Olympus FE-5020 vs Samsung WB250F: Two Compacts from Different Eras Face Off

In the world of compact cameras, the temptation to upgrade often hinges on the latest tech bells and whistles - bigger zooms, snazzier video, or slicker touchscreens. But how does an older, simpler model like the Olympus FE-5020 (circa 2009) really hold up against a later contender like the Samsung WB250F (2013)? As someone who's logged thousands of hours testing cameras from toy compacts to pro monsters, I’m excited to unpack these two small sensor compacts that sit near opposite ends of the compact zoom spectrum.

This in-depth comparison looks past specs lists and marketing hype, and dives (sometimes quite literally) into real-world performance across a broad range of photography types and scenarios. Ready to see which one suits your style, skill, or budget better? Let’s start with a quick size and design face-off.

Ergonomics and Build: Pocket-Friendly or Hand-Cramping?

Size and handling can make or break the shooting experience - especially with compact cameras designed to slip into a pocket or purse. The FE-5020 is petite, light, and minimalist by design, prioritizing straightforward point-and-shoot simplicity. The Samsung WB250F, meanwhile, is a bit chunkier - thanks largely to its hefty 18× zoom lens.

Looking at the numbers, the Olympus FE-5020 measures a trim 93x56x25 mm and weighs a mere 137 grams - barely more than a deck of cards. Its minimal controls suit casual snapshots, but don’t expect pro-level grip or customization. On the other hand, the WB250F is noticeably larger at 106x62x22 mm, weighing 226 grams, reflecting its advanced zoom and feature set.

In practice, the FE-5020 feels unobtrusive in hand, great for quick snaps or travel when you don’t want to scream “camera guy” to street passersby. But the tiny body and buttons do make longer shooting sessions a bit more fiddly. The WB250F’s bigger grip and dedicated buttons lend themselves well to enthusiasts who want more control - and who don't mind carrying a bit extra weight for it.

Peering from above, you’ll spot the FE-5020’s minimalist, almost toy-like button layout - not much room for dial play here. Conversely, the WB250F includes shutter priority, aperture priority modes, manual exposure, exposure compensation, and even autofocus area selection. This control richness lets you tailor settings on the fly - a boon when lighting or subject matter shifts fast.

Build Quality & Weather Resistance

You’ll notice the Olympus FE-5020 claims some environmental sealing, though specifics are sparse. In daily use, it held up well against occasional light drizzle and dust, but don’t count on it in rugged conditions. Samsung’s WB250F lacks weather sealing, which isn’t surprising given its consumer target but somewhat disappointing considering its travel-oriented zoom.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensors in the Ring

Both cameras pack a 1/2.3" sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, with nearly identical sensor areas (~28 mm²). But the sensor technology and resolution tell a tale of evolution.

The Olympus FE-5020 uses an older CCD sensor boasting 12 megapixels at a maximum resolution of 3968×2976. CCD tech was known for better highlight roll-off but generally higher power consumption and lower ISO performance.

Meanwhile, the Samsung WB250F sports a more modern Backside Illuminated CMOS sensor with 14 megapixels at 4320×3240 resolution. BSI-CMOS sensors typically deliver better low-light sensitivity and faster readout speeds, which translate into cleaner images at higher ISO and quicker autofocus.

Real-World Image Quality: What’s in the Frame?

From my hands-on testing with both cameras, the WB250F clearly pulls ahead with sharper detail rendition and less noise at ISOs as low as 100, up to a maximum native ISO of 3200 (compared to FE-5020’s ISO 64-1600 range). Color saturation is lively yet faithful on the Samsung, while Olympus images tend toward a softer, more muted palette - pleasant for casual use, but lacking pop for serious prints.

Granted, neither camera offers RAW capture, so you’re somewhat married to their JPEG processing pipelines. The FE-5020’s TruePic III processor was competent for its time but can’t compete with Samsung’s refinement in noise reduction and color rendering, especially noticeable in shadow recovery and mid-tone gradation.

Image Stabilization?

Olympus’s FE-5020 disappoints here - it lacks image stabilization, meaning handheld shots at longer focal lengths or in dim light require super steady hands or a tripod. The Samsung WB250F, however, features optical image stabilization (OIS), which reduces blur significantly, especially impressive given its hefty 18× zoom.

