Canon PowerShot SX230 HS vs Olympus SZ-15: A Thorough Comparison of Two Small Sensor Superzoom Compacts

In an era when smartphone cameras are increasingly dominant, dedicated compact superzoom cameras carve a niche by delivering versatile focal ranges and better manual control for enthusiasts seeking more than a phone can offer. The Canon PowerShot SX230 HS and the Olympus SZ-15 are two contenders in the small sensor superzoom category, each promising an attractive balance of zoom power, portability, and ease of use with approachable price tags.

Having tested hundreds of superzoom compacts across the years, both in controlled environments and challenging field situations, I’ve found this category houses interesting compromises between sensor size, image quality, zoom range, and feature sets. Let’s dive deep into how these two cameras stack up against each other and where each truly shines.

First Impressions: Size, Design, and Handling

Both cameras aim to fit the superzoom experience into a compact, pocketable body, but they differ subtly in ergonomics and control layout.

The Canon SX230 HS is noticeably more svelte and streamlined. Measuring approximately 106 x 62 x 33 mm and weighing around 223 grams, it fits snugly in one hand or even a jacket pocket. The grip is shallow but comfortable, with reasonably placed buttons designed for quick reach without contorting fingers.

In contrast, the Olympus SZ-15, somewhat chunkier at 108 x 70 x 40 mm and 250 grams, carries a more robust feel. Its slightly wider body lends a firmer grip, though at the cost of less pocket-friendly dimensions. The SZ-15’s button layout is straightforward but less refined than Canon’s, with a few small buttons tucked along the sides that might require a second glance to memorize.

These physical and control nuances can affect longer shooting sessions - I noticed less hand fatigue using the SX230 HS, especially when holding out for extended zoom shots. Ergonomics aren’t glamorous, but in fieldwork they count.

Looking at the top-down perspective further clarifies the control philosophy: Canon’s streamlined dials and dedicated exposure compensation wheel provide quicker access to essential settings than Olympus’s more simplified mode dial and less tactile buttons.

In short: The Canon feels like a more thoughtfully designed tool for enthusiasts who expect quick, tactile control access, while the Olympus aims for a slightly more casual photographer who values the extended zoom and doesn’t mind the extra bulk.

Sensor, Image Quality, and Processing

At the heart of any camera’s image quality is its sensor and image processor. These two machines share the same sensor size - both utilize a 1/2.3” sensor measuring roughly 6.17x4.55 mm, equating to just over 28 square millimeters of sensor area. This small sensor size is typical for zoom compacts given physical constraints; however, it inherently limits dynamic range and noise performance at higher ISOs.

The Canon SX230 HS uses a 12-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor paired with Canon’s venerable DIGIC 4 processor. The back-illuminated design helps to improve low-light sensitivity marginally by reducing the wiring that blocks light collection at the sensor surface.

Meanwhile, Olympus’s SZ-15 features a 16-megapixel CCD sensor. CCD sensors are known for slightly better color rendition and highlight roll-off but tend to lag in noise performance and speed compared to CMOS sensors.

In practical shooting, the Canon produced cleaner images beyond ISO 400, with noise kicking in only moderately by ISO 800. The Olympus struggled to maintain noise control above ISO 400, with color noise and slight detail loss becoming apparent in shadows and low contrast areas.

In terms of resolution, Olympus does have an edge in pixel count, offering images up to 4608 x 3456 pixels, compared to Canon’s 4000 x 3000. On tight crops or large print enlargements, Olympus’s files appear richer in detail under ideal lighting, although this advantage tends to vanish with noise at higher ISO settings.

Both cameras employ an anti-aliasing filter which slightly softens edges but avoids moiré on detailed textures, which is useful for general photography forms.

Reviewing the User Interface: Screen and Viewfinder

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder - understandable given their compact nature - relying solely on rear LCD screens for composing shots.

Both cameras feature 3-inch fixed LCDs with comparable resolution: Canon’s screen has 461k dots with PureColor II TG TFT technology, and Olympus’s display offers 460k dots. The image quality on both is adequate, though Canon’s screen has a slight edge in brightness and outdoor visibility thanks to better coating and anti-glare treatment.

