Canon PowerShot S110 vs Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ: A Hands-On, Practical Camera Showdown for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing a compact camera can be a more daunting task than it looks, especially with models that straddle the line between casual point-and-shoots and capable travel companions. Today, I’m rolling up my sleeves to dig into two intriguing contenders from the same era: Canon’s PowerShot S110 and Olympus’ Stylus SP-820UZ. Both announced in 2012 and similarly priced around $299, these little machines try to cater to very different shooter needs, so they end up offering notably different experiences.

Having tested thousands of cameras over the years - from ultra-professional full-frame monsters to pint-sized cheatsheet snap-happy clubs for thumbs - I’m zeroing in on real-world use cases and technical chops. This way, whether you’re a landscape lover, portrait pro, sports enthusiast, or just a cheapskate looking for maximum bang for your buck, you’ll walk away knowing exactly which camera earns your hard-earned dollars.

Let’s dive into the nitty gritty.

Feeling the Size and Handling: Which Fits Your Hands and Style?

First impressions matter, and for compact cameras, ergonomics can make or break the experience. Here’s a look at the physical profiles of these two:

The Canon S110 is a classic compact - slim, pocketable, and deceptively light at only 198 grams. Its sleek 99x59x27mm body slips into a jeans pocket without shouting, perfect for street photographers or travelers who want minimal fuss.

The Olympus SP-820UZ, on the other hand, is a beast in comparison. Weighing nearly 2.5 times more at 485 grams and measuring a chunky 117x78x93mm, it feels almost DSLR-esque… for a compact. This is largely due to its imposing 40× optical zoom lens extending from a relatively large body. If your style demands one-camera-does-it-all versatility, this size is a reasonable compromise. But for those prioritizing stealth and portability, the S110 wins hands down.

Handling the S110 is a pleasure, thanks to subtle curves and a rubberized grip area that nestle nicely in even small hands. I found the Olympus harder to balance, especially on extended walks or casual use, which eventually leads to fatigue - something to consider on multi-hour shoots.

For quick intuitive control, both cameras have their pros and cons. The S110’s touchscreen despite its modest resolution (461k dots) surprises with responsiveness, making menu navigation and focus point selection straightforward. Olympus sticks to a traditional button and dial approach, no touchscreen, but offers physical controls that are spaced well enough for gloved or bigger fingers.

Overall, if you want something unobtrusive and quick, Canon’s slim profile is a clear winner. If zoom reach trumps everything, Olympus demands a little compromise on bulk.

Topside Design and Controls: Clubs for Your Thumbs or Overcomplicated?

Good ergonomics extend to layout and control customization. Checking the top view gives a clear peek at user interaction:

The Canon S110 impresses with a minimalist but functional top layout. Aside from the solid shutter button with the traditional zoom toggle ring, it offers a dedicated mode dial with familiar PASM (Program, Aperture, Shutter, Manual) modes for creative control. This is a notable advantage for enthusiasts dipping their toes into manual shooting and exposure experimentation. The mode dial turns with a satisfying click - you get tactile confidence.

Olympus' SP-820UZ sacrifices complicated modes for simplicity, offering no manual or shutter priority modes, which can irk advanced users hoping to tweak exposure artfully. There’s no dedicated exposure compensation either, and the slower (2 fps) burst shooting speed suggests less emphasis on fast-action capture.

Both cameras omit built-in electronic viewfinders, meaning you’re strictly reliant on LCD screens for composing shots. Neither caters to optical viewfinder fans. The lack of eyepiece can be a dealbreaker under bright conditions.

I found Canon's deeper-dished dials and buttons easier to feel blindly, versus Olympus’s flat, sometimes mushy-feeling buttons.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

A compact camera’s sensor is its critical engine room, influencing everything from noise performance to dynamic range to color fidelity. Here are the technical sensor specs for perspective:

• Canon S110: 1/1.7" CMOS, 12MP, sensor area 41.52 mm² (7.44 x 5.58 mm), DIGIC 5 processor
• Olympus SP-820UZ: 1/2.3" CMOS, 14MP, sensor area 28.07 mm² (6.17 x 4.55 mm), unknown processor

At first glance, Olympus packs more megapixels, but the smaller sensor surface area works against it. Canon’s larger sensor area means each photodiode receives more light, especially beneficial in low light or scenes requiring smooth gradients. This translates to superior low light performance and less noise creep - a conclusion supported by DxOMark’s testing giving the S110 an overall score of 48 (respectable for its class).

Olympus lacks official DxOMark data, but real-world testing corroborates its smaller sensor’s limitations: higher noise levels above ISO 400, reduced dynamic range constraining shadow detail, and somewhat muted color depth.

Canon’s DIGIC 5 chip shines here, delivering cleaner images, better contrast, and respectable RAW file support - the S110 is one of the few in this category that shoots raw, a huge plus for editing freedom.

If image fidelity matters over superzoom reach, Canon’s sensor technology leads the pack by a fair margin.

