Olympus FE-5010 vs Olympus VR-320: A Deep Dive Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right compact camera can be a surprisingly intricate decision, especially when looking at models that share a brand heritage yet serve slightly different needs. Today, we’re putting two Olympus compacts head-to-head: the Olympus FE-5010 and the Olympus VR-320. Both were released within a couple of years of each other and target the casual photographer who appreciates portability, affordability, and convenience - but with some distinct feature differences.

Drawing from years of hands-on testing across various disciplines, we’ll help you understand which camera could best serve your photographic style and ambitions. Let’s break down the technical details, real-world use, and value proposition of each.

Getting Familiar: A Quick Specs Rundown

Before we delve into how each model performs in the field, here’s an at-a-glance specs comparison to orient the discussion:

The FE-5010 leans toward a straightforward compact with moderate zoom, while the VR-320 is a superzoom camera boasting a much longer lens but slightly larger and heavier frame.

Ergonomics and Handling: Bigger Zoom vs. Compact Convenience

In practical use, the Olympus FE-5010 feels exceptionally light and pocketable - perfect if your priority is always carrying a camera without added bulk. The slim 21mm thickness allows it to slip neatly into a jacket pocket or small purse. However, its smaller form means tighter grip surface and fewer physical controls, a tradeoff for ultra portability.

The VR-320, on the other hand, while not bulkier than many superzooms of its era, is noticeably thicker and heavier. Its additional lens reach necessitates a larger body and deeper grip, which improves comfort during extended shooting sessions, particularly when zoomed in. The VR-320 also features a slightly larger 3-inch TFT LCD, making image review easier and more pleasant - a small but valuable factor when out shooting.

From an operational standpoint, both cameras minimize complexities: no manual focus rings, no full manual exposure control, and no electronic viewfinders. Exposure modes and adjustments are automatic or semi-automatic only. The VR-320 adds face detection autofocus, a helpful plus in many real-world situations for sharper portraits and group shots.

Sensor and Image Quality: How Much Difference Does Two MP Matter?

Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3” CCD sensor, Olympus’ typical choice for compact cameras of this era. The sensor size is modest, translating into some limitations for noise performance and dynamic range, especially under challenging lighting.

The FE-5010 offers 12 megapixels, while the VR-320 ups that to 14 megapixels, offering a slight resolution boost. What does this mean in pictures? At base ISO, images from the VR-320 show marginally more detail and can handle a slightly wider dynamic range. The sensor dimension difference is negligible, but the VR-320’s newer TruePic III processor contributes to more refined noise control and color rendering.

Both sensors include an anti-aliasing filter to reduce moiré but at the cost of the ultimate sharpness, standard for this camera class.

In real-world testing, for landscape or still-life photography, the VR-320 does provide slightly cleaner images with more accurate colors and better subtlety in tone transitions. The FE-5010’s output, while perfectly adequate for casual use and online sharing, struggles more in low light or high contrast scenes.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Which Will Catch Your Moment?

Autofocus on both models is contrast detection only, the go-to technology for compact cameras but slower than DSLR or mirrorless phase detection systems.

• FE-5010: Basic autofocus with no face detection or tracking. Focus is single-shot, confirmed visually by the green indicator.
• VR-320: Adds face detection AF and a multi-area AF mode, improving focus acquisition on portraits and moving subjects.

Neither offers continuous autofocus or rapid burst shooting, limiting their application in sports or wildlife. In my hands-on experience, the VR-320 locks focus noticeably faster, especially when shooting portraits or casual moving subjects, thanks to its face detection. The FE-5010’s focus can feel hesitant and slower to lock under lower light.

Display and Viewfinder: Checking Your Shots

Neither camera features an electronic viewfinder - a feature not common in this compact class at their release times. You rely on the rear LCD.

• The FE-5010’s 2.7-inch LCD is adequate but noticeably smaller.
• The VR-320 features a slightly bigger 3-inch TFT screen with the same resolution, making it easier to review images, frame shots precisely, and navigate menus.

Screen visibility outdoors can be a struggle for both, but the VR-320’s newer screen performs moderately better under bright sunlight due to improved panel tech.

Zoom Lens Versatility: How Far and Wide Can You Shoot?

Lens focal lengths often define a camera’s possible disciplines.

• FE-5010 lenses: 36-180 mm equivalent (5x zoom range), which is ideal for standard day-to-day shooting, casual portraits, and basic travel photography. The aperture ranges from f/3.5 wide to f/5.6 telephoto.
• VR-320 lenses: 24-300 mm equivalent (a whopping 12.5x zoom), a considerable advantage for wildlife, sports, and landscape photographers needing flexibility in framing distant subjects. Aperture spans f/3.0 to f/5.9, slightly faster at the wide end for better low-light capability.

The macro focusing distance is significantly better on the VR-320, offering sharp pictures from just 1 cm away compared to FE-5010’s 3 cm, enhancing close-up and macro-friendly shooting opportunities.

This big zoom advantage on the VR-320 also brings weight and size penalties but opens a much broader range of photographic possibilities.

Image Stabilization: Steady Shots in Handheld Conditions

Both cameras employ sensor-shift image stabilization, uncommon at the time for compact cameras. This technology effectively compensates for camera shake, especially at longer focal lengths.

In practice, I found stabilization on the VR-320 to be slightly more effective, likely thanks to a newer system and coupling with a longer zoom lens, helping reduce blur from handshake during telephoto shots.

The FE-5010 stabilizer is competent for casual snapshots but struggles more in lower light or longer zoom settings.

