Olympus 5010 vs Panasonic FP1: A Hands-On Ultracompact Camera Face-Off

Choosing the right ultracompact camera in today’s crowded market can feel a bit like finding a needle in a haystack - especially when cameras launched around the same era share near-identical specs on paper. The 2010-released Olympus Stylus 5010 (“Olympus 5010” for short) and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1 (“Panasonic FP1”) are excellent case studies, each packing sensor, lens, and feature sets refined for casual users but with subtle differences that real-world use reveals in detail.

Having tested both extensively across diverse photographic scenarios, I share an in-depth comparison today focusing not just on specs - but how these specs translate into performance, ergonomics, and usability. Alongside technical analysis, I’ll draw from hands-on shooting experiences that highlight the cameras’ true character and where one might tip the scales for specific photographic needs.

Physical Design & User Handling: Compact Comfort in the Palm of Your Hand

At ultracompact size, both cameras emphasize portability, aiming to be discreet yet functional travel companions.

If we hold these two side-by-side, the Olympus 5010 is slightly smaller and thinner (95 x 56 x 20 mm at 126g) compared to the Panasonic FP1’s 99 x 59 x 19 mm and 151g. While both fit comfortably in a jacket or even a pants pocket, that weight difference is tangible when holding the camera for long periods - Olympus’ steroid-lite approach makes it more comfortable for casual street or travel photography sessions.

Ergonomically, the 5010’s rounded edges and slightly textured body give it a secure grip, which many users will find reassuring despite the absence of a pronounced grip. The Panasonic FP1, by contrast, favors a more angular form, feeling a bit more rigid but less contoured for natural handholding.

Looking at their control layouts, both cameras keep things minimal with fixed 2.7" LCDs (230k dots), no electronic viewfinders, and simple button arrangements. The Olympus lacks dedicated exposure or manual control buttons, reflecting its point-and-shoot targeting; the Panasonic does offer a few more customizable options, including manual white balance - a small but meaningful boon for enthusiasts who want a touch more control over image coloration.

Button placement is logical on both: the shutter release is comfortable and placid, but neither supports touchscreen operation, which in 2010 was still emerging in compact cameras. Arguably, the 5010’s controls feel slightly more intuitive for first-timers, though professionals accustomed to more buttons may find both somewhat Spartan.

Sensor and Image Quality: More Than Megapixels

Both cameras deploy 1/2.3" CCD sensors measuring 6.08 x 4.56 mm (27.72 mm²), Olympus packing 14MP and Panasonic 12MP resolution. The slight resolution advantage for the Olympus could suggest finer detail shots, but sensor size and image processing quality also heavily influence overall performance.

The TruePic III processor inside the Olympus 5010, while several generations behind modern tech, remains competent for noise control and color fidelity at base ISOs (64 native). However, the 5010 tops out at ISO 3200 with no boost, which introduces grain early and limits low-light versatility.

Conversely, the Panasonic FP1 leans on its Venus Engine IV processor, enabling a higher ISO ceiling of 6400 native, thus offering more room for shooting in dim conditions, albeit with increasing noise. That said, both cameras struggle significantly with image noise above ISO 400, demonstrating the era’s CCD sensitivity limitations.

Color reproduction between the two is subtly different: Olympus favors punchier colors with a slight warmth, ideal for portraits and indoor scenes, whereas Panasonic’s color is more neutral, which suits users preferring authentic renderings to post-process adjustments.

Both cameras include an anti-aliasing filter, smoothing fine detail to avoid moiré but slightly reducing sharpness. In practice, Olympus delivers somewhat crisper images at base ISO, helpful for landscapes or macro scenes, while Panasonic’s marginally softer output trades sharpness for less aggressive noise suppression.

Lens & Optical Performance: Zoom and Aperture in Action

Ultracompacts often carry fixed zoom lenses - and here the choices reflect differing priorities.

• Olympus 5010: 26-130mm equivalent focal length (5x zoom) with maximum aperture range F2.8-6.5
• Panasonic FP1: 35-140mm equivalent (4x zoom) at F3.5-5.9 maximum aperture

The Olympus lens opens wider on the short end (26mm versus 35mm), offering more versatility for wide-angle shots - think landscapes or tight indoor shots - plus a faster aperture at the wide end aiding in low light and shallow depth of field.

Panasonic’s lens, while less wide, extends further telephoto, favoring portraits and distant subjects, but its slower aperture means less light gathering capacity, which restricts action in dim conditions.

The Olympus also boasts a closer macro focusing distance of 7cm, compared to Panasonic’s 10cm, giving closer-up detail shots a slight edge.

Optical image stabilization differs too:

• Olympus 5010: Sensor-shift (body-based) stabilization
• Panasonic FP1: Optical stabilization (lens-based)

Sensor-shift stabilization in Olympus provides steadier shots at slower shutter speeds and benefits all focal lengths equally, while the Panasonic’s lens-based system may be more optimized for specific zoom ranges but less uniformly effective.

