Canon SX730 HS vs Olympus VG-160: A Pragmatic, Hands-On Comparison for the Budget-Conscious Photographer

When you’re eyeing a compact camera, especially around the budget to mid-tier segment, it’s tempting to just pick based on price or brand recognition. But having spent thousands of hours with cameras - and testing everything from flagship bodies to modest pocket shooters - I’m here to give you the full scoop comparing two affordable compacts: the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS and the Olympus VG-160.

These cameras aren’t exactly from the same generation (the Canon was announced in 2017, the Olympus back in 2012), and their specs scream different priorities. Yet, both aim to deliver value-packed, pocket-friendly performance. Whether you’re a casual snapper, an enthusiast wanting a lightweight backup, or on a tight budget, this side-by-side evaluation will help you choose the right fit with confidence.

Let’s dig into their build, optics, performance, and usability through my seasoned lens.

Getting a Grip: Size, Ergonomics & Handling

Even a fantastic sensor means nothing if the camera feels like a brick or a slippery soap bar, right? So I always start my tests by eyeballing - and handling - the camera bodies.

The Canon SX730 HS is a compact travel superzoom, but it’s notably chunkier and heavier than the Olympus VG-160, weighing 300g compared to the Olympus’s featherweight 125g. Dimensions reflect that too: the Canon measures roughly 110x64x40mm, while the Olympus is slimmer at 96x57x19mm.

In practice, the Canon’s heft translates to a more stable grip - club-like support for your thumbs when tracking moving subjects or shooting with extended zoom. Meanwhile, the Olympus VG-160 feels like you could stuff it in a jacket pocket, perfect for discreet street photography or casual day trips where minimal bulk is paramount.

Neither camera features an electronic viewfinder, so all framing happens on the rear screen. The SX730 HS offers a tilting 3-inch LCD versus the fixed 3-inch on the Olympus, which helps when shooting from challenging angles. However, neither touchscreens, which feels a bit old-school in an era where touch controls are almost standard.

Bottom line: If pocket portability and featherlight travel ease top your checklist, Olympus wins. For more solid handling and a camera that doesn’t feel like a toy, Canon’s the better fit.

Topside Controls & User Interface: Club for Thumbs or Finger Twiddler?

Controls and menu layouts make or break your shooting flow, a lesson I’ve learned the hard way juggling just-for-fun shooters and pro-grade rigs.

The Canon SX730 HS offers a traditional cluster: mode dial, zoom rocker, dedicated video button, and physical buttons for playback and menu. Its buttons are well spaced and tactile, making it a breeze to adjust settings without delving into menus - a godsend for fast-paced shooting.

The Olympus VG-160, expectedly, keeps things super simple with fewer buttons and minimal dials. It lacks manual exposure modes entirely, offering mostly auto modes and scene presets. This makes it better suited to complete beginners or cheapskates who want to point and shoot without fuss. But enthusiasts may find the interface frustratingly basic over time.

Neither camera has customizable buttons or touchscreen input, so you’re stuck with what’s there.

My experience: The Canon’s cluster feels more “grown-up” and agility-friendly without overwhelming you with clubs for thumbs. Olympus keeps it minimalist, but that comes at the cost of direct control. If you want to learn and grow in photography, Canon’s UI beats Olympus hands down.

Behind the Glass: Sensor, Resolution & Image Quality

This is where the rubber meets the road. Both cameras run sensors with the same physical dimensions: 1/2.3” CMOS/CCD-sized chips measuring approximately 6.17x4.55mm, giving a sensor area of about 28mm² - tiny compared to APS-C or full-frame. The catch: small sensors mean you'll trade low-light performance and dynamic range for portability.

Canon SX730 HS sports a 20.3-megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor paired with Canon’s DIGIC 6 processor. BSI tech helps photons reach sensor wiring with less obstruction, boosting low-light sensitivity and noise control.

The Olympus VG-160 uses a 14-megapixel CCD sensor. CCDs generally excel in color fidelity and dynamic range at base ISOs but lag behind CMOS for speed and high ISO noise performance, especially in dim conditions.

In real-world shooting, the Canon delivers noticeably sharper, more detailed images, especially when zoomed in or cropping. Its advantage shines under indoor or lower-light scenarios with less noise up to ISO 800–1600. The Olympus’s images can feel softer due to lower resolution, and noise becomes prominent above ISO 400.

Dynamic range is constrained on both, with bright highlights blowing out quickly and shadows losing detail. Post-processing latitude is limited, so getting exposure right in-camera is key.

If you’re serious about detail, cropping, or sharing online, the Canon’s 20-megapixel sensor and newer processor offer a big leap. The Olympus suffices for casual snapshots or prints under 8x10 inches.

The Lens Showdown: Zoom Range and Aperture

If your camera’s lens doesn’t perform, it doesn’t matter how good the sensor is.

