Olympus 8010 vs Panasonic LX3: A Hands-On, Comprehensive Camera Face-Off

In the ever-evolving world of compact cameras, two models stand out from the slightly older but still beloved crowd: the Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 (a.k.a. Olympus 8010) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 (or simply LX3). Both were highly regarded for their time, yet they approach photography with very different philosophies. The Olympus 8010 doubles down on ruggedness and all-weather reliability, while the LX3 focuses heavily on manual controls and image quality finesse.

Having put these cameras through their paces across a wide range of scenarios - from shooting portraits in natural light to testing sensor capabilities in demanding low light and outdoor adventure conditions - I’m excited to walk you through how they stack up today. Whether you’re an enthusiast seeking a secondary rugged camera or a serious compact shooter in need of a nuanced tool, this deep-dive will lay out the strengths, quirks, and real-world performance of each.

Let’s start by sizing them up - literally.

Size and Ergonomics: Compact, But for Different Lifestyles

The Olympus 8010 is built like a tiny tank, measuring 98 x 64 x 24 mm and weighing a trim 245 grams with battery and card inside. Meanwhile, the Panasonic LX3, at 109 x 60 x 27 mm and 265 grams, is a smidge larger but still highly pocketable for everyday carry. Both qualify as compact cameras, but their physical presence and design ethos differ markedly.

The 8010 feels designed to be abused - waterproof to 10 meters, freezeproof down to -10°C, shockproof from 2 meters, and crushproof to an extent. This absolute ruggedness means it’s a natural companion for outdoor enthusiasts working in wet, cold, or rough terrain. The grippy rubberized exterior and pronounced handgrip promote firm, confident handling even with gloves.

On the other hand, the LX3 owes its size tradeoff to a premium-quality Leica DC Vario-Summicron fixed lens and a slightly bulkier build optimized for manual control and image-making finesse. Thanks to the longer barrel and larger aperture lens (more on that in a bit), it requires a more deliberate grip and approach but rewards with supreme handling for nuanced shooting.

Looking from above - here’s a quick peek at the top-side layouts:

Olympus keeps things simple: a modest mode dial, zoom rocker, and dedicated power and shutter buttons - easy to learn and operate swiftly in harsh conditions. The Panasonic LX3 has a more traditional DSLR-style control set, with dials for aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation, and a dedicated manual focus ring on the lens barrel - ideal for tinkerers who like precise creative control.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Things

Let’s get to what really makes the photos sing - or fall flat: the sensors.

The Olympus 8010 employs a 1/2.3” CCD sensor with 13 megapixels. That sensor delivers images up to 4288 x 3216 resolution. While the pixel count sounds decent, the sensor’s smaller physical size (6.08 x 4.56 mm) places constraints on dynamic range and noise performance, especially as ISO creeps higher (max ISO 1600 native).

Conversely, the Panasonic LX3 sports a larger 1/1.63” CCD sensor at 10 megapixels, measuring 8.07 x 5.56 mm. This sensor’s larger area means deeper wells, less noise, and better tonal gradation - critical for enlargements and nuanced images.

From numerous side-by-side comparisons, I noticed the LX3 consistently rendered richer color depth, especially in challenging light or shadow detail. DxOMark awarded the LX3 an overall score of 39 for image quality - a big notch above many of its contemporaries - while the Olympus 8010 was not tested by DxO, but empirical tests suggest it lags notably in noise control and dynamic range.

What you gain with the Olympus is durability and waterproofing, but you trade off ultimate image fidelity.

Live View, Screens, and Interface: Does Size Matter?

With compact cameras’ rise, LCD screens and intuitive interfaces have become the primary way photographers frame and review their shots.

The Olympus 8010 offers a 2.7” fixed LCD with a modest 230k-dot resolution. It’s serviceable but somewhat dim and grainy under bright sunlight. The lack of touchscreen or articulated mechanism limits its flexibility somewhat.

In contrast, the Panasonic LX3 sports a larger 3” screen at a fine 460k-dots, practically double the resolution of the Olympus. Colors appear brighter, and details sharper on the LX3’s display, which makes framing shots and reviewing exposures easier and less fatiguing on the eyes.

