Fujifilm S4500 vs Olympus SP-610UZ: A Hands-On Dive into Two Budget Superzooms

When hunting for a value-packed superzoom, the Fujifilm FinePix S4500 and Olympus SP-610UZ often come up as beloved contenders from the early 2010s bridge camera scene. Released roughly a year apart and retailing in the sub-$350 realm, both promise wide focal ranges, ease of use, and anytime-anywhere versatility without breaking your wallet. But which of these small-sensor zoomers holds the crown once you put them through their paces?

Having tested thousands of cameras across various genres, here’s my no-nonsense, hands-on comparison of these two cameras incorporating real-world usability, technical merits, and imaging capabilities. I’ll unpack strengths and weaknesses in portrait, landscape, wildlife, macro, video, and more, so you can stop second-guessing and zero in on the best fit for your photographic appetite.

Let’s start with the basics.

Size and Ergonomics: Bridging the Gap Between Compact and DSLR Style

The Fujifilm S4500 wears its "bridge camera" badge proudly with an SLR-like body, whereas the Olympus SP-610UZ goes for a more compact, pocket-friendly shape.

Fujifilm S4500 - Measuring 118 x 81 x 100 mm and weighing 543 grams (including four AAs), the S4500 offers a substantial grip, more clubs-for-your-thumbs control real estate, and an electronic viewfinder. For photographers moving up from point-and-shoots or smartphones, this body style delivers a DSLR-esque feel without the lens baggage. The textured grip keeps the camera secure, though the plastic construction feels somewhat hollow - typical for budget bridges.

Olympus SP-610UZ - Slimmer (107 x 73 x 73 mm) and lighter at 405 grams with batteries, the SP-610UZ is more compact yet lacks a viewfinder, which some traditionalists might miss. Its minimalist design sacrifices some ergonomic refinement found in the Fuji but benefits street photographers or travelers prioritizing portability. The grip area is smaller, which may challenge larger hands during extended shooting.

Ergonomic Verdict: If you prefer a grippier body with an EVF and a bit of heft for stability - the Fujifilm S4500 wins out. But for casual grabs-and-go, the Olympus SP-610UZ’s compactness is attractive.

Control Layout and User Interface: Clubbing for Thumbs or Minimalist?

Smooth handling is key to capturing any fleeting moment. The top panel and rear controls shape your shooting rhythm.

On the Fuji S4500, you get dedicated PASM mode dials for shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual exposure options - a rarity in this price class. The buttons are decently spaced with a clear function for exposure compensation, ISO adjustments, and a reasonably responsive sub-command dial. The EVF display provides framing confidence outdoors.

The Olympus SP-610UZ, by contrast, skims manual controls - no PASM modes, just full auto or Program mode options. Controls focus on simple menus via a directional pad and a mode dial with preset scene selections. The absence of dedicated exposure compensation or manual shutter/aperture control limits creative control for advanced users.

On the rear, both share a fixed 3-inch 230K-dot LCD TFT display, which while serviceable, struggles in strong daylight.

User Interface Takeaway: Experience photographers craving exposure control will appreciate the S4500’s PASM modes; beginners or casual users may prefer the Olympus’s simplified menu. Neither is touchscreen, but Fuji’s interface feels slightly less clunky under pressure.

Sensor and Image Quality: What the 1/2.3” CCD Can Deliver

Both these cameras pack 14-megapixel 1/2.3” CCD sensors - standard fare for superzooms of the era.

CCD sensors tend to produce good color rendition and low noise at base ISOs, but both show pronounced noise beyond ISO 800, limiting their use in dim environments. The Fujifilm tops out at ISO 1600 natively (boostable to 6400), while the Olympus maxes at ISO 3200 but lacks boosted modes. Neither supports RAW shooting, which is a big sticking point for those wanting extensive post-processing latitude.

In terms of lens specs, the Fuji’s 24-720mm equivalent (30x zoom!) extends an impressive reach but with a maximum aperture of f/3.1-5.9, which narrows quickly at telephoto lengths. The Olympus offers 28-616mm (22x zoom) at f/3.3-5.7 - slightly less range but a marginally brighter aperture in the tele range.

Realistically, most of your image sharpness will come from stopping down the aperture mid-range and using stabilized techniques. Both cameras compensate with sensor-shift image stabilization, an asset when handholding long zooms or shooting macro.

Autofocus Performance: Laser-Focused or Chasing Shadows?

Let's talk about one of my pet peeves in budget cameras - autofocus (AF). Both cameras rely on contrast-detection AF systems, but their capabilities vary.

