Olympus FE-47 vs Pentax Optio RZ10: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Small Sensor Compacts

When stepping into the realm of compact digital cameras, enthusiasts and professionals alike often encounter a bewildering array of choices - especially among small sensor compacts that emphasize portability and ease-of-use. Today, we're digging deep into two contenders that represent different approaches to simplicity and functionality: the Olympus FE-47 and the Pentax Optio RZ10. I’ve spent hours with both, putting them through a broad spectrum of photographic scenarios, from casual travel shots to more disciplined applications like macro and night photography.

Although these cameras were announced roughly a year apart (Olympus FE-47 in January 2010, Pentax RZ10 in July 2011), the technology and user expectations around small compacts hadn’t dramatically evolved, so this comparison remains relevant - especially if you’re after budget-friendly or secondary pocket cameras. Let’s unpack their specs, strengths, and compromises, and see which camera genuinely earns your trust as a capable shooter.

First Impressions: Design, Ergonomics, and Handling

From the moment you hold them, the Olympus FE-47 and Pentax RZ10 feel distinctly different, reflecting each brand’s philosophy on compact camera usability. Personally, I was drawn to how they feel in the hand and how intuitively controls fall under fingers - which can make or break your shooting experience.

Physically, both cameras are pocketable but differ in thickness and weight. The FE-47 weighs about 204 grams, slightly heftier but with slimmer depth (27mm), while the RZ10 is lighter at 178 grams but a bit chunkier at 33mm. This difference becomes evident during extended shoots or travel; having a slim profile can help reduce bulk, but extra thickness sometimes translates to better grip and accommodation for stabilization tech or larger batteries.

Neither has an electronic viewfinder (EVF), relying exclusively on their rear LCDs for composing shots - a common compromise in their category. The FE-47’s body is straightforward with fixed lenses and a minimalist button layout, while the RZ10 incorporates more physical controls and a modestly protruding grip that I found significantly improved handling, especially for steady macro and telephoto shots.

The buttons aren't backlit on either model, a minor inconvenience for low-light shooting, but I found the RZ10’s tactile response noticeably superior; the Olympus felt a little plasticky, which aligns with its budget pricing. So ergonomically, I’d edge the RZ10 to those needing more comfortable extended use, especially if you’re less accustomed to ultra-compact designs.

Viewing Your World: LCD Screen and Interface Quality

Both cameras feature a 2.7-inch fixed LCD screen with 230k dots resolution - essentially entry-level in today’s terms but fairly standard for their segment. The screens offer live view, crucial in the absence of viewfinders, but low brightness and limited dynamic range especially challenged me outdoors under direct sunlight.

That said, the Pentax has a TFT color LCD with an anti-reflective coating, which noticeably reduced glare. The Olympus’s screen, although similar in size and resolution, lacks this coating, making it harder to preview images in bright settings. Given that composing and checking your shot is the lifeblood of any photography experience, a brighter, more readable screen is a definite advantage.

Neither model offers touchscreen functionality or articulated displays, limiting flexibility especially for shooting from unusual angles. The interface on both is designed for simplicity; neither camera provides manual exposure modes, which might frustrate enthusiasts wanting granular control but suits casual shooters or beginners.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Small Sensor Realities

Both cameras rely on the same sensor size: a common 1/2.3-inch CCD, measuring just 6.08 x 4.56mm (roughly 27.7 mm²) - tiny compared to APS-C or full-frame sensors we often praise for superior image quality. This compact sensor footprint sets the baseline for their image traits: limited dynamic range, moderate noise levels, and constrained low-light capability.

Despite the common sensor size, the Pentax pushes its ISO ceiling to 6400, while the Olympus tops out at a modest ISO 1600. But before you get too excited about ISO numbers on compacts, let me tell you: images beyond ISO 800 on these cameras start to exhibit noticeable noise, reduced detail, and blunt color gradations typical of CCD noise patterns at high sensitivity.

Resolution-wise, both deliver 14 megapixels max (4288 x 3216 pixels), which is commendable on paper but - due to sensor and lens quality - real-world resolution is more modest, especially at longer focal lengths where softness creeps in noticeably. Olympus’s FE-47 processes images with the TruePic III engine, which tends to produce slightly punchier colors. Pentax’s processor is unspecified but generally yields more neutral, natural color tones.

The Olympus lacks RAW support, while the Pentax also does not offer RAW capture, limiting post-processing flexibility. This is important if you shoot with professional intentions or want to extensively tweak exposure and color in post.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking Your Subject

Autofocus (AF) on small sensor compacts is often an afterthought, but its real-world effectiveness determines your success in dynamic settings - whether snapping wildlife or street scenes. Both cameras employ contrast-detection autofocus systems (no phase detection here), which are inherently slower and less reliable in low light than modern hybrid or phase-detection AF.

The Olympus FE-47 offers single AF and tracking AF modes, though it lacks face or eye detection. Expect hunting focus, especially on moving subjects or in dim situations. It relies on a relatively narrow AF area system, which can be limiting for creative framing.

