Olympus FE-5010 vs Sony A560: A Detailed Camera Battle for Every Photographer

Choosing the right camera can feel overwhelming - especially when you’re comparing two vastly different models like the Olympus FE-5010 compact and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A560. Each represents a distinct segment of the photography market, offering unique capabilities, limitations, and intended users. Our in-depth comparison draws from hands-on testing and technical analysis to help you decide which camera suits your creative journey best.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Compact Convenience Meets DSLR Presence

When you hold the Olympus FE-5010 in your hand, you're immediately aware that this is a pocket-friendly companion designed for grab-and-go simplicity. Its slim profile and lightweight build shine for casual shooting and travel convenience.

In sharp contrast, the Sony A560 carries the distinctive heft and grip of an entry-level DSLR - larger and more substantial, making a statement about control and flexibility.

Key Takeaways:

Expert Insight: The Olympus is ideal if you prioritize portability - for street photography or everyday snapshots. The Sony’s heft supports stability, especially with longer lenses, suited for more deliberate shooting.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Photography

Sensor Size and Resolution Contrast

At the core of image quality is sensor technology. The Olympus FE-5010 uses a modest 1/2.3" CCD sensor with 12MP resolution, typical of point-and-shoot cameras from its era. Meanwhile, the Sony A560 boasts a significantly larger APS-C CMOS sensor offering 14MP native resolution.

Impact on Images:

• Olympus FE-5010: Small sensor translates to limited dynamic range, more noise in low light, and less control over depth of field.
• Sony A560: Larger sensor allows superior image sharpness, better color depth (22.5 bits in DxOMark tests), and high dynamic range (~12.3 EV), enabling improved shadow and highlight details.

Real-World Testing Notes:

• The Olympus struggles with noise beyond ISO 400, and its max ISO of 1600 is relatively low.
• The Sony preserves fine detail even at ISO 1600–3200, pushing further with ISO 12800 for emergency low-light use.

Summary: If image quality is priority number one, especially in challenging lighting, the Sony’s sensor clearly outperforms. The Olympus fits more casual use with good results under bright conditions.

Design and Controls: Navigating Your Creativity

Screen and Interface Usability

The Olympus FE-5010 sports a fixed 2.7" LCD with just 230k dots, offering basic image review and framing. Its interface eschews manual mode or advanced exposure controls, reflecting its aim at beginner or casual users.

In contrast, the Sony A560 features a 3" tilting LCD at 922k resolution, making composition more versatile - especially for macro or video work. Physical controls are plentiful, including dials and buttons for shutter priority, aperture priority, manual modes, and customizable white balance.

Advantages:

• Olympus: Simple, straightforward menus with minimal buttons reduce learning curve.
• Sony: More buttons and dials mean faster access to settings for experienced photographers.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed

Responsive AF vs Basic Contrast Detection

Autofocus technology defines how well your camera locks onto subjects - crucial in fast-paced environments like wildlife or sports photography.

• Olympus FE-5010: Basic contrast-detection AF with single-area focusing only, no face or animal eye detection. Focus can feel sluggish and prone to hunting in low light.
• Sony A560: A 15-point phase-detection AF system combining contrast detection, including selective AF and face detection for reliable subject tracking.

Burst Rates and Shutter Speeds

• Olympus lacks continuous burst shooting capabilities, limiting it to single shot mode.
• Sony shoots up to 5fps continuous, beneficial for action and sports shots.
• Shutter ranges also differ: Olympus maxes at 1/2000s; Sony pushes to 1/4000s for freezing fast action.

Testing Tip: For action photography, Sony’s AF speed and burst rate deliver decisive advantages.

Lens Systems and Compatibility

Fixed vs Interchangeable Lenses

A major divergence is in lens flexibility:

Why It Matters:

The Olympus’s fixed lens means you’re limited in framing and creative control. The Sony enables you to customize lenses to fit portraits, landscapes, telephoto wildlife, or macro photography, opening creative opportunities.

Build Quality and Environmental Considerations

Weather Sealing and Durability

Olympus claims some environmental sealing for the FE-5010, though it is not fully weatherproof or shockproof. Sony A560 lacks weather sealing but is built robustly to withstand typical DSLR use.

Lens and Body Durability:

• Olympus being compact is delicate in rough conditions.
• Sony DSLR bodies withstand heavier lenses and can be paired with weather-sealed glass for outdoor work.

