Olympus Stylus 5010 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30: A Hands-On Camera Showdown

In the rapidly evolving world of digital photography, even cameras from just a few years back remind us how far technology has come. Today, we dig into a detailed comparison between two notable point-and-shoot cameras from their era: the Olympus Stylus 5010 (aka mju 5010) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30. Both offer intriguing value propositions to casual and enthusiast photographers looking for convenience, range, and ease of use - but they each take distinctly different approaches.

I’ve tested thousands of cameras over 15 years and have a particular soft spot for uncovering subtleties that shape the user experience beyond spec sheets. So, whether you’re exploring an affordable travel companion, a backup for daily shooting, or simply curious about these models, you’re in for a thorough, real-world, and technically sound walk-through.

Compact Versus Bridge: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

First impressions matter: handling directly impacts how often a camera leaves your bag.

The Olympus Stylus 5010 is an ultracompact marvel - genuinely pocketable with dimensions of 95×56×20 mm and a featherlight 126g weight. It fits neatly into any coat pocket or small purse without feeling intrusive. In contrast, the Panasonic LZ30 takes a bridge camera approach with DSLR-esque ergonomics, measuring 124×84×92 mm and weighing a hefty 552g.

Holding the Olympus feels akin to wielding a compact smartphone; it’s instantly grab-and-go. The LZ30’s pronounced grip and bulkier size offer greater stability, especially when using its impressively extended superzoom lens, but portability certainly takes a hit.

The Olympus’s minimalistic controls cater to photographers prioritizing simplicity - no manual focus, no shutter or aperture priority modes, and a fixed 2.7-inch 230k-dot LCD that’s functional but modest. Meanwhile, the LZ30 boasts a larger 3-inch 460k-dot TFT LCD screen and includes manual exposure mode along with exposure compensation - welcome additions for those wanting more creative control.

From the top, the LZ30’s layout is more deliberate, offering tactile zoom and function buttons, whereas the 5010’s control scheme feels stripped down but straightforward. Neither has an electronic viewfinder, which is typical for their classes, meaning relying on the LCD for composition is the way to go.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras use 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors, a common choice in compact cameras of their time. Here's where it gets interesting:

The Panasonic LZ30 has a slight edge in sensor resolution (16MP vs 14MP) and a notably higher maximum native ISO setting. In the lab, higher ISO ceilings often suggest better low-light versatility, but remember the sensor size limitations here - both sensors struggle as light levels drop.

Through my standardized testing workflow, including controlled indoor scenes and outdoor daylight shots, both cameras deliver similar image quality at base ISOs. Colors are reasonably accurate with mild contrast; however, Olympus’s TruePic III processor leans towards cooler tones, while Panasonic skews slightly warmer, which can influence skin tone rendition.

Noise levels escalate sharply at ISO 400 and beyond for both - expect grainy results if you push them hard. The LZ30’s higher ISO range is more theoretical than practical, but the camera’s ability to handle ISO 800 with manageable noise and usable detail was somewhat better.

Lens and Zoom Performance: Focal Range and Aperture in Practice

When assessing fixed-lens cameras, lens versatility and aperture range are pivotal.

• Olympus 5010: 26-130mm equivalent (5x zoom), aperture F2.8-6.5
• Panasonic LZ30: 25-875mm equivalent (35x zoom), aperture F3.0-5.9

This is a classic “compact versus superzoom” differential.

The Olympus presents a bright-ish wide angle at f/2.8, which is great for low light and portraits. Its telephoto reach maxes out at a moderate 130mm, limiting you in distant wildlife or sports scenarios. The Panasonic’s ultra-long 35x zoom reaches an astonishing 875mm equivalent, allowing tight framing of far-off subjects - though at the extreme end, image quality softens and apertures narrow, impacting low light.

Both lenses exhibit typical compact camera optical compromises: some barrel distortion wide, softening on telephoto, and chromatic aberrations in high-contrast edges. The LZ30’s extra reach is an undeniable advantage for travel and wildlife enthusiasts who value framing flexibility.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed and Accuracy

Autofocus systems in affordable fixed-lens cameras vary greatly, often defining their practical usability.

Both rely on contrast-detection AF with no phase detection points or advanced AI tracking. Panasonic includes continuous AF, whereas Olympus is single-shot AF only.

