Olympus FE-5010 12MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Dual Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD (Black)

by Olympus

Product Details

• Item Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B001P06MAG
• Item model number: FE5010 Black
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,912 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 7, 2008

Product Description

Color: Black

From the Manufacturer

The super-slim FE-5010 is full of smart digital technology: 12 megapixels of resolution and features like easy-to-use Intelligent Auto for quick, hassle-free shooting; Advanced Face Detection for sharp portrait pictures; In-Camera Help Guides for the ultimate learn-as-you-go digital experience; VGA Movie Recording with Sound; a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for added convenience; and an LCD backlight boost for viewing images in bright light.

Olympus FE-5010 Highlights

Intelligent Auto Thinks for You
While the new FE-5010 cannot file your income tax return for you, it can perform numerous challenging tasks and is as smart as it looks. Thanks to Intelligent Auto, the FE-5010 automatically identifies the scene you are capturing (Portrait, Landscape, Night + Portrait, Macro, Sports) and automatically adjust the camera’s settings to capture the best quality results.

In Control with Pre-Set Shooting Modes
If you do not want Intelligent Auto to make the decisions for you, the new FE-5010 offers numerous pre-set Shooting Modes, such as Sports, Fireworks and Night + Portrait. The camera also offers VGA-quality video and audio, which enables users to shoot and share movies on their TV or on the Web. Plus, with the Olympus Master 2.0 software, you can easily upload your movies to YouTube to share them with the world. The FE-5010 also features Smile Shot, which tracks your subject’s face to detect a smile and automatically fires off three consecutive shots so you never miss that perfect smile. This feature is great for parents trying to capture hard-to-predict baby smiles. The FE-5010 offers 18 Shooting Modes. This includes three for underwater shooting with the camera’s optional housing.

Image Stabilization for Virtually Blur-Free Photos
Dual Image Stabilization on the FE-5010 adds mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization to Digital Image Stabilization to provide one powerful two-in-one anti-blur solution for capturing great images even if the photographer or the subject is moving. Olympus' mechanical Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization keeps images sharp by adjusting the image sensor to compensate for camera movement, which often occurs in low-light conditions when shutter speeds are slower. By combining the two technologies, FE-5010 users are able to take crystal clear images in virtually any shooting situation.

Advanced Face Detection
Advanced Face Detection tracks faces within the frame and automatically focuses (Face Detection AF) and optimizes exposure (Face Detection AE) for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures. Even if your subject is moving, the camera continuously tracks your subject's face without having to press the shutter button. The FE series cameras can detect up to 16 individual faces in one shot.

Perfect Fix In-Camera Editing
The FE-5010 camera offers Red-Eye Fix and Lighting Fix, plus in-camera editing features such as resizing and cropping, which enable photographers to edit images after a photo has been captured.

Versatile Memory
All Olympus digital point-and-shoot cameras accept xD-Picture Card media. Starting with products available in August 2008, they also accept microSD memory cards to capture images. The new FE series cameras offer the flexibility to use either xD-Picture Card or microSD memory cards, which is just one more advantage of Olympus point-and-shoot cameras.

Easy Operation and Help Guides
The new FE series cameras feature enhanced In-Camera Help Guides that make digital photography simple and fun for users of all ages and skill levels. In addition to the Help Guide that displays a brief description of camera settings and features on the LCD, all three cameras allow consumers to easily adjust ISO and white balance settings using the Program Auto mode. Additionally, Exposure Compensation enables users to preview and select various exposure effects on a live, multi-frame window on the LCD before snapping the shot. This smart feature allows users to see precisely what the image will look like when adjustments are made, ensuring they are capturing the exact image desired. Program Auto and Exposure Compensation are great modes that enable novice users to get results like the pros while learning about the effects of different photography techniques.

TruePic III Image Processor
The FE-5010 features Olympus’ exclusive TruePic III Image Processor, which was developed for the demanding performance of professional Digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameras. Olympus’ enhanced TruePic III Image Processor produces crystal-clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to deliver superior picture quality with more accurate colors, true-to-life flesh tones and faster processing speeds. TruePic III also captures crisp, clear images at high ISO settings.

Olympus Master 2 Software
Olympus Master 2 Software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading to your computer quick and simple, and images are easily organized by folders or albums and searchable by date in Calendar view. A direct link makes uploading your images and videos to YouTube easier than ever. Additionally, with one-click editing tools, such as red-eye removal, images can be touched up before printing or emailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away. Use the optional muvee Theater Pack to create professional quality slide shows and DVDs from your pictures using any of several built-in templates. Additionally, create scrapbooks, greeting cards and other fun prints using the optional ArcSoft Print Creations plug-in.

