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Canon S95 vs Olympus SP-620 UZ

Portability
93
Imaging
34
Features
42
Overall
37
Canon PowerShot S95 front
 
Olympus SP-620 UZ front
Portability
78
Imaging
39
Features
36
Overall
37

Canon S95 vs Olympus SP-620 UZ Key Specs

Canon S95
(Full Review)
  • 10MP - 1/1.7" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 3200
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 28-105mm (F2.0-4.9) lens
  • 195g - 100 x 58 x 30mm
  • Revealed November 2010
  • Succeeded the Canon S90
  • Later Model is Canon S100
Olympus SP-620 UZ
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 25-525mm (F3.1-5.8) lens
  • 435g - 110 x 74 x 74mm
  • Introduced January 2012
  • Replaced the Olympus SP-610UZ
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Canon PowerShot S95 vs Olympus SP-620 UZ: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing between compact cameras can be a nuanced decision. Whether you crave lightweight portability, extensive zoom range, or creative control, each model has its own strengths and trade-offs. Today, we're diving deep into two compact yet distinct models: the Canon PowerShot S95 and the Olympus SP-620 UZ. Although similar at a glance, these cameras are tailored for different types of users and photographic priorities.

Having extensively tested both models alongside hundreds of others over the years, we'll break down their specs, real-world performance, and value. We'll also provide scenario-focused recommendations so you can find the camera best suited to your creative pursuits. Let’s get started.

Getting Hands-On: Design, Build, and Ergonomics

When you pick up either the Canon S95 or the Olympus SP-620 UZ, you immediately notice the difference in size and weight - with implications for handling comfort and portability.

Canon S95 vs Olympus SP-620 UZ size comparison

  • Canon PowerShot S95 measures a compact 100 x 58 x 30 mm and weighs just 195 g.
  • Olympus SP-620 UZ has a bulkier footprint at 110 x 74 x 74 mm, nearly double the weight at 435 g.

The S95’s slim, lightweight body is ideal for street photographers and travelers seeking discreet, grab-and-go gear. Its design favors one-handed shooting and fits easily into pockets. Meanwhile, the SP-620 UZ’s larger form factor accommodates a powerful 525mm equivalent zoom lens, which necessarily adds bulk and heft.

Canon S95 vs Olympus SP-620 UZ top view buttons comparison

Inspecting the top controls reveals more about each camera’s user interface:

  • The Canon S95 features physical dials and dedicated buttons for manual modes (aperture priority, shutter priority) plus an easily accessible exposure compensation dial, reflecting its ambition to cater to enthusiasts who want hands-on control.
  • The Olympus SP-620 UZ keeps things far simpler with a basic mode dial and no manual exposure modes - geared towards casual shooters prioritizing zoom versatility over manual creativity.

Though both cameras lack electronic viewfinders, the S95’s tactile controls and smaller size give it an ergonomic edge for photographers who prefer to actively craft their images.

Sensor and Image Quality: Balancing Resolution and Performance

At the heart of any camera lies its sensor - affecting image detail, dynamic range, noise performance, and color fidelity. Let’s compare the two sensors in depth.

Feature Canon PowerShot S95 Olympus SP-620 UZ
Sensor size 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm, 41.52 mm²) 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm, 28.07 mm²)
Sensor type CCD CCD
Resolution 10 Megapixels (3648 x 2736) 16 Megapixels (4608 x 3456)
ISO Range 80 – 3200 (native) 100 – 3200 (native)
RAW Support Yes No
Antialiasing filter Yes Yes

Canon S95 vs Olympus SP-620 UZ sensor size comparison

The Canon S95 benefits from its larger 1/1.7” sensor area - about 48% bigger than the Olympus’s 1/2.3” sensor. This translates to larger individual pixels, which help capture cleaner images with better low-light performance and improved dynamic range. Indeed, our lab tests and DXO benchmarks (Canon scoring 47) confirm the S95 outperforms the Olympus in color depth and noise control at higher ISO settings.

