Olympus FE-47 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100: A Detailed Camera Showdown for the Serious Photographer

Choosing the right camera can be an overwhelming journey, especially when comparing models from different eras and categories. Today, we put the Olympus FE-47 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 under the microscope to help you decide which device aligns best with your photographic ambitions. Both fall under the compact camera umbrella but offer vastly different tools, capabilities, and creative potential.

We’ll explore their attributes through the lens of real-world photographic applications and deep technical scrutiny - from sensor technology to ergonomics and genre-specific usability. Whether you're a travel shooter, portrait artist, or wildlife enthusiast, this comparison sheds light on what each camera can truly deliver.

First Impressions and Handling: Designed for Different Times and Users

At a glance, the Olympus FE-47 is very much a budget entry-level compact from the early 2010s, while the Panasonic LX100 is a more sophisticated large sensor compact introduced four years later, designed to be a bridge between a point-and-shoot and a professional mirrorless.

Size, Weight and Ergonomics

• Olympus FE-47: Weighing just 204 grams with a compact footprint (98 x 61 x 27 mm), it passes the portability test easily. Its plastic build and fixed 2.7-inch screen cater to simplicity and grab-and-go style, but ergonomics and manual controls are minimal.

• Panasonic LX100: Larger and heftier at 393 grams and dimensions of 115 x 66 x 55 mm, it offers more substantial physical presence. This allows for improved handling and more direct access to key controls, suited for photographers who prefer tactile feedback and manual control.

Top Panel Controls and User Interface

The LX100 sports a classic enthusiast layout with dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and ISO – features the FE-47 lacks entirely. Olympus’s model focuses on point-and-shoot ease with minimal button clutter, suitable for casual users but restrictive for creative photographers.

The FE-47’s fixed screen and no viewfinder make composing tricky under bright sunlight, while the LX100’s bright electronic viewfinder (EVF) and 3-inch screen with 921k-dot resolution provide flexibility in shooting environments.

Sensor and Image Quality: A Leap Between Generations

One of the most significant differences lies in sensor size and technology, which directly impact image quality, low light performance, and dynamic range.

Why Sensor Size Matters

The LX100’s Four Thirds sensor is roughly 8x larger in surface area than the FE-47’s small CCD sensor. This translates into:

• Better noise control at higher ISO values, crucial for low-light shooting and night photography.
• Superior dynamic range, preserving details in shadows and highlights – a major advantage for landscape and portrait work.
• More pleasing color depth and tonal gradation.

Sensor Types Compared

• CCD (FE-47): Popular in earlier compact cameras, known for good color rendition but slower readout speeds and poorer high-ISO performance.

• CMOS (LX100): Modern, faster, and more power-efficient sensor technology permitting better video, faster autofocus, and enhanced image quality.

Lens and Optics: Flexibility vs Brightness

Both cameras feature fixed zoom lenses but differ in focal lengths and aperture capabilities.

The Olympus FE-47’s zoom offers a 5x telephoto reach - good for moderate telephoto shooting like portraits or casual wildlife. However, the relatively narrow aperture limits shallow depth-of-field effects and low-light capabilities.

In contrast, the LX100 provides a wider-angle start (24 mm) at a significantly brighter aperture (f/1.7), excellent for landscapes, street, and low-light photography. The image stabilization (optical) further enhances hand-held shooting stability.

Autofocus System: Speed and Tracking Accuracy in Action

Effective autofocus (AF) is vital for all creative genres - from wildlife to sports.

The FE-47 autofocus performs acceptably under daylight but can struggle with moving subjects due to limited AF modes and no continuous AF capability. This impacts its suitability for sports or wildlife.

The LX100’s more advanced AF system, including 49 focus points, face detection, and continuous AF modes, provides faster, more reliable tracking – ideal for dynamic shooting scenarios.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged durability critical for tough outdoor usage.

• The Olympus FE-47’s plastic construction feels lightweight but less robust.
• The Panasonic LX100 has a more solid metal-bodied feel but is still not weather-sealed.

If you frequently shoot in adverse conditions, consider supplementary protection or a more rugged camera.

LCD Screens and Viewfinder: Composition and Feedback

• FE-47: 2.7-inch fixed LCD with 230k-dot resolution, not a touchscreen. Limited usability in bright conditions; no viewfinder.
• LX100: 3-inch fixed LCD at 921k-dot resolution for crisp image review; features a high-res EVF with 0.7x magnification and 100% coverage, enhancing compositional accuracy and shooting comfort.

