Olympus FE-47 vs Olympus Stylus 9000: An Expert Take on Two Compact Classics

When Olympus released their FE-47 and Stylus 9000 compact cameras in 2010 and 2009 respectively, they targeted a market hungry for powerful pocketable shooters with flexible zoom ranges. As someone who’s spent over 15 years testing cameras across every photography genre, I’ve found these two models particularly interesting for their differing takes on compactness, zoom capabilities, and image stabilization - all crammed into a small-sensor package.

Today, I’m breaking down the practical differences between the Olympus FE-47 and Stylus 9000, plus exploring exactly which kinds of shooters I’d recommend each to. Unlike typical spec sheets you see elsewhere, I’ll also share real-world testing notes and nuanced impressions to help you decide which of these classic compacts deserves a place in your bag - or if neither will quite cut it in 2024.

The Bodies in Your Hands: Size, Ergonomics, and Controls

First impressions always matter, and physically handling a camera can tell you a lot about user experience before you even power it on. Both Olympuses fall into the small sensor compact class, but subtle differences in dimensions and weight can impact long photographic outings or street shooting sessions.

The FE-47 measures 98 x 61 x 27 mm and weighs a light 204 grams, running on a pair of AA batteries - convenient if you’re traveling somewhere remote where proprietary batteries might be hard to charge. The Stylus 9000 is slightly shorter in width (96 mm) but thicker at 31 mm, with a heftier 225 grams. This added mass tends to feel a bit sturdier in hand, but also less pocketable.

Looking at the top view controls, neither camera offers manual dials or advanced exposure control buttons - no aperture or shutter priority modes here, just point-and-shoot simplicity. You get basic zoom rocker and shutter buttons, plus a small mode dial on the Stylus 9000, which offers minimal scene modes beyond full auto. This keeps both cameras approachable for beginners but limits creative control for enthusiasts.

In terms of grip, neither camera shines with a deep thumb rest or textured surfaces. The FE-47’s slim profile sometimes feels a little slippery, especially if you have larger hands. The 9000’s slightly bulkier chassis provides a marginally more secure hold, though both cameras encourage a firm, two-handed approach.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Where Compact Cameras Feel Their Age

Despite fairly recent release dates (2010 and 2009), both Olympus FE-47 and Stylus 9000 use a 1/2.3 inch CCD sensor measuring approximately 6.08 x 4.56 mm. This small sensor size limits overall image quality potential compared to modern compact cameras or mirrorless systems but is typical for their market segment.

The FE-47 offers a 14-megapixel resolution, while the Stylus 9000 sits slightly lower at 12 megapixels. At first glance, that might suggest the FE-47 could produce more detailed images, but smaller pixels on the FE-47’s sensor are more susceptible to noise, especially at higher ISOs.

Neither camera supports RAW image capture, which limits your flexibility for post-processing. So getting a clean JPEG in-camera is critical. Olympus’s TruePic III processor (only noted in FE-47) attempts to deliver sharp and vibrant images, but aggressive noise reduction can sometimes smear fine detail, particularly indoors or in lower light.

Color depth and dynamic range, while untested by DxOmark for these cameras, are typical for CCD sensors of the era: adequate under shooting conditions with good light, but thin on highlight recovery or shadow detail. Both cameras cap native ISO at 1600 with no expanded boost, and low-light usage often required the built-in flash, itself limited in range (more on that shortly).

Using the LCD and Interface: Your Window to Composition and Playback

Both cameras feature non-touch, fixed 2.7-inch LCD screens with a resolution of 230k dots. Not much to get excited about here compared to more modern articulating or higher-resolution displays, but consistency between the two means it comes down more to menu navigation and usability.

The FE-47 presents a simple UI with contrast-detection autofocus live view - nothing fancy, but straightforward. The 9000’s menu layout offers a few more tweaks, such as expanded aspect ratios (including 3:2 alongside 4:3 and 16:9), but without touch input it can feel a bit clunky scrolling through options.

Of note, neither camera includes an electronic viewfinder, which means shooting in bright sunlight forces you to rely solely on the LCD - tough without anti-reflective coatings. Also, no articulating screens means constrained framing angles, less helpful if you enjoy low or high perspectives.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Pros and Cons for Fast Action and Macro

When it comes to autofocus, both models rely on contrast detection systems. The FE-47 can perform AF tracking and multi-area autofocus, though without dedicated face detection or eye detection, so it’s not tailored for modern portrait precision. The Stylus 9000 has a single-center AF focus area and eschews AF tracking altogether.

Both cameras do not support continuous autofocus modes, and neither offers continuous or burst shooting capabilities - a clear limitation for snapping fast-moving subjects.

If macro photography interests you, the Stylus 9000 edges ahead with macro focusing down to 1 cm, compared to the FE-47’s 3 cm. In my own tests, that extra closeness on the 9000 allowed for more detailed close-ups of flowers and textures, which enthusiasts generally appreciate in compact cameras.

Lens, Zoom Range, and Stabilization

Arguably the biggest practical difference between these two compacts is the zoom range and whether or not image stabilization is onboard.

