This machine looks “true foot” but if you look closely you will find the details and fun – easy of the FE.
The FE-5010 has a 5x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 36-180mm), a 12 megapixel image resolution and many other Olympus-specific technologies.
The 2.7″ LCD is not a HyperCrystal III but still works well and has its own button to adjust the brightness depending on lighting conditions.
Olympus designed a very nice mode button (next to the view button) because it is compact and easy to use. All the controls on the back are designed on clear plastic blocks that clearly display the symbols.
The top side only has a simple power button and shutter button.
Battery compartment, memory card and multi-function USB connector at the bottom.
Olympus FE-5010 12MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Dual Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD (Blue): Buy it now
Overview
The Olympus FE-5010 is a compact point-and-shoot. Specifications:
Sensor: 12 MP CCD
Lens: 5x optical zoom, 35-175mm equivalent
Screen: 2.7-inch LCD, 230,000 dots
ISO range: 64-1600
Stabilization: digital
Video: VGA (640×480) at 30 fps
Battery: rechargeable Li-ion
Connectivity: USB 2.0, SD/SDHC card slot
Size and weight: 3.8 x 2.3 x 1.3 inches (97 x 59 x 33 mm), about 4.7 oz (134 g)
Design and handling
This FE-5010 is compact and light. It can fit in a pocket or a small bag. The handle feels a bit small, but it stays steady during normal use. Buttons and controls are easy to locate. The shutter button, zoom control, and mode dial are within reach. Switching modes is fast once you use the dial.
The shell feels mostly plastic. It does not seem built for rough use. Still, for a camera in this class, it works. When you turn the camera on, the lens cover opens by itself.
The screen measures 2.7 inches. It helps with aiming and checking photos. The resolution is 230,000 dots, which feels low now. In bright sun, like with many compact cameras, the screen is not very easy to see.
Image quality
The 12 MP CCD sensor captures good detail for standard prints and web sharing. It won’t match a modern CMOS sensor. The processor handles the data acceptably but is slower and noisier than more advanced systems.
The 5x lens covers wide-angle landscapes to moderate telephoto. It is reasonably sharp, with some softness at the long end.
Stabilization is digital, which reduces shake less effectively than optical systems. Hold the camera steady, especially when zoomed in.
At low ISO settings the images are clean. Noise grows as you raise ISO, and by the top of the range it is obvious. That is acceptable for casual shooting but not for serious low-light work.
Video is VGA at 30 fps, fine for casual clips and well short of HD.
Using it
The menus are simple. The mode dial gives you auto, scene and video modes. Scene modes include portrait, landscape, macro and night, and each sets the camera up for that situation. Customization is basic: image quality, white balance and color effects. You get fewer controls than on higher-end cameras, but enough to get decent results without technical knowledge.
Photos transfer over USB 2.0 or by moving the SD/SDHC card. There is no wireless connectivity. The Li-ion battery is rated for several hundred shots per charge, enough for day-to-day shooting.
Comparison with similar models
All three of the following have optical stabilization, which the FE-5010 lacks.
All three rivals have a 12.1 MP sensor.
The Canon PowerShot A1100 IS stands apart. It has only a 4x zoom, while the FE-5010 goes up to 5x. Its screen is also the smallest, at 2.5 inches.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS25 looks closer to the FE-5010. It has a 5x zoom too. It also uses a 3-inch screen.
Then there is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290. It matches the Panasonic on zoom, with 5x. It also has a 3-inch screen. The difference is that Sony’s screen is higher in resolution.
Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths:
Small and light, easy to carry while traveling
Simple controls and menus, good for beginners
5x zoom covers most everyday situations
Battery lasts a full day of casual shooting
Weaknesses:
Low-resolution screen by current standards
Digital stabilization gives blurrier shots at full zoom or in dim light
Noise at high ISO limits low-light use
VGA video looks poor next to the HD and 4K on newer cameras
Conclusion
The FE-5010 is a simple, portable camera for casual shooters. It is light, easy to use and takes decent pictures for everyday use and travel.
Its limits are the screen, the digital stabilization and the VGA video. If you want higher resolution or more advanced features, look at newer cameras.
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Tech Reviewer & Product Analyst
Định Bia has spent over 10 years testing consumer electronics with a focus on smart technology. He work as a product advisor at Biareview where he helped customers find the right devices for their needs. He personally tests every product featured on this site using a consistent evaluation framework covering quality, durability, and value. All reviews are based on experience, not influenced by the manufacturer.