The Canon’s menu layout and button feedback come across as more intuitive and less cluttered, enabling faster setting changes on the fly. Olympus menus are functional but can feel more dated, with smaller text and less logical grouping of settings, which might slow down beginners or those used to modern camera UI designs.

Autofocus Systems and Speed

Autofocus (AF) performance can make or break usability, especially in action scenarios.

The Canon SX230 HS is equipped with a contrast-detection system featuring 9 AF points and face detection. It supports continuous AF during video and burst shooting. The system is reasonably quick for a compact and hunts less in good light. Eye detection is absent but face detection helps in portrait scenarios.

The Olympus SZ-15 also uses contrast detection but with fewer focus points (exact count unknown) and includes face detection with selective focus area and tracking, though it lacks continuous AF for video. Its AF speed is sluggish relative to the Canon and sometimes rifled in low light, requiring multiple tries to lock focus.

In burst shooting, Olympus claims a higher continuous speed of 10 fps, but the buffer depth and JPEG-only shooting limit utility during fast action capture. Canon manages 3 fps but with more reliable focus tracking.

For wildlife photography or sports, Canon’s AF system, despite being modest, performs more consistently in tracking moving subjects.

Zoom Range and Lens Characteristics

Both cameras offer impressive optical zoom options befitting the ‘superzoom’ moniker but emphasize different focal starting points and aperture ranges:

• Canon SX230 HS: 28-392 mm equivalent (14x zoom), aperture varies from f/3.1 (wide) to f/5.9 (telephoto)
• Olympus SZ-15: 23-483 mm equivalent (21x zoom), aperture f/2.8 to f/5.9

The SZ-15 obviously provides a more ambitious reach, ideal for distant wildlife or sports shooters on a budget. The 23 mm wide end gives a slight advantage for landscapes and architecture, capturing a broader field-of-view without distortion apparent.

However, the Canon’s slightly faster standard aperture at the wide end (f/3.1 vs. f/2.8 on the SZ-15) doesn’t matter much; rather, Canon’s lens delivers visibly sharper images across the zoom range with less chromatic aberration or softness at the edges.

Both cameras include optical image stabilization, a must-have at long focal lengths. My tests show Canon’s IS to be a bit more effective at handholding shots beyond 200 mm, noticeably reducing blur on slower shutter speeds.

Versatility Across Photography Styles

To provide a balanced assessment, we filmed and shot through various photographic genres for real-world performance insights.

Canon SX230 HS front Canon SX230 HS screen back Olympus SZ 15 front Olympus SZ 15 screen back

Portrait Photography

The Canon’s face detection coupled with reliable AF points yields better tracking of eyes and faster focusing on subjects, producing sharper headshots. Bokeh quality is shallow given the sensor and lens limitations, but the Canon produces smoother skin tones and fewer color artifacts than Olympus.

The SZ-15’s higher resolution helps in crispness but sometimes produces harsher colors or noise in shadowed skin tones, requiring some post-correction.

Landscape Photography

Both cameras’ small sensor size limits dynamic range, but Olympus’s higher megapixels make details pop in well-lit scenes. However, Olympus’s noisier shadows detract during low light or golden hour photography.

Canon’s superior IS and sharper lens keep landscape images crisp, although the narrower zoom may restrict wide-angle composition.

Wildlife Photography

Thanks to longer zoom and faster burst rates, Olympus initially seems better suited. However, Canon’s quicker AF and steadier IS deliver more keepers, especially on moving animals. Burst buffer depth and AF tracking on Olympus limit practical use for shooting unpredictable wildlife.

Sports Photography

Canon’s continuous AF and exposure control outperform Olympus’s slower and less responsive system. The 3 fps rate is modest but stable, while Olympus’s 10 fps can’t be fully utilized due to focus lag.

Street Photography

The Canon is less intrusive with a compact size and faster response times, ideal for candid shots. Olympus’s bulk and slower AF make it less discreet though the wider 23 mm angle offers creative framing.

Macro Photography

Both cameras focus as close as 5 cm, standard for the class. Canon’s IS helps avoid blur in tight compositions; Olympus’s brighter wide aperture gives more background separation, but focus precision edges to Canon.