In real-world use, both cameras’ stabilization systems noticeably reduce camera shake in handheld shooting at lower shutter speeds, but Olympus' sensor-shift feels more versatile in mixed zoom conditions.

Autofocus: Speed and Accuracy in Ultracompacts

Both units rely solely on contrast-detection autofocus (AF), the common standard in ultracomps of the period, with no phase-detection pixels or dedicated AF sensors.

• Olympus 5010: Supports single AF, tracking AF (though rudimentary), and multi-area AF
• Panasonic FP1: Offers single AF with 9 AF points and multi-area AF, but no tracking

Interestingly, Olympus claims AF tracking, a rarity for fixed lens compacts, though its practical effectiveness is limited and tends to lag on fast-moving subjects. Panasonic’s 9-point system allows users slight flexibility in composing without refocusing the center each time.

AF speed on both cameras is adequate for casual shooting but visibly sluggish under low contrast or poor lighting. Neither supports manual focus or focus peaking, constraining creative control.

For wildlife or sports photography, this means neither camera excels, though Panasonic’s higher continuous shooting burst (6 fps) slightly compensates by allowing more chances to grab a sharp shot, exceeding Olympus’ 1 fps continuous rate.

Video Capabilities: Basic, Yet Functional

Both cameras record HD video but with modest specifications:

• Olympus 5010: 720p at 30 fps, MPEG-AVI Motion JPEG format
• Panasonic FP1: 720p at 30 fps, same Motion JPEG format

Neither camera includes external microphone or headphone jacks, limiting sound control. Stabilization continues to function in video mode on both, with Olympus’ sensor-shift offering smoother results during handheld clips.

While video quality is acceptable for casual sharing, compression artifacts and lack of advanced codecs restrict professional video work. Frame rates max at 30fps; no 4K or advanced slow motion is supported, reflecting technology limits in 2010’s ultracompacts.

Viewing Experience: LCD Screens Only, No Viewfinders

Neither camera features an electronic viewfinder, making the rear display critical for composition.

Both the Olympus and Panasonic FP1 pack identical 2.7" fixed LCD screens with 230k-dot resolution. Images appear bright and colorful in daylight, but the relatively low resolution and modest brightness hinder outdoor visibility in strong sun.

Neither display supports touchscreen control, so menus and focus point selection rely on physical buttons - slowing operation. Olympus’ interface is straightforward, emphasizing quick access to basic exposure and scene modes, while Panasonic offers more menu depth, including custom white balance and aspect ratio changes.

Battery Life & Storage: Compact but Limited

Both cameras utilize rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with proprietary models (Olympus Li-50B; Panasonic’s exact model less documented). In practice, you can expect roughly 200-250 shots per charge, average for ultracomps of the era.

Storage-wise:

• Olympus: Uses SD/SDHC cards plus internal memory
• Panasonic: Supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards plus internal storage (less common)

The addition of SDXC support gives Panasonic an edge for photographers wanting large capacity cards and extended shooting without swapping media. Neither camera offers dual card slots or advanced file saving options.

Connectivity and Extras: Barebones but Functional

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC, unsurprisingly for the time.

Olympus supports HDMI output, enabling easy slide show playback on compatible TVs with high-definition video - but lacks USB 3.0 or fast transfer options, sticking with USB 2.0.

Panasonic omits HDMI, reflecting a more basic connectivity scope.

Flash options on both cameras are similar, with built-in units offering modes like Auto, Red-eye reduction, fill-flash, and manual On/Off controls. Flash ranges are comparable (~4.7-4.9 meters).

Durability and Weather Sealing: Not Built for Extremes

Neither camera sports weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock resistance. Their ultracompact plastic constructions prioritize lightness over ruggedness, so users will want to exercise care in harsh environments or inclement weather.

In-Field Tests: How They Perform in Real Photography Genres

Let's shift gears from specs to field experience across typical photographic disciplines.

Portraits: Rendering Skin and Details

Both cameras struggle with shallow depth of field owing to small sensors and moderate aperture lenses. However, the Olympus 5010’s wider 26mm and brighter F2.8 aperture helps create a more natural bokeh at short distances.

Skin tones captured by Olympus skew slightly warm and pleasant, while Panasonic offers cooler, more clinical hues - more faithful but less flattering.

Neither supports face or eye detection, so manual focus placement and framing remain essential.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Landscape shooters benefit from Olympus’ 14MP sensor yielding more detail, critical to retain fine foliage or intricate textures. In bright sunlight, both cameras render strong dynamic range with minor shadow clipping; however, shadows tend to block up at higher ISOs.

The 5010’s wider lens angle also facilitates more dramatic vistas without resorting to panorama stitching, unlike Panasonic’s narrower 35mm starting point.

