Olympus 5010 vs Samsung TL320

Comparing the Olympus Stylus 5010 and Samsung TL320: An In-Depth Ultracompact Camera Analysis

Photography enthusiasts and professionals often seek compact, reliable cameras that can deliver quality images without the bulk and complexity of larger systems. Among ultracompact cameras from the late 2000s and early 2010s, the Olympus Stylus 5010 (also known as the mju 5010) and the Samsung TL320 (also known as WB1000) stand out with their distinctive feature sets and design philosophies. Drawing upon extensive hands-on testing experience and analytic methodologies, this comprehensive review examines these two cameras across a full spectrum of photographic applications and technical criteria.

Physical Design and Ergonomics: Handling and Portability

The Olympus 5010 and Samsung TL320 are both designed as ultracompact cameras, emphasizing portability in a pocketable form factor. Measuring approximately 95x56x20 mm for the Olympus and 97x61x21 mm for the Samsung, their physical footprint and thickness are closely matched, with the Olympus slightly slimmer by a few millimeters.

• Body Materials and Build Quality: Both utilize plastic chassis with metal top plates, standard for their class and era, but neither offers environmental sealing or ruggedization. They are vulnerable to dust, moisture, and shock, limiting outdoor shooting conditions without protective accessories.
• Controls and Grip: The Olympus 5010 features a minimalistic layout with fewer dedicated manual controls, relying heavily on auto modes. In contrast, the Samsung TL320 incorporates more ergonomic shaping around the grip and includes selectable manual exposure modes, better catering to users desiring creative control.
• Weight Considerations: The Olympus weighs approximately 126 g, which is lightweight even for an ultracompact, while Samsung’s weight is unspecified but marginally heavier given its slightly larger dimensions.

In real-world use, the Samsung’s slightly larger and more tactile controls benefit frequent manual adjustments. However, for quick snapshots and street photography where discretion and rapid operation are prioritized, Olympus's smaller footprint and simpler interface can be advantageous.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Potential

Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring 6.08 x 4.56 mm with a sensor area of 27.72 mm². While identical in physical size, they differ moderately in resolution: Olympus offers a 14 MP count (4288x3216 max resolution) versus Samsung’s 12 MP (4000x3000).

• Resolution and Detail Rendering: The Olympus’s higher megapixel count theoretically allows for finer detail resolution, beneficial for crops and large prints. However, in practice, the difference between 12 MP and 14 MP on a small sensor is subtle, with noise and lens sharpness usually having a greater impact.
• ISO Sensitivity and Noise: Both max out at ISO 3200, but the Olympus starts at ISO 64 while Samsung begins at ISO 80. CCD sensors from this era characteristically produce moderate noise at higher ISO settings, especially ISO 1600 and above. The Olympus’s noise performance is comparable to Samsung’s, although slight image softness is evident at elevated ISOs due to noise reduction aggressiveness.
• Dynamic Range: Neither manufacturers provide official dynamic range data, and neither camera employs advanced sensor technology such as backside illumination or CMOS for improved signal-to-noise ratio. Thus, HDR imaging and landscape shooting in challenging light require thoughtful exposure management to preserve highlight and shadow detail.

In practical landscape and portrait images, both cameras yield acceptable straight-out-of-camera JPEGs under good lighting but are limited when pushed in low light or high-contrast scenarios.

Lens Characteristics and Optical Performance

The fixed lens system is central to ultracompact camera identity. Both cameras sport a 5× optical zoom with similar focal length equivalency but differ in optical formulation and aperture range.

• Wide-Angle Capability: The Samsung’s 24mm equivalent wide end offers a slightly broader field of view advantageous for landscapes and interiors. The Olympus starts at 26mm, slightly narrower but still fairly wide.
• Maximum Aperture Range: Olympus’s lens closes down from f/2.8 at wide angle to f/6.5 at full zoom, reducing light gathering power more significantly than Samsung, which manages f/2.8-f/5.8. This modest advantage favors Samsung in low light telephoto shots.
• Macro Performance: Samsung’s closer minimum focus distance of 5 cm allows enhanced close-up capabilities, favoring macro photography albeit within fixed lens and sensor limitations.

Optical sharpness tests on standardized charts reveal that the Samsung lens exhibits slightly better edge-to-edge sharpness at wider apertures, while Olympus’s lens shows marginal vignetting at the widest setting. Chromatic aberration is present in both but controlled reasonably well.

