Olympus VG-120 vs. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5: An Expert Ultracompact Camera Showdown

In the world of ultracompact cameras, where convenience and versatility rule the roost, it’s easy to get dazzled by feature lists that tout fancy marketing jargon. But as someone who has tested thousands of cameras over fifteen years - from heavy DSLRs to tiny pocket shooters - I know it’s the real-world use and tried-and-true performance that make or break a model. Today, we'll dissect two intriguing competitors announced just a day apart in early 2011: the Olympus VG-120 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5.

Both of these ultracompact cameras target casual shooters looking for portability without too many complicated bells and whistles or a monstrous price tag. But beneath their deceptively simple design lies some subtle tradeoffs that can influence your choice depending on what kind of photographs you want to take.

Let me walk you through a detailed, hands-on comparison covering everything from sensor tech and autofocus to handling, lenses, and suitability across various photography genres. I’ve integrated my personal test results, objective technical analysis, and practical buying advice to help you decide which is the smarter investment for your photographic adventures.

First Impressions and Handling: Size, Feel, and Control

When you’re carrying a camera all day - on hikes, on city strolls, or between events - size and ergonomics aren’t trivial. Both Olympus and Panasonic above deliver incredibly compact bodies built for ease-of-pocket or purse storage, but there are nuances that influence how you feel wielding them.

Physically, the Olympus VG-120 measures a tiny 96 × 57 × 19 mm and weighs a lighter 120 grams with battery. The Panasonic FP5 is slightly larger at 101 × 59 × 18 mm and a heavier 141 grams. Both fit easily into a coat pocket, which cannot be said for bulkier bridge cameras. However, the VG-120's thinner profile and lightweight feel give it a slight edge in pure portability.

The tradeoff? The Panasonic’s wider grip area offers a marginally better hold, which beginners (and those with less-than-clubby thumbs) may appreciate for steadier shooting. The build quality of both feels plasticky - expected at this price - but neither is robust enough for serious abuse or weather-sealing. This means you'll want to plan on gentle use and avoid rain or dust.

Looking closer at the physical design, the top view layout reveals a classic, no-nonsense control style:

The Olympus VG-120 keeps it minimal with basic mode and shutter buttons, while the Panasonic FP5 opts for a more streamlined look with touchscreen functionality to supplement physical controls. The FP5’s touchscreen allows faster menus navigation and easier focusing options, an early example of touch becoming a staple even in budget cameras.

Neither camera sports a viewfinder, which can be limiting in bright sunshine or for preferred composition styles, but the FP5’s touch interface somewhat makes up for that by simplifying operation.

Ergonomics Wins: Panasonic FP5 for grip and interface innovation.
Portability Wins: Olympus VG-120 for size and weight.

Sensor and Image Quality: Tiny Sensors, Big Expectations

Next up: the heart of the camera - the sensor. Both use similar 1/2.3" CCD sensors with a resolution near 14MP: Olympus at 4288×3216 and Panasonic topping out at 4320×3240. These sensors offer respectable image quality in good light conditions but are naturally limited by their small physical size.

The sensor surface areas are nearly identical: 28.07 mm² for Olympus vs. 27.72 mm² for Panasonic. CCD technology of the early 2010s is a bit dated compared to today’s CMOS sensors but often yields pleasing color rendering and less noise in low ISO settings.

ISO range and noise reveal notable differences. The Olympus caps out ISO 1600 and starts at 80, whereas the Panasonic expands from 100 to a maximum ISO 6400 - though image quality at the highest ISO is noisy and grainy. For dimly lit scenes, the Panasonic gives you a little more breathing room, thanks to its higher max ISO and better noise processing with the Venus Engine IV processor.

However, both cameras lack RAW file support - a painful limitation for enthusiasts who want to fine-tune images in post-production (Adobe Lightroom or Capture One remain out of reach). You’re stuck with JPEGs, which limits flexibility but suits casual snapshots.

For dynamic range (ability to capture details in highlights and shadows), neither camera can compete with modern mirrorless or DSLR systems. The limited sensor size means shadow noise and highlight clipping appear earlier than in bigger-sensored cameras.

Real-World Image Quality:

• In bright conditions, both produce sharp, punchy images with reasonably natural colors.
• In lower light, Panasonic edges out with slightly cleaner images at ISO 400-800.
• Olympus struggles a bit more with noise beyond ISO 400 and tends toward softer images.
• Macro shots by Olympus show marginally better detail reproduction at close range (7cm vs. Panasonic’s 10cm).

The Lens Systems: Zoom Ranges and Apertures

Ultracompacts always come with fixed lenses, so choosing between these two means a close look at focal range, maximum apertures, and overall optical quality.

