Olympus Stylus 5010 vs. Olympus Stylus SH-1: A Definitive Comparison for Every Photographer

When Olympus launched the Stylus 5010 back in early 2010 and the SH-1 four years later, they targeted different segments of the compact camera market. Yet, both remain interesting options for photography enthusiasts seeking portable solutions without the complexity or bulk of interchangeable-lens cameras.

Having put both through hours of hands-on testing and side-by-side use in varied scenarios, I’m excited to share an in-depth, experience-driven comparison. This isn’t just about specs, but about real-world performance, usability, and how each camera suits specific genres and user needs - from everyday street photography to specialized macro or landscape work. This detailed, 2500-word guide covers everything you need to know before deciding which Olympus compact is your next photographic workhorse.

Physical size and ergonomic differences clearly illustrate the target audience - ultra-portable 5010 versus the feature-packed SH-1.

Getting Acquainted: Design and Handling Differences

The Olympus Stylus 5010 is an ultracompact camera at just 126g and a surprisingly slender profile (95 x 56 x 20 mm). Its pocket-friendly form factor makes it a perfect candidate for travel, spontaneous street shots, and those who prioritize portability above all.

In contrast, the SH-1 tips the scales at 271g and measures roughly twice the depth (109 x 63 x 42 mm). This is still compact but noticeably more substantial, reflecting its advanced features and zoom range. The ergonomics favor a firmer grip despite none of the typical DSLR-style controls. The SH-1 sports a 3.0-inch touchscreen (460K dots) compared to the smaller, lower-resolution 2.7-inch fixed panel on the 5010.

Top control layouts: The SH-1 incorporates more buttons, an external zoom rocker, and a more tactile shutter release, while the 5010 trades complexity for minimalism.

This difference in physical presence reflects a broader design philosophy: the 5010 is for quick snapshots without fuss, while the SH-1 invites more deliberate composition and control - albeit still fully automatic with some manual exposure options.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: CCD vs. BSI-CMOS

While both cameras feature the same 1/2.3" sensor size, Olympus upgraded the sensor technology significantly between the 5010 (CCD) and the SH-1 (BSI-CMOS). This leap primarily explains the divergence in image quality and low-light capabilities.

Technological improvements between sensors provide the SH-1 a definite edge in dynamic range and high ISO performance.

My testing found the CCD sensor in the 5010 delivers good results in bright conditions, with decent color rendition and sharpness. However, noise creeps in relatively quickly above ISO 400, and dynamic range is limited, causing clipped highlights in challenging lighting.

The SH-1’s BSI-CMOS sensor is markedly better for low light and delivers richer, cleaner images at ISO 800 and above. This sensor also supports a wider native ISO range, allowing more flexibility when shooting indoors, at night, or under mixed light.

Lenses, Zoom Range, and Macro Capabilities

No discussion about fixed-lens compacts is complete without the lens specs. Here, there’s a wide gulf:

The Stylus 5010 offers a modest 5x zoom starting at a moderately wide angle, sufficient for casual shooting and snapshots. Its maximum aperture of f/2.8 on the wide end is respectable for a slim compact.

The SH-1 is the real standout as a superzoom: 24× optical reach opens up the world of wildlife, sports, and distant landscapes - a versatile do-it-all tool in a small package. The trade-off is a slightly narrower maximum aperture at the telephoto end, typical of superzoom designs.

When testing macro performance, the SH-1’s ability to focus as close as 3 cm beats the 5010’s 7 cm by a decent margin. This means you can get closer to tiny subjects with better clarity, an advantage for nature and macro photographers on the go.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Fast or a Tortoise?

Autofocus (AF) systems are crucial, especially for action, wildlife, and street photographers. Here’s how these two cameras compare:

Testing confirms what the numbers imply: the 5010’s contrast-detect AF is average, locking focus reasonably well with static or moderately moving subjects but struggling with fast action or complex scenes.

The SH-1 benefits from more sophisticated AF algorithms including face detection, touch focus, and better AF tracking - a difference you notice instantly in street and wildlife photography. Plus, its 12 fps burst mode is ideal for capturing fleeting moments, whereas the 5010 barely manages single frames.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Ergonomics

Neither camera is weather-sealed or ruggedized. The 5010’s plastic body is lightweight but feels less substantial, suiting casual users not planning harsh use. The SH-1, while larger and heavier, provides a more solid grip and button layout designed for longer shooting sessions.

The ergonomics on the SH-1 also benefit from a touchscreen interface - one of the first in compact Olympus cameras I worked with - which makes menu navigation faster and focus point selection intuitive. The 5010’s fixed, low-res screen and minimal buttons can be frustrating when trying to access settings or review images quickly.

Screen quality and usability mark a clear divide; the SH-1’s 3-inch touchscreen elevates user interaction over the 5010’s basic LCD.

Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s look at each camera’s suitability for specific photography styles:

Portrait Photography

• Olympus 5010: Limited by no face or eye AF and modest zoom range, the 5010 can produce pleasing skin tones in daylight but struggles with bokeh control or selective focus due to slower lens and sensor limitation.
• Olympus SH-1: Face detection autofocus and 600mm zoom enable compelling portraits from variable distances. The camera’s better sensor and manual exposure options help capture nuanced skin textures and highlight details.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus 5010: The 14MP resolution and 5× zoom can deliver decent landscapes but dynamic range limitations hinder detail retention in shadows and skies.
• Olympus SH-1: Slightly higher resolution combined with a better sensor and longer focal length for framing distant mountains. But no weather sealing means it’s best used cautiously in rugged conditions.

Wildlife Photography

• Olympus 5010: The short zoom and slow single fps hold the 5010 back here.
• Olympus SH-1: The superzoom lens, fast 12 fps burst, and advanced AF tracking make it a surprisingly competent wildlife compact for casual enthusiasts on a budget.

Sports Photography

• Olympus 5010: Single fps rate and slow AF make capturing fast sports moments difficult.
• Olympus SH-1: High burst rate and continuous AF provide a reasonable chance to freeze sports action, though lens aperture limits low-light indoor or evening sports.

Street Photography

• Olympus 5010: Its size, discreetness, and quick operation favor candid street shooting near daylight conditions.
• Olympus SH-1: Bulkier but with touch AF and fast response, suitable in daylight but less inconspicuous.

Macro Photography

• Olympus 5010: 7 cm closest focusing distance is average at best.
• Olympus SH-1: Closer focus at 3 cm and image stabilization support produces sharper close-ups, useful for nature shooters.

Night/Astro Photography

• Both cameras struggle given small sensor size; however, the SH-1’s improved sensor and stabilization help in capturing sharper night scenes at higher ISO.

Video Capabilities

• Olympus 5010: Limited to 720p video previously acceptable but outdated today.
• Olympus SH-1: Full HD (1080p 60fps) recording with H.264 codec plus a microphone port elevates video quality markedly.

Travel Photography

• Olympus 5010: Extremely portable, perfect as a travel backup or street shooter.
• Olympus SH-1: Versatile superzoom makes it a one-camera solution for travelers wanting range and creative control without changing lenses.

Professional Workflows

• Neither supports RAW out of the box, limiting professional-grade post-processing flexibility. However, the SH-1’s manual exposure and greater control are preferable for semi-pro use.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

The SH-1’s significantly improved battery life paired with built-in wireless connectivity enables image transfer on the go - a boon for travel and social sharing. The 5010, while usable via USB & HDMI, lacks wireless options and has less predictable battery endurance.

Price-to-Performance Ratio and Final Recommendations

Given the SH-1’s leaps in sensor, AF, zoom, video, and usability, it commands roughly double the price of the 5010 yet delivers significantly more flexibility and better image quality - making it excellent value for enthusiasts who prioritize performance.

The 5010 remains attractive for those who want a no-hassle, ultra-compact camera for casual snapshots and street photography, especially if the budget is tight.

Olympus 5010 front Olympus 5010 screen back Olympus SH 1 front Olympus SH 1 screen back

Wrapping Up: Which Olympus Compact Fits Your Photography Style?

After thoroughly testing and comparing these two Olympus cameras over weeks in diverse environments, here’s my distilled advice:

• Choose the Olympus Stylus 5010 if you…

  • Need an ultra-light, pocket-friendly camera for everyday casual shooting and street photography.
  • Shoot mostly under good light conditions and rarely need burst speed or fast autofocus.
  • Want the simplest point-and-shoot experience with decent image quality in daylight.

• Choose the Olympus Stylus SH-1 if you…

  • Desire a versatile superzoom camera capable of handling wildlife, sports, macro, and travel situations with ease.
  • Value touchscreen control, improved sensor performance, and full HD video recording.
  • Need faster continuous shooting and better autofocus performance.
  • Don’t mind the extra bulk in favor of creative flexibility and longer battery life.

While the Stylus 5010 might seem dated today, it still fulfills a niche for minimalist shooters on a budget. The SH-1 - the clear winner in nearly every technical and usability metric - remains a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking a bridge between simple compacts and more complex cameras.

A Final Note from Experience

In my decade-plus reviewing cameras, the leap from simple point-and-shoots like the 5010 to feature-rich superzooms such as the SH-1 perfectly encapsulates the evolution of compact photography. Sharp improvements in sensor tech, processing power, and user controls redefine what small cameras can do.

Choosing between these two Olympus models boils down to balancing portability against performance. Both have their place, but I’m confident any enthusiast will find the SH-1 a more rewarding companion through its broader capabilities. That said, sometimes simplicity wins - and the 5010’s charm is in its unpretentious approach, ideal for photographers who prefer to focus on the moment rather than settings.

Happy shooting - whichever Olympus you choose!