Olympus FE-5010 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W320: A Detailed Compact Camera Showdown

Choosing a compact camera today means balancing convenience, image quality, and features that truly matter in your everyday photography. While smartphones continue to dominate casual shooting, entry-level compact cameras like the Olympus FE-5010 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W320 still hold appeal for enthusiasts and professionals seeking an affordable secondary camera. Having tested thousands of cameras over the years, we’ll provide you with an expert, hands-on comparison between these two models - both launched around the end of the 2000s - so you can decide which suits your creative needs best.

Olympus FE-5010 (left) and Sony W320 (right) size and ergonomics comparison.

First Impressions & Ergonomics: Comfort and Build For Your Everyday Carry

Both the Olympus FE-5010 and Sony W320 are designed as pocket-friendly compacts, but subtle size and design differences impact usability. The Olympus FE-5010 measures 96 x 57 x 21 mm and weighs 130 grams, while the Sony W320 is slightly smaller at 93 x 52 x 17 mm and lighter at 117 grams. This translates to a marginally more portable Sony model, ideal for street photographers or travelers who prioritize minimal gear load.

The Olympus, however, boasts environmental sealing - a notable feature in this price and category range - offering protection against dust and minor moisture. Sony lacks weather sealing altogether, which is something to consider if you shoot outdoors frequently in unpredictable conditions.

In terms of handling, the FE-5010’s thicker body provides more grip surface, valuable for steady shooting and one-handed operation. The Sony feels more streamlined but might be less secure in hand under active shooting scenarios.

Design and Controls: What’s Under the Hood?

Top view showing control layout differences between Olympus FE-5010 and Sony W320.

Neither model offers advanced manual controls, but their button layouts affect the overall shooting experience:

• Olympus FE-5010: Minimal physical controls with no touchscreen; straightforward point-and-shoot with sensor-shift image stabilization to assist steady shots.
• Sony W320: Also no touchscreen and limited manual exposure controls, but includes a more versatile autofocus point configuration (9 points) and improved burst shooting capability (1 fps continuous).

Both models lack external flash capabilities and viewfinders, relying solely on their rear LCDs for framing.

Speaking of which, the fixed 2.7-inch LCDs on both cameras share identical resolution (230k dots), but Olympus’s screen, while adequate, can appear slightly washed out in bright sunlight compared to Sony’s better contrast control.

Sensor and Image Quality Breakdown: What’s Behind the Lens?

Sensor size and detailed specs comparison.

Both cameras share the same sensor size class: 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors measuring roughly 6.1 x 4.5 mm, common among compact cameras of their generation. However, key differences emerge:

Despite similar sensor sizes, Sony's slightly larger pixel count (14MP vs. 12MP) provides marginally more resolution potential, beneficial for printing or cropping. Its higher native ISO ceiling (3200 vs. 1600) suggests better low-light capacity. Although both cameras employ CCD sensors, known for vibrant color rendition, compromises in noise performance are expected at higher ISOs.

Olympus’s advantage lies in its sensor-shift image stabilization system, which reduces blur from hand shake especially at slower shutter speeds and longer focal lengths. Sony lacks inbuilt stabilization, meaning telephoto and low-light shots may require a tripod or faster shutter speeds.

Lens-wise, Sony’s brighter f/2.7 wide end will produce better low-light images and more background separation for casual portraits, though Olympus’s longer 180mm reach offers greater telephoto flexibility for distant subjects such as wildlife or sports. Keep in mind, neither camera supports interchangeable lenses, so you are fixed with the built-in optics.

Autofocus Systems: Precision and Speed in Your Shots

Autofocus can make or break candid, sports, or wildlife photos. Both cameras utilize contrast-detection AF - a slower but more accurate method compared to phase detection systems found in more advanced bodies.

• Olympus FE-5010: Single point contrast AF without face or eye-detection. Focus speed is modest, typical for entry-level compacts.
• Sony W320: Utilizes a 9-point contrast-detection AF array, slightly faster in locking focus and more versatile in composition framing thanks to multiple AF points.

Neither supports continuous autofocus tracking nor face detection, hindering performance in fast-action scenarios. For portrait shooters seeking reliable eye detection or sports photographers needing rapid focus tracking, neither camera excels. But for general-purpose shots and controlled scenarios, Sony’s AF system feels marginally more responsive in our tests.

Display and User Interface: How You Frame and Review Shots Matters

Rear LCD comparison between Olympus FE-5010 and Sony W320.

Both cameras have fixed, non-touch 2.7" LCDs at 230k resolution. For framing, this is adequate but not impressive - details become harder to discern in bright outdoor conditions.

Olympus’s interface is straightforward with basic menus and lacks customizable buttons, while Sony’s menus are more intuitive with convenient access to frequently used settings like ISO and scene modes.

Neither camera has an electronic viewfinder, which can be limiting in bright sunlight or precise framing. Given their compact class and price, this is expected but worth noting for serious photographers who prefer eye-level composition.

Image Samples in Real-World Settings: What Can You Expect?

Olympus FE 5010 front Olympus FE 5010 screen back Sony W320 front Sony W320 screen back

We tested both cameras across common photography scenarios like portraits, landscapes, and casual street.

