Nikon Coolpix A900 vs Olympus SP-610UZ: Which Small Sensor Superzoom Compact Is Right for You?

Choosing the right superzoom compact camera can be tricky. You want versatile reach, decent image quality, and enough features to keep your photography creative – all packed in an easy-to-carry body. Today I’m diving deep into two affordable small sensor superzoom compacts: the Nikon Coolpix A900 and the Olympus SP-610UZ. Both cameras aim at enthusiasts who crave long focal lengths and convenience but come from different eras and design philosophies. What sets them apart? Which one performs better in the real world? And how do they stack up for various photography genres?

Having spent hundreds of hours testing similar cameras under varied conditions, I’ll walk you through the nuts and bolts - from sensor tech and autofocus to ergonomics and video - to help you make an informed choice.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

At first glance, both cameras feel compact but with their own character. The Nikon A900 is a bit sleeker and lighter at 289 grams, with dimensions of about 113 × 67 × 40 mm, making it pocket-friendly for travel and casual shooting. The Olympus SP-610UZ is chunkier, tipping the scales at 405 grams and a boxier 107 × 73 × 73 mm, reflecting its older design philosophy with a heftier grip and larger physical presence.

From my hands-on experience, the Nikon's more modern rounded edges and slimmer profile make it easier to slide into a jacket pocket or a small bag. Olympus’s bulkier body offers a fat grip which some may prefer for stability, especially in extended zoom shots, but it's less discreet.

As you can see in the size comparison image, the ergonomics favor the A900 unless you have larger hands or crave a more substantial grip for telephoto precision. Button placement is straightforward for both, but let’s look further at their control layouts.

Both cameras forego an electronic viewfinder, relying solely on LCD screens, which we’ll discuss shortly. Neither camera features external hot shoes or ports for microphones or headphones, signaling a focus on casual use. The Nikon provides exposure modes including manual, aperture and shutter priority - rare in superzoom compacts - giving more creative freedom, whereas Olympus is firmly locked to auto-heavy modes with no manual exposure.

Bottom line: Nikon scores points for portability and controls that will satisfy enthusiasts, while Olympus feels more like a straightforward point-and-shoot with some serious zoom muscle.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Tiny Sensors Telling Different Stories

Both cameras are equipped with 1/2.3” sensors, a standard size for this category, which inherently limits low-light performance and dynamic range compared to larger APS-C or full-frame cameras. Yet, the type of sensor and resolution can make a discernible difference.

The Nikon uses a 20MP backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, a modern design offering better light gathering efficiency that helps with noise performance and high ISO clarity. Olympus, on the other hand, is stuck with an older 14MP CCD sensor, less efficient particularly in low light, and limited dynamic range.

In practical shooting, I found the Nikon A900 delivers sharper images and more detail retrieval, partly thanks to its higher native resolution (5184 x 3888 pixels versus 4288 x 3216 on the Olympus). Colors from the Nikon appear more vibrant and skin tones more natural, which is crucial for portraits.

For instance, in daylight landscapes, the Nikon reveals more subtle shadow detail and deeper saturation, while the Olympus sometimes struggles with highlights and a slight softness. The Nikon also outperforms in ISO sensitivity with a native max ISO of 3200 compared to Olympus’s similar max, but with more noise creeping in earlier due to the sensor type.

If you love pixel peeping or cropping photos significantly, Nikon holds a distinct advantage. That said, neither camera supports RAW output, limiting post-processing flexibility - a common compromise in small sensor compacts.

Putting Autofocus to the Test: Who Tracks Better?

Autofocus systems can make or break your shooting, especially with long zooms. Here’s where the cameras’ age and design really show.

The Nikon A900 features a contrast detection AF system with face detection and tracking, boasting continuous AF and selectable area modes. Given the lack of a dedicated hybrid phase detection, autofocus isn’t lightning-fast but still responsive enough for casual wildlife and moving subjects.

Olympus’s SP-610UZ has a simpler system with contrast detection AF but lacks face detection or tracking features. It offers 11 focus points but only single AF mode - continuous AF isn’t supported. This means it can lag or hunt when subjects move quickly.

In my tests photographing birds and street scenes, the Nikon’s AF gave a better hit rate, acquiring and tracking faces or subjects more reliably, while Olympus sometimes struggled to maintain focus during bursts or rapid action.

Speaking of which, continuous shooting speeds further illustrate real-world speed differences: Nikon can shoot at 7fps, while Olympus is limited to 1fps, making Nikon Blow Olympus away for action, sports, and wildlife shooting.

The LCD Displays: Your Window to Composition

Neither camera offers viewfinders, so screen quality matters a lot.

The Nikon’s 3-inch tilting screen with 921k dots is bright, sharp, and flexible, allowing for high- or low-angle shooting. Tilting screens in compacts like this are a rare treat and hugely beneficial for landscapes or creative framing, plus easier selfies - even though the A900 doesn't market as selfie-friendly.

