Olympus FE-47 vs. Sony NEX-F3: A Deep Dive into Two Compact Cameras Across the Photography Spectrum

As cameras evolve, manufacturers often pivot toward either simplicity or versatility. The Olympus FE-47 and Sony NEX-F3, released two years apart, represent two distinct philosophies in compact imaging. One is a small-sensor fixed-lens compact designed to be lightweight and straightforward, while the other is an early entry-level mirrorless with interchangeable lenses and significantly more flexibility. Having extensively tested thousands of cameras over my 15+ years behind the lens, I find such comparisons instructive - they reveal the trade-offs between convenience and control. So, let’s drill down into how these two models stack up across real-world shooting scenarios, technical features, handling, and value.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

At first glance, the Olympus FE-47 feels like what it is: a pocket-friendly point-and-shoot with a minimalistic approach. Its compact 98x61x27mm frame and lightweight 204-gram build (fueled by two AA batteries) make it ideal for quick snaps or casual outings where carrying bulk isn’t an option. Its ergonomics are utilitarian with a small grip - comfortable enough, but best suited for users with smaller hands or casual shooters who prize portability above all.

In contrast, the Sony NEX-F3’s 117x67x42mm body and 314 grams weight reflect its more serious photographic intent. Designed in a rangefinder mirrorless style, it strikes a nice balance between portability and control. The heft gives stability during shooting; controls are well spaced on the top and rear for quick access. The NEX-F3 also sports a tilting 3-inch LCD, enhancing framing versatility, especially in live view.

Ergonomically, the Olympus’s fixed lens and simple interface limit manual tweaking, while the Sony gives us physical dials and buttons for shutter priority, aperture priority, manual exposure, and more.

In this ergonomics and controls showdown, the Sony NEX-F3 is the clear winner, offering a far richer user interface tailored for enthusiasts ready to fine-tune their shots.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Technically speaking, the Olympus FE-47 features a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring approximately 6.08 x 4.56 mm with a resulting sensor area around 27.72 mm². It offers a resolution of 14 megapixels (4288 x 3216 pixels). This sensor size has been standard fare for many compact cameras, but it clearly pales compared to APS-C sensors in terms of light-gathering capability and dynamic range.

On the other hand, the Sony NEX-F3 boasts a much larger APS-C CMOS sensor, sized 23.4 x 15.6 mm, totaling approximately 365 mm² - about 13 times larger than the FE-47’s sensor area. With 16 megapixels (4912 x 3264 pixels), it slightly edges out on resolution but more importantly, it harnesses superior sensor technology and a more advanced processor (Bionz) to deliver richer tonal gradation and cleaner images.

Testing both cameras under controlled conditions reveals the fundamental quality gap. The Sony’s APS-C sensor shines in lower noise at elevated ISO (up to 16000 native) and more agile dynamic range (~12.3 EV), preserving highlight and shadow detail in challenging lighting. The Olympus maxes out at ISO 1600 and exhibits higher noise levels and less dynamic latitude.

In practical terms, this means the Sony offers much-improved image quality, particularly in demanding scenarios like shadow recovery or low-light photography, while the Olympus excels only in well-lit, casual shooting contexts.

LCD and User Interface: Navigating Your Camera

The Olympus’s fixed 2.7-inch LCD with a resolution of 230k dots is functional but falls short in sharpness and viewing angles, making framing and image review less precise, especially under bright sunlight. The Sony NEX-F3’s 3-inch tilting TFT Xtra Fine LCD with 920k dots offers significantly better resolution and flexibility, allowing high or low-angle compositions without awkward body positioning.

The Sony interface also impresses with a logical menu structure, physical dials, and an accessible quick menu - a breath of fresh air compared to Olympus’s more rudimentary layout lacking manual exposure controls or custom functions.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

When I tested autofocus (AF) on both cameras, the Olympus FE-47’s contrast-detection AF system was reliable in bright conditions but noticeably slower and less accurate in low light or when trying to track moving subjects. It offers single AF, some multi-area focus, and contrast detection, but no phase detection or advanced tracking modes.

The Sony NEX-F3, despite predating hybrid systems, packs a 25-point contrast AF system capable of continuous autofocus during burst shooting (up to 6 fps). While it lacks full AF tracking found in modern mirrorless, it performs admirably with single and selective AF modes.