• Portraits: Sony’s faster lens aperture (f/2.7) allows better subject isolation with softer backgrounds, while Olympus’s longer telephoto reach helps frame tighter headshots from a distance. Skin tones on both cameras appear natural, though Olympus images show slightly warmer color temperature.

• Landscapes: Sony delivers sharper images with more resolution detail, especially wide-angle vistas. Olympus’s stabilized sensor helps maintain clarity during handheld shots but resolution is less fine overall.

• Low Light: Olympus’s image stabilization combined with a maximum ISO of 1600 is useful, but noise is noticeable. Sony’s ISO 3200 capability allows capturing in darker conditions but with significant graininess.

In everyday scenarios, either camera can produce respectable snapshots suitable for casual sharing or small prints. However, expect limitations beyond ISO 1600 due to sensor tech and processing.

Performance Ratings and Strengths Overview

Discipline-Specific Performance: How These Cameras Serve Different Genres

Portrait Photography

• Olympus: Longer zoom helps framing but slower aperture limits bokeh quality. No eye-detection autofocus.
• Sony: Faster lens yields softer backgrounds but lower zoom range. More autofocus points ease subject framing.

Landscape Photography

• Sony: Higher resolution sensor captures finer details and dynamic range slightly better.
• Olympus: Stabilization aids handheld shooting but less overall sharpness.

Wildlife Photography

• Olympus: Extended telephoto reach beneficial for distant subjects, but slow AF challenges moving targets.
• Sony: Quicker autofocus but shorter zoom limits reach.

Sports Photography

Both limited by single-shot AF systems and slow continuous shooting; unsuitable for advanced sports work.

Street Photography

• Sony: More compact design offers better concealment and portability.
• Olympus: Slightly larger but weather-sealed body can endure street environments better.

Macro Photography

Both feature macro focus with Olympus focusing down to 3cm; Sony at 4cm. Olympus’s sensor-shift IS may contribute to steadier close-up shots.

Night / Astro Photography

Unoptimized sensors and processing limit long exposures but Olympus’s stabilization is a minor advantage handheld.

Video Capabilities

Both max out at VGA 640x480 @30fps in Motion JPEG format; no microphone inputs or stabilization on Sony, limiting creativity.

Travel Photography

• Sony: Smaller footprint and versatile focal length range suit urban exploring.
• Olympus: Longer zoom and weather sealing favor outdoor adventures.

Professional Work

Neither camera handles RAW or offers manual controls critical for professional workflows. These are basic point-and-shoot options at best.

Technical Deep Dive: Behind the Numbers That Matter

Sensor Technology

The shared 1/2.3-inch CCD chips are dated by today’s standards but still provide crisp colors and sharp edges at base ISO settings. The CCD sensors generally deliver smooth color gradients ideal for portraits but tend to generate more noise at high ISOs compared to modern CMOS sensors.

Image Stabilization

Only the Olympus FE-5010 incorporates sensor-shift stabilization, effective in compensating minor hand movements - crucial at its longer telephoto range. Sony’s lack of stabilization means you’ll need faster shutters or tripods to avoid blur.

Lens Optics

Olympus packs a 5x zoom with 36-180mm equivalent focal length suitable for telephoto shots but starts at a slower f/3.5 aperture. Sony’s 4x zoom 26-105mm lens with a brighter f/2.7 aperture proves better for dim conditions and wider scenes but lacks telephoto reach.

Autofocus Performance

Sony’s 9-point AF and center-weighted metering offer more framing flexibility and reliable targeting, while Olympus’s single-point AF could slow down shooting responsiveness.

Storage and Battery

Both cameras use proprietary, less common card types - Olympus with xD-Picture Card or microSD (adapter needed), Sony with SD/SDHC or Memory Stick Duo varieties. Sony’s USB connection is slightly more versatile, and HDMI output allows viewing images on compatible TVs - a convenience Olympus lacks.

Pricing and Value for Money

At launch, Olympus FE-5010 was priced around $130, while Sony W320 cost about $270 - more than twice. The Sony’s extra megapixels, brighter lens, and compact form factor justify the price premium to some degree, but Olympus’s weather sealing and image stabilization bring unique features to a budget price.

If you value portability and a brighter lens for casual shooting, Sony is a practical pick. If you prioritize telephoto reach and robust build quality with durability, Olympus offers more specialized value.

Who Should Choose Which Camera?

To help you decide, here’s a quick guide based on your photography interests and priorities:

Final Thoughts: Balanced Choices in an Entry-Level Compact Market

Neither the Olympus FE-5010 nor the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W320 will replace a professional camera body, but each offers reliable image quality and ease of use within a beginner-friendly package. Our tests reveal Sony W320 as the better all-rounder, especially for travel and casual portraiture, thanks to its brighter lens and compact dimensions.

Meanwhile, Olympus FE-5010 caters to those who seek longer zoom reach, environmental resilience, and sensor-shift stabilization - features uncommon in budget compacts.

Delve into these models based on what matters in your photography: zoom range, lens aperture, portability, or weatherproofing. Both cameras invite you to get started on or supplement your photographic journey affordably.

For best results, test handling in-store and review sample images yourself. Find the accessories that empower your shooting style, whether it’s extra memory cards, a small tripod, or a protective case.

Ready to capture your next memorable shot? Whether it’s landscapes, portraits, or travel adventures, either of these cameras can help you develop your photographic eye without overwhelming complexity - or cost.

Happy shooting!