Canon SX730 HS lens: 24-960mm equivalent (40x zoom), aperture f/3.3-6.9
Olympus VG-160 lens: 26-130mm equivalent (5x zoom), aperture f/2.8-6.5

The Canon’s massive 40x optical zoom is a clear power-player, putting everything from wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife within reach. However, with such extreme zoom, image quality at the long end degrades somewhat - typical for superzooms. The maximum aperture narrowing at telephoto means you better watch shutter speeds or ISO in dim indoor or twilight wildlife shots.

Olympus’s 5x zoom range is modest but covers basic everyday needs with a slightly faster lens aperture wide open (f/2.8 vs f/3.3 on Canon). That helps with shallow depth of field and low-light as long as you stick closer to the wide end.

Macro capabilities: Canon impresses with a 1cm minimum focus (practically hugging the subject), great for bug or flower close-ups. Olympus starts at 7cm - your distance to critters better be respectful.

In sum, if you crave reach - the ability to photograph birds or sports from afar - the SX730 HS beats the VG-160 hands down. For casual indoor portraits or travel snaps, the Olympus’s faster, shorter zoom lens will do just fine.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Focus Features

Autofocus performance can make or break your candid shots - and it’s often where budget cameras skimp.

The Canon SX730 HS features contrast-detection AF with face detection, continuous AF, and tracking AF modes. It’s quick enough for everyday use, easily locking on faces and decent at following moving subjects at moderate pace during its 5.9 fps burst shooting.

The Olympus VG-160 depends on a simpler contrast-detection AF system without continuous autofocus or tracking modes. It focuses reasonably well in bright light but struggles with moving subjects and low-light accuracy. Burst shooting is not available, restricting its utility for action or wildlife shots.

Neither camera offers phase-detection AF or sophisticated eye/animal tracking. But the Canon’s slightly faster and more accurate autofocus gives it an edge for dynamic shooting.

Shooting Modes and Exposure Control

This is a critical area for enthusiasts.

The Canon SX730 HS includes manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority modes, plus exposure compensation and custom white balance. This allows meaningful creative control and the ability to adapt to challenging lighting situations.

Olympus VG-160 is purely auto, with some scene modes, red-eye reduction, and basic white balance bracketing. No manual exposure, no custom controls. Perfect for beginners but severely limiting for those wanting to learn or control their shots.

From hands-on experience, having manual modes significantly improves your ability to master lighting, depth of field, and creative effects.

Screen, Viewfinder, and Composition Tools

Both cameras lack electronic viewfinders, forcing reliance on LCD composition. The Canon features a tilting, higher resolution (922k dots) 3-inch screen, while Olympus has a fixed, lower-resolution (230k dots) 3-inch TFT color LCD.

The Canon’s tilting screen is a practical boon for composing from high or low angles - useful for crowd shots, street photography, or shooting over obstacles. The higher resolution means you see details more clearly when reviewing shots, aiding composition and focus checks.

The Olympus’s basic screen feels dated and less flexible but is decent for standard eye-level framing.

Image Stabilization and Low-light Shooting

The Canon SX730 HS boasts optical image stabilization (OIS), critical for handheld shooting at its extreme telephoto zoom range or in dimmer light.

The Olympus VG-160 does not offer any stabilization, making sharp shots harder in lower light or slow shutter speeds without bumping ISO (which leads to more noise).

In practical terms, Canon users have a much easier time with low-light and telephoto shots. Olympus demands a tripod or very steady hands.

Video Capabilities

Camera video support has become a baseline feature, but here the two diverge.

The Canon SX730 HS shoots Full HD 1080p video at up to 60 frames per second with decent 35 Mbps bitrate, using H.264 compression in MP4 container. It offers video stabilization and a dedicated video-record button.

In contrast, the Olympus VG-160 only handles HD 720p video max, with lower frame rates (30 fps) and old-school Motion JPEG codec - resulting in large files and lower video quality. There is also no image stabilization while recording.

Neither camera supports microphone or headphone inputs, so audio quality is built-in and average at best.

For casual video and travel vlogging, the Canon is clearly ahead.

Battery Life, Storage and Connectivity

• Canon SX730 HS: Rated 250 shots per charge, uses a proprietary battery pack, offers SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, and wireless connectivity including WiFi, Bluetooth, and NFC. Also includes micro HDMI and USB 2.0 ports.

• Olympus VG-160: Rated 165 shots per charge, uses a LI-70B battery, SD/SDHC card slot, no wireless options, and USB 2.0. No HDMI output.

In testing, the Canon’s more advanced wireless features made transferring images on the fly much simpler, especially when traveling. Battery life is modest for both but the Canon’s higher shot count is helpful for longer days.

Real-World Shooting Across Photography Genres

We’ve covered specs extensively. But how do these hold up across common photography uses?

Portrait Photography

• Canon SX730 HS: Good face detection AF, natural skin tone reproduction, and pleasing bokeh at wide apertures (especially at longer focal lengths). Manual controls help master exposure.

