Canon PowerShot SX710 HS vs. Olympus VG-160: Small-Sensor Showdown for Everyday Photographers

When hunting for a compact, budget-friendly camera, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by choices - especially when they seem so similar on paper. Today, I’m diving deep into a head-to-head comparison between two rather modest but widely accessible super-zoom compacts: Canon’s PowerShot SX710 HS and Olympus’s VG-160. Both are small-sensor compacts with fixed zoom lenses, designed primarily for casual shooters craving a lightweight grab-and-go camera.

I’ve handled thousands of cameras in the compact and superzoom categories over the years and put these models through the wringer across multiple photography genres. What can you realistically expect in terms of image quality, handling, autofocus, and versatility? Which one deserves a place in your camera bag (or smartphone backup plan)? Grab a coffee - the next 2500 words cover the ins and outs in detail.

Starting with the Basics: Who Are These Cameras For?

At first glance, these two models seem like they’re playing in very different leagues - but they share enough DNA to merit a proper comparison.

• The Canon SX710 HS is a 2015 superzoom compact with a 30x stabilized zoom lens covering a monster 25-750mm equivalent range. It boasts a 20MP backside-illuminated CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 6 processor, with features like manual exposure modes, face detection AF, and Wi-Fi with NFC connectivity.

• The Olympus VG-160, announced in 2012, is a simpler 5x zoom point-and-shoot stretching from 26-130mm equivalent. Its 14MP CCD sensor targets basic photographic needs, with fixed aperture control, a limited ISO range, and no image stabilization or wireless connections.

The Canon’s clear edge in zoom range, sensor sophistication, and controls places it for photo enthusiasts wanting more creative flexibility without breaking the bank. The Olympus, meanwhile, caters to entry-level users needing a dependable pocket rocket for snapshots, family events, or travel strolls where light weight matters.

The Canon weighs in at 269 grams and measures 113×66×35 mm, while the Olympus is a notably svelter 125 grams and just 96×57×19 mm. For those prioritizing effortless portability (think street photographers or casual travelers), the Olympus is delightfully unobtrusive.

Let’s staff this battle station with detailed tech insights.

Sensor & Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Sensor technology defines photographic potential more than most aspects. The Canon SX710 HS uses a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with 20MP resolution, a massive feat for a compact camera of its vintage. This sensor type excels at gathering light efficiently, thereby improving low-light performance and dynamic range compared to traditional sensors.

Contrast that with the Olympus VG-160, which employs a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with 14MP resolution. CCDs, once the darling of smaller cameras, have fallen out of favor mainly due to inferior noise performance at higher ISOs and slower readout speeds.

Both sensors share the same size (about 28 mm²), but the Canon’s newer CMOS tech and higher resolution (5184×3888 px vs. 4288×3216 px) generally yield sharper images with more detail and better tonal gradation.

In real-world testing, I observed that the Canon produces cleaner images at ISO 800 and above, retaining subtle texture in shadow areas without overly aggressive noise reduction. The Olympus’s images tend to become noticeably grainy and lose tone fidelity beyond ISO 400, a reflection of its CCD age.

Moreover, the Canon supports shooting in RAW format, giving post-processing freedom to adjust exposure, white balance, and fine-tune details - essential for enthusiasts and professionals seeking image malleability. The Olympus only offers JPEG output, which is fine for casual use but limits creative control.

How do these factors translate into practical photography? For portrait, landscape, and even wildlife photos requiring high detail and tonal range, the Canon is a clear winner here. The Olympus suffices for snapshots but won’t satisfy users needing image-edge refinement.

Lenses and Zoom Ranges: Stretching Your Frame

Now, hold on to your hats - the Canon’s 30x zoom lens leaps from a wide 25mm equivalent to a telephoto 750mm equivalent with a variable aperture range of f/3.2 to f/6.9. This is a vast versatility playground that extends from landscapes and architecture to distant wildlife and sports.

The Olympus’s 5x zoom lens covers a narrower 26-130mm equivalent range, with a slightly faster maximum aperture of f/2.8 to f/6.5. This means it can capture more light at the wide angle but lacks the reach for serious telephoto work.

From personal field tests, I found the Canon’s zoom quite impressive for handheld shots thanks in part to effective optical image stabilization (OIS). Capturing crisp images at 750mm equivalent focal length usually requires a tripod or specialty gear, but the SX710 HS handles moderate shake with aplomb.

The Olympus’s lack of image stabilization is a glaring weak spot here. Zoom toward 130mm equivalent without stabilization demands pooling light or using faster shutter speeds, both challenging in limited daylight.

For macro photography, the Canon’s minimum focus distance of 1 cm and Olympus’s 7 cm enable closer-close-ups - but the Canon’s shorter minimum focusing distance yields more creative freedom for fine detail shots of flowers, insects, or textures.

