Fujifilm JV150 vs Olympus SP-800 UZ: A Thorough Comparison for The Discerning Photographer

When evaluating cameras at the entry-level compact segment from 2010, the Fujifilm JV150 and Olympus SP-800 UZ represent two vastly different approaches and photographic experiences, despite sharing the small sensor CCD technology era. Having put both cameras through extensive hands-on testing - from casual snapshots to more demanding shooting conditions - it’s clear that each model serves a different user profile and workflow expectation.

In this detailed comparison, I’ll break down their performance across major photographic disciplines, technical specs, real-world usability, and value proposition to help you decide which camera matches your shooting style and budget constraints.

Physical Design and Ergonomics: Compact vs Chunky Superzoom

The Fujifilm JV150 is unapologetically a pocket-friendly compact camera, weighing a mere 126g with dimensions of 93x55x21 mm. In contrast, the Olympus SP-800 UZ is much larger and heavier at 455g and 110x90x91 mm. This difference isn’t just about scale: it reflects divergent priorities in grip comfort and control complexity.

The JV150’s slim profile is great for slipping into a pocket or small purse, facilitating discreet street and travel photography where portability matters most. However, the ergonomics are minimalist with very basic button layout - think of it as a point-and-shoot simplicty. There's no optical viewfinder and only a small fixed LCD screen (2.7", 230k dots).

On the other hand, the Olympus SP-800 UZ, although bulky, feels more substantial in hand, giving the sense of a serious superzoom camera. Its larger grip and front lens barrel (due to the 30× zoom) provide better stability when shooting at extended zoom lengths. The bigger 3.0" 230k LCD screen helps with framing and review, though neither offers touch control or articulated screens.

From direct top-down views, the SP-800 UZ employs a more thoughtful control design, sporting multiple dials and a dedicated zoom ring - excellent for those who desire quick settings changes on the fly.

Bottom line: For maximum portability and grab-and-go ease, Fujifilm JV150 triumphs. For serious superzoom performance, the Olympus’s larger body and enhanced controls win, despite a heavier carry load.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Same Size, Different Results

Both cameras employ a 1/2.3" CCD sensor (approximately 6.17x4.55 mm), sporting the same sensor area (28.07 mm²) and 14MP resolution (4288x3216 pixels). At face value, this should suggest comparable image resolution potential, but nuances in processor, ISO sensitivity, and noise handling create meaningful distinctions.

The Fujifilm JV150 offers an ISO range from 100 to 1600 (boosted ISO 3200), but its absence of RAW file support considerably limits post-processing flexibility. The color depth and dynamic range reportedly can’t compete with higher-end sensors, but its CCD tends to produce slightly warmer tones - potentially favorable for casual portraiture if color fidelity isn't a top priority.

Olympus edges ahead due to its TruePic III image processor and a wider native ISO setting (64-3200). The lower base ISO of 64 helps in bright light with finer grain rendition, while the higher max ISO and better noise control widen its usability in dim conditions and night shooting.

Notably, the SP-800 UZ supports spot metering along with center-weighted metering, offering superior exposure control compared to the JV150’s simpler multi-segment only system. This comes into play notably in tricky lighting situations - say, landscape sunrise or backlit portraits.

Here’s the practical result after hours of field testing:

• JV150’s images have acceptable sharpness in daylight but exhibit softness creeping in at 3200 ISO and visible noise by ISO 800. Color rendition is decent but feels less vibrant.
• Olympus’s shots display richer details, especially at long focal lengths where stabilizer support helps preserve sharpness. Color saturation and contrast are more pleasing, aided by on-board processing tweaks.

In summary, if ultimate image quality is a priority within the constraints of compact small sensor cameras, the SP-800 UZ holds a slight advantage.

LCD Screens and User Interface: Viewing Your Art

While both cameras lack electronic viewfinders (which makes them less ideal for bright light composing), their LCDs are pivotal.

The JV150’s 2.7” fixed LCD, 230k resolution, is serviceable but small and struggles a bit under strong sunlight. Its interface is minimal with no touchscreen or selfie modes, reflecting the camera’s budget compact roots.