Product Description

Get superior image quality with a high-resolution 12-megapixel CCD. Make poster-size prints or even crop without sacrificing detail. With 60% more magnification than 3x you can get closer to the action with this ultra-compact precision-crafted Olympus lens. The 2.7" High-Resolution LCD lets you easily shoot and share your images with friends and family. In addition to xD-Picture Card compatibility the FE-5010 comes with an adapter for a microSD memory card an emerging electronic storage media for mobile phones PDAs and HDTVs. Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization combined with High ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds lets you capture crisp clear images even if the subject is moving. Automatically identifies the scene you?re shooting and adjusts the settings to optimize results. Tracks up to 16 faces and automatically focuses and optimizes exposures for sharp brilliant portrait pictures. Detects a smile on your subject?s face and automatically fires off three consecutive shots to ensure you capture that perfect smile. Corrects shooting mistakes instantly by lightening shadows and removing red-eye right in the camera no computer or software necessary. Capture and share your fondest memories in full motion on the big screen or on the web using VGA Movie with Sound. Easily upload your VGA movies with sound to YouTube? and share them with the world using OLYMPUS Master? 2.0 Software. Always get the best shot with easy-to-use Shooting Modes. The preset scene modes optimize your camera's settings for sharp brilliant photos. Modes include Sunset Night Scene Beach and Snow Self Portrait and many more. High ISO lets you minimize blurry images caused by movement and capture clearer brighter images in low light. Learn as you go. The In-Camera Help Guides provide a brief description of camera settings and features conveniently displayed on the LCD at the push of a button. Developed for the professional Digital SLR the TruPic III Image Processor d

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

74 of 75 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Impressed!!!, April 27, 2009

By 

George Chenarides "Cgeorge1" (Corona, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Olympus FE-5010 12MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Dual Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD (Black) (Electronics)

I recently damaged my Nikon S6 digital camera while on vacation and wanted to have another to continue taking easy spontaneous shots for the remainder of my vacation. I looked at several Olympus models along with a Casio, Lumix, and a new Sony with stereo recording capability. All were in the 8-12 MP range and small compact size. I spent a couple of hours trying different features, focusing, still or moving conditions, and lighting and decided on the new FE-5010.
I charged the battery and "briefly" scanned the operational manual. I personally want to have a camera that is easy to navigate without having to constantly review the manual and the FE-5010 was exactly that... easy!
I have taken over two hundred photos with it during my remaining three days of vacation. Outdoors, indoors, with and without flash, a video of approximately (5) minutes in length, and almost all of the photo modes, (i.e. PHOTO, iA, SCN in several conditions, PORTRAIT,and SMILE).
In my experimentation of the different modes when I had the chance I took a couple of the same picture in a different mode so I could evaluate which were best for most of my shooting. I found the most valuable settings for me were "P", "iA", "SCN-Sport" "SCN-Landscape", and "SCN-INDOORS" with "P" being the most predominant. This was determined by me because most of the shots I had been taking in "iA" mode were automatically being set to "P". I assumed that if the "iA" mode thought that was best for most pictures it would be the best general setting for me as well and when in "iA" mode some feature changes I might want to make were not available to me but in "P" mode I could change the flash or other settings at will, that clinched it.
I often used zoom as well as a few at Super zoom (digital). I found that zoom in SCN-Sport was best for long shots of people because of the clarity when zooming for a closer view AFTER the shot was taken... it was excellent! The Super Zoom photos were as expected, (less than perfect) but if you didn't have to crop the original it was good enough to clearly see what the intended subject was.
The SCN-Sunset mode also took excellent shots with varying reflections from the ocean along with capturing the clouds and hues of the sky.
Three downsides were there was no histogram, which I have used with other cameras and liked, no "burst" mode which I have also liked on other cameras, and the reading time to send the photo to the XD media card. In bright light the shot-to-shot was very acceptable but in limited or low light it took the picture quickly but slow to send to memory thus had to wait before taking the next shot.
With no flash this camera was way ahead of my Nikon S6... simply excellent!
As noted by the purchase, none of these were a deal breaker because the other cameras I evaluated had many more deficiencies in one way or another.
The bottom line for me is when coupling the multitude of features, the clarity of the photos, the ease of use, and the price under $200.00, I had no hesitancy in recommending this model to a couple of friends looking to purchase a compact digital. My advise to anyone interested in purchasing a new compact is that they should compare any other they are reviewing to this one before making a decision.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for a pocket camera, April 14, 2009

By 

Kairat Mynbayev - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Olympus FE-5010 12MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Dual Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD (Black) (Electronics)

I have an advanced camera Sony Cybershot DSCR1 10.3MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom. I wanted a light substitute for occasional photos. Olympus FE-5010 fits the bill. Using the two cameras, I took pictures outdoors under the same good lighting conditions, and the difference was barely noticeable. Almost the same resolution (with 7 MP) and almost the same color quality. Of course, under low light the output from Olympus can't compare to that from Sony (horrible noise). Another thing that I don't like is that xD cards are limited to 2GB. You can use larger microSD but then the movies are limited to 10 sec. Olympus has two things missing from Sony: the movie mode and ability to take macros. And the image stabilization really works!