Back Screen and User Interface: Your Window to the World

Without an electronic viewfinder, the rear LCD experience is paramount.

Both cameras sport 3-inch TFT LCDs with near-identical resolutions (Canon 461k dots vs Olympus 460k), but the Canon S110’s PureColor II G touchscreen technology packs better color reproduction and wider viewing angles. This makes it easier to review images in situ or compose creatively.

Olympus’s screen, no touchscreen unfortunately, sticks to a more basic color gamut and less brightness, which can become annoying outdoors or in tricky light.

Touch responsiveness on the S110 isn’t silky smooth by modern standards, but it’s still a definite advantage for focus point selection, focusing in live view, or navigating menus quickly.

Canon’s UI also benefits from clearer feedback indicators and better organization for exposure settings, white balance, and creative filters. Olympus, true to its simpler setup, hides many options in nested menus, slowing things down.

For users who like to tinker and prefer visual immediacy, Canon’s more modern interface wins. If you want straightforward, no frills, Olympus suffices but feels dated quickly.

Hands-On Performance: Autofocus, Burst, and Real-World Shooting

Technical specs don’t tell the whole story - autofocus speed, burst mode, and ergonomics shape your shooting experience.

Canon’s S110 hands out a notable 10 fps continuous shooting speed, an anomaly in the compact world that usually maxes out at 2–5 fps. Olympus delivers a pedestrian 2 fps burst rate. In real-world testing, Canon focuses swiftly thanks to its 9-point contrast-detection AF, face detection, and the added versatility of touch-to-focus. Even under lower light conditions, it locks focus carefully and accurately.

Olympus’s AF lags behind, with contrast detection that’s noticeably slower and occasionally hunts in dim conditions. The absence of continuous AF limits tracking moving subjects - a hurdle for wildlife or sports shooters. Olympus’s animal eye AF detection is also absent, reflecting its more casual focus.

Shutter lag on Canon is remarkably short, benefiting from its DIGIC 5 processor, making it more reliable for decisive moments. Olympus shows some shutter delays, reinforcing a less responsive experience in action.

The S110’s broader manual exposure modes empower photographers wanting control over the shutter speed and aperture to fine-tune shots, unlike the Olympus which makes do with mostly program auto modes.

Image Quality in Everyday Photography: Genre-by-Genre Insights

Because both cameras target compact consumers, understanding how they perform across photography genres helps clarify who should pick what.

Canon S110 front Canon S110 screen back Olympus SP 820UZ front Olympus SP 820UZ screen back

Portraiture

Canon’s larger sensor and f/2.0 aperture at the wide end help produce pleasant subject isolation and smoother skin tones. Its face detection autofocus and touch AF facilitate sharp eye capture. Olympus’s comparatively small sensor and higher base ISO produce flatter renders with limited background blur, reducing impact for portrait photographers seeking creamy bokeh.

Landscape

Landscape shooters need dynamic range and resolution. Canon’s superior dynamic range (11.2 EV) retains highlights and shadow detail notably better than Olympus, which tends to clip highlights and print noisier shadows. The S110’s 12 MP resolution is respectable, providing ample detail for prints or cropping. Olympus’s 14 MP is tempting, but the smaller sensor size diminishes fine image quality. Both lack weather sealing, so harsh environments require care.

Wildlife

For wildlife, reach and AF speed matter. Olympus bundles a whopping 40× zoom (22-896mm equiv), much more than Canon’s 5× zoom (24-120mm equiv). That telephoto advantage lets you get closer to distant animals without breaking the bank. But be warned: Olympus’s sluggish AF is a hindrance to capturing quick animal motions sharply. Canon’s superior AF and faster burst help with action, but you’ll likely feel lens-limited.

Sports

Canon thrives with its speedy burst, shutter priority modes, and accurate AF tracking. Olympus’s fixed program modes and sluggish AF hamper sports shooters trying to capture fast sequences. Also, the absence of manual exposure compensation in Olympus limits creative control under variable lighting common on sports fields.

Street Photography

Here, the Canon S110’s compact size, quiet operation, and fast startup are big pluses. Olympus’s bigger footprint and slow AF make candid street shooting more cumbersome. Canon’s near-silent operation and quick autofocus minimize missed moments.

Macro

Olympus offers a macro focus as close as 1 cm, versus Canon’s 3 cm minimum focusing distance. The extra proximity helps Olympus nail fine details better. But the lack of image stabilization on Olympus (compared to Canon’s optical IS) demands more deliberate shooting technique or a tripod for razor sharp macro.

Night and Astro

Canon’s lower noise at high ISO (DxOMark ISO low light score: 168 vs Olympus untested but known poorer performance) and manual modes allow better night or star photography. Olympus’s limited exposure control and noisier high ISO restrict these uses.

Video

Both can record full 1080p video, but Canon caps at 24 fps while Olympus records at 30 fps with added slow-motion modes. Neither has microphone or headphone jacks, limiting serious videography. Canon’s built-in image stabilization is welcome for handheld video, Olympus none.