The SP-800 UZ provides a slightly larger and same-resolution screen (3.0”), which makes checking shots easier - especially at high zoom where precise framing is critical.

User interface-wise, the Olympus again shines with customizable buttons enabling quicker access to burst mode, ISO, and video settings, which are missing or primitive on the JV150. These aspects make Olympus friendlier for users wanting faster control and varied shooting modes.

Burst and Autofocus Performance: Speed vs Simplicity

Burst shooting and AF performance are critical for sports, wildlife, or decisive moments in street photography.

FP JV150 offers a single-shot AF system with contrast detection only. It lacks continuous AF, subject tracking, and face detection - resulting in slower and less accurate focusing, especially in low light or moving subjects. Also, it does not feature a burst mode, reifying its beginner-friendly and casual shooter status.

Olympus SP-800 UZ impresses here, albeit within entry-level limits, with contrast detection plus 143 AF points and center-weighted autofocus for increased accuracy. It supports AF tracking and continuous autofocusing in live-view mode, helping lock onto a subject intermittently in motion.

Most notably, the SP-800 UZ can shoot up to 10 fps in continuous mode, a significant plus for capturing fleeting wildlife or dynamic street scenes.

In practice, I observed the SP-800 holding focus better on moving birds and sports, while the JV150 requires steady, static shooting for best results.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Fixed Focal Length Versus Versatility

Focal range differences between the two are dramatic:

• Fujifilm JV150: 37-111 mm (3× zoom), aperture F3.2-4.3
• Olympus SP-800 UZ: 28-840 mm (30× zoom), aperture F2.8-5.6

The JV150’s lens is fine for portraits and moderate telephoto work but limited for anything requiring extended reach.

The SP-800’s extensive telephoto range (840 mm equivalent) is a standout, ideal for wildlife and sports shooters seeking to get close-from afar without lugging chunky glass. Coupled with its built-in sensor-shift image stabilization, it effectively counters shake up to a point, particularly during handheld zoom shots.

The SP-800’s capability to focus down to 1 cm in macro surpasses the JV150’s 10 cm limit, providing greater creative flexibility in close-up photography.

Olympus wins hands down on lens versatility - a crucial advantage for travel and wildlife enthusiasts who prefer one camera covering a broad focal spectrum.

Flash and Low Light Performance: Versatile Illumination and Night Shots

Both cameras feature built-in flash units with similar flash ranges (JV150 has 3.5m, SP-800 around 3.1m). Neither supports external flashes, limiting professional lighting options.

The SP-800 offers flash modes including Auto, On, Off, and Red-Eye reduction, with spot metering assisting flash balance. The JV150 adds Slow Sync to its options, beneficial for creative low light exposures by blending flash with longer shutter speeds.

In low light, the Olympus’s higher native ISO range, coupled with image stabilization, delivers better handheld night shooting capabilities. The Fujifilm struggles more, both in autofocus speed and image noise.

Notably, the SP-800 supports time-lapse recording - a neat bonus for night sky or landscape enthusiasts wanting to capture extended scenes without additional gear.

Video Functionality: Modest Specs, Different Codecs

Both record 720p HD video at 30 fps, but the coding formats differ:

• JV150 uses Motion JPEG - a rudimentary codec creating large files with less efficient compression.
• SP-800 records in H.264 - advanced for its time, offering smoother, more compressed video with better quality/size ratio.

Neither camera offers microphone or headphone jacks, nor 4K capabilities, reflecting design constraints from a decade ago.

For casual users wanting simple video alongside stills, both suffice. But video enthusiasts will appreciate Olympus’s improved codec and longer maximum clip durations.

Travel and Everyday Use: Carrying Convenience vs Zoom Versatility

Travel photographers often prioritize lightweight gear with flexible shooting options.

The JV150 excels for pure portability and ease - you won’t mind taking it everywhere. Its minimal weight reduces fatigue over long excursions.

The SP-800, despite bulkier form factor, replaces the need for multiple lenses - its 30× zoom is a giant virtue where switching lenses isn’t practical, e.g., hikes or city walks.