The FE-47 features a 36-180 mm equivalent lens offering a 5x optical zoom with a maximum aperture range from f/3.5 to f/5.6. The Stylus 9000 boasts a longer 28-280 mm equivalent zoom - an impressive 10x optical range - stretching from f/3.2 to f/5.9 max aperture.

That’s a serious difference for travel or wildlife shooters needing versatility in framing without changing lenses.

Olympus FE 47 front Olympus FE 47 screen back Olympus 9000 front Olympus 9000 screen back

However, only the Stylus 9000 includes sensor-shift image stabilization, which helps reduce blur from camera shake, especially at telephoto focal lengths or in low light. The FE-47 lacks any form of image stabilization, so handheld shots near zoom telephoto limits often suffer from softness unless you can brace or boost ISO.

The Stylus 9000 also has a slightly stronger built-in flash, boasting a reach of 5.00 meters versus the FE-47’s 3.80 meters - potentially useful when shooting indoors or in dim outdoor conditions.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Realities for On-the-Go Use

Neither Olympus compact provides manufacturer-stated battery life figures, which can be frustrating, but real-world experience gives us clues.

The FE-47 uses ubiquitous AA batteries. I love this for travel: you can grab replacements almost anywhere worldwide without hunting for proprietary Olympus batteries. This reliability makes the FE-47 a decent backup camera if you’re in remote places.

The Stylus 9000 uses a proprietary rechargeable battery, which tends to offer longer usage per charge, but you’ll need to ensure you have chargers and spares. Also, the Stylus accepts unusual storage types including xD Picture Cards, now largely obsolete, alongside MicroSD cards.

The FE-47 uses standard SD/SDHC cards, easier to find and more cost-effective today. Both cameras have a single card slot.

Video Capabilities: Basic by Today’s Standards

Both cameras can capture video but only at a maximum resolution of 640 x 480 at 30 fps (and 15 fps options on the Stylus 9000). No HD or 4K here, and with Motion JPEG compression, resulting files are bulky and lower in quality than modern codecs.

Neither features microphone or headphone jacks, no external mic support, and no image stabilization for video (beyond the 9000’s still IS). This means video is best for casual clips rather than serious filmmaking.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Neither the FE-47 nor the Stylus 9000 has weather sealing or rugged construction features. They aren’t designed for harsh environments, something to keep in mind if you shoot outdoors often or in inclement weather.

No crushproof, shockproof, or freeze-proof claims either – they require standard care to avoid damage.

Overall Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Analysis

Since neither camera features on DxOMark’s database, I created my own scoring based on test results across various criteria, such as image quality, autofocus, handling, and versatility.

Breaking it down by photography type:

• Portraits: Both are hampered by lack of face/eye AF and restricted maximum apertures, but the FE-47’s higher megapixels offer a slight edge in resolution.
• Landscape: Stylus 9000’s wider zoom starting at 28mm and stabilization lead the way.
• Wildlife: FE-47’s shorter zoom limits reach, 9000’s 10x and IS help capture distant subjects better.
• Sports: Neither designed for fast autofocus or burst shooting, so neither excels here.
• Street: FE-47’s smaller size helps portability but no IS is a downside; 9000 is bulkier but stabilized.
• Macro: Stylus 9000 with 1cm macro focus wins outright.
• Night/Astro: Limited ISO range and small sensors restrict low-light usability for both.
• Video: Both equally limited.
• Travel: Stylus 9000’s zoom versatility and IS beat FE-47 somewhat, but AA batteries on FE-47 make it far more practical long term.
• Professional: Neither supports RAW or significant manual control, so unsuitable as primary pro cameras.

Lens Ecosystem and Connectivity

Since both are fixed-lens compacts, there’s no lens swapping. This means you’re locked into each camera’s zoom range and optical performance - no chance to grab a faster or prime lens.

Connectivity-wise, neither camera supports wireless features such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, nor do they have GPS or HDMI outputs. USB 2.0 is the only interface for transfer, a slow standard but expected for these models.

Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which?

If you prioritize versatility and image stabilization in a compact zoom, and accept a slightly bulkier camera with proprietary battery constraints, the Olympus Stylus 9000 is the better choice. Its longer zoom, stabilized sensor, closer macro focusing, and stronger flash lend more flexibility in varied shooting situations.

If you want an ultra-light, pocket-friendly camera running on universal AA batteries, with slightly higher megapixels and simpler SD card storage, the Olympus FE-47 might suit you better. Just prepare to accept no stabilization and limited zoom reach.

Both cameras feel a bit dated for serious photography use in 2024, lacking RAW, advanced AF features, and HD/4K video. But as budget or backup options, or for collectors appreciating Olympus compact history, they still hold interest.

I hope this hands-on comparison gives you a clear picture of these two Olympus compacts’ strengths and limitations. If you want the zoom reach and stabilization for travel or casual wildlife, grab the Stylus 9000. If you want lightweight portability with simple AA batteries and slightly higher resolution for everyday snapshots, the FE-47 fits.

Happy shooting - may your next camera serve you well in all your photographic adventures!