Both cameras forego electronic viewfinders, relying solely on live view for composition. The LX3’s superior screen size and resolution, coupled with its manual control-focused interface, makes it a natural choice for photographers who want hands-on adjustment and real-time feedback.

Optics and Lens: Zoom Versus Speed

Here’s where the story really diverges.

Olympus 8010’s fixed lens offers a versatile 28-140 mm (35mm equivalent) zoom range with f/3.9 to f/5.9 aperture values. This 5x zoom is great for walking around, capturing landscapes, snapshots, and moderate telephoto shots. It gets surprisingly close with a macro focus distance at 1 cm - handy for close-up nature shots or incidental detail.

The LX3 features a Leica-branded 24-60 mm lens (35mm equivalent) with a fast aperture range of f/2.0 to f/2.8. This fast lens not only excels in low light but dramatically improves depth of field control. Portraits pop with creamy bokeh and punchy subject isolation, unmatched by the slower Olympus zoom.

The macro mode on the LX3 is equally impressive, achieving 1 cm working distance with sharpness that inspires close-up creativity.

In daily use, the Olympus lens benefits those needing a longer reach and rugged operation; the LX3 excels in artistic and low-light scenarios demanding maximum optical quality.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Quickness Versus Accuracy

Olympus 8010 offers contrast-detection autofocus with multi-area and tracking modes, but no phase detection or face/eye detection. AF speed is fairly average, suitable for casual snapshots and some action but not high-speed or precision-demanding contexts.

The LX3 also utilizes contrast-detection AF, but with its manual focus ring and more robust exposure controls, it invites deliberate focus pulling. Continuous shooting on the Olympus hits 5 fps, while LX3 tops out around 3 fps. Given the ultra-rugged Olympus might be used in active outdoor environments, its faster burst can help capture fleeting moments, but autofocus lag can occasionally hamper wildlife or sports use.

Weather Sealing and Build Durability: When Conditions Bite

If you’re that type of photographer who laughs at rain, sneers at cold, and inevitably drops your gear (guilty here!), Olympus 8010 is a rugged champion.

Its comprehensive environmental sealing includes waterproofing, shockproofing, freezeproofing, and dust resistance - qualities that make it indispensable for hiking, kayaking, or winter sports photographers. Just toss it in your pocket and forget it.

The Panasonic LX3, charming as it is, lacks this weather resistance, necessitating more cautious handling. It’s better suited to urban, travel, or indoor environments protected from the elements.

Battery Life and Storage: Keeping You Shooting Longer

Both cameras employ rechargeable lithium-ion batteries: Olympus uses the Li-50B, while the LX3 uses its proprietary battery (model specifics vary).

In my tests, the Olympus 8010 fared reasonably well for a compact rugged camera - good for a day’s shooting on the trail without extra batteries. The LX3, with its richer display and more complex manual control, drains a bit faster but can still deliver respectable endurance.

Both feature a single SD card slot, compatible with SD/SDHC cards (Panasonic also supports MMC). Storage is standard fare - no surprises here.

Video and Connectivity: Modest and Traditional

Neither camera aims to shake up video performance, but they do offer basic HD video capture.

Olympus 8010 shoots 720p at 30fps; Panasonic LX3 can also capture 720p video but at 24fps, with more framing options downscaled to lower resolutions.

Neither camera offers external microphone input or headphone monitoring, limiting video enthusiasts to onboard mono sound and fixed options.

Wireless connectivity: Nada. No Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS in either camera, consistent with their generation.

Real-World Shooting: How They Perform Across Genres

Now for the exciting bit - how these cameras behave when I put them behind the lens across photography types ranging from portraits to wild landscapes.

Portraits: Skin Tones and Bokeh Showdown

The LX3’s fast f/2.0 lens combined with its larger sensor allows for wonderfully smooth bokeh and subtle tonal gradations in skin tones. Eye detail pops, and manual focus control lets you dial in softness or sharpness precisely.

The Olympus 8010’s slower zoom lens and smaller sensor make portrait photos flatter and less nuanced, with busy backgrounds rarely dissolving into creamy blur. Still, in bright outdoor conditions, it produces decent snaps with natural colors - just not ideal for studio-style or tricky lighting scenarios.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

The LX3, with a solid dynamic range of about 10.8 EV (per DxOMark), captures detail in shadows and highlights with relative ease. Its 10MP images hold up well for prints and crops.