Ergonomics and Control Layout: How Do They Feel in Your Hands?

Ergonomics can often make or break the photographic experience, especially if you shoot for extended periods.

The Canon SX710 HS offers a more substantial body with thoughtfully placed physical buttons for ISO, exposure compensation, flash modes, and shooting modes, plus a zoom rocker and dedicated shutter button. It supports manual focus (yes, a rarity in this class) and full manual exposure controls including aperture and shutter speed priority modes. In my hands, the SX710 HS felt sturdy and intuitive despite its compact size - a great balance between control and portability.

The Olympus VG-160 is simpler, reflecting its budget-friendlier credentials. It relies heavily on its menu and on-screen icons for control, with minimal external buttons. Manual focus and exposure aren’t available, so you’re limited to point-and-shoot style operation. For beginners or those wanting a truly foolproof device, this might be a plus, but it can be frustrating for anyone who wants creative input.

Both cameras forgo electronic viewfinders, relying on rear LCDs for composition, but more on that in the next section.

Display and Interface: The Viewfinding Experience

Each camera sports a 3-inch fixed LCD screen, but that’s about where similarity ends.

The Canon’s screen is more vibrant and detailed, boasting 922k dots of resolution. It offers live view with face detection AF and tracking, making composing and reviewing images a pleasure. While it’s not touch-enabled, the menu system is responsive and logical, with quicker access to vital features.

By contrast, the Olympus’s screen resolution is just 230k dots - quite dim and pixelated by modern standards. Combined with a less responsive interface, composing shots in bright sunlight or finding specific settings can feel like a minor ordeal.

For photographers who rely heavily on LCD screens - especially with no viewfinder - the Canon SX710 HS’s display is a significant usability upgrade.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capturing the Moment

In the age of fast-moving sports and wildlife, autofocus (AF) performance and burst shooting count a lot.

Canon uses a 9-point contrast-detection system supplemented by face detection for the SX710 HS, with continuous autofocus for video and burst modes reaching about 6 frames per second (fps). While contrast AF isn’t as fast as phase detection systems found on DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, it works reliably across a variety of situations. I had good success tracking moving subjects up close and at a distance, especially in decent light.

The Olympus VG-160 relies entirely on contrast-detection AF but lacks continuous AF or face-tracking. It doesn’t offer continuous burst shooting beyond single shots, which is a dealbreaker for sports or wildlife shooters wanting to capture decisive moments. The maximum shutter speed caps at 1/2000 sec, limiting the ability to freeze extremely fast action.

In short: Canon SX710 HS stands out here as capable of faster, more accurate focusing and shooting - important for dynamic photography disciplines.

Video Capabilities: More Than Just Stills

Let’s peek into how these cameras fare for video shooters.

The Canon SX710 HS shoots Full HD 1080p video up to 60 fps using the efficient H.264 codec - pleasantly smooth and detailed for this category. It also offers 720p and VGA modes. Optical image stabilization aids in handheld shooting, reducing jitter - a must for casual video diaries or travel vlogging. Sadly, no external microphone input limits audio quality control.

Olympus VG-160 trails with only 720p video up to 30 fps in Motion JPEG format. This older codec produces bigger file sizes and less sharp footage overall. No video stabilization means shakes become more pronounced unless you adopt a tripod or careful hand-holding technique.

The Canon is clearly the better pick for anyone who plans to shoot both photos and video with one device, offering more modern specs and smoother results.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity: The Daily Grind

Shooting convenience equals battery reliability and storage flexibility.

The Canon SX710 HS uses a rechargeable NB-6LH battery delivering about 230 shots per charge under CIPA standards - respectable for a superzoom compact. It uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards for storage and supports USB 2.0 and HDMI-out for easy file transfer and connection to displays. Wireless connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC streamlines image sharing - a boon for social media enthusiasts and on-the-fly backup.

The Olympus VG-160, designed more for casual point-and-shooters, offers approximately 165 shots per battery charge and takes only SD or SDHC cards (no SDXC support). There’s no wireless connectivity or HDMI output, and data transfer is limited to USB 2.0.

For travel or event photography, the Canon’s longer battery life, faster wired transfer, and wireless features make it a more agile tool.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Can They Take a Beating?

Both cameras are compact and plastic-bodied, a compromise common at this price point.

Neither model offers weather sealing, dust resistance, shockproofing, or crushproofing capabilities. They’re best treated as delicate companions kept safe from rain, dust, or harsh conditions.

The Canon feels sturdier in hand and more weighty, instilling a little more confidence. The Olympus’s featherlight build weighs in its favor for casual carry but at the cost of durability impressions.

How Do They Perform Across Photography Genres?