Wildlife: Autofocus and Telephoto Reach

Panasonic’s 140mm telephoto allows somewhat better framing of distant subjects, but autofocus latency and hunting frequently cause missed shots of wildlife in motion.

Olympus falls short in extended reach at 130mm but stabilizes images better. Continuous shooting speeds severely constrain burst-based action capture, particularly for Olympus at only 1 fps.

Sports: Tracking Fast Movement

With a 6 fps continuous burst rate, Panasonic effectively shoots quick sequences, even though AF tracking remains basic. Olympus’ 1 fps burst makes sports nearly impossible to capture well, relegating it to casual stills.

Low-light AF on both cameras is sluggish, largely limiting action shots to well-lit environments.

Street Photography: Discreet and Ready

Here, Olympus’s lighter weight and smaller size mean it’s easier to carry all day unnoticed, enabling candid shots with minimal intrusion.

Panasonic’s longer lens can be more obtrusive, though offers more reach for distant street scenes.

Silent shutter operation is unavailable on both, so shutter noise is a factor in quiet environments.

Macro Close-Ups: Focusing Detail

Olympus’s closer 7cm macro ability and wider aperture allow better subject isolation and sharper close-ups; Panasonic’s 10cm minimum focus is a tad less versatile.

Stabilization helps both achieve steady hand-held shots at such close distances.

Night & Astro: Handling Darker Scenes

With ISO ceiling advantage (6400 vs 3200), Panasonic seems a better low-light candidate but noise rises swiftly past ISO 400.

Long exposure support (up to 4 seconds for Olympus vs 1/60 lowest shutter on Panasonic) favors Olympus for astro and night photography.

Neither camera supports bulb mode or has built-in intervalometers for star trails or timed exposures.

Video Shooting: Casual Creativity

Video quality is roughly equal, but Olympus benefits from HDMI out for fast playback.

Limited manual control and basic sound inputs restrict creative video use.

The Verdict - Performance Summaries & Recommendations

To wrap up, let’s view overall marks from our hands-on assessments across key performance categories:

And genre-specific strengths visualized here:

Finally, some sample photos displaying color, detail, and dynamic range from both cameras:

Olympus 5010 front Olympus 5010 screen back Panasonic FP1 front Panasonic FP1 screen back

Who Should Consider the Olympus 5010?

• Casual photographers and travelers desiring a compact, lightweight tool for stills with a more flexible zoom range and pleasant color rendering
• Portrait and landscape enthusiasts wanting a versatile wide-angle perspective and acceptable image quality for social sharing
• Users who prefer slightly faster aperture glass and steadier sensor-shift stabilization for hand-held shooting
• Those who value HDMI output for quick image review on HDTVs

Its limitations include very slow continuous shooting and limited low light capability; thus, prompt action or advanced shooting is out of its comfort zone.

Who Might Prefer the Panasonic FP1?

• Photography lovers motivated by telephoto reach and faster burst shooting (6 fps) for casual wildlife or sports sequences
• Users requiring higher ISO ceiling up to 6400 for more low-light flexibility, assuming willingness to accept noise
• Hobbyists wanting adjustable white balance and the flexibility of multiple aspect ratios (4:3, 3:2, 16:9)
• Photographers with large memory needs benefitting from SDXC card support
• Those who find Panasonic’s more angular body and solid feel preferable, despite heavier weight

Remaining Considerations: Price & Longevity

Both cameras launched around the $150 mark, placing them firmly in budget ultracompact territory. Given their age and discontinued status, availability will depend on used or clearance stock.

Neither supports RAW file capture - an expected compromise for ultracompacts - and connectivity is basic. Battery life is limited but comparable.

Final Thoughts: Age-Appropriate Ultracompacts with Narrow Niches

The Olympus Stylus 5010 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1 are siblings from a decade ago in the ultracompact realm, offering marginal yet meaningful differences to specific photographic uses.

Olympus 5010 caters to lovers of portability, color warmth, and wide-angle versatility, while Panasonic FP1 targets users needing faster burst rates and higher ISO options in a slightly heavier chassis.

If forced to pick one for everyday travel and casual shooting, I lean toward the Olympus 5010 for its lighter build, sensor-shift image stabilization, and sharper wide-angle lens - qualities adding up to greater shooting comfort and image fidelity in most conditions.

But for enthusiasts who want a bit more telephoto reach and flexibility in shooting speed, Panasonic FP1 remains an attractive alternative, especially if you shoot in higher-ISO scenarios often and value customizable white balance.

Both cameras remind us how far point-and-shoot sensors and processors have evolved since 2010 - yet they remain testaments to thoughtful design geared toward casual but rewarding photography experiences.

For those shelling out around $150 on a secondary compact or collectors nostalgic for this era, either camera can be a fun, capable tool provided you understand and accept their inherent limitations.

Thank you for joining me on this detailed comparison! If you have any questions or want hands-on tips for either camera, feel free to reach out - I’m always happy to talk camera tech and share insights from the field.