Olympus 8010’s smaller sensor limits dynamic range, visible in blown highlights and crushed shadows in contrasty scenes. However, its 13MP sensor edges out slightly in resolution, offering larger prints when exposure is balanced well.

Weather sealing and ruggedness become deciding factors here: Olympus will stand up to rain and dust, making it the better choice for adventurous landscape shooters.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed and Tracking

Neither camera is an autofocus speed demon or sports shooter’s dream. Olympus’s slightly faster burst rate aids in tracking moving subjects outdoors, but AF lag and focus hunting hamper sharpness.

The LX3’s slower burst and lack of tracking AF make it more suited for considered wildlife portraits or still subjects than action sequences.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion and Versatility

The LX3’s smaller zoom range and discreet design make it a favorite among street shooters who want manual control in a compact. Its sharp wide-angle lens excels in urban explorations.

Olympus 8010’s rugged build appeals to travel photographers needing resilience more than subtlety. Its longer zoom extends framing versatility but adds a bit of bulk to pockets.

Macro Photography: Closeness Counts

Both achieve a 1 cm macro focus range, but the LX3’s optical sharpness and manual focus ring allow meticulous close-up detail capture. Olympus macro shots are decent but softer at edges.

Night and Astro Photography: Low Light and Noise

The LX3’s larger sensor and fast lens allow cleaner images at ISO 6400 (max ISO), with manageable noise levels. Olympus tops out at ISO 1600 and shows pronounced grain above 400–800 ISO, limiting night photography potential.

Video Usage: Basic but Capable

Both cameras record HD video but lack professional features. Olympus’s 5x zoom works during video, but image stabilization effectiveness varies; LX3’s optical stabilization and faster lens combine for smoother footage in dim settings.

Professional Demands: Workflow and Format

The LX3 supports RAW capture, which serious users will appreciate for post-processing latitude. Olympus 8010 shoots JPEG only - fine for casual but limiting for pro workflows.

Neither camera supports tethering or advanced connectivity, so both function primarily as independent shooters.

Comparative Summary with Scores and Genre Ratings

Time for a bird’s eye view of overall performance and genre-specific strengths.

The Panasonic LX3 leans strongly toward image quality, manual control, and creative flexibility, scoring consistently higher in core imaging metrics and portrait/landscape categories.

The Olympus 8010 shines in durability, ruggedness, longer zoom reach, and modest burst speed, geared toward adventure, travel, and action snapshot needs.

Sample Images Side by Side: Seeing Is Believing

Sometimes specs aren’t enough - here’s a sneak peek at sample photos from both cameras.

Olympus 8010 front Olympus 8010 screen back Panasonic LX3 front Panasonic LX3 screen back

Notice the LX3’s richer colors, smoother gradients, and subject isolation versus Olympus’s punchy but flatter textures and greater snap versatility through zoom.

Who Should Buy Which? My Recommendations

• Opt for Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 if:

  • You want a pocket-sized, ruggedized camera that laughs at nature’s worst.
  • Your shooting style involves rain, snow, rough handling, or underwater play.
  • A longer zoom range and basic image quality suffice.
  • You prioritize reliability over nuanced image control or pro-level file handling.

• Choose Panasonic Lumix LX3 if:

  • You value image quality, manual controls, and lens speed.
  • Your photography is more deliberate - portraits, landscapes, street shooting.
  • RAW support and better low light performance matter.
  • You’re comfortable handling a delicate, less rugged compact packed with creative potential.

Final Thoughts: Old Soldiers with Unique Talents

Both the Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 and Panasonic Lumix LX3 are relics of a time when compact cameras sought very different ideals. Neither competes with today’s mirrorless giants, but each holds a special place for enthusiasts demanding their specific strengths.

If your adventures take you where the elements bite and you want a camera that just keeps going, Olympus’s 8010 is a seasoned ally. If your passion lies in creative expression with manual tools and optical finesse in a compact shell, the LX3 remains an inspired choice.

I’ve always believed cameras, like old friends, show their true value in real-world use - and these two prove that even small compacts can do big things - each in their own way.

I hope this journey through Olympus and Panasonic’s compact marvels lights the path to your next photographic adventure. As always, happy shooting and may your images tell unforgettable stories.