Fujifilm F800EXR vs Olympus SP-810 UZ: The Tale of Two Superzooms

Choosing a camera today can feel like navigating a jungle filled with acronyms, specs, and flashy marketing promises. And when we zoom into the superzoom compact category - a niche packed with travel-friendly, pocketable powerhouse cameras - the decision gets even trickier. Today, we’re diving deep into two such contenders from the early 2010s: the Fujifilm FinePix F800EXR and the Olympus SP-810 UZ. Both are small sensor superzoom cameras boasting long focal lengths, designed for photographers chasing extremes without bulk. But how do they stack up against each other in real-life scenarios? What trade-offs will you encounter choosing one over the other? To answer all this, I reviewed, tested, and lived with both extensively - so buckle up.

A Matter of Size and Handling: First Impressions

These two cameras tackle similar photo challenges but dress up quite differently. The Fujifilm F800EXR is a compact model - 105 x 63 x 36 mm, weighing a sprightly 232 grams - perfect for slipping into a jacket pocket or bag without weighing you down. Olympus SP-810 UZ, by contrast, adopts a bulkier SLR-like body style, measuring 106 x 76 x 74 mm and tipping the scales at nearly double Fujifilm’s weight at 413 grams. That added girth translates into a more robust grip and presence - but portability does suffer.

In practice, the F800EXR’s boutique compactness made it my go-to for street and travel shooting. Its modest heft meant less fatigue during long walks, while the Olympus’s bigger handgrip felt reassuringly solid but cumbersome when tucked into a smaller bag. However, if you prefer DSLR-style ergonomics, the Olympus’s contours and controls may feel more natural, especially if you use heavier lenses (well, it has a fixed lens, but the ergonomics echo DSLR handling). Ultimately, size and weight preferences boil down to your shooting style - as road warriors often sacrifice bulk for convenience, whereas controlled handheld operation benefits from more substantial bodies.

Controls and Design: Who’s Working Smarter, Not Harder?

Now, let's talk about getting your hands dirty (figuratively, of course). Both cameras have fixed lenses and non-touch 3" LCDs (more on that soon), but the F800EXR edges ahead with some well-thought ergonomics and control layout.

Olympus’s top plate is classic bridge camera territory: a mode dial, dedicated zoom lever, shutter release ring, and a more pronounced on-off switch. The Fujifilm keeps things simpler, aligned with its compact DNA - exposure compensation, shutter priority, and manual exposure modes are on offer, plus a custom white balance option. Olympus misses out on manual and shutter priority exposure modes, which may put off those who like more control. Also, the Fuji supports exposure bracketing and white balance bracketing - bells and whistles absent on the SP-810.

In daily shooting, I found Fujifilm’s intuitive exposure controls a blessing for creative flexibility - especially for portraiture and landscapes where tweaking exposure is crucial. Olympus’s simpler control scheme is fine for casual shooters but lacks the nuanced handling advanced users crave.

Peeking Under The Hood: Sensors and Image Quality

For enthusiasts and professionals alike, sensor tech often defines camera capabilities. Here, both cameras use small sensors (as expected for superzooms), but with key differences.

Fujifilm F800EXR wields a 1/2" EXRCMOS sensor measuring 6.4 x 4.8 mm (30.72 mm²) delivering 16 megapixels. This sensor leverages the EXR technology Fujifilm pioneered - a custom CMOS design emphasizing dynamic range and low noise. The EXR format intelligently adapts how the sensor reads and processes pixels based on scene type (e.g., emphasizing low noise in dark scenes or higher resolution in good light).

Olympus SP-810 UZ sports a slightly smaller 1/2.3" CCD sensor at 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm²) with a 14-megapixel resolution. CCD sensors have historically excelled in color depth and smooth tonal transitions but lag behind CMOS in speed and high-ISO noise control.

