Olympus Stylus 7010 vs. Sony RX100 V: The Definitive Compact Camera Showdown

When choosing a compact camera, nearly every photographer will weigh factors like image quality, speed, portability, and feature sets. But what if you’re torn between two cameras that sit a decade apart on the timeline yet share the compact DNA - the Olympus Stylus 7010 from 2009 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V from 2016? As someone who has tested thousands of cameras over the past 15 years, I find this comparison especially fascinating because it crystallizes the rapid evolution of sensor technology, autofocus sophistication, and video prowess in a compact form factor.

In this article, I’ll break down these two cameras with a sharp focus on real-world performance, practical usability, and value. Whether you’re a casual snapper or a seasoned professional looking for a pocketable secondary shooter, I’ll help you figure out which model fits your visual storytelling needs best.

Design and Ergonomics: Slim Line Meets Precision

Starting with the physical aspect, the Olympus 7010 is delightfully pocketable - at 145 grams and with a thickness under 3 cm, it slips into a jacket pocket without fuss. It’s designed for simplicity and grab-and-go convenience, with a 7x zoom covering 28-196 mm equivalent focal length. The rubberized grip is minimal, relying more on sleekness than firm handling.

In contrast, the Sony RX100 V is notably heavier at 299 grams and thicker, largely due to its larger 1" sensor and more complex internal mechanisms. The lens zoom range (24-70mm) is shorter but wider and faster (f/1.8-2.8), delivering a more premium photographic experience. Though less pocket-friendly than the 7010, the RX100 V's ergonomic design - with a decent grip and well-placed buttons - is highly manageable for enthusiasts who prioritize control over compactness.

These differences reflect fundamentally different design philosophies: ultra-compact simplicity (Olympus) versus hybrid compact with pro-inspired handling (Sony). Consider how you’ll carry the camera daily, since ease of handling can impact how often you reach for it.

On the control front, the Olympus sticks to the basics - no manual focus ring, no exposure compensation dial, or dedicated mode dials. It’s ideal for point-and-shoot enthusiasts who want a camera to “just work." Meanwhile, the Sony RX100 V brings a control layout you could comfortably use for full manual shooting. It offers shutter/ aperture priority modes, full manual controls, and a pop-up electronic viewfinder - a feature absent on Olympus - allowing for precise framing in bright environments.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

This is where the two cameras really diverge. The Olympus 7010 uses a 1/2.3" CCD sensor (12 megapixels), which was standard in 2009 but is now decidedly dated. The sensor area (approximately 27.72 mm²) limits light-gathering capacity, resulting in modest low-light performance and dynamic range. The CCD does give decent color rendition, but image noise becomes intrusive beyond ISO 400. Additionally, this compact’s native max ISO tops at 1600, which is barely usable in anything but bright daylight.

On the other hand, the Sony RX100 V’s 1" BSI CMOS sensor (20 megapixels) quadruples the sensor area to 116.16 mm² and benefits from back-side illumination technology for superior light sensitivity. In tests, it delivers exceptional dynamic range (DxOmark scored it at 12.4 stops) and impressive color depth (22.8 bits), easily outperforming the Olympus in capturing fine details, gradients, and shadow recovery.

From my hands-on experience, shots from the RX100 V are noticeably sharper, with less noise even at ISO 3200. It's a camera that adapts elegantly to challenging lighting - whether indoor events or shadowy landscapes.

Display and Viewfinder: Composing with Confidence

The Olympus sports a fixed 2.7-inch LCD with a modest 230k-dot resolution. It’s serviceable but admittedly low resolution by modern standards. The lack of tilting capability and touchscreen means composing in tricky angles or navigating menus can be frustrating. There’s no viewfinder, so eye-level shooting is off the table.

The Sony RX100 V redeems itself with a larger 3-inch tilting LCD boasting 1229k-dot resolution, significantly sharper and more flexible for composing from hip level, overhead, or self-portraits. Better yet, it includes a built-in pop-up electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.35 million dots and 100% coverage, a feature I cannot recommend highly enough. The EVF is invaluable when bright sunlight washes out the rear LCD and is fundamental to the RX100’s appeal for enthusiasts.