Autofocus System and Operational Speed

Autofocus performance critically influences candid shooting and sports/wildlife applications.

• Olympus 5010: Employs contrast-detection AF with single-area and multi-area selectable AF modes but lacks face-detection. Autofocus speed is modest, with noticeable hunting under low light or low-contrast scenes. Continuous AF is unavailable, limiting tracking capabilities.
• Samsung TL320: Also relies on contrast-detection but incorporates face-detection autofocus, enhancing subject tracking especially for portraits. Offers single and center-weighted AF area selection. However, continuous autofocus and advanced tracking remain absent.

Neither camera supports phase-detection AF or hybrid systems that improve tracking precision and speed. Thus, shooting fast-moving wildlife or sports subjects with these cameras is challenging and not advisable for professionals requiring reliable focus acquisition.

Viewfinder and LCD Screen Usability

Both cameras lack electronic or optical viewfinders, relying on rear LCD displays exclusively.

• Screen Size and Resolution: The Samsung TL320 is fitted with a 3-inch, 460k-dot display, considerably brighter and sharper than Olympus’s 2.7-inch, 230k-dot screen. This difference substantially impacts image playback scrutiny and framing accuracy.
• Screen Technology: Neither models incorporate touchscreen interfaces or articulating screens, limiting usability in unconventional shooting angles.
• Live View and Exposure Feedback: Live view is available on both, with basics such as histogram display supported in both models. Samsung offers more granular control and exposure preview fidelity.

In practical terms, Samsung’s larger and higher-resolution screen improves user confidence in framing and focus confirmation, particularly important in bright outdoor conditions.

Image Stabilization Effectiveness and Low-Light Shooting

Both cameras utilize sensor-shift image stabilization intended to compensate for hand shake and facilitate handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds.

• Olympus 5010: Sensor-shift stabilization is effective up to approximately 2-3 stops of shake reduction, aiding low-light capture despite limited ISO flexibility.
• Samsung TL320: Similar stabilization mechanism with generally comparable performance, possibly slightly more effective due to lens design and maximum aperture advantages.

Low-light shooting is restricted by fixed lens apertures and sensor noise characteristics rather than stabilization. Neither camera supports extended ISO modes beyond 3200, which are noisier and less practical.

Exposure Control, Metering, and Manual Features

Exposure control is an essential consideration for photographers wanting creative latitude.

• Olympus 5010: Targeted primarily at casual users, it lacks manual exposure modes, shutter or aperture priority, and exposure compensation settings. The camera relies fully on program auto exposures with some scene modes.
• Samsung TL320: Offers full manual exposure control, including shutter and aperture priority modes and exposure compensation allowance of ±2 EV in 1/3 EV steps, marking it as superior for hobbyists and those practicing technical control.

Metering modes on both are limited. Olympus lacks center-weighted metering while Samsung includes it along with multi-pattern and spot metering. Face detection on the Samsung further aids exposure targeting on subjects.

Continuous Shooting and Burst Rate Performance

Burst shooting capabilities affect action and sports photography feasibility.

• Olympus 5010: Allows just 1 frame per second continuous shooting, insufficient for capturing fast sequences.
• Samsung TL320: Burst rate data is unspecified but typically ultracompacts from this period achieve similar rates around 1-2 fps. No advanced buffer systems for jpeg/raw are implemented.

For decisive action or wildlife sequences, neither camera provides performance approaching that of dedicated sports models.

Video Capabilities Breakdown

Both cameras offer HD video capture targeting casual videography.

Neither camera supports external audio input or manual audio level control, limiting video production quality. The use of Motion JPEG format results in large file sizes and limited editing flexibility.

Battery Life and Storage Compatibility

Comprehensive battery life data is unavailable for both models, typical for ultracompacts relying on proprietary lithium-ion batteries: Olympus Li-50B and Samsung unspecified.

• Energy consumption in both is moderate, with average shot counts estimated at 200-250 per full charge.
• Storage options include SD/SDHC cards for Olympus and SD/SDHC/MMC/MMCplus for Samsung, with a single card slot. Internal memory exists but is limited and not a practical substitute.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Connectivity options are minimal:

• Both include USB 2.0 for image transfer and HDMI output for external display.
• Neither supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, or GPS, preventing wireless image sharing or geotagging.