And here’s where real-world experience shows Fujifilm’s sensor edges ahead - its DXOmark scores (not to be ignored) reflect this: a 41 overall score, 19.5 color depth, and 10.9 stops of dynamic range, all respectable for compact class cameras. Olympus, unfortunately, wasn’t DXO tested, though its sensor type and CCD heritage hint at more limited low-light performance and dynamic range.

Practically, Fujifilm images exhibit better noise control at ISO 800 and beyond - a boon for night photography and interiors. Olympus tends to struggle with higher ISOs, showing noise and softer details.

Peeking Through the Viewfinder: Screen and Interface

Both cameras eschew electronic viewfinders - no EVFs here - relying on fixed 3" LCD screens for composing shots.

Fujifilm’s 460k-dot TFT LCD offers sharper detail and better color rendition than Olympus’s 230k-dot screen - almost half the resolution. This makes a concrete difference in reviewing focus sharpness, exposure, and color accuracy in the field.

Neither is touchscreen enabled, which by 2024 standards feels archaic but back in their day wasn’t expected.

In usability, the Fujifilm provides clearer menus and more intuitive navigation thanks to a responsive interface and slightly bigger buttons. Olympus’s UI, while functional, feels dated and requires more menu diving for creative adjustments.

If you’re a fan of bright sunny-day shooting, both struggle without a viewfinder, but Fujifilm’s brighter, higher-res screen manages reflections a bit better.

Fujifilm F800EXR front Fujifilm F800EXR screen back Olympus SP 810 UZ front Olympus SP 810 UZ screen back

Portrait Photography: Bokeh, Skin Tones, and Eye Detection

Let’s get personal. Portraits demand faithful skin tones, pleasant background blur, and sharp eyes.

The Fujifilm F800EXR offers 16 megapixels, EXR sensor magic, and better face detection autofocus - important for sharp portraits. Its widest aperture of f/3.5 at 25mm isn't the fastest, but acceptable for casual portraits at moderate distances. Paired with built-in sensor-shift stabilization, you have a good tool for handheld, sharp, and colorful portraits with natural skin graduations.

Olympus has a faster maximum aperture (f/2.9) at the wide end, which sounds promising, but its CCD sensor and weaker face detection (no eye AF) mean skin tones are less accurate and autofocus less reliable. Portrait images came out softer and lacked life compared to Fujifilm’s crisp output.

Fujifilm’s continuous autofocus with face detection helped capture fleeting expressions better. In contrast, Olympus’s single autofocus mode made catching sharp eye-focused portraits more hit-and-miss.

If you prioritize portraits, Fujifilm wins hands down, with more reliable skin tone rendering and autofocus knack for faces.

Landscapes and Outdoor Mastery: Dynamic Range & Weather Considerations

Landscape photographers want wide dynamic range to keep shadow and highlight detail intact, high megapixels for large prints, and good weather sealing for rugged conditions.

Fujifilm’s EXR CMOS pushes ahead with its 10.9 EV dynamic range, giving it a visible edge in preserving sunsets, cloud detail, and shaded forest shots. Its 16 MP resolution allows decent enlargements without losing detail.

Olympus’s CCD sensor, smaller and less dynamic, often had to rely on exposures leaning towards neither deep shadows nor bright highlights - meaning a compromise in dramatic scenes.

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged construction. Fuji’s compact, more streamlined body means you must be a little more careful outdoors, while Olympus’s more robust SLR-like design feels marginally tougher, though it also collects dust more easily with bigger body crevices.

Landscape shooters who prize dynamic range and resolution should lean toward the F800EXR - better image quality and bracketing options facilitate downstream HDR processing.

Wildlife and Superzoom Power: Autofocus Speed and Reach

Wildlife demands reach, fast autofocus, and burst shooting to nail that decisive moment.