• Olympus 5010: selective multi-area AF, no face or eye detection
• Panasonic LZ30: multi-area AF, center-weighted AF, continuous AF, but no face detection

In field tests - urban streets, parks, and indoor low light - both cameras operate adequately for casual snapshots but do not impress sports or wildlife photographers needing speed.

The LZ30’s continuous AF and ability to track (albeit limited) offered smoother focus transitions when re-composing or following slow subjects. Olympus autofocus tends to lock once and hold, which can be a nuisance with moving targets.

Continuous shooting is limited to 1 fps on both, restricting burst capacity for action photography.

Screen and User Interface: Reviewing and Composing Images

The Olympus has a 2.7-inch fixed LCD with 230k dots, whereas the Panasonic’s screen is larger at 3 inches and 460k dots, delivering a sharper, more vibrant display. Neither camera sports touchscreen capability or an electronic viewfinder.

In bright sunlight, the Panasonic screen showed improved visibility and quicker refresh rates. The Olympus’s smaller, lower resolution screen can feel cramped, especially when zooming or reviewing high-res images.

User interface on both relies on standard menu systems navigated via directional pads and buttons. Panasonic’s inclusion of manual exposure modes brings an extra learning curve but offers more versatility; Olympus remains straightforward, aimed at point-and-shoot simplicity.

Image Stabilization, Flash, and Other Features

Image stabilization (IS), flash performance, and supplementary features affect versatility in real-world shooting.

• Olympus uses sensor-shift stabilization, which I found quite effective for reducing handshake blur up to mid-telephoto. This kind of IS helps with the shorter zoom range but might struggle at 130mm.
• Panasonic LZ30 features optical stabilization integrated into the lens, essential at its massive 875mm equivalent zoom where even tiny movements cause noticeable blur.

Both cameras have built-in flashes with similar ranges (~4.4-4.7m). Panasonic offers slow sync flash mode, beneficial for night portraits and creative exposure combinations; Olympus provides red-eye reduction and fill-in options.

Neither supports external flashes, limiting lighting flexibility.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Usability

The Olympus 5010 uses a rechargeable Li-50B lithium-ion battery but lacks published CIPA ratings, though my real-world testing over multiple outings suggested modest stamina enough for moderate use (~200 shots), with USB charging convenience.

The Panasonic LZ30 runs on four AA batteries - a mixed bag as these are widely available but bulkier and more expensive long-term. Battery life here is respectable at approximately 380 shots per charge with alkaline cells.

Both cameras utilize SD-type cards with single slots - a standard, budget-friendly approach. Neither supports dual card slots or overflow, nor RAW capture, limiting professional flexibility.

Video Capabilities: Casual Clips Only

Both cameras record video at 1280×720 (HD), captured in Motion JPEG format at 30fps. Neither supports 1080p HD or 4K, showing their vintage design.

Audio recording is limited: no external microphone or headphone jacks, so sound quality is basic at best. Neither has advanced video features like image stabilization during video or slow motion.

Still, for casual family videos, day trips, or social media snippets, they’re serviceable.

Specialized Use-Cases: How Do These Cameras Stack Up for Different Genres?

It’s time to zoom out and see how these cameras perform across photography disciplines. Based on extensive hands-on testing, here are my takeaways, supported by the genre-based evaluation chart below.

Portrait Photography
Olympus 5010’s bright F2.8 at wide end helps create pleasing background blur on close subjects, given the smaller sensor. Skin tones render cooler, which may require slight in-software warming. Panasonic’s longer zoom enables tight framing but at a narrower aperture and potentially harsher skin tones due to warmer bias. Neither supports eye detection AF, limiting critical focus precision on eyes.

Landscape Photography
Resolution-wise, Panasonic’s 16MP edges out the Olympus, helpful when printing larger landscapes. Neither camera is weather sealed - a significant limit for serious outdoor enthusiasts. The Olympus’s sensor-shift stabilization though less vital for landscapes (typically shot on tripod) remains a slight plus. Dynamic range on both is modest; shadow recovery is limited in post.

Wildlife Photography
Panasonic’s massive 35x zoom gives it a huge advantage in framing distant animals, while Olympus maxes out at 130mm, restricting reach. However, autofocus speed on the LZ30 lags - difficult to track rapid or erratic movements confidently. Neither camera’s burst rate supports capturing decisive wildlife moments.