LCDs and User Interface: Peeking at the Preview

Both cameras forego electronic viewfinders, relying entirely on their LCD screens.

The FE-5020 includes a modestly sized 2.7-inch fixed screen at 230k dots - sufficient for basic framing but less handy in bright sunlight or for reviewing fine detail. The WB250F offers a larger 3-inch 460k dot TFT touchscreen, providing sharper previews, easier menu navigation, and even touch focus.

This leap in interface technology can make a surprising difference if you enjoy fiddling with settings on the fly or reviewing shots critically - a big plus for enthusiasts with learning curves or extended shooting sessions.

Zoom and Lens Performance: The Heart of Compact Appeal

Here’s where these two cameras truly diverge: their zoom ranges.

The FE-5020 houses a 24–120 mm equivalent zoom (5×), starting at a generous wide angle, but topping out modestly. This range covers casual snapshots, landscape panoramas, and modest portraits nicely. The maximum aperture ranges between f/3.3 and f/5.8, which is standard fare in this class.

The WB250F ups the ante with a massive 24–432 mm equivalent zoom - an 18× optical zoom! This opens up stellar opportunities to photograph wildlife, distant architecture, or reach into hard-to-get scenes without changing lenses. Aperture ranges from f/3.2 to f/5.8, in line with expectations.

How Do These Zooms Perform in Practice?

Olympus FE-5020’s smoother, simpler 5× zoom excels at general use - notably sharp and decently uniform across the range, with solid corner performance. Because it’s less ambitious, it’s easier to manage, and combined with no image stabilization, shot composition demands some care to avoid blur.

Samsung WB250F’s 18× Superzoom is noisier - and here’s where experience counts. At the telephoto end, softness and chromatic aberrations creep in, but OIS helps salvage a respectable image quality even at full zoom, enabling shots you just couldn’t get with the FE-5020.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

Neither camera features cutting-edge autofocus systems by modern standards, but let’s unpack the differences.

The FE-5020’s focus system is contrast-detection only without face or tracking capabilities. It offers a single autofocus mode - not a candidate for fast-moving subjects or tricky light, but adequate for static or posed shots.

Conversely, the WB250F adds face detection and autofocus tracking, helpful in following subjects (think kids or pets). Even so, the autofocus motor is relatively slow compared to DSLR or mirrorless standards, and hunting in low light can be tedious.

Continuous shooting is another stark difference:

• Olympus FE-5020: Does not support continuous burst shooting - a dealbreaker for sports or wildlife - even a modest continuous mode is missing.
• Samsung WB250F: Offers an 8 FPS burst mode at full resolution, respectable for a compact and occasionally handy for fast action.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

How do these cameras flex across different photography disciplines? Consider this a practical sanity check.

Portraits

Skin tones come out more natural on the WB250F thanks to improved processing and wider ISO range. Its face detection helps nail focus on eyes - a big advantage for candid or moving subjects. The FE-5020’s softer JPEGs can offer a pleasingly gentle look but lack versatility. Regarding bokeh, with small sensors and narrow apertures, neither camera excels in background blur - though the FE-5020’s shorter zoom range slightly favors shallow depth of field.

Landscapes

Both cameras offer solid wide-angle coverage at 24mm equivalent. The WB250F’s superior resolution produces crisper detail in trees and skies. However, the Olympus's environmental sealing gives it a minor edge for shooting in light adverse conditions. That said, neither boasts significant weatherproofing, so keep rain gear handy.

Wildlife & Sports

Samsung outshines here, thanks to its superzoom and burst shooting capability. The Olympus FE-5020, with no continuous mode and slower AF, struggles to capture action - better suited for still subjects or relaxed sightseeing shots. The WB250F’s tracking AF and 8 FPS burst add pragmatic utility in the field.

Street Photography

For street shooters, size and discreetness matter. The Olympus FE-5020’s diminutive size makes it a good pocket companion for street candid shots, even if the operation is slower. The Samsung is bulkier and louder, which could draw unwanted attention. Both cameras lack particularly fast exposure or silent shutter modes, which enthusiasts appreciate for street work.

Macro Photography

The Olympus boasts an impressively close 1 cm macro focus range - capable of snapping tiny details with commendable sharpness. The Samsung lacks macro specs but can focus decently close on normal zoom settings. Neither have focus stacking or advanced macro aides.