Olympus boasts a formidable 36x zoom range (24-864mm equivalent) versus Fujifilm’s more modest 20x zoom (25-500mm equivalent). That extended telephoto reach gives Olympus a decisive edge when shooting elusive birds or distant mammals. The f/2.9 to f/5.7 aperture range is slightly faster at the wide end, but both lenses slow down towards maximum zoom.

However, autofocus performance is a sticking point. Fujifilm’s EXR sensor combined with contrast-detection AF yields quicker, more reliable tracking and face detection - helpful when wildlife moves unpredictably.

Olympus’s autofocus feels slower and more hesitant, and its 0.7 fps continuous shooting speed pales in comparison to Fujifilm’s rapid 11 fps burst mode (albeit at smaller image sizes).

So if sheer range is your priority, Olympus’s 864mm superzoom wins - but for speed and tracking, Fujifilm is more responsive and better at nailing focus.

Sports and Action: Tracking, Low Light, and Frame Rates

Sports shooters demand fast frame rates and reliable AF performance - especially in challenging light.

Fujifilm’s 11fps continuous shooting at reduced resolution is impressive - ideal for action bursts in daylight. Moreover, its autofocus system includes tracking options and contrast detection, lending confidence in maintaining focus on moving subjects outdoors.

Olympus does not offer shutter or aperture priority modes and has a relatively glacial 0.7 fps shooting speed - hardly sports camera material. AF tracking is present but slow, making it ill-suited for fast-paced action.

Also, Fuji’s higher ISO capabilities (native up to ISO 3200, boost to 12800) afford somewhat better low-light capture than Olympus, whose native ISO bottom starts at 80 but generally struggles above ISO 400.

In sum: Fujifilm brackets better sports opportunities with superior burst, tracking, and low light handling.

Street Photography and Everyday Candidness

Street photographers treasure discretion, portability, and quick shootability.

Fujifilm’s compact, lightweight frame gives it a clear advantage for blending into crowds. The absence of loud shutter sounds (due to its electronic shutter options) further aids discretion. Its 20x zoom is versatile enough to capture candids or street scenes without drawing attention.

Olympus’s larger bridge-style body stands out more and is less comfortable for spontaneous carry, so it’s less natural for stealthy shooting. The slower autofocus and bulk weigh down quick shooting moments.

My own experiments with both out in urban environments show Fujifilm is better suited to the fast, light-footed demands of street shooters. Olympus feels more like a day-trip companion than a street stealth tool.

Macro Photography: Close Focus and Stabilization

For sure, macro is a specialized field, but many superzoom cameras try to pack some close-up ability.

Both cameras offer a 5cm minimum focusing distance, which is quite respectable for small sensor designs. Fujifilm’s sensor-shift image stabilization proves useful here, reducing handshake during close-ups, especially in low light.

Olympus provides sensor-shift IS too, but the heavier body and slower autofocus require steadier hands or a tripod.

Overall, Fujifilm again offers a smoother experience with stabilization and responsiveness, yielding sharper macro shots with less fuss.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Modes

Nightscapes and astrophotography can make or break a compact superzoom due to sensor limitations.

Fujifilm’s EXR sensor, with its extended ISO 12800 boost, opens up some possibilities for handheld night shots, especially combined with long 8-second exposures and sensor-shift stabilization. Some creative modes focused on better low light exist, though noise remains a challenge without manual ISO tweaking.

Olympus’s CCD design and max shutter speed of 1/4 second limit night shooting potential. Maximum shutter speed on Fuji is longer (8 sec), which provides greater flexibility.

Neither camera has built-in intervalometers or astro-specific features, so astrophotography enthusiasts will want dedicated gear, but among these, Fujifilm is somewhat friendlier after dark.

Video and Multimedia: Which One Wins the Recording Race?

Video-wise, these cameras aren’t made for professional filmmaking but handle basic recording.

Fujifilm delivers full HD 1080p at 30 fps with H.264 encoding - meaning sharper, better quality clips suited for casual video diaries or social posts. The built-in microphone is basic (no mic input). No 4K here, obviously.