Night and Astro Photography

High ISO performance favors Canon; Olympus’s CCD sensor introduces more noise and color casts at ISO 800+. However, neither camera is ideal for advanced astro work due to sensor size and noise.

Video Capabilities

• Canon SX230 HS: Full HD 1080p at 24 fps, 720p at 30 fps, slow-motion 480p footage at up to 240 fps. Videos are encoded in H.264.
• Olympus SZ-15: Full HD 1080p at 30 fps, 720p at 30 fps, and slow-motion options at lower resolutions (176 x 128 at 480 fps).

No external microphone or headphone ports on either camera, limiting audio control for serious video creators.

Canon provides a little more versatility with slightly better compression and practical slow-mo frame rates but neither camera is a multimedia powerhouse. Optical stabilization assists handheld video in both.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery life on the Canon comes in rated at around 210 shots per charge; the Olympus’s rating is less clear but historically similar models hover around 220-250 shots. Real-world use suggests both cameras require spare batteries for extended outings, especially if relying on live view or playback.

Both cameras take SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with Olympus additionally supporting MMC formats. Single card slot in each simplifies media management.

Connectivity options are basic. Canon supports Eye-Fi wireless cards for image transfers and GPS tagging. Olympus includes built-in wireless but no Bluetooth or NFC.

Durability and Build

Neither camera has official weather sealing or rugged construction elements. Neither is dustproof, shockproof, or freezeproof.

The Canon’s lighter weight and slimmer profile feel slightly less durable, while Olympus’s thicker body may better absorb knocks during travel.

Price to Performance

At launch and current refill pricing, the Olympus SZ-15 (~$200) positions as the budget-friendly superzoom with impressive specs on paper - particularly the 21x zoom and higher megapixels.

The Canon SX230 HS (~$400) costs roughly twice but offers significantly better image quality in mixed lighting, more responsive controls, and improved autofocus.

For enthusiasts prioritizing sharpness, faster AF, and low light performance over maximum focal length or raw pixel count, Canon justifies the premium.

Overall Performance Scores

To contextualize the above findings for quick reference, here are the overall performance ratings based on hands-on tests in image quality, usability, and feature sets:

Performance by Photography Genre

Breaking down by genre confirms the suitability of each for different photographic needs:

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Both Canon PowerShot SX230 HS and Olympus SZ-15 represent competent small sensor superzoom compacts for casual users who want more zoom power and flexibility than most smartphones but in an affordable package.

• Choose the Canon SX230 HS if:

  • You prioritize image quality, especially in low light or tricky lighting.
  • You want faster, more reliable autofocus with face detection.
  • Handling, ergonomics, and quick manual controls matter for your shooting style.
  • You value better video options and more effective image stabilization.
  • You're willing to pay a higher price for consistent performance.

• Choose the Olympus SZ-15 if:

  • You want the longest zoom range possible in a compact.
  • You shoot mostly in bright conditions and prioritize resolution.
  • Budget constraints dominate and you accept some compromises.
  • You favor a wider starting focal length for landscapes.
  • You occasionally shoot video and desire varied slow-motion modes.

While neither camera rivals advanced compacts with larger sensors that dominate today’s market (e.g., Sony RX100 series), each offers a different flavor of superzoom in a small footprint.

For landscape and travel photographers on a tight budget, Olympus’s impressive focal range opens creative possibilities. But if image quality and snappy responsiveness carry more weight, Canon remains the friendlier workhorse.

Closing Notes on Testing Approach

To ensure fairness, I conducted side-by-side shoots under multiple lighting conditions - daylight, low light indoors, and challenging backlit portraits - using identical SD cards and fresh batteries. I evaluated raw processing workflows through Canon’s and Olympus’s respective JPEG outputs since neither support RAW. Focus performance was tested with moving subjects at various distances. Video tests emphasized handheld steadiness and audio clarity, which was modest for both.

The ISO noise comparisons come from standard ISO 100-3200 test scenes and difficult tonal gradations to estimate usable limits.

Ultimately, personal priorities should guide your choice. Hopefully, this detailed comparison makes that decision easier - after all, owning the right tool is half the craft.

Thank you for reading this in-depth Canon SX230 HS vs Olympus SZ-15 comparison. Happy shooting!