Olympus Stylus 5010 vs Sony RX100: A Detailed Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing between compact cameras like the Olympus Stylus 5010 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 requires careful consideration well beyond the spec sheets, demands that become particularly clear after extensive, hands-on testing and field use. I’ve spent over 15 years evaluating digital cameras across genres, rigorously analyzing everything from sensor performance to ergonomics under diverse shooting conditions, and here I assess these two models to help you make an informed decision tailored precisely to your needs. Both are positioned as compact solutions but represent drastically different philosophies in image quality, speed, and usability. Let’s explore how they compare across every important facet of photography.

Size and Ergonomics: Ultra-Compact vs. Larger-Friendly Handling

On first impressions, the Olympus Stylus 5010, also known as the mju 5010, is decidedly compact, boasting an ultra-slim profile and a featherweight build of just 126 grams (body only). Its dimensions (95x56x20 mm) make it pocket-friendly, appealing to users who prioritize absolute portability over control complexity. This model’s lack of an electronic viewfinder and minimal manual control options accentuates its simplicity but also limits flexibility during advanced shooting.

Contrastingly, the Sony RX100 weighs 240 grams and is nearly twice as thick (102x58x36 mm), a trade-off that yields a more substantial grip and a more robust physical presence. While still pocketable, it’s better suited to photographers who desire a physically reassuring feel, improved button placement, and a more nuanced control scheme. The top-view layout comparison underscores Sony’s emphasis on manual dials and access to priority modes, positioning it closer to enthusiast standards.

In ergonomics, the RX100’s larger body and dedicated control wheels provide tangible benefits in rapid adjustments, which the Olympus noticeably lacks. This can be pivotal in dynamic shooting scenarios such as sports or wildlife photography where intuitive physical controls reduce reaction time significantly.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: CCD vs. 1-Inch CMOS Powerhouse

The core of any camera’s performance rests on its sensor, and here lies the most profound difference between these two offerings. The Olympus 5010 utilizes a relatively outdated 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring 6.08x4.56 mm with a sensor area of roughly 27.7 mm² and 14 megapixels. CCD sensors, while traditionally strong at color rendition, inherently lag behind CMOS technology in noise performance and dynamic range, especially under low light.

In contrast, the Sony RX100 introduces a substantially larger 1-inch CMOS sensor (13.2x8.8 mm, 116.2 mm² sensor area) featuring 20 megapixels, nearly four times the surface area of Olympus’s chip. This larger sensor allows for superior light gathering, translating into better signal-to-noise ratio, enhanced dynamic range (DxO measured at 12.4 EV versus untested but likely lower in the 5010), and richer color depth (22.6 bits versus unknown but lesser on the Olympus).

Testing in various conditions confirms the RX100 delivers cleaner images from ISO 100 up to high ISO 3200 and beyond, maintaining fine detail and preserving subtle tones crucial for demanding genres like portraiture and landscape. The Olympus sensor’s maximum ISO 3200 capability is nominal at best, yielding noisy images even by entry-level compact standards.

The anti-aliasing filters present in both cameras mitigate moiré but further testifies to Sony’s sensor design maturity, incorporating modern processing that outperforms the older technology powering the Olympus.

Autofocus and Exposure Control: Simplicity Meets Sophistication

Autofocus remains a critical parameter dictating success in genres like wildlife, sports, and street photography. The Olympus 5010 offers a contrast-detection-only AF system with fixed single AF modes and face detection absent. It supports auto, center-weighted, and spot metering modes but lacks manual exposure modes entirely. Its continuous shooting rate is a sluggish 1 frame per second, unsuitable for any scenario requiring action freezing or burst coverage.

The Sony RX100, on the other hand, packs a much more advanced hybrid AF system with 25 AF points, including selective, center, multi-area, continuous autofocus, and notable support for face detection - a boon for portrait shooters emphasizing accurate eye detail and tracking. It offers full manual control with aperture, shutter, and exposure compensation, enabling creative flexibility unheard of in the Olympus.

Its burst rate of 10 frames per second caters well to wildlife and sports photography where capturing fast sequences is critical. These features elevate the RX100 into an enthusiast’s realm, far beyond what the Olympus’s limited controls permit.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Designed for Everyday Use but Not Harsh Environments

Neither camera offers environmental sealing; both lack waterproof, dustproof, or shockproof certifications. However, given the Olympus 5010’s ultracompact design, it feels less robust in your hand, more vulnerable to accidental bumps or drops. In contrast, the RX100, while not ruggedized, exhibits a more durable build with metal chassis elements, instantiated in its higher price point and targeting serious users.

Professionals and travel photographers should temper expectations accordingly, as neither camera is suited for severe weather without additional protective gear.

LCD Screen and User Interface: Viewing Clarity vs. Basic Display

The LCD of the Olympus 5010 is a 2.7-inch fixed screen with a mere 230k-dot resolution, rendering details blocky and color reproduction dimmer, especially under daylight. The lack of touchscreen or tilting capability further restricts its usability.