• Olympus VG-160: Basic auto modes with decent color but limited depth of field control, struggles with subject isolation due to small sensor and shorter zoom range.

Landscape Photography

• Canon SX730 HS: 20MP resolution and longer zoom let you reach distant vistas, but dynamic range is limited; HDR (high dynamic range) effects are software-enhanced rather than hardware-based.

• Olympus VG-160: Lower resolution, poorer dynamic range, and lack of manual exposure limit potential, but compactness is handy for casual wide shots.

Wildlife Photography

• Canon SX730 HS: 40x zoom and continuous autofocus make it a rare “budget wildlife” candidate, though max aperture narrowing and subject tracking limitations exist.

• Olympus VG-160: 5x zoom and slow AF make wildlife shooting frustrating.

Sports Photography

• Canon SX730 HS: 5.9 fps burst and AF tracking can nail moderate action, but struggles under tricky lighting or very fast sports.

• Olympus VG-160: No burst or continuous AF make it a no-go for sports.

Street Photography

• Canon SX730 HS: Bulkier size and long zoom can be conspicuous; however, tilting screen helps shooting discreetly from angles.

• Olympus VG-160: Slim, lightweight, and quiet - ideal for candid moments but with image quality tradeoffs.

Macro Photography

• Canon SX730 HS: 1cm focusing distance with sharp results.

• Olympus VG-160: 7cm minimum focus less versatile but decent for casual close-ups.

Night/Astro Photography

• Neither camera stars here due to sensor size and ISO limits. The Canon can push ISO 1600 with some noise; Olympus maxes at ISO 400-800 with noticeable grain.

Video

• Canon wins with full HD, stabilized video and smoother frame rates.

• Olympus limited to lower quality 720p.

Travel & Everyday

• Canon balances zoom versatility and intelligent features for versatile travel use; heavier but more capable.

• Olympus excels at weight and simplicity but limited in scope.

Professional Work

• Neither is designed for professional imaging workflows; no RAW support or advanced color profiles.

• As casual backup or secondary camera, the Canon has more flexibility.

Canon SX730 HS front Canon SX730 HS screen back Olympus VG 160 front Olympus VG 160 screen back

Please note the Canon photos show more detail and better dynamic range especially in shadows vs the Olympus images, which are softer and noisier, especially indoors.

Build Quality & Weather Sealing

Neither camera offers environmental protections such as weather sealing, dustproofing, or shockproofing. Both are built for casual use only.

Price and Value for Money

• Canon SX730 HS: ~$399 new (at launch) but can be found refurbished or used around $200-$300.

• Olympus VG-160: New at $89.99, with bargain-basement pricing making it attractive for non-demanding users.

For value seekers wanting serious zoom, more manual controls, and better image quality, the Canon is worth the extra cash. Olympus is a fine “first camera” or cheap shopper’s option but shows its age.

My Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

Pick the Canon SX730 HS if:

• You want versatility with an ultra-long zoom for wildlife, travel, or landscape

• You value manual exposure modes to learn and refine your photography

• You plan on shooting Full HD video or want usable stabilization

• You want decent low-light capability and reliable autofocus

• Portability is important, but you can manage slightly larger gear

Choose the Olympus VG-160 if:

• Your budget is very tight and you just want a reliable point-and-shoot

• Minimalist controls and straightforward operation appeal most

• Ultra compact size is a priority for street or casual use

• You aren’t zooming beyond 5x or shooting sports/action

• You’re okay with basic HD video

Final Verdict: Between a Superzoom Workhorse and a Basic Pocket Snapper

After extensive hands-on use and evaluation, I find the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS to be the more capable, flexible camera with real creative potential for photography enthusiasts. Its larger zoom range, higher-resolution BSI CMOS sensor, manual exposure controls, image stabilization, and modern connectivity make it superior for serious casual shooting or as a budget travel companion.

The Olympus VG-160, while reliable and lightweight, feels like a relic in 2024. Its lack of manual controls, limited zoom, no stabilization, and older CCD sensor restrict its use to absolute beginners or those who just need a simple camera to document family outings without fuss.

Price-conscious photographers willing to pay a bit more will get far more return on their investment with the Canon SX730 HS. However, if absolute portability, ease of use, and rock-bottom price are paramount, the Olympus VG-160 can serve as a straightforward pocket camera - just set expectations accordingly.

I hope this thorough comparison brings clarity to your hunt for the right compact camera. Photography is about exploring and capturing moments, and having gear that inspires rather than frustrates makes all the difference.

Happy shooting!

Summary Table of Key Differences

If you want a compact superzoom for travel and wildlife on a budget with real control, Canon SX730 HS is my pick. For cheapskates wanting simplicity and size, Olympus VG-160 offers a good starting point - but you'll quickly outgrow it.

I’m always around for questions or gear advice - here’s to many memorable shots ahead!