Night and Astro Photography

Neither camera loves high-ISO or bulb exposures, but the Samsung’s CMOS sensor and ISO 3200 ceiling give it a fighting chance in dim light. The Olympus can only stretch to ISO 1600 and suffers in noise. Neither model supports advanced astro modes or long-exposure manual control.

Video

In video, Samsung clearly leads: Full HD 1080p at 30 FPS, with H.264 compression delivers smooth, decent-quality footage for casual use. Olympus offers VGA (640x480) at a mere 30 FPS in Motion JPEG format - very limited, even by 2009 standards. Neither camera has microphone or headphone ports, so audio quality is best for casual recording only.

Travel Photography

Because travel photography demands versatility and portability, both cameras bring some positives and trade-offs.

The FE-5020 wins on size, weight, and ease of carrying, while the Samsung delivers much more zoom reach, superior image quality, and more flexible controls.

Technical Deep Dive: Build, Storage, Connectivity, and Battery

Let's quickly round out this comparison with some nuts-and-bolts tech takeaways - noticing the devil’s in the details when it comes to everyday usability.

• Build Quality: Neither camera is rugged or highly weather-sealed, but the Olympus has a slight edge in environmental sealing.
• Storage: FE-5020 uses xD-Picture Card or microSD cards, a bit outdated and less convenient today; Samsung WB250F uses the common SD/SDHC/SDXC types - universally compatible and fast.
• Battery: Both use proprietary lithium-ion batteries (LI-42B for Olympus); official battery life figures are scarce, but the Samsung’s bigger body theoretically allows for longer shooting sessions.
• Connectivity: Samsung WB250F has built-in Wi-Fi allowing wireless image transfer - still a novelty back in 2013. Olympus FE-5020 lacks wireless features entirely.
• Ports: Both cameras miss HDMI and microphone ports; only USB 2.0 for data transfer.

So when it comes to plugging in and sharing, the Samsung WB250F feels more up to date, appealing to shooters who want hassle-free connectivity on trips.

Scoring the Contenders: How Do They Stack Up?

While exact DxOMark scores aren't available for either, my testing and analysis places the Samsung WB250F significantly ahead across most criteria, including image quality, zoom versatility, autofocus, and features. However, the FE-5020 does retain a charm for lightweight simplicity, excellent macro close-focusing, and rugged-ishness that some users may prioritize over cutting-edge specs.

Olympus FE 5020 front Olympus FE 5020 screen back Samsung WB250F front Samsung WB250F screen back

Looking at real sample images under varying conditions, you'll note a clear edge for the WB250F in sharpness, color accuracy, and low-light handling. The Olympus still produces decent everyday snapshots with a charmingly un-fussy color palette but falls short for larger prints or more demanding scenarios.

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Olympus FE-5020 if:

• You want a compact, lightweight camera for casual shooting.
• Macro photography close-ups are your jam.
• You don’t need zoom beyond 5× or advanced controls.
• You need basic environmental durability.
• Your budget is tight (the FE-5020 is significantly cheaper).
• You prioritize simplicity over bells and whistles.

Choose the Samsung WB250F if:

• You desire a powerful superzoom from 24–432 mm for wildlife, travel, or sports.
• Enhanced image quality, higher resolution, and better low light IQ matter.
• You want face detection, autofocus tracking, and burst shooting.
• You appreciate a larger, brighter touchscreen LCD with touch controls.
• You plan to shoot Full HD video with decent quality.
• Wireless image transfer is a plus for your workflow.
• You accept carrying a slightly larger, heavier camera for these benefits.

Final Thoughts: Does Older Mean Outdated?

The Olympus FE-5020 and Samsung WB250F represent two distinct philosophies of compact camera design, separated by a few years of technological advancement.

The 2009 Olympus is like that trusty, no-nonsense old scooter - easy, cheap to run, and adequate for the daily grind. The 2013 Samsung, by contrast, is more like a nimble, well-equipped crossover - offering versatility, power, and tech-savvy options if you're willing to carry a bit more weight.

Neither is a match for today’s mirrorless or smartphone cameras in dynamic range or speed, but they both serve well in their niches. Which one wins? It depends on your needs - and what you’re willing to live without.

Whether you prize pocketability and simplicity or crave zoom range and control, understanding the trade-offs helps you make the best choice for your photography journey.

Happy shooting!