Olympus FE-5010 vs Pentax Optio S1: A Definitive Small Sensor Compact Camera Comparison

When it comes to small sensor compact cameras, two models that often surface in enthusiast discussions are the Olympus FE-5010 and the Pentax Optio S1. Both present compelling offerings in the realm of affordable, pocketable shooters, yet they cater to subtly different users and photographic demands. Having spent extensive hours testing these cameras in varied conditions - ranging from portrait sessions and wildlife tracking to street and night photography - I’m excited to share my comprehensive analysis rooted in hands-on experience, technical evaluation, and real-world scenarios.

Whether you’re a casual snapshooter considering an upgrade, a hobbyist needing a lightweight travel companion, or someone seeking a budget-friendly entry point into basic digital photography, this thorough side-by-side will help you make an informed choice.

First Impressions: Ergonomics and Physical Presence

Size, weight, and handling can make a surprising difference - especially for a compact intended for everyday carry.

At first glance, the Olympus FE-5010 presents as a notably smaller and lighter camera - just 96 x 57 x 21 mm, weighing 130 grams. The Pentax Optio S1, on the other hand, is bigger and chunkier at 114 x 58 x 28 mm and 157 grams. This difference may seem marginal on paper but becomes prominent in hand.

The FE-5010’s slim profile makes it a breeze to tuck into a pocket without bulk, favoring street photographers and travelers prioritizing discretion and mobility. Conversely, the Optio S1’s increased girth affords a slightly more substantial grip, which some find reassuring for stability, especially when shooting longer telephoto shots or macro subjects.

If ergonomics and portability rank highest on your list, Olympus scores a tight win here; but if a more confident, steadier hold is vital - especially in blur-sensitive situations - Pentax’s heft can be advantageous.

Design and Control Layout: How Intuitive Are These Compacts?

A compact’s physical form factor is just part of the usability equation - button placement, menus, and screen interaction shape the entire shooting experience.

Neither camera sports an electronic viewfinder - using the LCD as the sole framing tool - so the quality and responsiveness of controls are paramount.

• The Pentax S1 impresses with a slightly more conventional button array, including a dedicated directional pad with a center Set button, facilitating easier navigation through menus and quick adjustment. The inclusion of manual focus capability - though rudimentary - also provides a welcome nod to users seeking more creative control, which Olympus entirely omits.

• The Olympus FE-5010 features a more minimalistic approach, with fewer buttons and a simplified interface designed for point-and-shoot ease. This stripped-down setup is approachable but might frustrate those wanting more granular control or quicker access to functions.

In practice, I found Pentax’s control scheme better suited for enthusiasts who appreciate at least some manual intervention (such as manual focusing and white balance customization), while Olympus remains ideal for first-time users or those who prioritize simplicity.

Sensor and Image Quality Breakdown: Who Captures the Details Better?

Both cameras use one-inch type CCD sensors - an aging but still useful format during their era - with resolutions of 12 MP (Olympus) and 14 MP (Pentax) respectively.

From a pure numbers perspective, Pentax’s Optio S1 edges out with its 14-megapixel CCD, slightly larger sensor area at 28.07 mm² versus Olympus’s 27.72 mm², and a broader ISO range peaking at 6400 (albeit limited by noise). While raw support is absent in both, which constrains post-processing flexibility, each camera’s JPEG engine compensates differently.

Dynamic Range & Color Rendition: The Olympus tends to produce images with slightly more muted color saturation but handles highlights gently - ideal for scenes with complex lighting gradients like landscapes at sunrise or portraits outdoors. Pentax’s JPEGs are comparatively punchier, with bolder colors, making them favorable for vivid street scenes and casual snapshots. However, Pentax’s images can clip highlights more aggressively under harsh light, leading to occasional loss of detail.

Resolution and Detail: Testing side by side, Pentax’s extra megapixels provide a subtle bump in fine texture rendering, noticeable in foliage and architectural shots. Olympus holds its ground with reasonably sharp output but occasionally shows mild softness at the longest zoom end (180mm equivalent) compared to Pentax’s 140mm equivalent, where the Optio S1 retains clarity better.

High ISO & Noise Handling: Neither camera excels here, as expected from small sensor CCDs. Still, Pentax’s higher maximum ISO of 6400 is more of a marketing number; usable ISO tops out around 800 before noise becomes intrusive. Olympus caps at ISO 1600, but noise surprises on the lower side (ISO 100 - 400) are generally cleaner. Night and astro photography enthusiasts might find both limited, but Olympus's slightly cleaner low ISO performance is a subtle advantage.

In sum, Pentax has a nominal edge in resolution and aggressive color, while Olympus offers superior low ISO cleanliness and highlight retention.

