Olympus FE-47 vs. Pentax Optio VS20: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Compact Zoom Cameras

When hunting for an affordable compact camera, especially models from the early 2010s like the Olympus FE-47 and Pentax Optio VS20, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of specs without appreciating what’s meaningful in everyday photographic use. Having personally tested thousands of cameras across a wide gamut of subjects and genres, I’ve learned that the numbers often tell only half the story. In this deep dive, we’ll explore how these two small-sensor compacts compare in key areas that photographers truly care about: handling, image quality, autofocus, versatility, and value.

Before getting hands-on, let’s set the stage by understanding what each camera was aiming for. The Olympus FE-47, announced in early 2010, is an entry-level compact aimed at casual shooters wanting a simple point-and-shoot with decent zoom reach. The Pentax Optio VS20, arriving two years later, tries to raise the bar a bit with a vastly more ambitious 20x zoom and sensor-shift image stabilization, targeting users who want more control and longer reach in a still compact package.

Let’s unravel what this means in practice…

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Build Quality

Physical form factors set the tone for whether a camera invites or discourages extended use. The Olympus FE-47 weighs in at a trim 204 grams and measures roughly 98 x 61 x 27 mm, while the Pentax VS20 is slightly heavier at 235 grams and larger at 111 x 61 x 38 mm.

Holding both reveals that Olympus leans into pocketability, with its slim profile feeling less obtrusive during travel or street photography. Pentax, while still compact, is chunkier, accommodating its longer zoom lens and built-in sensor-shift stabilization hardware. This extra girth brings a more confident grip - the Optio VS20 feels less prone to wobble or hand tremor, especially when zoomed in tight.

The material quality on both isn’t overtly premium, but Pentax’s slightly beefier build mildly inspires more confidence in casual robustness. Neither camera offers weather sealing, dust resistance, or shockproofing, typical for models in this category and price point.

Control Layout: Intuitive or Clunky?

Navigating menus and adjusting settings quickly is critical - no one wants to miss a shot fumbling through an overly complex UI.

Olympus simplifies: minimal dials and buttons cater to inexperienced users preferring fully automatic operation. Conversely, the Pentax VS20 lays out modestly more dedicated controls - a four-way directional pad with a central OK, a manual focus ring on the lens barrel, and physical toggles akin to entry-level DSLRs, enabling a smidge more interactive control.

Pentax also supports manual focus, a rarity in budget compact cameras of this era - a feature that could attract macro or landscape shooters who relish precision focus adjustment. Olympus foregoes this, relying entirely on autofocus.

Neither camera sports a touchscreen, which would be a luxury to expect given their release timeline.

Displays and User Interface: Larger vs. Crisper

Olympus mounts a basic 2.7-inch LCD at 230k-dot resolution - serviceable but not inspiring. The Pentax Optio VS20 steps ahead with a 3.0-inch LCD boasting 460k dots and an anti-reflective coating, making it visibly sharper and noticeably easier to view in bright daylight.

In real-world shooting sessions, Pentax’s crisper display lent itself to better composition confidence and menu legibility. Olympus’s screen feels cramped and dull, inviting some guesswork, especially under harsh lighting.

Sensor and Image Quality: The 1/2.3” CCD Battle

Both cameras employ a 1/2.3” CCD sensor of identical physical dimensions (6.08 x 4.56 mm) but differ in resolution: Olympus with 14 megapixels and Pentax nudging slightly higher at 16 megapixels.

CCD sensors from this period generally offer decent color rendition, albeit with higher noise levels at elevated ISOs compared to contemporary CMOS designs.

The Pentax’s max ISO tops at 6400 (versus Olympus’s 1600), but usability tapers off quickly beyond ISO 400 in both cameras due to noise intrusion. I tested this under controlled low-light conditions and the noise texture is coarse and disruptive, but Pentax’s sensor handles shadow areas with marginally better detail retention - likely due to its newer sensor iteration.

Color depth is pleasant on both, though Olympus’s color seems slightly warmer - flattering for skin tones in snapshots, but sometimes less neutral for landscape fidelity.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

Neither camera boasts sophisticated autofocus systems: both rely on contrast-detection AF with limited focus area options.

Olympus FE-47 offers single AF and face detection (though not eye or animal eye detection), while Pentax VS20 provides selective AF modes and center-weighted metering, enhancing precision slightly.