The Fujifilm S4500 integrates face detection and supports single, continuous, and tracking AF, which is notable for this class. Its AF area selection is limited but enough for general shooting tasks. The camera performs admirably locking onto faces or static subjects, though its 1 fps burst rate won't win speed contests.

The Olympus SP-610UZ offers neither face detection nor advanced AF modes - only single AF with 11 focus points. Continuous and tracking AF modes are absent, making it less suited for fast-moving subjects. In testing, Olympus’s AF is slower and tends to hunt noticeably in lower contrasts.

For wildlife and sports shooters hunting decisive moments, these cameras are definitely on the slower spectrum, but the Fuji’s tracking beats Olympus’s more pedestrian approach.

Putting These Cameras Through Photography Scenarios

Now, let me guide you through how each performs in popular photography disciplines - because specs tell only half the story.

Portraits: Skin Tones and Bokeh

The Fuji with its longer reach and face detection has a clear edge for casual portraiture. Its bokeh at longer focal lengths is modest but helps subject isolation. Skin tones appear natural with decent saturation. The Olympus struggles without face detection, and its f/5.7 aperture at tele makes background blur extremely limited.

If you prioritize portraits, especially environmental ones, the S4500 delivers better control over exposure and focus with extra dramatics in background softness.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range and Detail Capture

Landscape shooters rely on resolution and dynamic range. Both feature 14 MP sensors, capturing a solid amount of detail for prints up to 8x10". However, neither sensor excels in dynamic range compared to modern CMOS sensors - so expect crushed shadows and blown highlights under harsh sunlight.

The Fuji’s optical zoom starting at 24mm equivalent is slightly wider than Olympus’s 28mm, offering more flexibility in sweeping vistas. Weather sealing is absent on both, meaning cautious use around moisture.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed and Telephoto Reach

Jumping into wildlife or sports, zoom range and AF speed are critical.

Here, the Fujifilm’s 720mm super telephoto outstrips the Olympus’s 616mm - giving you extra reach to fill the frame when you can’t get closer.

However, the Fuji’s slow 1 fps burst and contrast-detection AF limit capturing fast action or erratic wildlife, with a slight lag between shots. Olympus’s continuous AF absence makes it less forgiving.

For casual zoo visits or field trips, Fuji has the upper hand; serious birders or sports shooters should probably look higher up the food chain.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Fast Reaction

Street photography massively benefits from small size, quiet shutters, and instant AF.

Olympus’s lighter, compact body makes it less conspicuous - a potential boon for candid shots; Fuji’s larger size can call some attention.

Both cameras offer slow continuous shootings, and the electronic shutter lag isn’t minimal. Neither includes silent mechanical shutter modes, so expect some noise.

ISO capabilities limit low-light street shooting: Fuji’s base ISO 64 is a plus, but noise rises quickly above 400. Olympus starts at ISO 100 but taps out at 3200.

Macro: Close Focus and Stabilization

Close-up shooters are well served by these bridge cams' beefy zooms and sensor stabilization.

The Olympus’s 1 cm minimum macro focus outdoes the Fuji’s 2 cm, letting you get closer to tiny subjects like flowers or insects.

Both cameras utilize sensor-shift stabilization, which in my tests cut down blur from handshake effectively at macro distances.

Between these, Olympus ekes out a slight advantage for macro enthusiasts wanting a sneaky sharp reach.

Night and Astro: High ISO and Long Exposure

Neither camera thrills in astrophotography or low-light scenarios; CCD noise patterns get ugly beyond ISO 800.

The Fuji allows manual exposure control with shutter speeds up to 1/8 second, aiding some night shooting, but the limited max exposure of 2 seconds is restrictive. Olympus maxes out at 4 seconds but lacks manual exposure options.

Neither has bulb mode, external mic inputs, or long exposure noise reduction - showing their budget focus.

Video: HD but on a Budget

Video specs are similar: both max out at 1280x720p at 30fps.

Fuji offers H.264 and Motion JPEG, Olympus only Motion JPEG. Neither room for 1080p or advanced codecs.

Neither offers external microphone inputs, headphone jacks, or image stabilization during video. The quality is adequate for casual clips but falls short of serious filmmaking needs.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Life

For travel, you want versatility, battery endurance, and manageable size/weight.

Olympus’s smaller form factor and 340 shot battery life (AA alkaline, a plus in remote areas) make it a convenient companion.

Fujifilm’s bigger body and 300 shot battery life are still decent considering the electronic viewfinder.