Travel

Compactness and battery life are crucial on the road. Canon’s slim profile, built-in wireless connectivity for instant sharing, and decent battery life (about 200 shots) edge out Olympus’s large, heavier body and unknown battery endurance. The huge zoom range on Olympus can replace carrying an extra telephoto lens, making it attractive for diverse environments.

Professional Use

Neither camera fits perfectly into pro workflows, but the Canon’s RAW support, manual modes, and better image quality give it an edge for serious enthusiasts or as a back-pocket backup. Olympus’s lack of RAW and limited controls make it more a fun-to-use all-in-one superzoom.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durable Companions or Delicate Gadgets?

Both models share no environmental sealing, waterproofing, or shock proofing, meaning rough outdoor use comes with caution. Olympus’ larger body feels sturdier under the hand but also invites accidental bumps due to size.

Connectivity and Storage: Getting Your Photos Out There

Canon S110’s built-in wireless was still a fairly novel feature in 2012, enabling Wi-Fi transfer directly to smartphones or computers. This simple wireless image sharing was well implemented for casual users dabbling in social media or quick gallery transfer.

Olympus SP-820UZ offers no wireless or NFC connectivity - this really dates the model in hindsight and limits instant sharing.

Both rely on standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and USB 2.0 for wired transfers. Canon’s HDMI port offers live playback on external screens; Olympus lacks HDMI which may frustrate users hooking up to TVs or monitors.

Power and Battery Life

Canon’s NB-5L battery delivers around 200 shots per charge, which is modest but typical. Olympus’s battery model is unspecified, and official battery life ratings are absent, which is frustrating from a planning standpoint. Anecdotal use indicates quicker drain with heavy zoom usage.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: What’s the Real Deal?

Both cameras launched at roughly equal sub-$300 prices, making them appealing to budget-conscious shooters. Finding either now refurbished or on sale can make the decision more value-directed.

Canon offers stronger image quality, more manual controls, faster performance, and connectivity - all attractive to enthusiasts who want a capable pocket camera.

Olympus appeals to those prioritizing super-telephoto versatility in a single package at the expense of image finesse and advanced features.

Comparative Ratings at a Glance

Here is a visual summary of overall and genre-specific performance scores from aggregated tests and hands-on analysis:

Pros and Cons Summary

Canon PowerShot S110

Pros:

• Larger sensor with better image quality and noise control
• Raw file support for editing flexibility
• Fast autofocus with face detection and touch AF
• 10 fps continuous shooting rate
• Manual exposure modes (PASM) for creative control
• Optical image stabilization
• Touchscreen LCD and built-in Wi-Fi
• Compact, lightweight, and pocketable

Cons:

• Limited zoom range (5×) might hold some back
• No viewfinder or weather sealing
• Modest battery life (200 shots)

Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ

Pros:

• Massive 40× optical superzoom covering 22-896mm equivalent
• Very close macro focusing (1 cm)
• Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps with additional frame rate options
• Decent button layout for superzoom style
• Longer flash range (15 m) useful for outdoor fill

Cons:

• Smaller sensor with poorer noise and dynamic range
• Slow autofocus and limited exposure control
• No raw support limits post-processing
• No image stabilization - hard for handheld telephoto shots
• Bulky and heavy, less pocket-friendly
• No wireless connectivity or HDMI out

Who Should Buy Which?

If crisp image quality, speed, and manual control fuel your creativity - and you prize portability - the Canon PowerShot S110 remains a strong contender, even years after launch. It’s particularly appealing for street photographers, casual portraits, and travel enthusiasts wanting a pocket rocket with some serious photography chops.

However, if your photographic priorities lean heavily toward distant wildlife, sports from afar, or creating a versatile all-in-one zoom without swapping lenses (and size/weight are secondary), the Olympus SP-820UZ holds significant appeal. Its monster zoom and solid zoom range cater well for those who want to “get closer” without paying DSLR-style lenses prices.

Final Verdict: Do You Want Quality or Reach?

At the end of the day, the Canon PowerShot S110 is the better all-arounder for image quality, speed, and creative control for enthusiasts and professionals looking for a backup or everyday compact. Its sensor, manual modes, and faster responsiveness deliver more satisfying results overall.

The Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ is more of a specialized tool for zoom lovers who prioritize reach over finesse, suitable for casual wildlife and travel shooters less concerned with perfect image quality or advanced manual exposure.

Whichever you pick, know you’re getting good value in a compact with clear strengths and tradeoffs. My advice? Spending a bit more on the Canon will reward you with better image fidelity and flexibility, while the Olympus remains an affordable zoom beast when telephoto reach is your non-negotiable.

Happy shooting!

References to Images Integrated Above

1. Physical size and ergonomics comparison:
2. Top view design and control layout comparison:
3. Sensor specifications and image quality discussion:
4. LCD screen and interface comparison:
5. Sample images from both cameras:
   Canon S110 front Canon S110 screen back Olympus SP 820UZ front Olympus SP 820UZ screen back
6. Overall performance ratings:
7. Genre-specific performance analysis: