Olympus Stylus 5010 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1: A Thorough Comparison for Practical Photography

Choosing the right camera often comes down to more than just specs - it’s about how the gear fits your style, shooting needs, and environments you frequent. Today I’ll share my hands-on experience comparing two compact cameras from early 2010s: the Olympus Stylus 5010 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1. These cameras target curious enthusiasts who want portability without too much fuss, yet they diverge greatly in design philosophy and intended usage. By unpacking their features, performance, and real-world strengths, I’ll help you see which model might suit your photography, whether you’re a casual snapper or need something rugged and dependable for adventures.

Pocket-friendly vs Rugged Durability: Body and Handling

At first glance, the Olympus 5010 and Panasonic TS1 feel distinctly different in your hand. The 5010 is an ultracompact wonder - surprisingly slim and lightweight at only 126 grams and dimensions of 95 x 56 x 20 mm. It easily slips into jacket pockets or small bags, enhancing everyday carry convenience. The grip is minimal but functional given the form factor.

Contrastingly, the Panasonic TS1 is chunkier - 189 grams and a notable 98 x 63 x 23 mm. That extra heft comes with a robust exterior engineered for water, dust, and shock resistance. It’s weather sealed and waterproof down to several meters, making it a strong choice if you’re aiming for beach days, hikes, or fieldwork in challenging conditions.

Ergonomically, neither camera offers elaborate grip contours, but the TS1 feels more solid and secure, which matters when wet or gloved. The 5010 leans heavily into ultra-portability without specialized ruggedness.

Controls and Interface: Simplifying the Experience

Both cameras present fairly basic control layouts, typical for their category and era. Olympus features a simple top plate with essential buttons surrounding the shutter and mode selection, maintaining a clean aesthetic. The Panasonic has a similar approach but includes slightly more accessible zoom controls and a dedicated exposure compensation button - though functionality is limited without manual exposure modes.

Neither camera supports manual focus or aperture/shutter priority, emphasizing ease over technical flexibility. That said, the Panasonic’s custom white balance adds a modicum of creative control absent on Olympus.

Both utilize 2.7-inch fixed LCD screens with 230k-dot resolution - adequate, though not bright or high-res by today’s standards. Surprisingly, neither includes an electronic viewfinder, compelling you to compose on the rear screen even in bright sun.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Under the hood, both cameras sport 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors - the industry standard for compact models of their era - with similar physical dimensions (6.08 x 4.56 mm sensor area). The Olympus 5010 impresses with a higher resolution 14MP count compared to Panasonic’s 12MP, offering slightly more detail potential. However, pixel density plays a role in noise handling, and both sensors exhibit similar core characteristics due to the shared sensor class.

Olympus caps its ISO at 3200, while Panasonic extends to 6400 ISO, theoretically boosting low-light performance but with accompanying noise challenges typical of small CCDs.

Image stabilization differs: Olympus applies sensor-shift stabilization, beneficial across focal lengths but less effective under extreme conditions; Panasonic uses optical stabilization in the lens, sometimes delivering better results in motion or handheld shooting - experiences vary by scene.

Both apply anti-aliasing filters to reduce moiré, balancing sharpness and artifact control.

In practice, both produce pleasant daylight images with decent color accuracy, but with softness at the edges and noticeable noise creeping in beyond ISO 400.

Display and Live View

The rear LCDs on both cameras feel similar - fixed, non-touch, and with modest brightness. In bright outdoor scenarios, visibility can be challenging on both, so I frequently found myself shading the screen or reviewing images indoors for proper exposure assessment.

Neither offers articulating displays, limiting framing flexibility, especially for low or high angle shots common in street or macro photography.

Live View autofocus relies on contrast detection only - slower and less precise than modern hybrid or phase-detection systems, a critical factor when capturing fast-moving subjects.

Autofocus Performance: Where Speed Meets Accuracy

Speaking of autofocus (AF), the Olympus 5010 uses contrast-detection AF with multi-area capability but lacks face or eye detection - advanced AF features came later for Olympus’s bigger models. It also offers AF tracking, although limited and rarely reliable with subjects in motion.