The LCD Experience: Your Window to Composition

When you lack a viewfinder, the LCD screen becomes your sole framing counselor.

Both cameras sport 2.7-inch fixed LCDs with 230k-dot resolution, an acceptable standard for their release period but decidedly low-resolution by today’s metrics.

Pentax’s screen benefits from an anti-reflective coating, enhancing visibility in bright sunlight. Olympus retains a more basic finish, which can lead to reflections and make composition challenging outdoors. Neither display is touchscreen or articulating, restricting shooting angles somewhat, but both have live view for quick framing.

For real-world use, Pentax’s LCD proves marginally better in visibility and color fidelity, helping you review images more accurately on-site. This advantage pays dividends when shooting vibrant scenes where color preview is critical, such as floral macro or street photography.

Autofocus Systems: Keeping Shots Sharp in the Moment

Autofocus remains a decisive factor for small compacts, particularly for moving subjects in street or wildlife photography.

Both cameras employ contrast-detection autofocus, a staple technology in compact cameras prior to phase-detect sensor integration. But the Pentax S1 pulls ahead in several key areas:

• Focus Points: Pentax sports 9 autofocus points with multi-area and tracking capabilities, which is surprisingly complex for a camera of this class, allowing better subject tracking and framing flexibility. Olympus lacks designated focus points altogether and uses a more rudimentary center-weighted AF system, which hampers accuracy and speed in complex scenes.

• Manual Focus: Pentax includes a basic manual focus mode, allowing users to override AF and fine-tune focus manually - valuable for macro, product shots, or artistic control. Olympus offers no such option.

• Predictive Performance: During tracking tests, Pentax’s AF sustains subject focus better when shooting moving animals or children, delivering a satisfying success rate. Olympus’s AF may hunt under challenging lighting or moving object conditions, resulting in missed opportunities.

For wildlife, sports, and any fast-moving subject work, Pentax’s Optio S1 clearly outperforms the Olympus. Street photographers needing quiet, quick AF also favor Pentax here.

Zoom Lenses: Versatility in Focal Length and Aperture

Choosing the right lens zoom range on a compact is crucial since you’re locked into the built-in optics.

• Olympus FE-5010: Features a 36-180 mm equivalent 5x zoom with an aperture range of f/3.5-5.6. The longer telephoto reach benefits casual wildlife or sports shooters needing extra reach but comes at the expense of slower max aperture at the long end.

• Pentax Optio S1: Offers a slightly wider zoom, from 28-140 mm equivalent, aperture f/3.5-5.5. The wider angle is better suited for landscapes, group portraits, and architecture. The slightly faster aperture at telephoto may aid in low-light telephoto shooting.

For general versatility, Pentax’s wider end at 28mm is a big plus - allowing more expansive shots without stepping back, ideal for cramped indoor settings or sweeping landscapes.

Macro Photography: Getting Close and Personal

Macro performance can be a hidden gem in compact cameras. Both Olympus and Pentax claim impressive close focusing capabilities.

• Olympus offers a 3cm minimum focus distance, whereas Pentax pushes closer with a 1cm macro range. In practice, Pentax’s closer focus lets you capture intricate textures - like insect wings or flower petals - with more fill frame impact.

Focus precision in macro is paramount; the Pentax’s manual focus option and more accurate AF assist this well. Olympus’s simpler AF means it can struggle to lock exactly on delicate subjects at extreme close-ups.

If macro is an intentional pursuit, Pentax Optio S1 is the better choice.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability Considerations

Both cameras are positioned as consumer-grade compacts, but their build and resistance characteristics differ.

It's rare for such small compacts to boast environmental sealing. Olympus’s claim to dust and splash resistance is a standout feature, making it a safer option if you shoot outdoors in variable conditions - whether misty landscapes or urban street rain.

Pentax, lacking this, demands more care under adverse weather. However, the absence of ruggedness on both means neither is a rough-and-tumble hard-use tool.

Video Recording: Capability in Moving Images

Neither camera is designed with video as a primary function; however, it’s a frequently desired secondary feature.

• Olympus FE-5010: Offers VGA video at 640x480 pixels, 30 fps with Motion JPEG compression - basic, low-res, and outdated by today’s standards.

• Pentax Optio S1: Steps ahead with 1280x720 HD video at 30 fps, also Motion JPEG, allowing better-quality clips, albeit still rudimentary by modern 1080p-plus standards.

Neither has microphone or headphone ports, HDMI is only on Pentax, and no 4K or advanced video features exist. For casual short clips, Pentax’s HD video will be more satisfying.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Day-Long Shooting

Endurance matters on outings and travel.

