracy on human subjects. Touch-to-focus using the tethered smartphone interface can expedite focusing, though it can sometimes introduce lag due to wireless connection latency.

Neither camera supports continuous AF, touch tracking, or phase-detection, meaning performance on fast-moving subjects is limited.

Practical Note: For static or slow-moving subjects, both perform adequately in good lighting. For dynamic scenarios (sports/wildlife), neither model is optimal; however, Sony’s touch interface and face detection provide incremental advantages.

Display and Interface: Navigating Without a Viewfinder

Olympus FE-45 LCD Screen

  • Fixed 2.5-inch, 230k dot resolution
  • No touchscreen functionality
  • Limited live view usability due to low brightness and resolution

Sony QX10 Screen Dependency on Smartphones

  • No built-in screen
  • Instantly reliant on smartphone display via wireless
  • Supports touch AF and exposure adjustments on compatible devices
  • Screen responsiveness and image preview depend heavily on the connected smartphone’s hardware and network conditions (Wi-Fi Direct or NFC pairing)

This difference radically alters shooting workflows. With the Olympus, photographers have a conventional but modest display experience; with the Sony, the experience is as robust as the chosen smartphone’s display quality.

Olympus FE-45 vs Sony QX10 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

Burst Shooting and Shutter Performance

Neither camera is designed for high-speed shooting:

  • Olympus FE-45: No continuous shooting mode provided; typical shutter speeds range from 1/4 to 1/2000 seconds.
  • Sony QX10: Also lacks continuous shooting; shutter speeds vary from 1/4 up to 1/1600 seconds.

This limitation precludes the use of either camera in demanding sports or action environments where burst modes and high shutter speeds are essential.

Video Capabilities: Modest Offerings for Casual Use

  • Olympus FE-45: Records at VGA quality (640x480), up to 30 fps, saved in Motion JPEG format. No external microphone input or advanced recording features.
  • Sony QX10: Records at 1440x1080 pixels (HD) at 30 fps with MPEG-4 compression. Still lacks microphone or headphone ports.

Neither camera can support 4K video or advanced video codecs, and neither includes in-body video stabilization beyond lens or sensor stabilization.

Video on both models is limited in practical appeal beyond casual home video - the QX10 offers sharper HD capture but still limited bitrate and feature set.

Battery Life and Storage Media: Operational Sustainability

Olympus FE-45

  • Battery life unspecified but generally limited due to small capacity proprietary battery.
  • Storage: Supports xD-Picture Card and microSD cards plus internal memory.
  • USB 2.0 port provides charging/data transfer.

Sony QX10

  • Battery Pack NP-BN with a battery life rated around 220 shots per charge - good for its class.
  • Storage: microSD (microSDHC/microSDXC) and Memory Stick Micro supported.
  • Wireless connectivity demands frequent charging.

Despite the QX10’s novel concept, battery management can be complicated by the need to power both the lens-module and the smartphone simultaneously.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

  • Olympus FE-45: No wireless connectivity or GPS; simple USB data transfer.
  • Sony QX10: Has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, enabling rapid pairing and remote operation via smartphones.

This difference significantly impacts workflow flexibility and remote shooting potential, with the QX10 aligning toward smartphone-centric integration and online sharing.

Environmental and Build Durability

Neither camera offers any form of weather sealing, dustproofing, shockproofing, or freezeproofing. They are more lifetime-limited consumer devices rather than rugged professional tools.

Comparative Image Samples and Performance Ratings

Our side-by-side image gallery below highlights representative captures from both cameras across various lighting and focal lengths. Observe color rendition, detail preservation, and noise performance.

Performance ratings based on lab testing and subjective field evaluation yield the following:

Criterion Olympus FE-45 Sony QX10
Image Quality ★★☆☆☆ ★★★☆☆
Autofocus Speed ★☆☆☆☆ ★★☆☆☆
Zoom Versatility ★☆☆☆☆ ★★★★☆
Ergonomics ★★★☆☆ ★★☆☆☆
Video Quality ★☆☆☆☆ ★★☆☆☆
Battery Life ★★☆☆☆ ★★★☆☆
Wireless Capabilities ☆☆☆☆☆ ★★★☆☆

Further genre-specific analyses:

Evaluation Across Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

  • Skin Tones & Bokeh: The Olympus FE-45’s narrower zoom and slower aperture restrict bokeh creativity. Sony QX10’s longer reach to 250 mm allows compression effects and background separation, but both cameras struggle to produce smooth defocus highlights due to small sensors.
  • Eye Detection: Only the QX10 offers face detection, facilitating more reliable focus on eyes or faces.
  • Recommendation: QX10 slightly better suited for low-budget portraits due to zoom and AF-face detect.

Landscape Photography

  • Dynamic Range: The QX10’s BSI-CMOS sensor delivers wider dynamic range and higher resolution (18 MP vs. 10 MP).
  • Weather Sealing: Neither model is sealed, reducing outdoor robustness.
  • Recommendation: QX10 preferred for landscapes thanks to higher resolution and wider focal length range.

Wildlife Photography

  • Autofocus Speed: Neither is optimized; lack of continuous AF and sluggish contrast detection limit fast subject capture.
  • Telephoto Performance: QX10’s 250 mm is a major advantage; FE-45’s 108 mm zoom is restrictive.
  • Burst Rate: No continuous shooting from either.
  • Recommendation: QX10 is the only viable choice, albeit limited.

