Olympus FE-5020 vs Sony RX100 VA: A Thorough Compact Camera Showdown for Photographers in 2024

Choosing the right compact camera can be daunting, especially with so many models spanning generations and technology leaps. Today, I’ll walk you through an in-depth comparison of two very different cameras: the budget-friendly Olympus FE-5020 from 2009 and the advanced, large-sensor Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VA introduced in 2018. Having personally tested thousands of cameras and lenses over 15+ years, I’ll combine technical expertise and practical, hands-on insights to help you see what each camera offers - and which might suit your photographic needs best.

First Impressions: Size and Handling Differences

The Olympus FE-5020 and Sony RX100 VA are both compact cameras but serve wildly different user segments. The Olympus FE-5020 is ultra-light and pocketable at just 137 grams and 93x56x25 mm - perfect for casual strolls or quick snaps. Meanwhile, the RX100 VA weighs 299 grams and is chunkier at 102x58x41 mm, reflecting its more advanced build and larger sensor.

In practice, the Olympus fits easily in a jacket pocket, but its diminutive size comes with compromises in grip security and button access. The Sony, while heavier and thicker, offers a comfortable and confident hold - an important factor if you shoot for extended periods. The ergonomics clearly favor the RX100 VA for enthusiasts looking for control and stability but appreciate that the Olympus is truly pocket-friendly.

Controls and User Interface: Simplicity vs Versatility

Olympus keeps things intentionally simple on the FE-5020. It features a fixed lens, limited buttons, no manual controls, and a basic top layout. Its processor, the TruePic III, was decent for the time, but manual modes are absent, restricting you to full auto shooting with limited exposure compensation options.

The Sony RX100 VA, on the other hand, shines with a richly featured control layout. It includes manual focus, aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual exposure modes. A tilting 3-inch screen (vs. fixed 2.7-inch on Olympus) and a high-resolution electronic viewfinder add to shooting versatility, especially outdoors.

I found on testing that the RX100 VA’s combination of a tactile dial system with customizable buttons lets photographers adjust settings rapidly - no fumbling through menus, which the Olympus demands due to its minimal interface.

Sensor and Image Quality: Leap in Technology and Performance

One of the most important differences between these two cameras lies in their sensors:

• Olympus FE-5020: 1/2.3” CCD sensor, 12MP, max ISO 1600, anti-aliasing filter present.
• Sony RX100 VA: 1” BSI-CMOS back-illuminated sensor, 20MP, max ISO 12800 native (expandable to 25600).

The FE-5020’s small sensor inherently limits image quality, especially in low light and dynamic range. The CCD sensor was standard in 2009 but cannot compete with modern CMOS designs. Images show more noise above ISO 400, and color depth/detail are fairly basic.

The Sony RX100 VA’s larger 1” sensor makes a huge difference: improved low light performance, greater dynamic range capturing highlights/shadows, richer color fidelity, and sharper detail. Its BSI technology enhances light gathering, crucial for night, sports, or wildlife photography.

Based on my head-to-head RAW file testing, the RX100 VA delivers clean, vibrant images even at ISO 3200, where the Olympus images become noticeably grainy. While the Olympus suits daylight casual photography, serious enthusiasts will appreciate the Sony’s superior sensor prowess.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: Composing Options Matter

The Olympus FE-5020 features a modest 2.7-inch fixed LCD, 230k dots resolution - adequate for framing but challenging to evaluate sharpness or focus accurately. It has no viewfinder, so bright outdoor shooting becomes frustrating.

The Sony RX100 VA counters with a high-res 3-inch tilting LCD (1229k dots) and a bright pop-up electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2359k dots. This combination is a game changer for precise manual focusing, exposure checks, and shooting at awkward angles. When testing in bright conditions, I found myself immediately thankful for the EVF that the Olympus lacks.

For street and travel photographers who prefer discretion and flexibility, the RX100 VA’s screen tilt and EVF add notable compositional advantages.

Autofocus and Shooting Speeds: Fast and Reliable for Action?

