Fujifilm X10 vs Olympus SP-620 UZ: A Thorough Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

When looking at advanced compact cameras from the early 2010s, the Fujifilm X10 and Olympus SP-620 UZ emerge as interesting alternatives, each targeting slightly different niches within the compact segment. Having tested both extensively over countless hours in studio and field conditions, I aim to provide a nuanced, hands-on comparison that goes beyond mere specs. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast craving creativity in a pocketable system or a casual shooter wanting extensive zoom reach, this detailed review helps clarify what each camera truly offers in real-world use.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

Both cameras fall within the compact category, but their physical characteristics set distinct expectations.

The FujiFilm X10 exudes retro charm with a sturdy body that invokes classic rangefinder styling, smaller and sleeker than many bridge models. Measuring about 117 mm in width and weighing 350 grams with battery, its magnesium alloy chassis delivers high-end feel, despite being nearly a decade old now. The grip is modest but comfortable enough for extended handheld use, enhanced by a traditional control layout emphasizing manual dials.

In contrast, the Olympus SP-620 UZ is chunkier and heavier at 435 grams, closer to a bridge camera’s footprint. Its plastic construction lacks the premium heft of the X10 but compensates with a large handgrip, which is useful given its extensive zoom range. The squarer profile (110x74x74 mm) means it doesn’t slip into pockets as easily but promises greater zoom versatility.

Ergonomically, the X10 clearly targets photographers willing to engage actively with manual controls - exposure compensation dial, aperture ring, shutter speed dial - all accessible and tactile. Olympus’s SP-620 UZ opts for minimal manual input, focusing on point-and-shoot ease with fewer dedicated controls. This hands-off operation may appeal to casual users but less so to enthusiasts preferring control finesse.

Sensor Technologies and Image Quality Battle

Image quality remains the primary criterion for most serious buyers, so let’s dig into sensor details first, where the cameras differ dramatically.

The X10 features a 2/3-inch X-Trans CMOS sensor measuring 8.8 x 6.6mm with 12MP resolution. Fuji’s proprietary X-Trans filter array eliminates the need for an anti-aliasing filter, preserving fine detail and reducing moiré artifacts - features often found on higher-end Fujis. The EXR processor underneath is adept at rendering vivid colors with good dynamic range and maintains noise control well up to ISO 3200 native, with boost available to ISO 12800.

Meanwhile, the Olympus SP-620 UZ sports a much smaller 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with 16MP effective resolution, measuring only 6.17x4.55mm. CCDs generally yield pleasing color rendition but predictably lag CMOS in noise control and dynamic range, especially under higher ISO. Native ISO tops out at 3200, but in practice, performance beyond 800 ISO becomes quite grainy.

In side-by-side testing under controlled lighting, the X10 exhibits superior color depth (official DxOmark scores attest to a 20.5-bit color depth compared to no official rating for the SP-620) and a wider dynamic range of almost 11.3 EV versus Olympus’s smaller sensor limitations. This translates to richer shadow detail without clipping highlights, ideal for landscape and portrait work.

Low-light sensitivity is another clear X10 win. While the Fuji handles ISO 1600 with retained detail and noise levels acceptable for prints up to 8x10, the Olympus quickly shows blotchy chrominance noise that hampers image clarity.

Viewing and Interface Experience

The Fuji X10’s 2.8-inch TFT LCD provides 460K dots resolution, crisp and reasonably color-accurate for judging exposure and focus. It also employs an optical tunnel viewfinder offering about 85% frame coverage – a surprising addition in this class that proves handy on bright days or for photographers who prefer eye-level composing.

Conversely, the SP-620 UZ relies solely on a 3-inch LCD screen with 230K dots resolution and no viewfinder at all, relying on live view exclusively. The lower resolution sometimes makes precise manual focus tricky, especially with the slight lag inherent to CCD readout.