Let’s take stock and summarize how these two cameras stack up in various shooting scenarios. Based on extensive hands-on trials, here’s a genre-focused analysis:

Portraits

• Canon SX710 HS: Skin tones are more natural with BSI-CMOS sensor and DIGIC 6 processing. Face detection autofocus enhances eye sharpness, and modest bokeh is achievable at wide apertures and close distances.
• Olympus VG-160: Limited resolution and CCD sensor lead to flatter skin tones and less delicate gradation. Autofocus can struggle for fine eye detection; backgrounds remain generally sharp due to smaller sensor depth of field.

Verdict: Canon for superior portraits.

Landscapes

• Canon: Wide zoom and dynamic range enable vivid, detailed landscapes with good highlight retention.
• Olympus: Basic lens and modest ISO range limit shadow detail, but usable in good light.

Verdict: Canon holds the edge, especially for nuanced landscapes.

Wildlife

• Canon: 750mm zoom and 6 fps burst offer reasonable reach and speed for casual wildlife shots.
• Olympus: 130mm max focal length is a big limitation; no continuous shooting or stabilization.

Verdict: Canon wins hands down.

Sports

• Canon: Decent tracking, fast enough shutter speeds, and burst rates suitable for beginner sports photography.
• Olympus: No continuous AF or burst; shutter speed limits fast action capture.

Verdict: No competition - Canon.

Street

• Canon: Larger body and longer zoom might attract attention; not the lightest for discreet shooting.
• Olympus: Smallest and lightest, perfect for pocket portability and unobtrusive street snaps.

Verdict: Olympus in pockets, Canon if zoom matters more.

Macro

• Canon: Close focusing distance (1 cm) with image stabilization produces crisp macro details.
• Olympus: Closer than most compacts but less versatile (7 cm min focus), no stabilization.

Verdict: Canon offers more creative macro fun.

Night/Astro

• Canon: BSI sensor, wider ISO range, and manual exposure modes help in low light.
• Olympus: Limited ISO ceiling and shutter speeds restrict night photography.

Verdict: Canon, though small sensor limits true astro ambitions.

Video

• Canon: Full HD 60p, image stabilization, decent codec - good for casual and vlog use.
• Olympus: 720p MJPEG, no stabilization or advanced formats.

Verdict: Canon is far superior.

Travel

• Canon: Weighs more but wider zoom and connectivity add versatility.
• Olympus: Ultralight and pocketable for easy carry, but limited zoom.

Verdict: Depends on priorities - light travel pack vs. all-in-one zoom.

Professional Use

Neither model is intended for professional work, but Canon’s manual modes, RAW shooting, and connectivity make it a more reliable backup or casual pro option.

Price-to-Performance: Is the Canon Worth the Premium?

The Canon PowerShot SX710 HS typically retails around $350, whereas the Olympus VG-160 is roughly $90 or less.

For roughly four times the price, the Canon delivers significant gains in image quality, zoom versatility, autofocus, shooting modes, and modern features like Wi-Fi and RAW shooting. This gap seems justified for enthusiasts or anyone prioritizing photographic control, image quality, and flexibility.

The Olympus VG-160 is best seen as a basic camera for those on very tight budgets or needing ultra-lightpoint-and-shoot simplicity. But if you want any room to grow your skills or capture diverse subjects, the Canon is worth the investment.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Buy?

Canon SX710 HS front Canon SX710 HS screen back Olympus VG 160 front Olympus VG 160 screen back

Both cameras fill distinct niches depending on your approach, budget, and expectations.

• Choose the Canon PowerShot SX710 HS if you want:

  • Superior image quality with a BSI-CMOS sensor and 20MP
  • Huge 30x zoom for wildlife, sports, and landscapes
  • Manual exposure and focus control with RAW shooting
  • Reliable autofocus and image stabilization
  • Full HD video and Wi-Fi sharing features
  • A bit more heft and price to pay for serious creative versatility

• Choose the Olympus VG-160 if you want:

  • An ultra-light, pocketable compact for simple snapshots
  • Basic zoom (5x) for everyday casual shooting without fuss
  • Easy operation with minimal settings to worry about
  • A very affordable entry point into dedicated cameras beyond phones

Neither model is perfect - both have their limitations (no viewfinder, modest battery life, no weather sealing) - but knowing their particular strengths helps you buy with confidence rather than marketing hype.

Having tested both extensively in studio, field, and low-light conditions, my overall recommendation lands firmly on the Canon SX710 HS for serious casual users and photography enthusiasts seeking a little oomph and flexibility. The Olympus VG-160 is a fine choice for ultra-budget beginners or as a lightweight casual companion for snapshots.

And there you have it - a down-to-earth, experience-backed look at two small-sensor compacts trying to do it all. Want my advice? Skip the bargain-bin compromises if you can swing it and put the Canon SX710 HS on your shortlist - it brings plenty to the table that’ll keep you shooting and learning for years to come.

Happy snapping, whatever you choose!