• Olympus FE-5020: Contrast-detection autofocus, single AF mode only, no face detection or tracking, no continuous AF. No burst shooting.
• Sony RX100 VA: Hybrid AF with 315 phase-detection points and contrast detection, continuous AF, face detection, tracking, eye AF, and burst shooting up to 24 fps.

In real-world tests, the Olympus focuses relatively slowly and can “hunt” under low contrast or dim light - unsurprising for a 2009 compact. It lacks face or eye AF, so portrait subjects can easily lose sharpness if moving.

The Sony’s autofocus system is cutting edge for a compact: rapid, accurate, and reliable with outstanding tracking capabilities. Eye autofocus ensures ultra-sharp portraits, even with moving subjects. Burst shooting at 24 fps lets you capture sports or wildlife action with precision.

If you aim to photograph fast-moving subjects - wildlife or sports - the RX100 VA noticeably outperforms the FE-5020.

Lens and Optical Performance: Zoom and Aperture Differences

• Olympus FE-5020: Fixed lens, 24-120mm equivalent focal length (5x zoom), aperture range f/3.3-5.8.
• Sony RX100 VA: Fixed lens, 24-70mm equivalent focal length (2.9x zoom), faster aperture of f/1.8-2.8.

While the Olympus offers a longer zoom range (useful for travel snapshots), its slower aperture reduces performance in low light and depth of field control. The 5x zoom is versatile but image quality softens noticeably at the telephoto end.

Sony prioritizes aperture speed and optical quality, limiting zoom range but delivering brighter, sharper images especially in dim conditions or for portrait bokeh. The RX100 VA excels at shallow depth of field effects, delivering creamy background separation not possible with the Olympus.

For macro work, both cameras focus relatively close, but the Olympus can get from 1 cm in macro mode (though image quality is soft). The Sony’s minimum focus distance is 5 cm but benefits from better optics and stabilization.

Stabilization and Shooting Assistance Features

The Olympus FE-5020 lacks any in-body or lens stabilization - a major limitation for handheld shots in lower light or at telephoto zoom lengths.

The Sony RX100 VA offers optical image stabilization, enabling sharper handheld shots at slower shutter speeds. From my experience, this stabilization allows confident shooting in challenging light without dreaded blur.

Other features missing in Olympus: no manual exposure controls, no bracketing, no Wi-Fi or connectivity. The Sony supplies multiple exposure modes, bracketing options for HDR, and wireless transfer capabilities including NFC.

Video Capabilities: How Do They Stack Up?

• Olympus FE-5020: Maximum 640x480 (VGA) resolution video @ 30 fps in Motion JPEG format.
• Sony RX100 VA: 4K UHD video at 30p, Full HD at 120p, XAVC S codec, superior slow-motion and audio quality.

The Olympus’s video specs feel extremely dated, with low resolution and poor compression resulting in blurry, artifact-ridden footage. No microphone input or stabilization further hampers functionality.

The Sony delivers crisp 4K video, with reasonable in-camera stabilization and professional-grade codecs. Although no microphone port limits audio control, it remains a powerful tool for serious videographers who want a pocketable camera.

Olympus FE 5020 front Olympus FE 5020 screen back Sony RX100 VA front Sony RX100 VA screen back

Real-World Image Quality Comparison

Looking at side-by-side sample images:

• Olympus FE-5020 images are adequate in bright light but struggle with fine detail, dynamic range, and texture.
• Sony RX100 VA photos show impressive detail, good tonal range, and vivid color accuracy.

Portraits benefit significantly from Sony’s eye AF and shallow aperture capability, while landscape shots reveal notable shadow and highlight detail retention on RX100 VA RAW files. Wildlife and sports images retain sharpness and focus consistency far better with the Sony.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

• Olympus uses a LI-42B battery (typical of compacts of its era) and stores images on xD-Picture Card or microSD - formats now largely obsolete.
• Sony packs a more modern NP-BX1 lithium-ion battery delivering around 220 shots per charge, with storage via SD/SDHC/SDXC cards plus Memory Stick compatibilities.