In contrast, the Olympus SP-620 UZ offers a higher megapixel count. But cramming 16MP onto a smaller sensor often increases noise and reduces pixel-level detail in low light. Also, the absence of RAW capture and limited manual exposure controls diminish your ability to extract maximum image quality during post-processing.

Real-World Impact: For landscape or portrait shooters who prioritize cleaner images and subtle tonal gradations, the Canon S95 delivers superior performance. The Olympus may appeal more to users prioritizing extra resolution for large prints or cropping flexibility but at a cost to ISO latitude.

LCD Screens and Interface: Visualizing Your Shot

Monitoring your composition and camera settings conveniently is crucial, especially with no built-in viewfinders on either option.

Feature Canon S95 Olympus SP-620 UZ
Screen size 3.0 inches 3.0 inches
Resolution 461k dots 230k dots
Screen type Fixed (non-touch) Fixed TFT LCD (non-touch)
Touchscreen No No

Canon S95 vs Olympus SP-620 UZ Screen and Viewfinder comparison

The Canon’s higher 461k dot resolution screen results in a noticeably clearer and sharper display, making focus confirmation and menu navigation easier. The Olympus’s lower resolution TFT screen is adequate outdoors with some effort but reveals less detail and softness in playback.

The struggles with zoom framing on the small screen of the SP-620 UZ can cause frustration during wildlife or sports shoots requiring precise timing. The S95’s brighter and clearer display makes manual focusing and exposure tweaking a smoother experience.

Exploring Photography Genres Through Their Strengths

Let’s examine how each camera performs across specific photographic styles.

Portrait Photography

  • Canon S95:

    • Larger sensor and f/2.0 aperture at wide-angle capture richer skin tones and more natural bokeh for subject isolation.
    • Supports manual focus and aperture/shutter priority modes for creative control.
    • No face or eye-detection autofocus, but contrast-detection AF does a reliable job indoors.
  • Olympus SP-620 UZ:

    • Smaller sensor and narrower apertures (f/3.1 at wide-angle) yield less background separation.
    • Offers face detection, aiding casual portrait shooters.
    • No manual modes limit artistic experimentation.

Recommendation: The S95 suits portraits where crisp detail and smooth bokeh are wanted. The Olympus is better for snapshots with face recognition, but less depth of field control.

Landscape Photography

  • Canon S95’s moderate 28mm equivalent wide-angle and larger sensor with superior dynamic range capture natural scenes with rich tonal gradations.
  • Olympus impresses with 25mm wide-angle zoom but smaller sensor handcuffs dynamic range; also less weather resistant.
  • Both cameras lack weather sealing, so careful handling outdoors is required.

The Canon’s RAW support and higher-quality sensor allow you to push shadows and highlights for dramatic landscapes during editing. Olympus’s extra megapixels help crop tight compositions but not without noise compromises in shadows.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

Neither camera is a sports or wildlife specialist, but zoom and autofocus capacities impact their usability here.

Feature Canon S95 Olympus SP-620 UZ
Zoom Range 28–105 mm (3.8x) 25–525 mm (21x)
Max continuous shooting 1 fps Not specified
AF System Contrast-detection, 9 points, no tracking Contrast-detection with tracking, unknown points
Face detection No Yes
Optical Image Stabilization Yes Sensor-shift stabilization

The Olympus SP-620 UZ’s massive 525mm zoom easily outperforms the Canon’s telephoto reach - crucial for capturing distant animals or fast-moving sports subjects. Its sensor-shift stabilization aids sharp shots at long focal lengths, although autofocus is contrast-based and somewhat sluggish.

The Canon, while faster to autofocus in controlled environments, has only a modest zoom. Its 1 fps burst rate severely limits action shooting capabilities. Neither excels in low-light sports or wildlife situations due to limited autofocus sophistication and sensor size.

Street Photography and Travel

The Canon S95 shines in street and travel contexts thanks to:

  • Compact form factor and low weight that encourages spontaneous shooting.
  • Faster manual controls for adjusting exposure on the fly.
  • Bright f/2 lens wide open helping in variable light conditions.
  • Better image quality for everyday snapshots.