The RX100 V’s interface menus feel more intuitive and customizable, reflecting Sony’s progress in streamlining workflow on compact cameras.

Autofocus and Speed: Keeping Up With the Action

Autofocus can make or break your shooting experience, especially for wildlife, sports, and street photography. The Olympus 7010 employs a basic contrast-detection AF system with no face detection or tracking. Autofocus speed is relatively sluggish by today’s standards, and single-point autofocus means limited subject-tracking ability. This camera is best suited for stationary subjects in well-lit conditions.

The Sony, however, elevates AF performance through a hybrid system combining phase-detection pixels with contrast detection, outfitted with 315 focus points covering a wide area of the frame. Eye-detection AF is built-in, lending precision to portraits, and subject tracking works well for moving targets. In burst shooting mode, the RX100 V can capture up to 24 frames per second with AF/AE tracking - stellar for sports and wildlife shooters relying on high frame rates.

For street photographers especially, the RX100’s lightning-fast AF coupled with near-silent electronic shutter modes means you can be discreet and quick - qualities the Olympus simply can’t match.

Lens and Zoom: Versatility vs. Speed

The Olympus 7010’s fixed zoom spans a 28-196 mm equivalent focal range, giving a generous 7x zoom. That extra reach is great if you want telephoto flexibility, but be aware that it's at the cost of maximum aperture, which narrows considerably to f/5.9 at the long end. Image quality softens at the long reach, and distortion is noticeable, though Olympus does apply decent in-camera corrections.

Sony’s RX100 V offers a shorter 24-70 mm zoom, faster aperture from f/1.8 to f/2.8, and exceptional sharpness edge-to-edge thanks to Zeiss optics. The wider angle is excellent for landscape and travel photography, while the bright aperture excels in low light and for shallow depth of field effects in portraits.

From my experience, RX100’s optics outclass the Olympus for overall sharpness, bokeh quality, and control over depth of field, although you sacrifice telephoto reach.

Olympus 7010 front Olympus 7010 screen back Sony RX100 V front Sony RX100 V screen back

Real-World Image Samples: What the Photos Tell Us

Reviewing sample galleries and testing both cameras in controlled and spontaneous shooting conditions confirms the technical specs. The Olympus photos show respectable daylight color rendition with slightly muted dynamic range and noticeable softness at telephoto, especially when viewed at 100%. Skin tones are pleasant but somewhat flat, and textures lack micro-contrast.

Meanwhile, the RX100 V yields vivid images with excellent sharpness and contrast, excellent tonal gradation in skies and shadows, and smooth skin tones with recognizable layers of detail. Its superior ISO performance means you can shoot handheld in environments the 7010 would struggle with.

For night or astro photography, the Olympus's limited max ISO (1600) and CCD sensor noise mean grain dominates, whereas the Sony handles high ISOs with relatively clean output, giving flexibility to capture stars or moody urban scenes.

Video Capabilities: Compact Film-Making Tools

Video tends to be a secondary feature on small sensor compacts like the 7010. Its maximum video resolution tops out at 640x480 at 30fps (Motion JPEG), which is frankly outdated by modern expectations. The video quality lacks detail, and there are no manual controls, image stabilization is sensor-shift but limited, and no microphone input restricts audio quality improvements.

The RX100 V is a very different proposition - capable of 4K UHD recording at 30fps using advanced XAVC S codecs with up to 100 Mbps bitrate, delivering clean, detailed footage. Optical image stabilization reduces shake significantly. Unfortunately, no external microphone input means audio remains average unless you sync separately, but for a compact camera, the video specs are impressive. It also supports timelapse video recording, providing additional creativity for enthusiasts.

While the Olympus could capture basic home videos, the Sony stands well beyond, suited for vloggers, travelers, or multimedia professionals needing quality 4K in a pocket.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery life is often a pain point in small cameras. The Olympus 7010 uses the LI-42B battery, and official specs are unclear, but anecdotal experience suggests it can deliver moderate shot counts (~200 shots per charge). Storage is via xD Picture Cards or microSD cards. Neither the battery nor storage options are ideal by today’s standards.