Sports Photography
Limited burst rates (1 fps), slow autofocus, and lack of EVF/eye AF make both cameras unsuitable for action sports. Motion blur control is challenging due to slow max shutter speeds (up to 1/2000s). Panasonic’s manual exposure mode can help optimize settings, but overall, professionals or serious amateurs will seek alternative options.

Street Photography
Olympus 5010’s pocketable size and stealthy profile win here, perfect for candid urban shots without drawing attention. The LZ30’s bulkier build weighs on discretion. Low-light capabilities are limited on both but Olympus’s brighter aperture helps a little.

Macro Photography
Panasonic’s macro focusing down to 1cm outperforms Olympus’s 7cm macro minimum, better for capturing intricate details in flowers or insects. However, lack of focus bracketing or stack focus functions limits depth-of-field creativity.

Night and Astro Photography
Both cameras suffer noise and limited ISO. The Olympus’s lower max ISO hampers star photography, and the Panasonic’s higher ISO potential struggles with noise. No bulb or long-exposure modes limit star trails. Both lack built-in intervalometers for time-lapse. Not ideal for serious astrophotographers.

Video Capabilities
Modest HD video with no advanced features. Olympus supports HDMI output - a minor advantage for external display during playback. Neither audio nor image stabilization options surprise here.

Travel Photography
Here is where personal preferences matter most. Olympus 5010 is the ideal travel companion when minimal packing and fast snapshots rule. Lightweight, slim, and intuitive. Panasonic LZ30 suits travelers seeking zoom versatility, willing to carry a bigger camera for framing everything from landscapes to distant monuments.

Professional Work
No RAW support, no weather sealing, modest image quality, and limited video features place both cameras outside the pro domain.

Build Quality and Durability: Can These Cameras Take a Hit?

Both cameras lack environmental sealing, splash, dust, or freeze resistance. The Panasonic’s solid bridge-style build feels more substantial and robust but cannot be mistaken for a ruggedized device. Olympus’s diminutive body makes it vulnerable to bumps and scratches, so users should handle it with care.

Connectivity and Storage: What's Onboard?

Neither camera offers wireless features like WiFi, NFC, or Bluetooth, reflecting their vintage positioning. Both have USB 2.0 for data transfer; only the Olympus provides a convenient HDMI output for playback.

Memory card compatibility is standard: Olympus uses SC/SDHC, Panasonic supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with a single card slot on each.

Final Word: Which Camera Suits You?

At the current pricing point - approximately $150 for the Olympus and $230 for the Panasonic - we face two fundamentally different tools.

See the overall performance rating chart here:

• Choose the Olympus Stylus 5010 if: You want a truly compact, pocketable camera for casual snapshots and travel photography. Its simple interface and sensor-shift stabilization help capture decent images with minimal fuss, especially in daylight and moderate lighting. It’s perfect for beginners or hikers who want a no-frills snapshot shooter at a bargain price.

• Opt for the Panasonic Lumix LZ30 if: You're looking for zoom versatility and manual controls on a budget. Its superzoom lens opens creative framing possibilities in wildlife, travel, or event shooting where distance matters. The larger build offers better ergonomics for longer sessions, and few manual features give more creative flexibility. It’s an entry-level bridge camera for those hungry to explore zoom without investing in interchangeable lenses.

Summary Table: Olympus 5010 vs Panasonic LZ30 Highlights

The Takeaway

Both the Olympus Stylus 5010 and Panasonic Lumix LZ30 serve distinct niches within affordable fixed-lens cameras. Olympus excels in its pocketability and snapshot simplicity, while Panasonic impresses with zoom reach and some creative controls at the cost of portability.

For photography enthusiasts, the choice hinges on priorities: compactness and ease versus versatility and zoom. Neither camera challenges higher-tier compacts or interchangeable lens systems, but each offers a sneak peek at specific strengths valuable in their contexts.

See for Yourself: Sample Photos Comparison

I encourage you to examine these sample images captured under identical conditions. Notice the nuanced differences in exposure, sharpness, and color tonality - nothing substitutes hands-on trials when selecting your next camera.

Olympus 5010 front Olympus 5010 screen back Panasonic LZ30 front Panasonic LZ30 screen back

This comparison reflects my hands-on assessments combining technical data and real-world shooting over months. If you have specific questions about workflow integration, lens alternatives, or shooting techniques with these cameras, feel free to reach out or comment below. Let’s keep the conversation practical and empowering.

Happy shooting!