Both accept SD cards and have HDMI output. Fuji’s USB 2.0 and absence of wireless features are mirrored by Olympus, which does have Eye-Fi compatibility for wireless image transfer, a plus if you’re snapping and sharing on the fly.

Professional Workflows: Reliability and File Formats

On the pro front, neither supports RAW, limiting post-processing flexibility. The Fuji’s PASM modes aid control but the cameras target enthusiasts and casual shooters more than professionals.

Lack of weather sealing limits outdoor reliability during adverse conditions.

Real-World Image Samples: Seeing Is Believing

Sample images tell the most compelling story about what a camera can deliver.

Fujifilm S4500 front Fujifilm S4500 screen back Olympus SP 610UZ front Olympus SP 610UZ screen back

Both deliver respectable images under good light, though Fuji pictures have a slight edge in color vibrancy and sharpness at telephoto. Olympus images tend to soften at maximum zoom.

Performance Ratings and Value Scorecard

How do these cameras stack numerically in an apples-to-apples review?

While neither scored on DXO Mark (not tested), my experience-based scores place the Fuji slightly ahead in handling, zoom reach, and autofocus, while Olympus wins in portability and battery life.

Genre-Specific Ratings: Which Excels Where?

Here is a quick breakdown of each camera’s performance by photography type:

• Portrait: Fuji edges ahead with face detection and manual controls
• Landscape: Tie, but Fuji's wider angle lens provides flexibility
• Wildlife: Fuji slightly better due to longer reach and AF tracking
• Sports: Both limited, Fuji marginally preferable
• Street: Olympus favored for stealth and compact size
• Macro: Olympus wins with closer focus and stabilization
• Night/Astro: Neither excels; Fuji's manual control helps a bit
• Video: Tie; both basic HD video but lacking pro features
• Travel: Olympus preferred for lightness, battery life
• Professional: Neither fits professional demands fully

The Nitty-Gritty Tech Analysis Behind My Judgments

Let’s zoom in on some of the tech details from my lab and field tests:

• Sensor: CCD chips with anti-alias filters yield good color but limited dynamic range (~8 stops estimated), prone to noise beyond ISO 800.
• Lens quality: Both fixed lenses demonstrate moderate chromatic aberrations at extreme zoom ends, but distortion correction works well in-camera.
• Image stabilization: Sensor-shift stabilization saved shots handholding at 600+ mm equivalents, a notable feature in this budget range.
• AF: Contrast detection with face detection on Fuji dramatically improves focus speed in common shooting scenarios.
• Build quality: Polycarbonate shell, no weather sealing; handle with care in wet conditions.
• Battery: Using 4 AA cells (NiMH or alkaline) keeps you shooting without expensive proprietary batteries.
• Connectivity: USB 2.0 and HDMI out are standard; only the Olympus supports Eye-Fi wireless card functionality.

Recommendations: Which Camera for Which Photographer?

Let me summarize who would benefit from each model:

Grab a Fujifilm FinePix S4500 if you:

• Want an SLR-style grip and electronic viewfinder on a budget
• Value manual exposure controls (PASM modes) and face detection AF
• Need an ultra-long zoom for wildlife or sporting events
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, and casual telephoto work frequently
• Don’t mind a slightly bulkier camera and shorter battery life
• Are okay with limited low-light capabilities and no RAW support

Pick the Olympus SP-610UZ if you:

• Want the smallest, lightest package for travel and street shooting
• Prioritize portability and slightly better battery life with AA cells
• Need effective macro performance with close focus distance
• Don’t require manual exposure modes or advanced AF features
• Are on a limited budget (~$300 range) and want basic HD video
• Prefer a camera that’s easy to operate with presets and full auto

The Final Verdict: Modest Superzooms with Clear Tradeoffs

These two bridge cameras epitomize budget small-sensor superzoom design from around 2011-2012. You’re getting big reach, ease of use, and full-auto convenience - but you sacrifice advanced features, modern sensor performance, and professional-grade control.

If you’re a beginner or hobbyist seeking an affordable camera delivering flexibility from wide-angle landscapes to distant subjects, the Fujifilm S4500 is my top pick with its richer feature set and decent image quality. It’s a great stepping stone before jumping into interchangeable lens systems.

Meanwhile, if carry-ease and macro shots appeal more, or if everyday travel photography demands compactness, the Olympus SP-610UZ is a worthy alternative.

No matter which side you pick, temper expectations for noise and image quality in low light, and remember these cameras shine best in bright daylight and casual photography scenarios.

Happy shooting - and may your next camera be the perfect club for your thumbs!