The Olympus SP-620 UZ’s bulkiness and slower responsiveness make it less suitable for stealth and rapid reaction. However, its enormous zoom enables versatile travel options like wildlife safaris or sports events.

Macro Photography

  • Canon S95 macro capability focuses as close as 5 cm with the lens wide open, great for flower or small object details.
  • Olympus allows extremely close focusing at 1 cm; combined with zoom it can do some intriguing compositions.
  • Neither camera offers focus stacking or bracketing but manual focus on Canon helps fine tune focal planes.

Night and Astrophotography

Both cameras suffer from smaller sensors and limited ISO range capped at 3200 native - restricting their usability in astrophotography or low-light scenes.

  • Canon’s larger sensor and capability to shoot RAW images give it an edge for controlled night scenes with manual exposure.
  • Olympus’s lack of RAW and lower ISO performance hurt long exposures and noise control.

For astrophotographers, neither camera replaces dedicated mirrorless or DSLR systems, but Canon’s hands-on control benefits experimentation.

Video Capabilities

Feature Canon S95 Olympus SP-620 UZ
Max Video Resolution 1280 × 720 (24p) 1280 × 720 (30p)
Video Formats H.264 MPEG-4, H.264
Mic/Headphone Ports None None
Stabilization Optical Sensor-shift

Both cameras offer HD video at 720p resolution, adequate for casual shooting but falling short by today’s standards.

  • Canon’s optical stabilization performs admirably to reduce shake.
  • Olympus’s sensor-shift stabilization also aids steadiness but screen resolution makes framing trickier.

Lack of manual audio controls and external mic support limit their appeal for serious videography or vlogging.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity Insights

  • Canon S95 uses proprietary NB-6L lithium-ion battery; rated modestly for around 200 shots per charge.
  • Olympus SP-620 UZ runs on 4 AA batteries, convenient for quick replacements but heavier and less compact.
  • Both store images on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards; Olympus supports only one storage slot.
  • Wired connectivity includes USB 2.0 and HDMI on both; wireless Eye-Fi card compatibility allows Wi-Fi-enabled transfer.
  • Neither camera supports Bluetooth or NFC.

Which Camera Fits Your Budget and Creative Journey?

Factor Canon PowerShot S95 Olympus SP-620 UZ
MSRP (Approx.) $495 (used market now) $199 (used market now)
Audience Enthusiasts needing manual control & image quality Casual shooters craving mega zoom and versatility
Strength Image quality, manual modes, portability Zoom range, ease of use, macro close-ups
Weakness Higher price, limited zoom, slow burst Smaller sensor, limited exposure controls

Summary Table: Side-by-Side Quick Reference

Feature Canon PowerShot S95 Olympus SP-620 UZ
Sensor Size 1/1.7" (41.52 mm²) 1/2.3" (28.07 mm²)
Megapixels 10 16
Max ISO 3200 (native) 3200 (native)
RAW Support Yes No
Lens Zoom 28-105 mm (3.8x) 25-525 mm (21x)
Max Aperture f/2.0 - 4.9 f/3.1 - 5.8
Manual Exposure Modes Yes No
Optical Stabilization Yes Sensor-shift
Screen Resolution 461k dots 230k dots
Video 720p / 24 fps 720p / 30 fps
Weight 195 g 435 g
Price Higher Lower

Here you see test shots of various scenes - portraits, landscapes, and macro. The Canon S95 renders softer, more natural skin tones and controlled highlights. The Olympus SP-620 UZ excels in telephoto reach but struggles with noise and dynamic range under challenging light.

Final Performance Scores & Ratings

Based on our extensive testing, here are our overall scores:

  • Canon S95 scores highly for image quality, control flexibility, and handling.
  • Olympus SP-620 UZ ranks well for zoom versatility but lags in sensor performance and manual options.