The Olympus VG-120 equips a 26-130mm equivalent (5× zoom) lens, opening from a bright F2.8 at the wide end down to F6.5 telephoto. This wider wide-angle helps landscapes or indoor shots fit more into frame while the bright aperture aids in low-light or blur-effect shots.

In comparison, the Panasonic FP5’s 35-140mm equivalent (4× zoom) starts narrower at F3.5 and tightens to F5.9, offering less wide-angle coverage but a longer telephoto reach. So if you’re aiming for simple portraits or need a bit more zoom squeeze (e.g., distant subjects outdoors), Panasonic's lens might come in handy.

While Olympus pushes the wider aperture for better bokeh (background blur), both lenses are limited in optical sharpness as you zoom in, especially past 100mm equivalent. Corners get soft, and visible chromatic aberrations show up under tough light. Neither model has optical manual focus override, but Olympus’s slightly longer macro capability favors flower or subject close-ups.

Autofocus and Performance: Hunting or Pinpoint Precision?

Neither of these cameras is built for DSLR-like autofocus speed or precision, but within their limitations, Panasonic's newer autofocus system offers a few noteworthy advantages.

Olympus’s contrast-detection AF is slow and occasionally wobbly, especially in low light or for moving targets. Panasonic's FP5 compensates with a smarter AF tracking system and the added bonus of touch-to-focus, which makes shooting more intuitive.

Continuous shooting on the FP5 (6 fps) is a surprise - handy for capturing quick action in moderate bursts, while the VG-120 offers no burst mode at all. In fast-paced shooting scenarios like street, sports, or wildlife, Panasonic clearly has the edge.

LCD Screen and Interface: Where Touch Meets Tradition

Both cameras feature 3-inch fixed TFT LCDs with 230k-dot resolution. That's basic by today's standards but still adequate for framing and reviewing images.

The FP5’s touchscreen puts it miles ahead in usability. I found menus much easier to navigate, and adjusting focus points with taps felt natural. The Olympus, by contrast, requires fiddling with physical buttons - clunky and slow, especially when you want to change settings on the fly.

Neither camera has an electronic viewfinder, which may disappoint photographers who like composing more traditionally or need eye-level stability in bright sunlight.

Flash, Stabilization, and Connectivity

A quick reality check: both cameras include a built-in flash with similar effective range (~4.5m) and typical flash modes (Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in). Nothing special here; external flashes are not supported.

Where Panasonic clearly excels is image stabilization. Its optical stabilization helps compensate for handshake - crucial for zoomed-in telephoto shots or dim conditions, whereas the Olympus VG-120 has no stabilization at all.

Wireless connectivity? Nope, neither competes here. No Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC means no direct sharing or remote control. USB 2.0 with slow transfer speeds is the only bridge to computers.

Battery and Storage: Endurance for Your Shoots

Battery life is another practical factor that could influence your choice. The Olympus VG-120 relies on the LI-70B Battery Pack offering about 160 shots per charge - a little slim for extended travel days or events.

The Panasonic FP5 improves with roughly 260 shots on a full charge of its proprietary battery (model unspecified). Not spectacular, but nearly 60% longer shooting time is a strong advantage for casual users who hate fumbling for spare batteries.

Both use a single SD/SDHC memory card slot; the FP5 also supports SDXC and can store images internally - a handy feature for quick sharing or emergencies.

Video Capabilities: Modest at Best

Neither camera is designed for video buffs or YouTubers. Both shoot HD video at 1280x720p max (30fps), encoded in the dated Motion JPEG format, which yields large files of less-than-stellar quality.

No external microphone jacks or headphone outs limit audio control, and the absence of 4K or advanced stabilization makes them poor choices for serious videographers.

The Panasonic FP5 does have slightly smoother AF during video thanks to touch focus and tracking, but overall, video is a ‘nice to have’ at best.

Real-World Photography Across Genres: Where Do They Shine?

Let’s bring this down to earth by evaluating how these cameras fit into common photographic niches:

Portrait Photography

• Olympus VG-120: The bright F2.8 aperture at wide-angle helps in ambient-lit portraits, producing decent bokeh, though lack of manual focus hinders creative control.
• Panasonic FP5: Slightly slower aperture but AF tracking and touch focus simplify eye detection and focus lock, essential for crisp portraits on the go.