Battery Life and Storage

Stamina and Flexibility in Shooting

Sony’s long battery life is a game-changer for long shoots or travel without frequent recharging. Olympus’s modest battery may require more frequent swaps.

Video Capabilities

Basic Video vs Full HD Recording

• Olympus FE-5010: Offers simple VGA-quality video (640x480) at 30fps, MPEG motion JPEG format, no mic port.
• Sony A560: Full HD 1080p at 60fps, AVCHD/MPEG-4 format, with an external microphone input improving audio quality.

For vloggers or multimedia creators, Sony’s video features open up possibilities for quality footage.

Specialty Photography: Who Wins in Each Genre?

Portrait Photography

• Sony A560: Larger sensor and interchangeable lenses produce superior skin tone rendition and creamy bokeh. Face detection AF enhances eye sharpness.
• Olympus FE-5010: Limited aperture and sensor size restrict bokeh quality and dynamic range.

Landscape Photography

• Sony A560: High dynamic range and better ISO performance capture rich detail in shadows and highlights.
• Olympus FE-5010: Smaller sensor and limited manual control challenge complex lighting.

Wildlife and Sports

• Sony A560: Faster AF, burst mode, and telephoto lens options make it the go-to camera.
• Olympus FE-5010: Fixed zoom and slower AF limit tracking moving subjects.

Street and Travel Photography

• Olympus FE-5010: Compactness and light weight favor discreet shooting and portability.
• Sony A560: Bulkier but offers versatility for different subjects and quality.

Macro and Night Photography

• Sony A560: Macro lenses and higher ISO range enable close-up and night scenes.
• Olympus FE-5010: Built-in macro mode to 3cm but limited by sensor and lens speed.

Sample Images: Visual Proof Points

Let’s look at some real photographs taken in similar conditions to visualize differences:

Olympus FE 5010 front Olympus FE 5010 screen back Sony A560 front Sony A560 screen back

Observations:

• Sony photos demonstrate superior sharpness, color depth, and noise handling.
• Olympus photos are adequate for casual use but lack fine detail and low-light clarity.

Ratings and Performance Summary

Our overall testing scores evaluate technical prowess and practical shooting:

Specialized Photography Scores: Genre Performance Breakdown

Here’s a closer look at how each camera fares across photography genres:

• Portraits, Wildlife, Sports heavily favor Sony for quality and speed.
• Street and Travel emphasize Olympus’s compactness and simplicity.
• Macro and Night photography see advantages in Sony’s sensor and lens options.

Connectivity and Extras

• Olympus FE-5010 lacks wireless or NFC.
• Sony A560 supports Eye-Fi wireless card connectivity and HDMI output, catering to modern workflows.

Price and Value Consideration

*Prices may vary with second-hand availability.

At a fraction of the price, the Olympus makes an attractive budget choice for beginners or casual shooters. Sony’s higher cost reflects its advanced capabilities and adaptability for serious photographers.

Final Recommendations: Which Camera Fits You?

Choose Olympus FE-5010 If You:

• Want a simple, ultra-portable camera for everyday snapshots.
• Are on a tight budget but crave basic zoom and image stabilization.
• Prefer point-and-shoot ease without manual complexities.
• Mostly shoot in well-lit environments and don't need RAW files.

Choose Sony A560 If You:

• Desire superior image quality and creative control with interchangeable lenses.
• Need fast autofocus and higher burst rates for wildlife, sports, and action.
• Plan to shoot videos in Full HD with quality audio input.
• Value long battery life for extended outdoor shoots.
• Are ready to invest in a camera system with room to grow.

Expert Tip: Test Before You Buy

Every photographer’s needs are different. If possible, try handling both cameras in-store or via rental to feel their ergonomics and menus. Also, factor in accessories like lenses (Sony) or memory cards - they impact your total investment.

Wrapping Up

Our side-by-side exploration reveals two cameras targeting widely different users. The Olympus FE-5010 is a lightweight, budget-friendly compact ideal for casual shooters prioritizing portability. The Sony A560 offers advanced features, superior technical performance, and lens flexibility for enthusiasts stepping into serious DSLR photography.

Whichever path you choose, both tools can ignite your creative journey - whether capturing family memories on the go or crafting fine art images.

By focusing on hands-on testing, technical specs, and practical use cases, this comparison aims to clarify which camera matches your style and aspirations. For further exploration, check out manufacturers’ sites and sample galleries online.

Happy shooting!