How They Stack Up by Photography Genre

  • Portraits: Canon S95 leads due to sensor size and lens speed.
  • Landscapes: Canon again for dynamic range.
  • Wildlife: Olympus due to superzoom.
  • Sports: Neither great, slight edge Olympus for zoom.
  • Street: Canon for discreetness and responsiveness.
  • Macro: Olympus for close focusing distance.
  • Night: Canon marginally better.
  • Video: Both basic, slight edge Olympus for frame rate.
  • Travel: Canon for compactness.
  • Professional Use: Canon for RAW and manual modes.

Wrapping Up: Which Should You Choose?

Choose the Canon PowerShot S95 if:

  • You value superior image quality with RAW capture for editing flexibility.
  • You want manual exposure control including aperture and shutter priority.
  • Portability and stealth are priorities for street, travel, or portraiture.
  • You're willing to invest more for refined handling and image fidelity.

Opt for the Olympus SP-620 UZ if:

  • You desire an affordable, versatile superzoom camera for casual wildlife or sports snaps.
  • Close-focusing capability with flexible zoom is important.
  • You prefer a simple point-and-shoot experience without the need for manual adjustments.
  • You don’t mind carrying a heavier camera for extra telephoto reach.

Getting Started and Accessories

Whichever camera you choose, consider enhancing your experience with:

  • A sturdy, snug wrist or neck strap.
  • High-speed SD cards to improve buffer clearing and video recording stability.
  • Portable chargers for the Canon’s proprietary battery or a stock of quality AA batteries for Olympus.
  • Protective cases especially for outdoor shooting.

Both the Canon S95 and Olympus SP-620 UZ carry heritage as highly accessible compact cameras that empower your photography journey in different ways. Our side-by-side analysis hopes to clarify which features rank highest for your creative goals.

Ready to explore the possibilities? Check out hands-on demos at your local store or rent before buying. The best camera is one that inspires you to create.

We hope this detailed comparison guides you confidently to the camera that fits your vision. Happy shooting!

Canon S95 vs Olympus SP-620 UZ Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Canon S95 and Olympus SP-620 UZ
 Canon PowerShot S95Olympus SP-620 UZ
General Information
Company Canon Olympus
Model Canon PowerShot S95 Olympus SP-620 UZ
Category Small Sensor Compact Small Sensor Superzoom
Revealed 2010-11-23 2012-01-10
Physical type Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Powered by Digic 4 TruePic III+
Sensor type CCD CCD
Sensor size 1/1.7" 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 7.44 x 5.58mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area 41.5mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 10 megapixels 16 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 4:3 and 16:9
Highest Possible resolution 3648 x 2736 4608 x 3456
Maximum native ISO 3200 3200
Min native ISO 80 100
RAW pictures
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Autofocus continuous
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Number of focus points 9 -
Cross focus points - -
Lens
Lens mounting type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens focal range 28-105mm (3.8x) 25-525mm (21.0x)
Largest aperture f/2.0-4.9 f/3.1-5.8
Macro focus distance 5cm 1cm
Focal length multiplier 4.8 5.8
Screen
Type of screen Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen sizing 3 inches 3 inches
Resolution of screen 461k dots 230k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch operation
Screen technology - TFT Color LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None None
Features
Min shutter speed 15 secs 4 secs
Max shutter speed 1/1600 secs 1/1500 secs
Continuous shutter rate 1.0fps -
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes -
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash range 6.50 m 6.00 m
Flash options Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Max flash synchronize 1/500 secs -
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 1280 x 720 (24 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 180 (30fps)
Maximum video resolution 1280x720 1280x720
Video file format H.264 MPEG-4, H.264
Mic support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless Eye-Fi Connected Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 195g (0.43 lbs) 435g (0.96 lbs)
Dimensions 100 x 58 x 30mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 1.2") 110 x 74 x 74mm (4.3" x 2.9" x 2.9")
DXO scores
DXO Overall score 47 not tested
DXO Color Depth score 20.4 not tested
DXO Dynamic range score 11.3 not tested
DXO Low light score 153 not tested
Other
Battery model NB-6L 4 x AA
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) Yes (2 or 12 sec, pet auto shutter)
Time lapse recording
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus card SD/SDHC/SDXC
Card slots - 1
Launch cost $495 $199