The Panasonic TS1 features an 11-point AF system with selectable center and multi-area modes but no face detection, animal eye AF, or continuous AF tracking. From my experience, the TS1’s AF tended to focus briskly in static scenes but lagged in low light or with erratically moving subjects.

Neither camera supports manual or focus bracketing, limiting macro enthusiasts seeking precision or stacking capabilities.

Lens and Zoom Flexibility

Both cameras have fixed zoom lenses with long focal ranges covering versatile 26-130mm for Olympus and 28-128mm for Panasonic (35mm equivalent). Olympus’s 5× zoom edges out Panasonic’s 4.6× zoom slightly, but only by a few millimeters. Maximum apertures range from f/2.8-6.5 (Olympus) and f/3.3-5.9 (Panasonic).

Olympus thus enjoys a modestly brighter wide aperture advantage at the wide end, helping indoor and lower light shots. However, the Panasonic’s macro focusing goes as close as 5 cm, compared to Olympus’s 7 cm, yielding closer subject framing when shooting flowers or details.

Neither offers interchangeable lenses or accessory mounts, so creative options depend heavily on the built-in zoom.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speed Range

For action photography enthusiasts, neither camera thrills with speed. Olympus shoots at a 1-fps continuous burst - not ideal for sports or wildlife pursuit requiring frame stacking for peak moments.

Panasonic doubles that at 2 fps, a bit better but still insufficient for high-speed sequences.

Shutter ranges also vary: Olympus provides 1/4 second to 1/2000 second; Panasonic accommodates 1/60 to 1/1300 seconds, somewhat narrower but still sufficient for typical daytime photography.

Burst rates limit these cameras mostly to casual action or dynamic family snapshots rather than serious sports shooting.

Olympus 5010 front Olympus 5010 screen back Panasonic TS1 front Panasonic TS1 screen back

Real-world Image Results: My Shooting Experience

Shooting portraits in natural light, the Olympus 5010 delivered pleasing skin tones with good color vibrancy, though its higher megapixel count didn’t fully translate to remarkably sharper faces given the fixed lens and sensor limitations. Bokeh from the zoom lens at wide open aperture was average; I noted fuzzy backgrounds but with some occasional artifacts.

The Panasonic’s renders appeared slightly warmer with a softer look, partially due to its lens and image processing differences. Both struggled indoors without flash - Olympus a bit more so due to lower max ISO and narrower aperture.

Landscapes revealed a similar story: color depth was natural on both, but shadow detail was limited, and dynamic range felt constrained - understandable given CCD sensor properties. The Olympus’s higher resolution gave a slight edge in cropping options.

For wildlife or sports, autofocus lag and slow burst rates hindered capturing decisive moments, but the Panasonic’s weather sealing made it possible to shoot confidently outdoors in damp or dusty conditions - worth considering if your adventures expose gear to harsh elements.

Street photography favored Olympus’s discreet size and light weight - perfect for blending in and quick framing, while Panasonic’s bulk could attract more attention but rewarded with sturdier grip.

Macro efforts benefited from Panasonic’s closer focusing distance, letting me capture detailed textures in plants and objects. Image stabilization helped in both cameras, but handholding at macro distances revealed limits, especially without focus stacking or manual focus controls.

Night photography broadly challenged both models, with noise visible past ISO 400 and aperture constraints limiting star or astrophotography. Panasonic’s higher ISO ceiling widened shooting options but with major quality trade-offs. Both lack advanced exposure modes or long-exposure bracketing that modern night shooters rely on.

Video Capabilities Assessed

Both cameras offer HD video at 1280x720 pixels at 30fps with continuous AF and standard definition variants. Panasonic records AVCHD Lite format, a more compressed codec beneficial for storage economy but less flexible in editing than Olympus’s Motion JPEG.

Neither supports external microphones or headphone monitoring, limiting audio quality control - a common omission in compact cameras before the mid-2010s.

Video stabilization is present - sensor-based on Olympus and optical on Panasonic - but does not measure up to modern standards, producing visible shake in handheld panning sequences.

For casual video clips, both cameras suffice, but neither should be your choice if videography is a priority.

Durability, Build Quality, and Weather Resistance

A major dividing line between these two is ruggedness. The Olympus 5010 is a sleek pocket camera without weather sealing or shockproofing. It’s best for controlled environments and everyday casual use.

The Panasonic TS1 embraces a “take anywhere” attitude with dustproof, waterproof, and shockproof certifications. I tested it briefly in light rain and beach sand, and it handled well with no degradation in responsiveness or image output.

If your shooting involves unpredictable elements - beach, hikes, or water activities - the Panasonic is the no-brainer for peace of mind.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Practical Shooting Life

Battery life figures are unspecified in both models’ specs, but real-world tests suggest around 250-300 shots per charge, typical for compacts with smaller Lithium-ion packs (Olympus Li-50B noted). I recommend carrying spare batteries if you plan full-day excursions.

Storage-wise, Olympus supports SC/SDHC cards, Panasonic handles SD/SDHC/MMC - both with a single card slot. Compatibility is broad and convenient.

Connectivity is minimal on both - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC. USB 2.0 and HDMI ports allow image transfer and screen mirroring but lack modern wireless convenience.

Photography Genres Suitability

• Portraits: Olympus edges out slightly due to higher resolution and brighter aperture, aiding better detail and low-light capture.
• Landscape: Both limited by sensor dynamic range but hold their own in good light; Panasonic favored for harsh conditions.
• Wildlife: Neither ideal; sluggish AF and burst rates hinder fast action. Panasonic’s tactical robustness offers survival chances outdoors.
• Sports: Not recommended due to slow continuous shooting.
• Street: Olympus excels in portability and discretion.
• Macro: Panasonic’s closer focusing and optical IS tip balance.
• Night/Astro: Both struggle; Panasonic’s high ISO extends reach but at quality loss.
• Video: Panasonic’s AVCHD format preferred; both limited.
• Travel: Panasonic’s durability and waterproofing hold advantage despite size increase.
• Professional Use: Neither supports RAW, manual controls, or long exposure needed for professional workflows.

Price and Value Considerations

At $149.95, the Olympus 5010 offers an exceptionally affordable entry point into compact digital cameras with decent image quality for casual shooters. However, its lack of weatherproofing and manual controls cap its longevity with serious users.

The Panasonic TS1, priced more than twice as high around $379.95, justifies the premium with solid waterproofing, more rugged construction, and useful lens features like closer macro focusing and a wider ISO range. For adventurers or photographers who demand durability, it represents stronger value.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

In my extensive testing across varied environments, the Olympus Stylus 5010 is perfect if you desire an ultra-portable, affordable compact camera for everyday daylight use, especially if you prioritize convenience over ruggedness or manual control. It shines in casual portrait and street shooting where discretion and pocketability count.

On the other hand, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 excels if your photography takes you outdoors into unpredictable conditions demanding durability and waterproofing. Its macro capabilities and slightly higher frame rate make it versatile for travel and nature shots where toughness trumps minimal size.

Neither camera suits professional work demanding RAW shooting or high-speed autofocus, nor advanced video projects requiring external audio. They are distinctly consumer-grade cameras tailored to different user needs and environments.

My Recommendations Based on Different User Profiles:

• Budget-minded travelers or street photographers: Olympus Stylus 5010 for its compactness, lightweight, and decent image quality.
• Adventure and outdoor photographers: Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1, its rugged build and waterproofing make it a reliable companion.
• Macro enthusiasts on a budget: Panasonic, to leverage closer focusing distance and optical stabilization.
• Family snapshots in everyday conditions: Olympus, for ease of use and portability.
• Tech enthusiasts craving manual controls or RAW: Neither satisfies well; consider stepping up to mirrorless or DSLR options.

Taking both cameras for extended real-world tests underscored how design intent dramatically influences user experience beyond headline specs. While Olympus impresses with sleek, no-fuss portability, Panasonic’s robustness opens doors to creative shooting in challenging places.

Hopefully, my detailed comparison helps you clarify which compact camera aligns with your shooting lifestyle and budgets. Happy shooting!

If you want to dive deeper into specific shooting scenarios or have questions about similar cameras in this class, just ask - I’m always eager to share more from my years behind the lens.

Happy snapping!