User interface-wise, Fuji continues to impress with dedicated dials and buttons enabling swift parameter tweaks without digging into menus, a boon when chasing fleeting moments. Olympus’s menu-driven approach is straightforward but feels limiting to the enthusiast accustomed to tactile control.

Lens Systems and Versatility

Fixed-lens compacts, by nature, require significant lens versatility to compete. The Fuji’s 28-112mm (equivalent) zoom with a bright aperture of f/2.0–2.8 is impressive for low-light work and subject separation. Though its 4x zoom range is modest, the lens quality is excellent - sharp wide-open across the frame, with beautiful bokeh thanks to the aperture and optical design. Macro focusing down to 1 cm adds creative close-up options.

In contrast, Olympus’s vast 25–525mm equivalent zoom covers an extraordinary 21x range, catering to wildlife and travel photographers needing reach without lens swaps. However, the maximum aperture narrows considerably from f/3.1 at wide angle to a dim f/5.8 telephoto, limiting versatility in dim conditions.

Stabilization also differs: the Fuji employs optical image stabilization, effective in minimizing handshake in longer shutter speeds; Olympus uses sensor-shift stabilization, beneficial given its extreme zoom, though it cannot completely compensate telephoto shake.

Autofocus and Performance in Action

In field testing, I found the Fuji X10’s autofocus system far more responsive and reliable. Its hybrid approach uses 49 contrast-based AF points with face detection, allowing confident tracking of subjects, which especially benefits portraiture and street photography.

Olympus’s system, while offering contrast detection and face detection as well, felt slower and less accurate in low-contrast or fast action scenes. Continuous AF was unavailable on the SP-620 UZ, a significant downside for capturing moving wildlife or sports action.

Continuous burst shooting on the X10 hits a commendable 10 frames per second, enabling capturing of peak moments, while Olympus lacks continuous shooting modes beyond basic single-frame capture.

Specialized Genre Performance

Let’s break down how these cameras serve across photography genres based on extensive use:

Portrait Photography

Fujifilm X10 shines with its bright f/2.0 lens midpoint, allowing soft background blur and creamy bokeh - critical for isolating subjects. The face detection autofocus worked reliably in natural light, rendering pleasing skin tones true to Fujifilm’s color science. The wide dynamic range eases highlight and shadow control on faces outdoors.

Olympus’s narrower f/3.1 aperture and noisier sensor hinder shallow depth of field and flattering skin capture, though pet auto shutter in self-timer modes is a cute quirk.

Landscape Photography

The X10’s sensor dynamic range offers notable shadow recovery, and the lack of overly aggressive noise reduction preserves texture in foliage and clouds. The 28mm wide end provides an adequate field of view for most landscapes. However, lacks official weather sealing limits usage in wet environments.

Olympus’s telephoto zoom is less relevant here, but smaller sensor size leads to noticeable noise in shadow areas and less tonal nuance.

Wildlife and Sports

Here, Olympus’s 21x zoom is the standout feature, reaching 525mm equivalent telephoto. This complements cautious wildlife photographers needing distance without bulky gear. The relatively slow aperture hampers low-light use, though, and autofocus sluggishness curtails full sports potential.

Fujifilm’s fast lens and quick burst mode favor fast-moving subjects but lack reach. It's better suited for sports and street photography at standard focal lengths.

Street and Travel Photography

The Fuji’s compact, stylish body, optical viewfinder, and responsive manual controls make it highly discreet and engaging for street shooting. Low-light performance and fast lens aperture further support this use.

Olympus’s bulkiness and slower interface make it less street-friendly, though the versatility of the zoom still offers travel capture versatility.

Macro Photography

Macro distances of 1cm on both cameras open creative doors. Fuji’s sharper lens and faster aperture aid in detail reproduction and separating subjects from backgrounds. Olympus’s softer optics and smaller sensor limit fine detail capture but provide a wide zoom range which can reach subjects unobtrusively.

Night and Astro Photography

X10’s higher max ISO and low-light prowess make it possible to shoot handheld night scenes satisfactorily. While lacking full manual bulb mode limits long exposures, the camera’s ISO performance remains its asset for ambient light capture.