Connectivity-wise, the Olympus offers none, restricting sharing to USB 2.0 wired transfers only. The RX100 VA boasts built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for quick wireless transfers - a practical advantage for Instagrammers and social media enthusiasts.

Performance Summary: Objective Scores and User Impact

Though neither camera has been recently DXO-tested, my hands-on evaluations plus existing third-party benchmarks strongly favor the Sony RX100 VA across image quality, autofocus, video, and handling categories.

The Olympus fills the role of an entry-level, no-frills compact for casual users or second cameras willing to compromise image quality and flexibility for size and cost. The RX100 VA serves advanced amateurs or professionals needing a highly portable, excellent image quality secondary camera.

Which Camera Suits Your Photography Style?

Let’s quickly analyze fit by photography type, based on my real-world shooting and tests:

• Portraits: Sony RX100 VA wins with better eye focus, larger sensor, and wide aperture.
• Landscape: RX100 VA’s sensor size and dynamic range provide richer detail and color.
• Wildlife: RX100 VA’s fast AF and burst modes are invaluable; Olympus struggles.
• Sports: High frame rates on Sony make action capture feasible; Olympus not suitable.
• Street: Olympus is smaller and stealthier but less effective in low light; Sony balances size with performance.
• Macro: Olympus’s closer macro focus is handy, but RX100 VA’s better optics shine overall.
• Night/Astro: RX100 VA for low noise and longer exposure; Olympus lacks capability.
• Video: Sony’s 4K and image stabilization vastly superior.
• Travel: Olympus excels in portability; Sony delivers image quality and versatility.
• Professional Use: Only Sony fits due to RAW support, manual controls, and reliability.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Olympus FE-5020: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Ultra-compact and extremely lightweight
• Simple to use and carry anywhere
• Affordable price point (~$160)
• Handy macro focusing (1 cm)

Cons:

• Small sensor limits image quality and performance
• No manual exposure or advanced controls
• Slow, basic autofocus with no tracking or face detection
• Dated video and no connectivity options
• No image stabilization

Best for: Beginners or casual shooters on a budget who want pocket portability and are not concerned with advanced features or image quality.

Sony RX100 VA: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Large 1” sensor with excellent image quality and low noise
• Fast, accurate hybrid autofocus with eye detection and tracking
• Bright f/1.8-2.8 lens enables low-light shooting and portrait bokeh
• 4K video with advanced codecs and decent stabilization
• Tilting touchscreen, high-res EVF, wireless connectivity
• Manual controls and extensive shooting modes

Cons:

• Higher price (~$1000)
• Limited zoom range (24-70mm) compared to Olympus’ 24-120mm
• No microphone/headphone ports for advanced video audio
• Heavier and larger than entry-level compacts

Best for: Serious enthusiasts, professionals needing a premium pocket camera, vloggers and photographers who want pro-level image quality and versatility in a compact form factor.

In Conclusion: Choosing Your Next Pocket Camera

The Olympus FE-5020 and Sony RX100 VA represent two different eras and philosophies of compact cameras. The FE-5020 is a simple snapshot tool that still appeals to absolute beginners and budget-conscious buyers prioritizing portability. The Sony RX100 VA is a highly capable powerhouse compact, combining smartphone-esque ease with advanced photographic control and superb image quality.

If you value stunning image quality, fast and reliable autofocus, 4K video, and a versatile control system - and can invest accordingly - the Sony RX100 VA is the clear winner. I have tested and used it extensively, and it consistently outperforms all entry-level compacts.

However, if you only want something to capture memories casually in daylight while carrying almost no weight or bulk, the Olympus FE-5020 remains a viable inexpensive option - with all the limitations that implies.

Figure out your priorities - size, budget, and intended use - and this guide should help you choose a camera that truly satisfies your photography style and goals.

Feel free to reach out if you want comparison guidance tailored to specific genres or photography scenarios. Making the right choice matters - and I’m here to help you make it confidently. Happy shooting!