The Pentax Optio RZ10 provides a more advanced 9-point AF system (number of cross-type points unknown), also with single and tracking AF. This more extensive AF point spread leads to better coverage and greater compositional freedom, which I appreciated during street shoots and macro work where precise focus placement is critical.

Neither camera supports continuous AF or burst shooting speeds above 1 frame per second (in fact, continuous shooting on the Olympus is absent), placing them well behind current compact or mirrorless options.

Given these limitations, both cameras are best suited for static subjects or leisurely shooting rather than fast action or wildlife bursts.

Lens Specifications: Zoom Range and Macro Potential

In compact cameras, fixed lenses define overall versatility. The Olympus FE-47 is equipped with a 36-180mm equivalent zoom (a 5× optical zoom) with a max aperture range of f/3.5-5.6. It offers a respectable telephoto reach for its class, but the slower aperture at the long end restricts low light and depth of field control.

The Pentax RZ10 features a 28-280mm equivalent zoom - that’s a generous 10× optical zoom range - starting wider and reaching way further into telephoto territory. Its lens aperture of f/3.2-5.9 is similar, though the slightly wider start helps for landscape and indoor shots.

Macro-wise, the RZ10 impresses with a 1 cm minimum focusing distance, effectively allowing true close-up shots without additional accessories. The FE-47’s macro focus is a longer 3 cm, which is still decent but less versatile for detail-oriented subjects like flowers or insects.

Another point for the Pentax is its incorporation of sensor-shift image stabilization, which I found noticeably helpful during telephoto or macro shooting - resulting in sharper hand-held images at slower shutter speeds. The Olympus sadly offers no stabilization at all, an omission I found frustrating given how common stabilization now is even in compact cameras.

Flash and Low-Light Performance

Both cameras feature small built-in flashes with modest ranges: the Olympus claims up to 3.8 meters, while the Pentax’s LED reaches about 2.8 meters. The Olympus flash has modes including auto, on, off, red-eye reduction, and fill-in, while the Pentax adds a “soft” flash mode that balances exposure and produces less harsh lighting.

Neither model accepts external flashes - limiting your creative lighting options. Wireless connectivity is absent on the Olympus, while the Pentax supports Eye-Fi wireless card compatibility, which can extend your image sharing options but requires compatible cards.

Low-light performance is, unsurprisingly, modest on both. The Pentax’s higher ISO ceiling lets you push a bit further, but image noise becomes very pronounced. The Olympus’s max ISO 1600 and lack of stabilization forces reliance on flash or tripod for anything beyond dim indoor scenes.

Video Capabilities: Which Does More?

If video recording is on your checklist, the Pentax pulls ahead with sharper specs: 720p HD video at 30 FPS, alongside 640x480 and 320x240 modes. Its video format is Motion JPEG, offering broad playback compatibility, though file sizes are large by today’s standards.

Olympus FE-47 is limited to VGA 640x480 video at 30 FPS - acceptable for casual clips but noticeably less detailed. Neither camera has external microphone or headphone inputs, nor any modern video features like 4K recording, slow motion, or advanced audio controls.

Neither camera incorporates built-in video stabilization, a factor that will impact handheld footage smoothness - especially noticeable on the Olympus that has no image stabilization at all.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity Essentials

The Olympus FE-47 uses 2× AA batteries - a common, accessible power choice that lends flexibility if you’re traveling without chargers. However, battery life in real shooting conditions is modest: you’ll want to carry spares to avoid downtime.

The Pentax Optio RZ10 uses a proprietary D-LI92 lithium-ion battery, rated for approximately 178 shots per charge. While charge duration is limited, the battery is rechargeable and designed to optimize power within the compact body.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC cards and have a single card slot, which is standard but limits you from having overflow or backup card slots seen on higher-end models.

Connectivity-wise, only the Pentax RZ10 supports Eye-Fi Wi-Fi card functionality, allowing wireless image transfer - though this requires additional hardware. Both cameras rely on USB 2.0 ports for tethered data transfer and lack HDMI outputs.

Weather Resistance and Durability

One intriguing distinction is the Pentax RZ10’s environmental sealing - something almost unheard of in this small compact segment. While not fully waterproof or ruggedized, it offers some dust and moisture resistance, giving you confidence to shoot in less-than-perfect conditions.

The Olympus FE-47 has no environmental sealing, so filtering dust, humidity, and splashes becomes a concern - definitely a consideration if you plan to take it outdoors frequently or in tougher weather.

Practical Shooting Across Photography Genres

Let’s turn from raw specs to real-world use and how these cameras perform across genres that enthusiasts often explore.

Portraits - Color Accuracy, Skin Tones, and Bokeh

Neither camera is equipped with face or eye detection autofocus, limiting portrait convenience. The Pentax’s 9 AF points give you some flexibility in composition, but the Olympus’s simpler AF hinders consistent focus on faces.

Color reproduction on both is serviceable but leans a bit towards muted palettes - particularly the Pentax. Olympus’s image processor yields slightly more saturated skin tones, which can be flattering but sometimes veers towards unnatural warmth.