Landscape Photography

• Wider 26mm focal length of Olympus favors sweeping vistas. However, limited dynamic range and sensor size cap image richness in complex lighting.
• Panasonic’s lens maxes at 35mm, slightly tighter framing, but slightly higher max ISO and stabilization assist handheld landscape shots at dawn or dusk.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

• Both struggle here, but Panasonic’s 6fps burst and AF tracking give it a glimmer of hope for casual wildlife snaps or kids’ sports without investing in bigger gear.

Street Photography

• Olympus’s smaller size and lighter weight support discreet shooting, but slow AF and no stabilization mean missed moments or blurry shots.
• Panasonic benefits from touchscreen AF and slightly jammed zoom range but is bulkier and heavier.

Macro Photography

• Olympus macro distance of 7cm beats Panasonic’s 10cm capability, allowing more detailed close-ups (flowers, insects) - a subtle but valuable perk for enthusiasts.

Night/Astro Photography

• Neither’s high ISO performance nor shutter speed ranges are ideal for demanding night scenes, and no long-exposure or bulb modes limit astrophotography potential.

Video

• Basic HD recording only, minimal mic options - a no-go for serious videographers. Panasonic’s AF during video is smoother if you must shoot casual clips.

Travel Photography

• Both shine in portability, with Panasonic excelling in battery life and image stabilization - better for tourists covering lots of ground.
• Olympus’s wider lens and lighter weight might appeal if packing ultra-light and shooting mostly landscapes or snapshots.

Professional Use

• Neither supports RAW, manual exposure, or pro-grade build, limiting their use as serious workhorses or for demanding workflows.

Price and Value Analysis: Stretching Your Photography Dollar

Both cameras launched near the same price point (~$190 for Olympus VG-120, $199 for Panasonic FP5). For budget-conscious buyers (or those looking for a decent second or backup camera), that’s modest but not negligible.

At this level, expectations should focus on ease of use, decent image quality for everyday shots, and good battery life rather than advanced features.

The Panasonic FP5's extras - touchscreen, AF tracking, stabilization, and faster burst - represent an excellent value increase at just a small jump in weight and size.

Olympus VG-120 remains attractive if you prioritize absolute portability, a brighter wide-angle lens, and simpler handling.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

In Pictures: Real Sample Comparisons

Taking actual shots with both cameras side-by-side gives a clearer idea of differences:

Olympus VG 120 front Olympus VG 120 screen back Panasonic FP5 front Panasonic FP5 screen back

Both reproduce attractive colors under daylight, with Panasonic offering slightly better contrast and sharper telephoto crops. Olympus’s wider angle pulls in more scene context without sacrificing color accuracy.

Performance Scores

After extensive hands-on benchmarking via ISO tests, AF trials, and real-use scenarios, here are my expert ratings:

Panasonic FP5 scores higher owing to superior autofocus, stabilization, and battery life. Olympus sits lower mainly due to its older processor and lack of stabilization.

Genre-Specific Scores

Breaking down suitability by photography genre:

Here, the Panasonic’s advantages shine in street, travel, and casual wildlife shooting, while Olympus scores points in macro and landscape photo niches due to its wider and brighter lens.

Final Verdict: Which Ultracompact Is Best for You?

If you’re a budget-conscious enthusiast or beginner who prioritizes portability and wide-angle versatility, the Olympus VG-120 remains a respectable, entry-level pick. Its light weight and nifty wide aperture lens open creative doors around casual landscape snapshots and macro photography, with the caveat of slower AF and lower battery endurance.

On the flip side, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5 gives you subtle but meaningful advantages - it’s the more feature-rich and user-friendly option. The touchscreen interface, optical stabilization, improved autofocus with tracking, and better battery life elevate it into a practical everyday shooter. If your photography leans toward street, travel, or casual action shots, and you don’t mind carrying a slightly chunkier model, this is the one I’d buy.

Both cameras are certainly showing their age in 2024 terms, so if your budget allows, I’d also recommend exploring newer compact or entry-level mirrorless cameras for better sensor performance and RAW shooting support.

Quick Recommendations Summary

Parting Thoughts

Choosing between the Olympus VG-120 and Panasonic FP5 is a classic ultracompact tradeoff: a leaner body and wider aperture vs. smarter autofocus and image stabilization. After years of testing countless cameras, I always advise matching a camera’s capabilities to your style and specific needs instead of falling for specs alone.

Whichever you pick, both will reward you with instant grab-and-go readiness and simple operation without intimidating menus - a Godsend for beginners or casual shooters craving better images than smartphones of the era.

If you’re just getting into photography or need a space-saving companion camera, consider these choices carefully, then get out there and shoot!

Thanks for reading my detailed Olympus VG-120 vs. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5 comparison. Feel free to reach out with questions or for personalized advice tailored to your photography goals.