• Olympus FE-5010: Uses a LI-42B rechargeable battery, but official battery life data is absent. Anecdotal experiences reflect limited capacity, suitable for around 150-200 shots per charge in typical usage.

• Pentax Optio S1: Equipped with the D-LI92 battery pack, rated for 260 shots per charge, which edges out Olympus’s endurance by a comfortable margin.

Regarding storage, Olympus is limited to xD-Picture Card and microSD (with an adapter), while Pentax uses universally popular SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with on-board internal memory - a major convenience advantage.

For travel photography, Pentax is more flexible and dependable out of the gate.

Connectivity and Modern Essentials

Neither camera offers Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC - a sign of their vintage release dates. USB 2.0 connectivity is standard for transferring photos.

Pentax integrates a mini HDMI output, a convenience missing on Olympus, for easier viewing on larger screens.

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

Now let’s translate specs and handling into practical photography disciplines. Please consult the detailed scores below for an at-a-glance look.

Portrait Photography

• Olympus FE-5010 struggles with AF precision and lacks face detection, meaning it can miss critical focus points on eyes and faces. Its 36mm wide angle limits environmental portrait creativity.
• Pentax Optio S1 offers 9 AF points with tracking, marginally better for eyes and facial focus despite no face detect. Wider 28mm focal length enables more versatile framing. Color response is punchier, boosting skin tone vibrancy but at the risk of saturation overshoot.

Winner: Pentax S1 for flexibility and focus control.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus’s environmental sealing and longer zoom favor varying scenes, plus more natural highlight control.
• Pentax’s wider 28mm base angle is crucial for expansive vistas; higher resolution retains detail better across crops.

Winner: Pentax for framing and resolution, Olympus for ruggedness. Pick based on your outdoor conditions.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

Neither intended as serious sport shooters, but Pentax’s faster focus and tracking give it a clear edge. The longer 180mm Olympus lens helps reach but is handicapped by slower and less accurate AF.

Winner: Pentax for AF and burst flexibility.

Street Photography

Olympus’s smaller size and lighter weight make it sneakier and less obtrusive. Pentax’s bigger footprint is more noticeable but delivers quicker AF.

Winner: Olympus for discretion, Pentax for speedy shooting.

Macro Photography

Pentax’s 1cm close focusing and manual focus control produce superior results.

Winner: Pentax clear-cut.

Night and Astro Photography

Neither impresses at high ISO, but Olympus’s cleaner low ISO performance and modest noise gives it a slight edge for static long exposures.

Video Use

Pentax’s HD is preferable for casual recording.

Travel and Professional Work

Pentax supports mainstream SD cards and longer battery life, while Olympus’s dust/splash resistance and compactness appeal to rugged travelers.

Sample Images in Real-World Use

To give you tangible sense, here are side-by-side photos from both cameras across critical scenarios including portraits, landscapes, and macro.

Olympus FE 5010 front Olympus FE 5010 screen back Pentax S1 front Pentax S1 screen back

Notice the increased sharpness and color saturation from Pentax in most frames but less highlight clipping from Olympus scenes.

Overall Performance Summary and Final Verdict

Our expert evaluation integrates technical analysis and real-world testing to deliver these final scores:

Who Should Buy the Olympus FE-5010?

• Users prioritizing the smallest possible footprint and lightweight for street and travel photography.
• Photographers shooting outdoors in environments where dust and moisture resistance matters.
• Budget-conscious buyers seeking straightforward, point-and-shoot simplicity.

Who Should Opt for the Pentax Optio S1?

• Enthusiasts who want more manual control, especially manual focus for macro.
• Shooters demanding better autofocus performance and tracking for active subjects.
• Users needing better battery life, storage flexibility, and higher resolution photos.
• Those who value wider-angle framing and improved video quality.

Concluding Thoughts: Two Distinct Approaches in Small Sensor Compact Cameras

While these two cameras may share category space and some specs, their distinct design philosophies and feature sets cater to divergent user needs. The Olympus FE-5010 stands out as a compact, rugged, no-frills point-and-shooter perfect for casual travel and outdoor conditions. Meanwhile, the Pentax Optio S1 offers more photographic versatility, manual controls, and technical advantages, ideal for hobbyists and entry-level enthusiasts wanting a little extra creative elbow room.

Neither will rival modern cameras in sensor performance or speed, but in their class and era, each serves admirable purposes with honest strengths built on a solid user experience tested through hours of real-world evaluation.

Choose wisely, knowing precisely what you expect from the small, pocketable camera in your photographic journey.

If you want a quick snapshot of which camera reigns supreme for your favored genre or need, refer to the genre-specific scores above and pick accordingly. Both cameras represent approachable gateways to digital photography, and your preferences - be it portability, control, or image quality - will steer your final decision.