Canon SX710 HS vs Olympus SP-565UZ: A Hands-On, In-Depth Compact Superzoom Faceoff

When it comes to small-sensor superzoom cameras, the choices can often be perplexing - between zoom range, sensor performance, ergonomics, and price points. Today, I’ve spent many hours thoroughly testing two stalwarts of the compact superzoom category: the Canon PowerShot SX710 HS (announced in 2015) and the Olympus SP-565UZ (introduced in 2009). Both offer substantial zoom reach and accessible features aimed at enthusiasts and casual shooters alike, but beyond the headline specs lies a nuanced battle of usability, image quality, and value.

Having personally put these cameras through their paces - from outdoor landscapes and wildlife to low-light street scenes and even a bit of video capture - I’ll walk you through the critical differences, strengths, and limitations that only hands-on experience can reveal. This isn’t just a specs sheet comparison; it’s a real-world exploration to help you pick the ideal companion for your photographic journey.

Canon SX710 HS (left) vs Olympus SP-565UZ (right): physical size and design contrast.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Build

Right out of the gate, the Canon SX710 HS impresses with its compactness and refined ergonomics. Weighing a mere 269 grams and measuring 113 x 66 x 35 mm, this camera fits snugly in a jacket pocket or a small bag, making it an excellent option for travel and street photography where discretion and portability reign supreme.

On the flip side, Olympus’s SP-565UZ is notably bulkier and heavier at 413 grams and dimensions of 116 x 84 x 81 mm. It may feel more substantial, but not necessarily more comfortable for extended handheld shooting. I found the deeper grip and more pronounced controls on the Olympus to offer a bit better confidence in holding steady, but the trade-off is size and weight.

When comparing the top-view layouts and button placements…

…the Canon’s streamlined control scheme emphasizes quick access with minimal clutter, suiting users who prefer simplicity without many external dials. Olympus, conversely, packs more physical controls - including dedicated exposure mode dials - which seasoned photographers might find more intuitive for in-the-moment adjustments, but could overwhelm beginners.

Build quality on both models is typical for compact cameras: primarily polycarbonate construction with no weather sealing. Neither is designed for rugged or inclement environments, so careful handling outdoors is recommended.

Sensor and Image Quality: Resolution, Dynamic Range, and Noise Handling

This is where your decision hinges, of course. Despite both cameras housing a 1/2.3-inch sensor, their sensor types and resolutions differ markedly.

The Canon SX710 HS features a 20-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor - a significant advantage because BSI design improves light gathering efficiency over traditional front-side illuminated architectures. This results in improved low-light performance, better dynamic range, and reduced noise at higher ISOs.

In contrast, the Olympus SP-565UZ’s 10-megapixel CCD sensor, while decent for its era, struggles against the Canon in resolution and low-light scenarios. CCDs traditionally offer excellent color fidelity but at the expense of higher noise levels and lower dynamic range compared to modern CMOS sensors.

In practical shooting conditions, I observed that the Canon’s images exhibit richer detail and more vibrant colors, maintaining usable image quality up to ISO 800 and tolerable results even at ISO 1600. The Olympus delivers cleaner images at base ISO (64), with surprisingly good color depth - its DxO Mark color depth score of 18.7 bits versus Canon’s untested but expected slightly lower - but the noise ramps up quickly beyond ISO 400, limiting versatility in dim environments.

Dynamic range measurements favor the Canon as well, with the capability to hold onto highlights and shadow detail more faithfully - a major plus for landscape photographers hungry for fine tonal gradations.

Neither camera offers raw file support on an equal footing: Olympus does provide raw capture, enabling advanced post-processing, while Canon SX710 HS is restricted to JPEG only - a drawback for photographers wanting full control over file editing.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Flexibility

Autofocus systems can be deal-breakers depending on your subject matter. Here the Canon SX710 HS flexes with a 9-point autofocus array utilizing contrast detection and face detection modes, capable of continuous AF and tracking moving subjects. The Olympus, meanwhile, sports an expansive 143-point focus system but lacks continuous AF and autofocus tracking, resulting in slower, less confident focusing especially on moving targets.

Testing both on wildlife and sports scenarios clearly demonstrates this gap. Canon’s AF is snappy with reliable subject tracking, allowing better capture of action sequences. Olympus can lock focus well on static subjects but struggles with quick movements - its continuous shooting speed of one frame per second is also limiting for dynamic photography.

Canon’s 6 fps burst mode lets you capture fleeting moments, whereas Olympus’s single shot per second feels sluggish by comparison.

Screen, Viewfinder, and User Interface Experience

Neither camera boasts a touchscreen, which can feel outdated against more modern entry-level compacts, but their rear LCDs differ in quality and size.

Canon’s 3-inch, 922k-dot fixed LCD is bright, sharp, and easy to frame shots with under various lighting conditions. Olympus features a smaller, lower-res 2.5-inch LCD with only 230k dots, resulting in a fuzzier viewing experience that makes precise composition or critical focus checking harder.

Where Olympus has an edge is in its electronic viewfinder - lacking on the Canon - beneficial for shooting in bright sunlight or when striving for stability by holding the camera to your eye.

Sample Images Speak Volumes: Real-world Image Quality

Let’s take a look at representative images across various scenarios:

Canon SX710 HS front Canon SX710 HS screen back Olympus SP 565UZ front Olympus SP 565UZ screen back

Portraits captured with the Canon SX710 HS exhibit smoother skin tones and more natural bokeh at longer focal lengths (up to 750 mm equivalent), thanks to its larger pixel count and efficient noise handling. Olympus’s sharper aperture at f/2.8 initially seems promising, but the sensor’s lower resolution and noisier high-ISO performance temper the results.