Sports Photography

  • Neither camera supports real-time tracking or fast frame rates.
  • Both likely to miss fleeting moments due to slow AF and absence of burst.
  • Recommendation: Neither is recommended.

Street Photography

  • Discreet Shooting: FE-45 is more conventional and discrete; QX10 requires smartphone tethering, which may be cumbersome.
  • Low Light: QX10’s higher sensitivity settings offer an edge.
  • Portability: Both compact; FE-45 easier to operate solo.
  • Recommendation: FE-45 for simplicity; QX10 for low-light versatility if smartphone use is acceptable.

Macro Photography

  • Both offer 5 cm macro focusing.
  • Neither provides special macro features like focus stacking.
  • Limited AF precision in close-ups; FE-45 has digital stabilization which can degrade macro detail.
  • Recommendation: Comparable; neither excels.

Night/Astro Photography

  • Low ISO ceilings and noise performance prevent extended astro suitability.
  • Lack of manual controls (e.g., shutter priority, bulb) on both limit star photography.
  • Recommendation: Neither suitable.

Video

  • Low resolution and codec limitations limit video quality.
  • No audio input or stabilization improvements.
  • Recommendation: For basic video only; QX10 marginally better.

Travel Photography

  • Both cameras are lightweight and relatively portable.
  • QX10’s longer zoom and wireless features add flexibility but dependency on smartphone may be a liability in low battery or connectivity-compromised environments.
  • FE-45’s full standalone operation offers reliability without extra devices.
  • Recommendation: Choose based on travel style - QX10 for tech-savvy users; FE-45 for simplicity.

Professional Work

  • Neither camera supports RAW output, advanced exposure modes, or reliable focusing for demanding work.
  • Small sensors and limited controls render them unsuitable for serious professional purposes.
  • Recommendation: Only as casual backup cameras.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: What Are You Getting?

The Olympus FE-45 generally retails around $130, while the Sony QX10 is priced approximately at $250. The price difference reflects:

  • The QX10’s advanced sensor and longer zoom,
  • Wireless connectivity and smartphone integration,
  • Optical image stabilization.

However, the QX10 demands a compatible smartphone to unlock its potential, adding cost and operational complexity.

Final Recommendations and Use-Case Summary

User Type Recommended Camera Rationale
Casual snapshots and travel Olympus FE-45 Standalone operation, simple controls, reasonably pocketable
Enthusiasts prioritizing zoom Sony QX10 Superior focal range, stabilization, and sensor quality; comfortable with smartphone use
Portraits with face detection Sony QX10 Face detect AF, longer zoom for compression
Wildlife/sports on a budget Sony QX10 (limited) Longer zoom, but poor AF limits action capture
Street photography Olympus FE-45 Discreet, independent device, easier fast use
Video shooters Neither ideal Low resolution and limited controls
Professionals needing control Neither suitable Insufficient manual interface, no RAW, weak AF

Closing Thoughts

The Olympus FE-45 and Sony QX10 represent two distinct approaches to compact photography: the former a simple, standalone camera with all-in-one convenience, the latter an innovative lens-style module that trades autonomy for zoom versatility and smartphone connectivity. While neither camera is competitive by modern standards for professional or advanced enthusiast use, understanding their design tradeoffs helps clarify which may still fulfill niche low-budget or casual shooting demands.

The decision ultimately rests on user workflow preferences and priorities: discreet, predictable shooting with the Olympus FE-45, or expandable zoom reach and smartphone integration with the Sony QX10.

This detailed, hands-on comparison aims to equip photographers with clear, experience-based insight into these two cameras, supporting informed decisions rooted in practical application rather than marketing promises.

Thank you for reading.

Olympus FE-45 vs Sony QX10 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Olympus FE-45 and Sony QX10
 Olympus FE-45Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX10
General Information
Company Olympus Sony
Model type Olympus FE-45 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX10
Class Small Sensor Compact Lens-style
Revealed 2009-01-07 2013-09-04
Body design Compact Lens-style
Sensor Information
Sensor type CCD BSI-CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 6.08 x 4.56mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area 27.7mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 10 megapixels 18 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 16:9, 4:3 and 3:2 4:3 and 16:9
Highest resolution 3648 x 2736 4896 x 3672
Highest native ISO 1600 3200
Minimum native ISO 64 100
RAW format
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Autofocus continuous
Single autofocus
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Cross type focus points - -
Lens
Lens support fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 36-108mm (3.0x) 25-250mm (10.0x)
Highest aperture f/3.1-5.9 f/3.3-5.9
Macro focusing distance 5cm 5cm
Focal length multiplier 5.9 5.8
Screen
Range of display Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display sizing 2.5" -
Resolution of display 230 thousand dot 0 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch operation
Display technology - Depends on connected smartphone
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None None
Features
Slowest shutter speed 4s 4s
Maximum shutter speed 1/2000s 1/1600s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash distance - no built-in flash
Flash settings Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Off, On None
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) 1440 x 1080 (30 fps)
Highest video resolution 640x480 1440x1080
Video file format Motion JPEG MPEG-4
Mic input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless None Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 142g (0.31 lbs) 105g (0.23 lbs)
Dimensions 94 x 62 x 23mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") 62 x 62 x 33mm (2.4" x 2.4" x 1.3")
DXO scores
DXO All around 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 - 220 shots
Battery format - Battery Pack
Battery ID - NP-BN,
Self timer Yes (12 seconds) Yes (2, 10 secs)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage xD-Picture Card, microSD, internal microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC, Memory Stick Micro
Storage slots 1 1
Price at launch $130 $250