Video Capabilities: Basic Recording with a Slight Edge

Neither camera aims to be a video powerhouse. Both shoot in Motion JPEG format, which occupies more storage space and has lower compression efficiency compared to modern codecs.

• FE-5010 maxes out at 640x480 @ 30fps.
• VR-320 significantly enhances video quality with 1280x720 (HD) @ 30fps, making it a more attractive choice for casual HD video capture.

Neither camera features microphone inputs or advanced video controls, limiting their appeal to vloggers or hybrid shooters. If video is a hobby or secondary function, the VR-320’s HD capability is a clear winner.

Durability and Weather Resistance: How Tough Are These Cameras?

Interestingly, the FE-5010 offers a degree of environmental sealing, unusual for compact cameras. While it’s not waterproof, dustproof, or shockproof, it gives some resistance to moisture and light dust exposure, a nice bonus for outdoor environments.

The VR-320 lacks environmental sealing, making it more vulnerable to rough conditions.

Storage and Battery

• FE-5010 uses Olympus’ proprietary xD-Picture Card or microSD with an adapter, which can be limiting as xD cards are now obsolete and less common.
• VR-320 uses SD/SDHC cards, the industry standard, meaning easier access to affordable storage.

Both cameras share the same battery model (LI-42B), and while neither specifies exact stamina, typical use will yield about 200-250 shots per charge, standard for small compacts.

Pricing and Value: Which One Makes More Sense?

At their launches, the FE-5010 was positioned as the budget-friendly entry-level compact at about $130, whereas the VR-320 came in closer to $180, reflecting its expanded feature set.

Given market availability today is limited, the key takeaway is value-for-money relative to your use case:

• The FE-5010 shines as an ultra-affordable, easy-to-use snapshot camera with modest zoom.
• The VR-320 offers better image quality, greater zoom, face detection, and HD video - for an approachable price if you want more flexibility and some creative options.

How Do These Cameras Perform Across Photography Genres?

Let’s consider how each model stacks up for your specific shooting interests:

Olympus FE 5010 front Olympus FE 5010 screen back Olympus VR 320 front Olympus VR 320 screen back

Portrait Photography

• VR-320’s face detection AF significantly improves in-focus portraits.
• Slightly higher resolution and better screen interface aid composition.
• FE-5010 is more limited - no face detection and slower AF.

Landscape Photography

• VR-320’s wider lens (24mm vs 36mm) captures more expansive scenes.
• Higher resolution benefits large prints.
• FE-5010’s weather sealing may appeal to outdoor use, but smaller zoom restricts framing options.

Wildlife Photography

• VR-320’s 300mm telephoto equivalent lens is essential - FE-5010 maxes at 180mm.
• Faster and more accurate AF on VR-320 improves capture rate.

Sports Photography

• Neither camera is ideal due to slow focus and limited burst modes.
• VR-320’s face detection aids in capturing stationary faces in quick shots.

Street Photography

• FE-5010’s smaller size affords more discretion.
• VR-320’s longer lens and better focusing give more framing options at a slight size cost.

Macro Photography

• VR-320’s 1cm macro focus distance wins by a wide margin.
• Both cameras lack focus bracketing or stacking features.

Night/Astro Photography

• Small sensors and limited ISO (max 1600) constrain both.
• No raw support, so processing flexibility is limited.

Video

• VR-320 offers 720p HD video; FE-5010 maxes at VGA.
• VR-320 is preferable for casual videography.

Travel Photography

• FE-5010’s compactness and weather sealing make it a durable travel companion.
• VR-320 offers more versatile zoom and better image quality, at modestly larger size and weight.

Professional Work

• Neither supports RAW, manual controls, or advanced workflow features.
• They suit casual or enthusiast needs rather than professional assignments.

Summarizing Their Strengths and Weaknesses

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose the Olympus FE-5010 if:

• You want a super-light, ultra-pocketable camera that’s straightforward to use.
• You prioritize budget and basic snapshot performance.
• You value a bit of environmental protection for shooting outdoors.
• You prefer minimal zoom range and plan mostly general photos and travel shots.
• You are OK with VGA-quality video for casual clips.

Choose the Olympus VR-320 if:

• You want more creative shooting options with a versatile superzoom lens.
• Portraits are important and face detection autofocus is a priority.
• You want higher resolution images and HD video recording.
• You prefer the convenience of standard SD card storage.
• You don’t mind a slightly larger, heavier camera for better zoom and controls.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Fit in Olympus’ Compact Legacy

While both cameras represent early 2010s compact technology with limitations by today’s standards, each meets specific user needs well. The FE-5010 is an elegant solution for the traveler or minimalist who wants easy, quick shots without fuss. The VR-320 offers more flexibility for those who want to explore wider photographic scenarios and value some modern touches like face detection and HD video.

Regardless of your choice, these Olympus models embody the brand’s ethos of accessible creativity. They offer snapshots into the way photography technology has evolved - with features still relevant to beginners and hobbyists wanting to build confidence before stepping up to more advanced gear.

Getting Started and Next Steps

I encourage you to try both cameras hands-on if possible. Feel the physical weight, check the menus, test the autofocus, and take some sample shots to see their image quality for yourself. Also consider:

• Accessories: extra batteries, SD cards (for VR-320), protective cases.
• Shooting styles: think about what you predominantly shoot and how each model meets that.
• Future growth: neither supports RAW or advanced controls, so if your photography evolves quickly, be ready for an upgrade.

With the right choice, you’ll have a compact companion that empowers you to capture moments with confidence and joy.

Happy shooting!