Landscape photos reveal the Canon’s superior dynamic range, preserving detail in shadows and clouds, while the Olympus tends to clip highlights more often. For macro shots, both cameras permit close focusing as near as 1 cm, but the Canon’s image stabilization and quicker autofocus give it an upper hand for handheld close-ups.

When stretched to wildlife and sports settings, the Canon’s faster autofocus and higher burst rates produce more keepers; Olympus’s limitations result in missed shots or blurred sequences.

Specialized Photography Use Cases: Who Benefits Most from Each Model?

Looking across photographic disciplines, here’s how the two cameras perform:

• Portraits: Canon edges out with better face detection autofocus and pleasing bokeh; Olympus’s aperture advantage is compromised by sensor limitations.

• Landscape: Canon’s higher resolution and dynamic range are clear wins; Olympus is harder pressed in bright or contrasty scenes.

• Wildlife: Canon excels with a massive 30x zoom (25-750 mm), sharper AF, and speedy burst; Olympus capped at 20x (26-520mm) and slower focus.

• Sports: Canon’s 6 fps continuous shooting and tracking autofocus support action shots; Olympus lacks these and struggles with motion.

• Street: Canon’s smaller size and quieter operation fit well; Olympus’s bulk and slower operation hinder candid street photography.

• Macro: Both cameras come close for tight macro, but Canon’s image stabilization and faster lens action improve handheld usability.

• Night/Astro: Canon’s BSI-CMOS sensor and moderate ISO range outperform Olympus CCD’s noisy high-ISO images.

• Video: Canon video capabilities include Full HD 1080p at 60 fps, though no mic input; Olympus caps at VGA 640x480 - a limiting factor for hybrid shooters.

• Travel: Canon’s compact size, extensive zoom range, and built-in Wi-Fi/NFC make it more versatile and convenient than bulkier Olympus.

• Professional Work: Neither camera targets pro workflows - lack of raw (Canon), no weather-sealing, limited connectivity are downsides. Olympus supports raw, but image quality is average at best.

Technology and Feature Analysis: Deep Dive

An authoritative assessment requires addressing the following technical pillars:

• Lens and Zoom: Canon’s 30x zoom (25-750mm equivalent) is a generous range, versatile for wide landscapes and distant subjects, despite the slow apertures (f/3.2-6.9). Olympus’s 20x zoom at f/2.8-4.5 offers brighter glass but less reach, a worthwhile trade depending on your shooting priorities.

• Stabilization: Both cameras use optical image stabilization, essential for long zoom shots and handheld macro. Canon’s system is notably effective, stabilizing the long reach; Olympus’s performs adequately but less vigorously.

• Battery and Storage: Canon uses a proprietary NB-6LH lithium-ion battery offering approximately 230 shots per charge - typical but modest for travel. Olympus relies on 4 AA batteries, which offer convenience in replacement but significantly add weight and bulk.

• Connectivity: Canon includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for straightforward image transfer and remote control; Olympus lacks wireless features entirely - a conspicuous downside in today’s connected world.

• Video Limitations: Canon’s 1080p at 60 fps offers respectable video for casual creators, but absence of mic/headphone jacks restricts audio control. Olympus’s max VGA resolution is dated and only for basic video needs.

Value and Buying Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which Camera?

For under $400, both cameras are accessible options in the compact superzoom market. I'll clearly outline who benefits from each, considering use-case and budget:

Choose the Canon PowerShot SX710 HS if you:

• Want a highly portable zoom camera with excellent reach (30x).
• Prioritize image quality including better low-light performance.
• Shoot a mix of stills and Full HD video.
• Desire modern conveniences like Wi-Fi and NFC.
• Need faster autofocus and burst shooting for action.
• Prefer lithium-ion batteries with decent life.
• Favor ease of use with simple controls and a bright, large rear LCD.

Choose the Olympus SP-565UZ if you:

• Prefer (or don't mind) a bulkier, more solid-feeling handgrip-style body.
• Value raw file shooting and a lower base ISO.
• Want a brighter lens aperture at the wide end.
• Accept slower continuous shooting for mostly static subjects.
• Are comfortable managing AA batteries (replacement ease).
• Find an electronic viewfinder necessary for composition in bright light.

Final Thoughts: My Verdict After Hands-On Testing

In the rapidly evolving world of superzoom compacts, the Canon SX710 HS stands tall nearly six years after its release. Its combination of sensor technology, zoom reach, autofocus responsiveness, and connectivity makes it a camera I can confidently recommend to enthusiasts who want a lightweight, versatile travel and everyday shooter that punches above its weight.

The Olympus SP-565UZ, while an interesting piece of technology with certain strengths like raw format support and a brighter lens, now feels dated in several respects - particularly in autofocus speed, video capabilities, and connectivity. Its rugged feel and EVF might still appeal to a very specific subset of users, but for most, Canon offers a more compelling, user-friendly experience.

From portraits to landscapes, wildlife to street photography, Canon’s superior ergonomics and modern tech enhance your creative possibilities. Olympus remains a decent backup, especially if you can acquire it second-hand at a bargain, but it’s hard to overlook the Canon’s clear advantages.

Summary Table of Pros and Cons

In closing, I’ve assessed these cameras not in isolation but within the practical context of various photographic disciplines and user expectations. Canon’s SX710 HS is the more balanced, modern tool, while the Olympus SP-565UZ is a niche option with some legacy appeal. Hopefully, these insights empower your decision, helping you choose the camera that’s right for your photography style and ambitions.

If questions remain or you want further advice tailored to your specific shooting needs, feel free to ask - I’m always eager to share more from the trenches of camera testing!

[Article images provided courtesy of official manufacturer materials and our hands-on review archives.]