The Sony RX100 V, with its NP-BX1 battery, officially offers about 220 shots per charge, which I found to be a conservative estimate; real-world usage often yields higher shots, especially with judicious LCD or EVF use. Storage utilizes SD cards (including SDXC), providing higher capacity and speed options. Connectivity-wise, the RX100 V includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, allowing easy image transfer and remote control via apps - a major convenience Olympus cannot match given its lack of wireless features.

Durability and Weather Sealing

Neither camera offers weather sealing or extraordinary ruggedness. The Olympus 7010 is not dust or moisture resistant, nor shockproof. The Sony RX100 V, while built solidly, similarly lacks environmental sealing. Neither camera is designed for tough outdoor conditions but suits everyday urban or light outdoor use.

Summary of Performance Ratings

When objectively scored against technical criteria and real-world usage, the Sony RX100 V leads decisively with superior image quality, autofocus, video, and ergonomics. The Olympus 7010’s strengths lie largely in its ultra-compact size and longer zoom reach, but the compromises in sensor capability and speed show.

Which Camera Excels in Each Photography Genre?

• Portrait Photography: Sony RX100 V dominates with accurate skin tones, eye AF, and beautifully blurred backgrounds thanks to its fast lens and larger sensor. Olympus 7010’s small sensor limits shallow depth effects.
• Landscape Photography: RX100 V’s dynamic range and sharpness give it the edge. Olympus’s longer zoom is handy but optical compromises limit image quality.
• Wildlife Photography: Sony’s faster autofocus and rapid burst shooting make it vastly more capable for tracking animals. Olympus could only capture slow or static subjects well.
• Sports Photography: Rapid autofocus and frame rates on RX100 V make it usable; Olympus’s AF system and frame rate are unsuitable.
• Street Photography: Olympus’s small size is attractive for stealth shooting, but Sony’s silent shutter and EVF provide better flexibility.
• Macro Photography: RX100 V’s 5cm macro focusing paired with manual focus is better for close-ups than Olympus’s 10cm minimum focusing distance.
• Night/Astro Photography: Sony’s larger sensor and high ISO prowess deliver cleaner images under low light.
• Video: RX100 V is head and shoulders above with 4K, better codec, and stabilization.
• Travel Photography: Both compact, but RX100 V’s superior image quality and versatile controls recommend it strongly.
• Professional Work: Sony’s RAW support, manual controls, and image quality are far more suitable.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Choose Which Camera?

If you are a casual photographer or beginner on a tight budget who wants a pocket-friendly device with a long zoom and simple point-and-shoot operation, the Olympus Stylus 7010 might still appeal, though its outdated technology and limited capabilities make it less future proof.

However, for enthusiasts and professionals needing a compact travel companion, the Sony RX100 V is far superior - offering incredible image quality, speedy autofocus, and 4K video in a pocketable body. It’s a camera you can confidently use across genres - from portraits to wildlife to video, making it a versatile workhorse.

Methodology Note: How I Tested These Cameras

My evaluation included extensive shooting in varied lighting conditions, indoor and outdoor environments, with portraits, fast-moving subjects, landscapes, macro, and video. I compared native JPG outputs, tested RAW handling on the Sony, evaluated AF speed and accuracy using both still and moving subjects, and measured ergonomics through extended hands-on use.

I also reviewed sensor data and dynamic range curves from DxOmark (available for only Sony RX100 V) and tested the cameras' stabilization, battery endurance, and user interface fluidity.

Final Comparison Snapshot

In closing, both cameras tell a story - not only of their own merits but of a decade of explosive technological advancement. The Olympus 7010 is a relic from an era where compactness reigned supreme at the cost of imaging excellence. The Sony RX100 V, seven years later, embodies a bold leap toward professional image quality and responsiveness in a truly pocketable design.

If you want the best pocket camera for serious photography today - and you can stretch your budget - the RX100 V remains a formidable choice. But if simplicity and ultra-compact zoom are your top priorities, the Olympus still holds nostalgic appeal.

I encourage you to weigh their strengths in light of your photographic goals, budget, and how much you value cutting-edge features. Either way, you’re investing in two interesting compact cameras with very different visions of portability and power.

Thank you for reading, and I hope this detailed analysis helps you find your next perfect pocket camera!