With fixed small sensors and relatively slow lenses, shallow depth of field or creamy bokeh effects are minimal on both cameras. The longer telephoto zooms help compress backgrounds, but do not replace the optical quality and aperture width of interchangeable lens systems.

Landscape Photography - Dynamic Range and Resolution

Both cameras offer 14MP resolution and similar sensor sizes, providing adequate detail for casual landscape work and web sharing. Dynamic range on their CCD sensors is fairly limited; highlights can clip easily and shadows lose detail, especially in high-contrast scenes.

Pentax supports 1:1 aspect ratio shooters, which can be creatively helpful for square format landscapes - a nice touch.

Weather resistance on the Pentax enhances its suitability for outdoor use, while the Olympus demands more care.

Wildlife and Sports - Autofocus Tracking and Burst Rates

Without continuous autofocus or fast burst modes (Olympus lacks continuous shooting, Pentax capped at 1 FPS), neither is recommended for capturing fast-paced action or wildlife.

Autofocus hunting in lower light and the small sensor limitations will challenge tracking moving subjects. For wildlife enthusiasts or sports photographers, these would be backups or casual-use cameras only.

Street Photography - Discreetness and Portability

Compact dimensions make both suitable for street photography, but the Olympus’s slimmer body offers a slight edge in invisibility and discreet shooting.

However, sluggish autofocus and limited ISO performance hamper responsiveness in rapidly changing urban light conditions.

Macro Photography - Magnification and Focus Precision

Pentax clearly wins here with a 1 cm macro focusing range paired with sensor-shift image stabilization, allowing handheld close-ups that maintain sharpness. The Olympus’s 3 cm minimum focus distance is less compelling for serious macro work.

Neither camera has focus bracketing or stacking, so depth of field remains shallow with inherent limitations.

Night and Astro Photography - ISO and Exposure Controls

With max ISO 6400 and sensor stabilization, the Pentax RZ10 edges ahead for low-light scenarios. However, noise levels on both cameras restrict practical use beyond ISO 800-1600.

Neither camera supports manual exposure or bulb modes, limiting astro photography feasibility.

Video Usage - Recording Quality and Features

If video is a priority, Pentax’s HD 720p is the preferred choice. Olympus’s VGA resolution feels outdated.

Both lack modern video features like in-body stabilization, microphone jacks, or slow-motion modes.

Travel Photography - Versatility and Battery

Pentax’s broad zoom range (28-280mm), weather sealing, and image stabilization make it the more versatile traveler’s camera.

Olympus’s AA batteries provide field-replaceability advantages for extended trips without access to chargers.

Professional Work - Workflow Integration and Reliability

Neither camera supports RAW or advanced controls, precluding serious professional use but potentially serving as secondary cameras for casual capture.

The Pentax’s better build and stabilization make it more reliable under varied conditions.

Olympus FE 47 front Olympus FE 47 screen back Pentax RZ10 front Pentax RZ10 screen back

Examining sample images side by side reveals the Pentax delivering slightly better detail retention at telephoto, with more natural colors and less purple fringing. Olympus images show punchier colors but occasionally lose fine detail in shadows.

Verdict: Which Camera Makes Sense for Your Needs?

The Olympus FE-47 and Pentax Optio RZ10 serve different users despite occupying the small sensor compact niche.

If you want an ultra-simple pocket camera for spontaneous shooting or travel with easy battery swaps, the Olympus might suit you - assuming you keep expectations modest regarding image quality and speed.

If you prioritize versatility, image stabilization, weather resistance, and more advanced focus options in a compact body - even sacrificing some size and charging convenience - the Pentax RZ10 offers a more robust package for enthusiast shooters experimenting with a broad range of subjects, including macro and landscapes.

Final Recommendations for Different Budgets and Users

• Casual snapshooters or first-time compact buyers: The Olympus FE-47 is a no-frills introduction with decent image quality and user-friendliness.
• Travel and outdoor enthusiasts wanting a compact but versatile camera: Pentax RZ10 with its zoom breadth, stabilization, and sealing is a better all-rounder.
• Macro hobbyists: Pentax’s 1cm focus and stabilization make it the clear choice.
• Video lovers on a tight budget: Pentax for HD capture.
• Those requiring longer battery life and easy replacement: Olympus with AA batteries.
• Professionals seeking ultimate image quality and control: Move beyond these small sensor compacts.

Closing Thoughts From My Experience

After extensive hands-on work with both cameras - including controlled lab tests and field shooting - I’m reminded that small sensor compacts remain compromises, balancing portability against image quality and control.

The Olympus FE-47 demonstrates practicality and affordability but feels dated in stabilization and video, while the Pentax Optio RZ10 packs more technological refinement and versatility - albeit at a slightly higher price and bulk.

Your choice depends on which features resonate with your shooting style and how important size, ease, stabilization, macro capability, or video are to you.

In summary, while neither camera will replace your mirrorless or DSLR for professional or high-end work, they each carve out valuable niches in the compact realm. I hope this deep dive assists you in choosing the model that best fits your photographic journey.

If you want more details on specific use cases or additional comparisons, I’m happy to share further insights based on continued testing. Shooting small sensor compacts can still be fun and rewarding when you select wisely!