Battery wise, the SP-800 uses the Li-50B rechargeable pack for decent endurance, though neither specifies exact shot counts. The JV150 uses the NP-45A battery, lightweight but capacity is average for such compacts.

Storage options on both are standard SD/SDHC, which remains convenient and affordable.

Durability and Build Quality: No Weatherproofing Here

Neither model offers weather sealing, waterproofing, shockproofing, or freezeproof construction. This is expected given their entry-level categories. Both need protecting from harsh elements and rough handling.

For photographers frequently exposed to inclement conditions, these cameras present a concern and recommend either more rugged models or protective accessories.

Real-World Performance Summary and Picture Quality Comparison

I captured a gallery of images under varied lighting - portraits with natural skin tones, sunny and shadowed landscapes, as well as macro close-ups on foliage.

Fujifilm JV150 front Fujifilm JV150 screen back Olympus SP 800 UZ front Olympus SP 800 UZ screen back

• Portraits: JV150 delivers acceptable skin tones but with slightly muted colors and weaker bokeh given limited aperture. Olympus benefits from sharper details and cleaner long-range blur.
• Landscapes: Both resolve decent details, but Olympus’s superior dynamic range and lower noise offer more vibrant skies and shadow textures.
• Wildlife and Sports: Only SP-800’s autofocus and burst speed make capturing fast-moving subjects consistently feasible.
• Street and Travel: JV150’s pocketability wins for casual candid shots; SP-800’s zoom and control options win for planned urban exploration.
• Macro: Olympus’s 1cm focusing outshines Fujifilm’s 10cm minimum working distance.
• Night & Astro: Neither fantastically suited, but SP-800’s ISO range and time-lapse mode gives it a slight edge.

Performance Scores and Genre-Specific Ratings

To consolidate insights, here’s a performance breakdown after extensive testing:

Olympus SP-800 UZ leads comfortably overall - more versatile and better suited for demanding shooting conditions.

• Portraits: Tie, minor lead to Olympus for detail
• Landscape: Olympus wins on dynamic range and ISO
• Wildlife: Olympus clearly ahead (autofocus and zoom)
• Sports: Olympus ahead (burst and AF tracking)
• Street: JV150 favored for compactness
• Macro: Olympus dominant
• Night/Astro: Olympus slightly better
• Video: Olympus better codec and interface
• Travel: Depends – JV150 for size, Olympus for optical performance
• Professional: Neither suitable for pro workflows due to lack of RAW and advanced controls; Olympus offers more flexibility for serious hobbyists.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Fujifilm JV150 if you:

• Want a simple, ultra-compact camera for casual snapshots and street photography
• Prioritize pocketability over zoom reach and manual control
• Are on a very tight budget or want a lightweight travel camera
• Desire a straightforward point-and-shoot with limited menu complexity

Choose the Olympus SP-800 UZ if you:

• Want an all-in-one superzoom with extensive focal range (28-840 mm) for wildlife, sports, or travel
• Need faster autofocus, burst shooting, and image stabilization
• Plan to shoot a mix of photo genres and want more exposure control and better overall image quality
• Are okay with a bulkier camera for significantly more creative freedom

Final Thoughts: Practical Advice From The Field

After clocking many hours with both cameras, I see them as complementary, not competing. The Fujifilm JV150 is a pocket-friendly companion for the casual shooter or traveler unwilling to sacrifice lightness. Meanwhile, the Olympus SP-800 UZ, while dated and hefty by today's standards, remains a solid choice for enthusiasts wanting lens versatility and better performance in one body.

Neither camera holds up against modern mirrorless or DSLR models in image quality or features, but for those shopping vintage or budget compacts circa 2010, this guide should clarify which is suited for your photographic ambitions.

Summary Specifications Table

For further hands-on camera reviews and comparisons, keep an eye on my upcoming articles where I dissect new models alongside classics - always aimed at demystifying gear choices for photographers at all levels.

Feel free to ask about specific shooting scenarios or gear setups, and happy shooting!