Tracking moving subjects is thus a weak spot for both, but the Sony’s performance is measurably better, especially when paired with fast lenses, making it far more capable in wildlife or sports scenarios.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility

Lens options dramatically distinguish these two cameras. The Olympus FE-47’s fixed lens covers a 36-180 mm (35mm equivalent focal length multiplied by 5.9 due to the small sensor), with a variable aperture of f/3.5-5.6. This 5x zoom covers modest wide-angle to medium telephoto ranges but lacks the ability to change creative perspectives through interchangeable optics. Macro focus at 3 cm is decent for casual close-ups but constrained by the lens design and no image stabilization.

Conversely, the Sony NEX-F3, with its Sony E-mount, taps into a substantial and growing ecosystem of over 120 lenses, including primes for portraits, macro, ultrawide, and dedicated telephoto zooms. The f/1.8 and f/2 prime lenses paired with the APS-C sensor allow exquisite bokeh, low light performance, and precise focus control unmatched by the Olympus.

This range of lenses is a key reason the NEX-F3 appeals to enthusiasts looking to experiment broadly, while the FE-47 targets snapshots with its ‘all-in-one’ simplicity.

Build Quality and Environmental Sealing

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged durability features, though their compact sizes somewhat mitigate risk during casual use. The Olympus’s plastic body and minimal controls underline its budget-friendly design, which while durable enough for day-to-day use, won’t withstand harsh climates or rigorous professional handling.

The Sony NEX-F3 brings in a slightly sturdier build with a metal lens mount and better grip materials, but again, no sealing. Professional photographers would likely look elsewhere for weather-resistant options, but for indoor/outdoor general use, the build quality here is respectable.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery endurance separates these two quite markedly. The Olympus relies on two AA batteries, making replacements ubiquitously accessible - a practical boon for travelers in remote areas. However, this type of power source typically delivers limited shots per charge; precise numbers for the FE-47 are not specified but are generally modest.

The Sony NEX-F3 uses a proprietary NPFW50 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, with a claimed 470 shots per charge based on CIPA standards. From my testing, it comfortably covers a full day of shooting, with the option of spares.

Storage-wise, both support SD and SDHC cards, but the Sony also adds Memory Stick Pro Duo compatibility, widening media options slightly.

Connectivity and Extras

The Olympus FE-47 lacks any wireless connectivity - no Wi-Fi, no Bluetooth, no NFC. Data transfer is limited to USB 2.0, and it offers no GPS tagging or HDMI output for external viewing.

Sony NEX-F3 includes USB 2.0 and HDMI output for easy tethering to HDTVs, and supports Eye-Fi wireless cards - a nifty solution for Wi-Fi tethering despite lacking built-in capabilities. It offers more sophisticated flash options, including external flashes, and supports aperture, shutter priority, and manual exposure modes, enhancing creative control.

Image Quality in Different Photography Disciplines

Portrait Photography

Portrait photographers value skin tone rendition, bokeh quality, and reliable eye detection autofocus (AF). The Olympus FE-47’s small sensor and fixed lens limit background blur and depth separation; its contrast AF lacks face or eye detection, making precise focus on eyes hit-or-miss. The Sony NEX-F3, with APS-C sensor and compatible fast prime lenses, delivers creamier bokeh and generally more accurate selective AF - though no eye AF here, as it’s an older model. Skin tones look natural and pleasing on the Sony, favored by enthusiasts seeking characterful portraits.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution are paramount for landscapes to capture intricate gradation and texture. The large APS-C sensor and 16MP resolution of the Sony produce more detailed, vibrant images with better recovered highlights and shadows. The Olympus’s 14MP CCD sensor and smaller size result in less flexibility for composition crops and lower fidelity in RAW (which it lacks entirely), constraining post processing latitude.

Weather sealing absence hurts both for rough outdoor conditions. Lens versatility on the Sony also aids landscapes, offering ultrawide options (which FE-47’s fixed 36mm equivalent zoom cannot match).

Wildlife Photography

Speed and accuracy of autofocus combined with burst rate and telephoto reach define wildlife success. The Olympus’s low burst performance and fixed 180mm equivalent lens max out its reach. Contrast-detection AF struggles with fast-moving subjects.

The Sony’s 6 fps burst and interchangeable telephoto zooms paired with more responsive AF give it a clear edge here, though the NEX-F3’s AF tracking is somewhat basic by modern standards. For serious wildlife shooters, this is entry level.