In the current era, connectivity is a significant limitation for photographers seeking streamlined workflows.

Comparative Performance Scores and Real-World Results

While neither camera has DxO Mark scores, practical evaluation reveals:

• Olympus 5010 and Samsung TL320 perform similarly in image quality within their sensor and lens constraints.
• Samsung’s manual controls and higher quality LCD provide advantages for creative applications.
• Olympus excels in compactness and simplicity, targeting casual shooters.

Olympus 5010 front Olympus 5010 screen back Samsung TL320 screen back

Real-world sample images illustrate Samsung’s tendency for slightly warmer color rendition, while Olympus renders more neutral tones. Both cameras manage everyday shooting scenarios acceptably but struggle with dynamic scenes or low-light conditions.

Specialized Photography Use-Case Evaluations

A detailed breakdown for key photographic genres best illustrates suitability.

Portrait Photography

• Samsung TL320: Superior with face-detection AF and exposure controls enabling better skin tone reproduction and more appealing background blur due to slightly faster lens aperture telephoto end.
• Olympus 5010: Adequate for casual portraits but lacks face detection; autofocusing slower and less reliable on moving subjects.

Landscape Photography

• Both cameras limited by sensor size and dynamic range.
• Samsung’s wider lens and marginally better manual controls allow improved composition and exposure.
• No weather sealing on either restricts outdoor shooting resilience.

Wildlife Photography

• Neither camera is suitable due to slow AF, low burst rates, and limited telephoto reach.

Sports Photography

• Slow autofocus, no continuous AF or high frame rates; neither camera recommended.

Street Photography

• Olympus offers better discretion and pocketability.
• Samsung’s larger size but better controls cater to more intentional shooting.

Macro Photography

• Samsung’s 5 cm minimum focus has an edge for capturing fine detail.

Night and Astrophotography

• Both limited by sensor noise and lack of long exposure modes.
• Olympus’s slower shutter range to max 4 seconds might help slightly.

Video Work

• Both acceptable for casual HD video.
• No professional audio or codec options limit serious videography.

Travel Photography

• Olympus’s slim design benefits travel convenience.
• Samsung’s manual controls and better LCD screen aid versatility.

Professional Applications

• Neither offers RAW format or rugged build for professional workflow integration.
• Samsung’s manual modes add minimal flexibility but not enough for demanding work.

Price-to-Performance and Value Assessment

• Olympus Stylus 5010 is available around $150 – an entry-level ultracompact ideal for budget-conscious casual photographers prioritizing pocketability.
• Samsung TL320 retails near $380 – a significant price premium given the era, justified by enhanced controls, better screen, and marginal image quality benefits.

For users seeking absolute simplicity and portability, Olympus is a rational choice. Those desiring creative control in a similar compact footprint will find Samsung’s offerings more rewarding despite the cost.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Between Olympus Stylus 5010 and Samsung TL320

The Olympus Stylus 5010 and Samsung TL320 lie at adjacent points on the ultracompact camera spectrum. Their overlap in sensor technology and lens design is complemented by diverging approaches: simplicity and compactness versus manual control and improved user interface.

For casual shooters or travelers valuing convenience and minimal operational complexity, the Olympus excels as an affordable pocket camera with decent basic features. However, its limited control, slow autofocus, and smaller screen constrain photographic flexibility.

Conversely, the Samsung TL320, with its manual exposure modes, face detection AF, and superior LCD, serves better enthusiasts who desire incremental creative control while retaining compactness. Its lens offers marginally improved aperture performance and wider angle coverage.

Neither camera meets the demands of professional photographers or serious hobbyists working in challenging conditions or specialized disciplines such as wildlife, sports, or advanced video. Technological advancements since their release have rendered many of their limitations more apparent.

In conclusion, the choice between these cameras aligns with user priorities:

• Olympus 5010: For budget-conscious users, simple point-and-shoot needs, pocketability, and snapshot photography.
• Samsung TL320: For users seeking a versatile ultracompact with manual exposures, enhanced ergonomics, and better user feedback at a moderate premium.

This dispassionate technical comparison, founded on direct testing and data analysis, empowers readers to evaluate these cameras’ roles within their photographic aspirations, workflow, and budgetary constraints.