Both cameras lack continuous AF and are slow at locking focus, especially in low light. Pentax edges ahead with a 3-point AF system, which I found more consistent when tracking a moving subject. Olympus’s AF is intermittently temperamental, occasionally hunting before locking, making it less reliable for action or wildlife.

Continuous shooting is almost nonexistent: Olympus does not list burst mode, whereas Pentax offers a sluggish 1 fps. Neither fast enough for sports photography, but fine for casual snapshots.

Zoom Ranges and Lenses: Moderate vs. Superzoom

The Olympus FE-47’s 5x zoom lens spans 36-180mm (35mm equivalent) with an aperture range from f/3.5 to 5.6, typical for entry compacts. This zoom range covers general-purpose focal lengths but lacks the flexibility that telephoto enthusiasts seek.

The Pentax VS20 astonishes with a 20x zoom, reaching a hefty 28-560mm equivalent focal range, from f/3.1 to 4.8 aperture. This exceptionally broad range invites diverse creative options - from wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife.

This versatility changes the game somewhat:

• Wildlife: Pentax’s reach is a clear advantage; Olympus requires cropping for similar framing.
• Portraits: Both lenses struggle with shallow depth of field, but Pentax’s longer end permits more background compression, enhancing bokeh effects subtly.
• Macro: Both cameras focus down to 3 cm, but Pentax allows more precise manual focusing, benefiting close-up work.

Image Stabilization: Nonexistent vs. Sensor-Shift

Olympus does not feature any image stabilization system, a significant disadvantage at longer zoom lengths or in low light.

Pentax offers sensor-shift stabilization, a critical feature that compensates for camera shake. In handheld zoomed shots and lower shutter speeds, the stabilization system provided notably steadier images and allowed me to shoot confidently in dim environments without a tripod.

Video Capabilities: Basic Footage Only

Neither camera is designed with modern video in mind:

• Olympus FE-47 records VGA-resolution video at 640x480 pixels (30fps) with Motion JPEG compression - functional for quick clips but lacking detail or smoothness.
• Pentax improves to HD 720p at 30fps, again in Motion JPEG format, but the extra resolution helps when you want to extract decent stills from video or share better quality footage.

Neither features microphone or headphone jacks, nor advanced video stabilization modes common in today’s cameras.

Storage, Battery, and Connectivity: Modest but Serviceable

Olympus runs on 2 AA batteries - which has pros and cons. AA cells are widely available worldwide, useful for travelers, but tend to drain quickly, necessitating spares. Storage is via SD/SDHC cards.

Pentax deploys a proprietary D-LI122 lithium-ion battery, delivering more camera uptime per charge, but greater dependence on charging infrastructure. Its storage includes SD/SDHC/SDXC card support.

Connectivity is basic in both models: Olympus lacks wireless options altogether; Pentax supports Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless transfer but no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

We put both cameras through their paces across common photography disciplines, analyzing strengths and shortcomings.

Portrait Photography

Both cameras produce pleasing skin tones, leaning warmer on Olympus and more neutral on Pentax.

Pentax’s longer zoom provides more flattering compression at portrait focal lengths (~85mm-135mm equivalent), producing marginally creamier bokeh. Manual focus (VS20 only) allows precision when isolating the subject’s eyes during close-ups.

Neither camera has advanced face or eye detection autofocus, so framing and sharp focus rely on careful operation.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range is limited by the small CCD sensors and absence of RAW support in both models - Olympus and Pentax only deliver JPEGs, constraining post-processing latitude.

Resolution favors Pentax slightly with 16 MP vs. 14 MP on Olympus, offering crisper details if shot carefully.

Lens-wise, Olympus’s wider minimum focal length (36mm equivalent) compared to Pentax’s wider 28mm enables a touch more expansive framing, but Pentax’s anti-reflective LCD and sharper display aid accurate composition.

No weather sealing here, so both cameras require care shooting outdoors in variable environments.

Wildlife and Sports

The Pentax’s long 560mm equivalent lens and sensor-shift stabilization make it significantly better suited for casual wildlife shooting.

Autofocus tracking, though slow on both, fares better on the VS20 - the extra reach and steadier shots help compensate for sluggish response.

Neither camera can capture high-speed bursts needed for serious sports photography.

Street Photography

Olympus feels more discreet: smaller and lighter, with a less conspicuous lens. Its slower zoom reduces temptation to “zoom and crop,” encouraging street photographers to get closer and interact more.

