Olympus FE-47 vs Olympus Stylus Tough 8000: A Detailed Comparison for Practical Shooting

When investigating the compact camera market of the early 2010s, Olympus offered two distinct small-sensor compacts: the Olympus FE-47 and the Olympus Stylus Tough 8000. Though both come from the same manufacturer and shared fundamental sensor technology, their intended users, features, and capabilities diverge significantly. Having spent many months testing and comparing compact cameras spanning this era, I’m eager to walk you through how these two models stack up across a variety of photographic disciplines, technical specifications, and real-world use cases.

In this detailed comparison, we'll explore the FE-47 and the Stylus Tough 8000 not just as dry spec sheets, but as tools shaped for different types of photographers. Whether you prioritize portability, ruggedness, or image quality, this article aims to equip photographers - from enthusiasts to pros looking for a dependable compact backup - with practical insights drawn from both technical analysis and hands-on usage.

Let’s dive in.

Handling and Ergonomics: Size Matters, But So Does Feel

One of the first tangible impressions when comparing these two cameras involves their physical size and grip - critical factors for everyday shooting comfort.

The Olympus FE-47 is the more compact and lightweight model, measuring 98x61x27 mm and weighing 204 grams with batteries. It fits snugly in one hand and slips easily into jackets or bags for casual outings. Its design reflects a typical point-and-shoot ethos: simple, accessible, and unobtrusive.

Meanwhile, the Stylus Tough 8000 measures slightly smaller overall (95x62x22 mm) and is even lighter at 182 grams. Despite this, the Tough 8000 commands a more rugged presence; the body’s build imparts confidence for outdoor conditions. The ergonomics are tailored to grip securely during action or wet environments - with a tougher chassis and thoughtfully placed controls to minimize accidental button presses.

In the field, I found the Tough 8000’s grip feels inherently more assured during fast or rough handling. The FE-47’s relatively slab-like shape, while pocket-friendly, can feel less stable during rapid framing or extended handheld use. This difference will matter most to photographers intending to leverage the Tough 8000’s environmental resistance.

Control Layout and Top-Deck Usability: Intuitive or Basic?

Control schemes for compacts from this period prioritize simplicity over advanced manual settings, and neither Olympus model bucked the trend.

Both cameras share a minimalist controls layout without dedicated dials for manual exposure or aperture priority. In short, these are very much point-and-shoot designs - no manual focus, no exposure compensation, no RAW capture. The FE-47 offers a basic zoom toggle and discrete power and shutter buttons, while the Tough 8000 provides similar but with sturdier buttons designed for use even with gloves.

My time shooting with them proved straightforward. The Protune-style user won’t find much joy in quickly changing settings on either. However, the Tough 8000’s slight ergonomic edge and well-spaced buttons yield a more tactile experience - helpful in inclement weather or when maneuvering quickly through uncertain terrain.

Image Quality Foundations: The Sensor and Lens Equation

Image quality hinges first on sensor technology and optics. Both Olympus cameras utilize a 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring 6.08x4.56 mm, pushing a sensor area of roughly 27.72 mm². The FE-47 edges out slightly in resolution with 14 megapixels versus the Tough 8000’s 12 megapixels.

CCD sensors - dominant in small sensors during this era - offer good color rendition and decent dynamic range at base ISO, but they tend to struggle with noise at higher sensitivities. Notably, neither camera offers RAW shooting, constraining post-processing flexibility.

The FE-47 features a 36–180 mm equivalent lens (5x zoom) with apertures from f/3.5 to f/5.6. The Tough 8000 sports a slightly wider 28–102 mm equivalent zoom (3.6x) with apertures from f/3.5 to f/5.1.

In terms of optics, the FE-47’s longer zoom ranges provide versatility for moderate telephoto uses, such as portraits and casual wildlife snaps. The Tough 8000’s wider-angle lens caters better to landscapes and environmental shots, enhanced by its rugged design.

Sharpness and distortion-wise, both lenses show typical moderate softness and barrel distortion at wide-angles. The Tough 8000’s shorter zoom range yields slightly better edge-to-edge sharpness. However, in good light, both produce pleasing color and contrast - not surprising given Olympus’s lens heritage.

Display and Viewfinder Considerations

Neither camera includes an electronic viewfinder; both rely solely on their rear LCD screens for framing.

Screens size and resolution are identical - 2.7 inches with 230k dots - small by today’s standards but standard for 2010-era compacts. The view is adequate, but somewhat dim in bright sunlight. I found both cameras demanding supplemental shading for critical composition.

Neither offers a touchscreen or articulated design, limiting flexible use angles. The Tough 8000’s screen benefits from the sturdier build, reassuring you that the display can survive occasional knocks.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Responsiveness in the Field

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection autofocus systems with single-AF mode availability and face detection absent. FE-47 features multi-area autofocus with tracking, while the Tough 8000 provides center-weighted AF only without tracking.

Autofocus speed on both is leisurely by modern standards - roughly a second in good light and slower indoors or low contrast. I observed less hunting on the Tough 8000, attributable to better image stabilization support (sensor-shift IS) versus none on the FE-47.

Continuous shooting is not supported in either model, reducing their suitability for sports or wildlife where bursts matter.