Sports Photography

Precision AF and rapid frame rates matter most. The Olympus FE-47’s lack of continuous AF and unclear burst rating means it falls short of tracking moving athletes.

Sony’s 6 fps burst and continuous AF offer basic but usable sports shooting capacity, combined with flexible lens options to adapt focal length, though its AF tracking is not state-of-the-art.

Street Photography

The Olympus’s compact, lightweight form helps it blend into scenes and reduces intimidation factor - ideal for candid street captures. However, the lens speed and fixed zoom limit creative framing, and the small LCD hinders checking image details discreetly.

Sony NEX-F3 is bigger but still relatively portable, with a silent electronic shutter option absent here but useful for street shooters who crave discretion. Tilting LCD aids unusual angles, and faster lenses provide flexibility in low light or tight spaces.

Macro Photography

Olympus offers 3 cm macro focusing, which is respectable for a compact. However, lack of image stabilization and fixed lens design limit close-up creativity.

Sony’s interchangeable lenses include dedicated macro options and superior focusing precision, backed by APS-C sensor detail. For macro enthusiasts, the NEX-F3 setup is more future proof.

Night/Astro Photography

Low light performance hinges on sensor size, noise control, and long exposure features. Olympus’s ISO ceiling of 1600 and noisy CCD sensor limit its night shooting capability; no bulb mode is present.

Sony with APS-C sensor, ISO up to 16000, and shutter speeds extending to 30s unlocks more ambitious night or astro endeavors, though it lacks specific astro timers or in-built noise reduction features seen in modern cameras.

Video Capabilities

Olympus caps video at 640 x 480 VGA resolution at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format. This is firmly snapshot-quality video, suitable for casual moments only.

Sony NEX-F3, on the other hand, records full HD 1080p video at 60 and 24 fps with AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats, which is highly respectable for the era. Although neither has microphone input or advanced stabilization, the Sony is considerably better for creative video use.

Travel Photography

Portability and versatility combine here. Olympus, through compact size and AA battery convenience, suits travelers needing simple operation.

Sony NEX-F3 offers better image quality, lens flexibility, and battery endurance, at a modest weight and size trade-off. My recommendation? Serious travelers who value image quality and creative control will prefer the Sony.

Professional Work

Professional photographers will find both cameras lacking. Olympus’s limited controls, small sensor, and JPEG-only output do not meet professional needs. Sony’s RAW support, manual modes, and expandable lens system make it a better choice for experimentation or backup use, but its consumer-grade build and lack of advanced autofocus limit its appeal as a main pro camera.

Olympus FE 47 front Olympus FE 47 screen back Sony NEX F3 front Sony NEX F3 screen back

Performance Ratings and Summary

Below, I distilled performance across categories and overall scoring from my testing and reference DXO ratings (where available). While Olympus FE-47 lacks formal DXO testing, the Sony NEX-F3 scores 73 overall with a color depth of 22.7 bits and dynamic range of 12.3 EV - a solid showing for an entry-level mirrorless.

A deeper look at specific genres illustrates the Sony's consistent advantage in creative control, image quality, and speed. Olympus serves casual shooters best.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Olympus FE-47 – Who Should Buy?

• Casual snapshot photographers who want a small, pocketable camera.
• Travelers preferring universally available AA batteries.
• Beginners or seniors looking for simple point-and-shoot without fuss.
• Budget-conscious users not demanding interchangeable lenses or RAW

This compact does its job as a lightweight, intuitive shooter but struggles beyond well-lit daytime scenes.

Sony NEX-F3 – Who Should Invest?

• Enthusiasts interested in growing a mirrorless system.
• Photographers prioritizing image quality, RAW capability, and manual control.
• Users who want flexibility with lenses for portraits, landscapes, macro, or video.
• Budget-conscious hobbyists wanting an affordable entry into APS-C mirrorless gear.

Though lacking some modern autofocus refinements, the NEX-F3 offers serious photographic potential for its price point.

In closing, comparing the Olympus FE-47 and Sony NEX-F3 underscores a fundamental lesson in camera selection: portability and simplicity on the one hand, versus creative control and performance on the other. I encourage stepping back and reflecting on your shooting style - are you after quick ease or a platform for growth? Both cameras have stories to tell, but the Sony writes a longer, richer one.

Happy shooting!