Pentax’s larger size and zoom lens make it less pocketable and a bit more awkward for spontaneous shots, but the superior LCD and manual focus provide creative advantages.

Low-light performance is poor on both, limiting evening or night street shooting without flash.

Macro Photography

Both cameras focus down to about 3 cm.

Pentax’s manual focus is a bonus for macro photography - allowing fine-tuning of focus on tiny subjects.

Image stabilization also aids handholding at close focus distances.

Olympus’s autofocus tends to hunt more in macro mode, making Pentax more pleasant for close-up work.

Night and Astro Photography

With maximum ISOs capped at 1600 (Olympus) and 6400 (Pentax), neither is well equipped for demanding astrophotography.

Noise at ISO 800 and above is significant, obscuring fine star detail.

No bulb modes, no RAW, and limited manual control all conspire against serious night shooting.

That said, the Pentax’s longer shutter range (up to 1/2500 of a second) provides some flexibility, and sensor-shift stabilization can support slightly longer handheld exposures.

Video Shooting

Pentax’s higher resolution HD output delivers more usable home movies compared to Olympus’s VGA clips.

Still, neither offers microphone input or external audio control, and rolling shutter artifacts are common.

Both record in Motion JPEG, which is easy to edit but not efficient.

Expect basic recording only - no 4K or even continuous autofocus during video.

Travel Photography

Portability is key on the road.

Olympus’s compact, lightweight body, AA battery use (so spares can be easily replaced on the go), and simple interface favor casual travel photographers.

Pentax’s superior zoom reach and stabilization tempt those willing to carry slightly more weight for the flexibility to shoot wide landscapes and telephoto wildlife in one kit.

Battery life data aren’t specified, but Pentax’s lithium-ion chemistry should outlast Olympus’s AA cells under typical use.

Professional Use and Workflow

Neither camera is intended for professional workflows.

No RAW support, limited manual controls, and basic sensor technology restrict output quality and flexibility.

Both output JPEG only, forcing reliance on in-camera processing.

No tethering or workflow enhancements are available.

Putting It All Together: Objective Scores and Values

Synthesizing the technical and hands-on insights, here’s a transparent look at how these cameras stack up:

• Olympus FE-47: Best suited for beginner snapshot photographers and travelers prioritizing pocketability and simplicity. Adequate for general daily use but limited in flexibility and image quality.
• Pentax Optio VS20: Offers serious upgrades in zoom range, image stabilization, and display quality. Better fits hobbyists seeking creative control on a budget and willing to carry a slightly larger camera.

Sample Images: Real-World Look at Both Cameras

To see the story these numbers tell, here is a gallery of comparative sample images captured side-by-side under similar conditions.

Olympus FE 47 front Olympus FE 47 screen back Pentax VS20 front Pentax VS20 screen back

• Notice Olympus’s warmer rendering of skin tones.
• Pentax images show better sharpness at telephoto and macro shots.
• Both struggle with noise beyond ISO 400.
• Lens distortion correction is better handled on Pentax.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose Olympus FE-47 if:

  • You want an ultra-light, undemanding snapshot camera for casual social occasions.
  • Simplicity and AA battery convenience trump performance.
  • Portability and budget (typically lower pricing) are paramount.

• Choose Pentax Optio VS20 if:

  • You desire more telephoto reach without sacrificing stabilization.
  • Manual focus and better LCD usability appeal to your creative style.
  • You shoot a variety of subjects including landscapes, wildlife, and macros on occasion.
  • You're okay paying a bit more for significant feature upgrades.

Closing Thoughts

Both cameras hail from an era when compact superzoom cameras tried to strike a balance between casual use and expanded creative reach before the smartphone takeover. Today, they serve niche needs: Olympus for barebones portability and Pentax for expansive zoom versatility.

Neither will challenge modern mirrorless or smartphone capabilities but offer unique charms for collectors, beginners on a tight budget, or enthusiasts craving specific features like sensor-shift IS or manual focus in a tiny package.

Deciding between them boils down to your priorities: pure simplicity versus zoom power and control.

The choice is clearer when holding them in-hand and imagining your photography journey - because at the end of the day, the best camera is the one that fits your hands and sparks your creative impulse.

I hope this comparison has shed light on these cameras beyond mere specs, giving you the confidence to choose the right compact for your photographic ambitions.