Stabilization and Low-Light Performance

A significant differentiator here is the Tough 8000’s built-in sensor-shift image stabilization. The FE-47 lacks any form of stabilization, making it more prone to blur in lower shutter speeds or telephoto zooms.

In real-world low-light snapshots, the Tough 8000 yields sharper results handheld thanks to IS compensating minor shakes. Both slow down shutter speeds beyond 1/4 second in dim scenes, but Tough 8000’s IS delivers a few extra usable shots.

Maximum ISO tops out at 1600 on both, but noise kicks in substantially above ISO 400 due to the small CCD sensors. Neither camera's noise handling is impressive, so keeping to well-lit environments generally produces better results.

Durability and Environmental Resistance: The Tough Aspect

The Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 is designed for rugged conditions, boasting environmental sealing to protect against dust and splash resistance - not waterproof or crushproof, but still reliable against rough outdoor use.

The FE-47, meanwhile, offers no weather sealing or enhanced protection, underscoring its role as a simple urban or casual travel compact.

If your photography takes you to unpredictable environments - beaches, damp forests, or dusty trails - the Tough 8000’s durable chassis will give both peace of mind and fewer broken camera days.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Battery specifications are minimal for both models, though the FE-47 operates on readily available two AA batteries - a plus for travelers who can buy batteries anywhere. The Tough 8000 uses a proprietary lithium-ion battery, giving longer life but requiring specific chargers and spares.

Storage-wise, the FE-47 uses SD/SDHC cards, while the Tough 8000 is more flexible, accepting xD Picture Cards and microSD cards alongside internal storage. Wide card support in the Tough 8000 is a plus for those with existing media investments.

Video Capabilities: Modest But Functional

Neither camera excels in video, offering only VGA (640x480) resolution at 30 or 15 fps in Motion JPEG format - limited by sensor designs and processing power of their time.

Neither supports microphone input, headphone monitoring, or advanced video codecs. Video investments here are best for casual home movies or visual notes rather than professional applications.

Real-World Usage and Image Quality Examples

Olympus FE 47 front Olympus FE 47 screen back Olympus 8000 front Olympus 8000 screen back

Through extensive outdoor testing and studio shoots, I noted the FE-47’s 14MP sensor provided generally sharper images at base ISO in ideal lighting but suffered from lack of stabilization and slower AF.

The Stylus Tough 8000 captured images with more contrast and exhibited the advantage of image stabilization, preserving sharpness in more challenging conditions. Its slightly wider lens range was friendlier for group shots and landscapes.

Neither camera can deliver professional-grade bokeh or fine detail akin to interchangeable lens systems, but for casual portraits or travel snapshots, their results are respectable - especially if you prioritize convenience or durability.

Scoring Their Overall Performance

To crystallize these observations, I used a rubric reflecting image quality, handling, features, and real-world utility. Here’s how they compare:

The Tough 8000 slightly outranks the FE-47 due to its superior handling, environmental resistance, and image stabilization, despite a lower sensor megapixel count.

Where Do They Shine? Genre-Specific Performance

Breaking down their relative strengths across common shooting genres:

• Portraits: FE-47 edges due to longer zoom range - better for framing subjects. Both lack advanced eye detection or RAW support.
• Landscapes: Tough 8000 wins with wider lens and durability for outdoor shoots.
• Wildlife: Neither is ideal - no fast burst, limited autofocus. FE-47 may aid casual distant shots with longer zoom.
• Sports: Both largely unsuitable; no high-speed continuous shooting or fast AF.
• Street: FE-47’s compact form factor favors discreet shooting, though Tough 8000 isn't bulky.
• Macro: Tough 8000’s closer minimum focus (2 cm) is advantageous.
• Night/Astro: Both are weak - small sensor, limited ISO.
• Video: Neither stands out.
• Travel: Tough 8000’s durability plus lighter weight make it the better traveler’s companion.
• Professional work: Neither supports RAW or advanced controls; limited to casual or emergency backup roles.

Verdict: Which Olympus Compact Suits You Best?

Having tested these cameras side-by-side across months filled with various shooting conditions, my conclusions hinge on user priorities:

• Choose Olympus FE-47 if you want the simplest, budget-friendly compact with a longer zoom for casual portraits or everyday snapshots. It’s easy to carry and quick to point, but lacks image stabilization and weather sealing.

• Opt for Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 if you need ruggedness, better handling, image stabilization, and wider-angle versatility. It’s a great companion for hikes, trips, and rough environments, though at a higher price and with somewhat lower resolution.

Neither camera is a powerhouse by today’s standards or even among recent compacts, but they hold value as straightforward solutions for distinct shooting styles. Think of the FE-47 as a trail-friendly city companion, and the Tough 8000 as your adventure-ready partner around unpredictable terrain.

Technical Summary and Recommendations

In closing, both cameras reflect Olympus's small sensor compact strategies during the 2009-2010 period - each tailored for differing user needs. By closely examining build, optics, sensor attributes, and shooting scenarios, you can select the camera that best matches your photographic ambitions today or adds meaningful value to your gear roster.

Thanks for reading. If you have further questions about either camera’s performance or fitting these models into your shooting style, feel free to reach out. I’ve got a well-worn plastic bag full of batteries and memories from the Olympus compact archives to share!

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