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I Like It!, July 10, 2009

By 

Mike Mitchell "Mitche" (Oklahoma City, OK, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Olympus FE-5010 12MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Dual Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD (Black) (Electronics)

Thought it was time to upgrade from my Olympus Camedia 4000. The 4000 is a great camera, but wanted the stabilization feature of a new camera, if nothing else. Also wanted higher MPs and smaller size. Also figured I would use it more if it wasn't so bulky. Will one day get a DSLR to replace my 35mm SLR for really good photography, so wanted a point and shoot automatic camera for right now. A lot of cameras will meet all those requirements, but I looked mainly at Olympus because I've been using that brand for over 40 years and never been disappointed yet. I compared this to similar Nikon and Cannon models and it looked to me like the price/feature break was better on the Olympus.

So I narrowed it down to the FE 3010 and FE 5010. As near as I can tell, the only real difference is 3x optical zoom vs 5x optical zoom. And price of course. Wanted the 5010, but was leaning to the 3010 until I found that right now, anyway, the price for the 5010, is actually *lower* than the 3010 here on Amazon. That's a no brainer even for me.

So I bought it right before I left for a week in San Francisco. After a week of use, I'm extremely happy with it. On my way to Alcatraz Island, I was able to take a picture of the warning sign on the island at full zoom, on the bow of the very much moving ferry, among a jostling crowd of other tourists, and got a perfect close up picture of the sign from about a half mile away. With everything on auto. Stabilization worked great, as not only was the ferry moving, but my hand wasn't very stable holding the camera one handed above everyone's head to get the shot.

Took about 400 pictures during the week and most turned out great. I found it *is* possible to get a blurry picture, but it takes work. I've only had to look up a couple of things in the manual. Mostly it's very intuitive and simple to use.

Only two complaints so far. The minor one is the explanation for the "card access lamp" light. The manual's only comment is that when it is blinking red, it means the card is being accessed, so be sure not to remove the card while it's blinking. What it doesn't tell me is what it means when it's burning solid red or solid green. And it's either solid red or solid green 99% of the time. Mostly solid red. Still don't know what it means.

The major complaint is about the "battery check" indicator. It's a solid green all the time, right up until it unexpectedly turned into a 1 bar blinking red, which I assume means recharge the battery. I would assume it would gradually get lower, letting me know about how much battery time I had left. This goes from indicating full charge to needs charging immediately, instantly. Doesn't allow for much planning. Don't know if this is an issue with my camera alone or the whole series.

What was even worse, though, was when I saw it go from full charge to flashing red, but I turned it back on about a minute later to show my girlfriend the flashing red indicator and it was *solid green* again, indicating full charge. So it not only seems to have only two indicators, full and empty, it goes back and forth between them! At this point, I can't trust the battery indicator. As I have another battery on order, even if I don't get this fixed, it will not be a show stopper for me. But it's a VERY serious problem, in my opinion. Batteries *appear* to last a full day, but because of the indicator glitch, it's hard to tell. I haven't let it run completely out yet because I didn't have the second battery and charged it early to insure I didn't lose any photo opportunities while on vacation. Will test battery life at home.

Other than those issues, though, everything else has worked to perfection! I'm only beginning to play around with the different modes, but the smile recognition, the red-eye, the self portrait and the document modes all work without problem. I even figured out how to turn off the flash without reading the manual. :) And the stabilization allowed for some excellent low light shots without flash, with NO blurring!

I bought the wide-angle and macro attachment (which attaches *without* having to glue the metal ring on the lens!), but didn't have much time to try them yet. I was a bit disappointed with how much the wide angle extended the shot, but have to assume that's standard for the lens. I've also ordered the doubler and tripler lenses, to extend the zoom out to 10x and 15x. Am looking forward to getting those! I believe the stabilization will allow excellent off the cuff zoom shots out to an amazing distance without blurring!

Going from 4MP to 12MP was astonishing to me. Obviously I've had no problem with pixel size or resolution.

I bought a neoprene belt case, but have only used it for carrying the camera in luggage. It was much easier to carry it in the cargo pocket on my pants. I've got enough other stuff on my belt, like my cell phone.

All in all, I'm extremely happy with my purchase! I recommend this camera to anyone who's looking for a quick, easy camera to use for fast photography!

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