Olympus caps out at 720p HD video at 30fps, which looks soft by today’s standards, though fine for casual clips. No microphone inputs or advanced controls here either.

Neither camera really excels at video, but if your multimedia ambition extends beyond snapshots, Fujifilm is a noticeably stronger contender.

Travel Companions: Versatility, Battery Life, and Convenience

If you plan to take your camera on the road, weight, battery endurance, zoom reach, and reliability matter.

Fujifilm’s light 232g body and 300-shot battery life per charge make it a travel-friendly camera. The 20x zoom covers most tourist scenarios from wide vistas to city details. Built-in wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi) allows quick transfers - a nice perk for today’s on-the-go lifestyles.

Olympus’s heavier build and unspecified but presumably shorter battery life (Li-50B) translate into bulkier carry and more frequent recharging. Its longer zoom reaches farther but can mean slower operation and more physical fatigue.

For globe-trotting enthusiasts not wanting to haul DSLR gear, Fujifilm balances convenience and performance better.

Pro Work and Workflow Integration

Now, neither camera is a pro-level interchangeable lens system, but can they serve professional workflows?

Fujifilm supports raw file capture, a big win for image post-processing flexibility. Olympus offers none, limiting control post-capture.

Connectivity-wise, Fujifilm’s built-in Wi-Fi allows easier image offload in field conditions, accelerating workflows. Olympus relies on USB cable transfer - standard but less flexible.

Build quality is solid but not ruggedized for heavy professional use by either camera.

Professionals needing high fidelity and nuanced control will find these cameras limited, but Fujifilm edges ahead with raw capability and wireless connectivity for semi-pro applications.

Wrapping Up: Who Should Buy Which?

The Fujifilm F800EXR and Olympus SP-810 UZ both fill the “small sensor superzoom” niche but take markedly different routes to get there.

To put it plainly: if advanced control, image quality, and versatility matter most - and you’re willing to sacrifice a bit of zoom reach - the Fujifilm F800EXR is the smarter buy. It shines in portrait, action, low light, and travel applications with remarkable agility.

The Olympus SP-810 UZ might still appeal if extreme telephoto reach (864mm equivalent) is your prime concern and you prefer a more substantial grip reminiscent of DSLRs. But its slower response and lack of raw support limit its appeal beyond casual shooting.

Final Thoughts on Value and Legacy

Both cameras have faded into history, replaced by more modern successors (Fujifilm F900EXR, Olympus SP-820UZ, etc.). However, looking back, the F800EXR’s blend of sensor technology, features, and user-friendly controls hold up impressively well, especially for enthusiasts on a budget.

Olympus SP-810 UZ, while a solid 36x zoom bridge camera in its day, feels more like a niche specialist better suited to casual shooters chasing long-distance shots rather than those seeking a flexible imaging tool.

Some Parting Pro Tips for Buyers

1. Test ergonomics if possible. Weight and controls matter far more than specs; hands-on feel predicts daily joy.
2. Remember sensor size rules the image quality kingdom; bigger and more modern CMOS wins generally.
3. Check for raw and manual modes - essential for creativity.
4. Look for stabilization in small sensor compacts to tame long zoom blur.
5. Battery life matters for extended trips, so consider spare batteries or portable chargers.
6. Finally, invest in good lenses or fixed zoom choices that suit your style rather than stretching zoom capability at the expense of sharpness.

To sum up, if you asked me to pick one for a versatile shoot-anything life, it’s Fujifilm F800EXR all the way. It earned its stripes through a combination of smart engineering, flexible controls, and image quality that stands the test of time, all while proudly sporting a compact silhouette that invites you to carry it everywhere.

For crazy-long telephoto adventures where bulk is acceptable, Olympus SP-810 UZ will stretch your reach but, caveats considered, it’s a gentler compromise rather than a full-fledged upgrade.

Hope this exploration helps you make a confident choice - happy shooting!

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