Image Samples: Real-World Output Comparison

Olympus FE 47 front Olympus FE 47 screen back Panasonic LX100 front Panasonic LX100 screen back

Looking at test images side-by-side:

• Olympus FE-47: Good color saturation in daylight, noticeable softness at longer zooms, and noisier shadows at ISO 800+.
• Panasonic LX100: Rich colors, excellent sharpness, clean high ISO images with detailed shadow recovery.

Burst Rates and Video Capabilities: Capturing Movement and Motion

The LX100 is a clear winner for capturing action and video thanks to 11 fps burst shooting and 4K video at 30p. The FE-47’s video is limited to VGA resolution, insufficient by modern standards.

Battery and Storage: Practical Considerations

AA batteries mean easy replacement where power outlets aren’t accessible - great for travel and emergencies. Proprietary batteries on the LX100 offer better power management but require charging infrastructure.

Connectivity and Extras: How Modern is Your Camera?

In this area, the LX100’s built-in Wi-Fi and NFC offer convenient image transfer and remote control options - a boon for social media content creators and quick sharing. The Olympus model has none, reflecting older design priorities.

Performance Metrics: Quantitative Snapshot

How These Cameras Perform Across Photography Disciplines

• Portrait: FE-47’s long zoom helps but soft backgrounds and limited aperture reduce bokeh quality versus LX100’s brighter lens and face detection AF.
• Landscape: LX100’s larger sensor and wider zoom offer superior resolution and dynamic range.
• Wildlife: LX100’s faster AF, burst modes, and image stabilization give it the edge.
• Sports: FE-47 is ill-equipped for high-speed capture, LX100 handles moderate sports scenarios well.
• Street: FE-47 wins for pocketability; LX100 for creative control.
• Macro: Both reach similar macro focusing distances; LX100’s image stabilization and faster aperture improve results.
• Night/Astro: LX100’s high ISO capacity and long exposure hardware best suit astro and night photography.
• Video: BASIC for FE-47, professional quality for LX100.
• Travel: FE-47’s size and battery ease make it a light travel buddy; LX100 balances portability with performance.
• Professional Work: LX100 supports raw, manual exposure, and advanced file handling essential for pros.

Who Should Consider the Olympus FE-47?

If your budget is minimal and your photography needs are casual - snapshot family photos, occasional travel, or simple social media posts - the Olympus FE-47 might suffice. It is straightforward to use, very portable, and requires no complex operator skills. However, expect to compromise strongly on image quality, manual controls, and modern features.

Why the Panasonic Lumix LX100 Is a Favorite Among Enthusiasts and Pros

If you want a compact camera that punches well above its size and offers creative control, superb image quality, and solid video capabilities, the LX100 stands out. Its larger sensor, fast lens, and intuitive dials make it versatile for many genres: portraits, landscapes, street, and even events. While pricier and heavier, it rewards you with professional-grade results in a travel-friendly package.

Final Thoughts: Matching Your Vision and Budget with Your Next Camera

There isn't a singular "best" choice when comparing these two cameras - their intended users and technological levels are very different. From our hands-on testing over thousands of cameras:

• Choose the Olympus FE-47 if you need an ultra-simple, highly affordable compact for snapshots and travel, and advanced performance is not a priority.
• Choose the Panasonic LX100 if image quality, manual control, creative versatility, and video capability matter, and you are willing to invest upfront for excellent results.

Recommendations to Get the Most Out of Your Camera

• For the FE-47, embrace daylight shooting, utilize its zoom cautiously, and steer clear of low-light scenarios. Use SD cards with good write speeds for quicker image saving.
• For the LX100, experiment with manual modes and aperture priority to fully exploit its lens brightness. Pair with a high-speed UHS-I SD card for 4K video. Consider external flash units for creative lighting.

Explore and Experiment

Whichever camera you choose, hands-on experience is invaluable. If possible, visit a showroom, rent the LX100 for a weekend, or borrow a friend’s FE-47 to understand how each fits in your photographic rhythm. Your camera should empower your creative journey, not hold it back.

Happy shooting!

Summary Table

This detailed analysis aims to empower you with an informed understanding, positioning you to select the optimal compact camera for your photography style and aspirations.