Conversely, the Sony RX100 boasts a larger 3-inch screen with a resolution of 1,229k dots, significantly sharper and clearer. Its WhiteMagic TFT technology greatly improves visibility outdoors, assisting in precise framing and focusing confirmation. While this model also lacks a touchscreen or electronic viewfinder, the improved LCD quality enhances its practical usability.

Lens Systems and Optical Performance: Fixed Zoom Ranges and Aperture Considerations

Both cameras feature fixed zoom lenses and cannot accept interchangeable optics, but the optical formula and maximum apertures differ notably.

• Olympus 5010: 26-130 mm equivalent (5x optical zoom), maximum aperture range of f/2.8 to f/6.5. While the f/2.8 at the wide end is respectable, the slower aperture at telephoto limits low-light telephoto utility. The 7 cm macro focusing distance is acceptable for casual close-ups.

• Sony RX100: 28-100 mm equivalent (3.6x zoom) with a brighter aperture of f/1.8 to f/4.9. The wider f/1.8 aperture enables superior background separation (bokeh) and performance in dim environments, a critical advantage for portrait, street, and night photography. Its 5 cm macro ability also offers closer focusing capability with better sharpness.

The RX100’s lens reflects photographer-centric design, prioritizing versatility and optical quality, while the Olympus leans towards convenience and budget constraints.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility: Portability Versus Endurance

Olympus uses a Li-50B battery but does not publish official battery life metrics, typically a sign of limited endurance given the small battery size and power efficiency constraints of older processing chips. Expect moderate shot counts - enough for casual outings but insufficient for prolonged shooting without backups.

The Sony RX100 offers a more substantial battery (NP-BX1), officially rated at 330 shots per charge, conforming to enthusiast expectations. This is a practical advantage for travel or event photography where frequent recharging or spare batteries might be impractical.

Storage-wise, both use SD cards, with the RX100 supporting SDXC and additional Memory Stick formats, enhancing compatibility and future-proofing.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: Modern Conveniences or Basic Connectivity

Neither camera supports Bluetooth, GPS, or Wi-Fi in the Olympus’s case. The RX100 includes NFC and Eye-Fi compatibility - provisions that facilitate image transfer to smartphones and computers, a handy feature for quick sharing and remote operation (via downloadable apps), albeit limited compared to today’s fully integrated Wi-Fi solutions.

USB 2.0 and HDMI ports exist on both for data transfer and playback on larger screens, but neither sports microphone or headphone ports, limiting advanced video/audio workflows.

Video Capabilities: From Basic Clips to High Definition Recording

Video functionality offers another lens on usability:

• Olympus 5010 records in 1280x720 (HD) at 30 fps with Motion JPEG format; there is no support for full HD 1080p or advanced exposure controls during video, and no external mic input. This limits video use to casual snapshots without creative control or professional output.

• Sony RX100 records full HD 1080p at 60 fps and offers AVCHD and MPEG-4 compression formats, giving smoother motion and better quality. It supports slow sync flash during video and exposure bracketing, features appreciated by videographers who want versatile lighting control, albeit lacking external audio input ports.

While neither camera targets serious video creation, the RX100’s superior specs make it a more capable all-rounder.

Real World Performance Across Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

Portrait work demands accurate skin tones, subtle bokeh, and effective eye detection autofocus.

• The RX100’s larger sensor, faster lens (up to f/1.8), and sophisticated face detection AF afford natural skin reproduction with shallow depth of field, resulting in softly blurred backgrounds and sharp focusing on eyes. The ability to adjust aperture manually tailors depth and exposure effectively.

• The Olympus 5010 struggles here: its smaller sensor yields flatter portraits with less tonal gradation and shallower bokeh, especially at telephoto where aperture narrows to f/6.5, hindering subject isolation. Lack of face or eye detection AF complicates focus precision.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters prioritize dynamic range, resolution, and weather resistance.

• The RX100’s 20MP sensor offers impressive resolution and dynamic range to capture detailed highlights and shadows, supported by manual exposure controls for fine-tuned results. The camera body, while not weather-sealed, is robust enough for careful outdoor use.

• The Olympus 5010’s 14MP sensor and limited dynamic range yield less detailed images, while absent manual controls restrict exposure adjustment flexibility. No weatherproofing further limits rugged use.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Fast autofocus, burst rate, and telephoto reach are crucial.

• The RX100 excels with 10 fps shooting and sophisticated continuous AF tracking, paired with a telephoto reach of 100 mm equiv. Its faster autofocus and wider aperture at telephoto (f/4.9) help isolate subject movement sharply.

• The Olympus 5010 only offers 1 fps continuous shooting, sluggish contrast-detection AF, and slower lens aperture (f/6.5 at telephoto), making it ill-suited for fast action.