Olympus's sensor struggles with high ISO noise, making it less desirable for serious night or astro work.

Video Capabilities

Video remains a secondary strength on both. The Fuji X10 records Full HD 1080p at 30fps with decent clarity but no external mic input. Olympus only captures 720p max at 30fps but supports Eye-Fi wireless transfer, unique for quick sharing.

Neither offers advanced video features like 4K, variable frame rates, or sophisticated stabilization.

Robustness and Build Quality

Neither camera features environmental sealing, waterproofing, or freeze resistance, limiting rugged outdoor pursuits under extreme conditions.

Fujifilm’s metal build feels more solid and durable than the plastic-heavy Olympus but both suffice for casual field use.

Battery Endurance and Storage

Fujifilm relies on proprietary NP-50 lithium-ion battery, rated for around 270 shots per charge, which is average but requires spares on longer trips. Olympus uses 4x AA batteries, an advantage when traveling off-grid or where battery procurements are limited. AA cells are also loved by backpackers for universal availability and ease of replacement.

Both use standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with single slots - convenient and widely supported.

Connectivity and Extras

Fujifilm’s USB 2.0 and full-size HDMI ports are useful for tethering and high-def playback. Olympus adds Eye-Fi wireless card support, unique for 2012, easing photo transfers without cables but relies on external third-party cards.

Neither camera offers Bluetooth or NFC, reflecting their era’s technological constraints.

Price and Value Proposition

The Fujifilm X10 launched at around $600 - positioned as a premium compact with controls and image quality to rival entry-level interchangeable lens cameras of its time.

Olympus’s SP-620 UZ was far more budget-friendly, at approximately $200, targeting consumers wanting convenient zoom without manual complexity.

Fujifilm X10 front Fujifilm X10 screen back Olympus SP 620 UZ front Olympus SP 620 UZ screen back

When considering investment, the X10’s image quality, controls, and build justify the premium, valuable for advanced amateurs or pros needing a secondary pocket camera. The Olympus is a no-frills superzoom suitable for casual shooters prioritizing versatility and affordability.

Summarizing the Technical Scorecard

Quantitative comparisons highlight the Fuji X10 outperforming in resolution fidelity, dynamic range, and autofocus speed. Olympus excels in zoom reach and ease of use.

How Do They Score Across Photography Genres?

Clear trends emerge - X10 ranks high in portrait, street, and landscape, while Olympus excels most in wildlife and travel for its zoom and battery convenience.

Final Recommendations: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

Go for the Fujifilm X10 if:

• You prioritize excellent image quality with vibrant colors and wide dynamic range.
• You want manual control and tactile engagement in photography.
• Low-light performance and fast apertures matter.
• You appreciate optical viewfinder assistance.
• You shoot portraits, street photography, or landscapes demanding fidelity.
• You can accommodate a higher budget and want a durable compact.

Choose the Olympus SP-620 UZ if:

• You need a massive zoom range from 25mm wide to 525mm telephoto.
• You prefer ease of use with minimal manual controls.
• Budget is a key concern, and you want straightforward point-and-shoot.
• AA battery operation appeals for travel or remote shooting.
• You want wireless image transfer with Eye-Fi cards.
• You value zoom versatility over ultimate image quality.

Closing Thoughts

Having tested both extensively, the FujiFilm X10 remains a gem for those who understand its limitations in zoom but cherish the control and image quality it offers. The Olympus SP-620 UZ caters well to travelers and casual users needing zoom flexibility without fuss.

Neither is perfect, but for the respective audiences they target, each sets deserved benchmarks. Your choice boils down to balancing image quality and manual operation against zoom reach and user-friendliness - a classic tradeoff in compact camera design.

I hope this hands-on comparison equips you to select a camera that genuinely fits your photographic ambitions and shooting habits, not just your wishlist.

Happy shooting!