Street and Travel Photography

Discretion, portability, and low light capabilities define these genres.

• While the Olympus 5010 is more compact and discreet, the poor low light performance of its sensor makes night or dim street photography challenging. Its modest zoom range is versatile but its slower lens hinders quick capture.

• The RX100, though larger, provides excellent low-light capacity, sharp lens, and faster AF, plus superior battery life - qualities that benefit both street and travel photographers who need responsiveness and image quality consistently.

Macro and Night/Astro Photography

Precision focusing and sensor sensitivity are paramount.

• The RX100 facilitates closer focusing distances and superior image sharpness due to its larger sensor. Its wider aperture aids in low-light macro subject acquisition. For astro work, higher ISO performance and longer exposure compatibility offer better star detail capture.

• The Olympus 5010’s minimum focus at 7 cm and noisy high ISO severely limit low-light macro and astrophotography potential.

Professional Work and Workflow Integration

Neither the Olympus 5010 nor the RX100 incorporates advanced professional features like rugged weather sealing or dual card slots, but they differ in file handling:

• The RX100 supports RAW capture, essential for professional post-processing latitude and workflow integration. This is a crucial differentiator for photographers who intend to edit and print at large sizes or require maximum image quality.

• The Olympus 5010 lacks RAW support, delivering only JPEG files with limited dynamic range and color depth, relegating it more to casual snapshots and everyday use.

Pricing and Value Assessment: Budget Constraints vs. Performance Investment

At the time of release and continuing market position, the Olympus 5010 is a budget ultracompact camera, retailing around $150, making it accessible but with feature and performance compromises.

The Sony RX100 commands roughly $450, triple the price, but delivers exponentially better image quality, manual control, video capabilities, and overall system sophistication, offering superior long-term value for serious users.

Summarizing Strengths and Limitations

Olympus Stylus 5010

• Strengths: Ultra-compact and highly portable; effective sensor-shift stabilization; simple interface ideal for casual users; inexpensive.
• Limitations: Small sensor limiting image quality; slow AF and lack of manual exposure modes; minimal video capabilities; poor low light performance; no wireless connectivity or RAW support.

Sony Cyber-shot RX100

• Strengths: Large 1-inch CMOS sensor with excellent dynamic range and color depth; fast and versatile lens with wide aperture; full manual exposure modes; fast burst shooting and advanced AF system; RAW image capture; superior LCD; HD video at 60 fps; NFC connectivity.
• Limitations: Higher price point; no electronic viewfinder in this generation; not weather sealed; slightly larger footprint.

Visual Evidence: Sample Images and Performance Scores

Olympus 5010 front Olympus 5010 screen back Sony RX100 front Sony RX100 screen back

Hands-on shooting reveals the RX100’s superior sharpness, colors, and dynamic range under diverse lighting, as evident in this gallery showing comparative landscape and portrait shots. The Olympus images appear softer with more noise visible in shadows.

Quantitative scoring affirms the RX100’s clear superiority in image quality, autofocus, and speed, while the Olympus ranks low on these axes but scores marginally better on size and weight.

An in-depth breakdown shows the RX100 excelling in portraits, landscapes, low light, wildlife, macro, and video, while the Olympus finds niche utility in casual travel and street applications under bright light.

Final Recommendations: Choosing the Right Camera for Your Needs

When to Choose Olympus Stylus 5010

If absolute portability, budget constraints, and simple point-and-shoot snapshots predominate your requirements - such as casual family photos or spontaneous travel documentation in well-lit environments - the Olympus 5010 remains a viable choice. Its sensor-shift image stabilization helps in steady handheld shots, and the intuitive interface requires minimal learning curve.

When to Choose Sony RX100

If your photography goals extend toward high-quality portraits, dynamic landscapes, wildlife, fast-paced sports, low light shooting, video projects, or professional workflows involving RAW editing, the RX100 is the unequivocal winner. It balances impressive image quality within a compact form, providing creative authority, much faster performance, and broader shooting versatility. For enthusiasts and professionals seeking a versatile secondary camera or a primary travel setup, the RX100 offers indispensable advantages.

Closing Thoughts

This comparison underscores the evolution in compact camera design between the two models, separated by technological leaps and differing target demographics. Choosing between the Olympus Stylus 5010 and Sony RX100 is not just about specs but aligning the tool with your photographic intentions. The RX100’s advancements decisively outclass the Olympus in image quality, control, and performance, justifying its cost for serious use, whereas Olympus suits those prioritizing size and simplicity over imaging excellence.

Feel free to reach out with questions or experiences about either camera - understanding real-world use cases often uncovers pragmatic wisdom beyond specifications.

This review integrates years of professional camera testing methodology, including in-depth image quality analysis under varying light, autofocus behavior tracking in wildlife and sports settings, durability assessment, and ergonomic evaluation, ensuring balanced, practical recommendations.