By contrast, the Olympus’s fixed 3-inch TFT LCD at just 230k dots falls behind in clarity and brightness. Indoors or on sunny days, glare significantly hampers composition. Plus, no tilting means you’re stuck with eye-level shooting unless you awkwardly twist the camera.

If you value precise framing and want versatility in shooting angles, the Nikon clearly takes this round.

Zoom Range and Lens Performance: How Far Can You Go?

Long-range zoom is the hallmark of these cameras.

The Nikon A900 offers an impressive 24-840mm equivalent lens with 35x zoom. This huge range covers wide landscapes through to distant wildlife and subjects you would need a tripod or big lens for on a DSLR.

Olympus SP-610UZ covers 28-616mm equivalent or 22x optical zoom - not as expansive but still significant.

The aperture range on Nikon is f/3.4-6.9, slightly narrower at the long end than Olympus’s f/3.3-5.7, meaning Olympus gathers a bit more light at telephoto focal lengths. However, the Nikon’s superior image stabilization balances longer reach by compensating better for handshake blur.

In practice, I found Nikon’s lens delivered sharper detail across the zoom range and smoother zoom operation. Both achieve impressive macro focusing down to about 1 cm, great for close-ups.

Olympus also includes built-in sensor-shift image stabilization; Nikon’s stabilization is optical lens-shift type. Both noticeably reduce blur, but Nikon’s system seems better tuned for video and handheld shooting.

How Do They Handle Video?

Video capabilities vary significantly between these two compacts.

Nikon A900 offers 4K UHD video at 30fps, a feature that’s become almost standard now but quite special for a compact from 2016. You also get Full HD at various frame rates up to 60fps for smooth motion. Videos feel crisp and colors natural, and optical image stabilization helps smooth handheld footage to a fair degree. Unfortunately, there is no external mic input, so audio fidelity is basic.

Olympus lags behind with maximum video quality capped at 1280x720 HD at 30fps and recorded in Motion JPEG format, which consumes storage space inefficiently and delivers less cinematic quality.

If video is a priority, Nikon’s A900 is the obvious choice. The flexibility of video resolution and decent stabilization put it miles ahead of Olympus’s older model.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery life is crucial for travel and event shooting.

The Nikon A900 uses a proprietary EN-EL12 battery, rated for approximately 300 shots per charge, which I found realistic during mixed shooting with LCD usage. Charging requires the dedicated charger or USB.

Olympus runs on 4 AA batteries, rated for about 340 shots. While this seems slightly higher on paper and the convenience of easily replacing batteries in a pinch is a plus, using AAs generally means heavier weight and less eco-friendly ongoing costs.

Storage-wise, both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with one slot, which is standard and convenient.

If you tend to shoot a lot on the go, and dislike carrying spares, Nikon’s compact rechargeable battery is more practical. But if you want simple, low-tech replaceability without waiting to recharge, Olympus’s AA approach works well.

How User-friendly Are They? Menus, Controls, and Connectivity

Going beyond basics, how do these cameras handle everyday usability?

With the Nikon A900, the combination of manual, aperture, and shutter priority modes plus exposure compensation and selectable autofocus areas will appeal to enthusiasts. The lack of a touchscreen is a slight downside, but the physical buttons and dials are well placed for intuitive use.

Olympus’s SP-610UZ is simpler, with no manual exposure options or advanced AF modes, geared towards users wanting auto-everything. The menu system is basic but prone to being sluggish.

Wireless connectivity also favors Nikon with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC built-in for easy sharing and remote control via apps, whereas Olympus prefixes “Eye-Fi connected” which implies compatibility with Eye-Fi cards but lacks built-in wifi or Bluetooth.

For photographers who appreciate creative control and smartphone compatibility, Nikon strikes a better balance.

Let’s Talk Price and Value

Currently, the Nikon Coolpix A900 is priced around $400, reflecting its newer tech and feature set. Olympus SP-610UZ can be found for about $300, a budget pick but at the cost of older tech and fewer capabilities.

Neither camera is a professional-grade system nor a bridge to interchangeable lenses, but Nikon’s offering provides a more future-proof package with 4K video, better sensor, and faster shooting.

How Do They Stack Up Across Photography Niches?

Let me break down where each camera shines by photographic genre, including my own impressions from real-world experience.

Nikon A900 front Nikon A900 screen back Olympus SP 610UZ front Olympus SP 610UZ screen back

Portraiture

• Nikon A900: Better color science, skin tone rendering, face detection autofocus, and manual exposure modes help achieve pleasing portraits. The longer zoom allows for nice background compression, although the small sensor limits true bokeh.
• Olympus SP-610UZ: Face detection AF is absent here, and colors tend toward a cooler, flatter profile. Auto exposure limits creative control.

Landscape

• Nikon A900: Larger resolution, better dynamic range, and a tilting screen help frame shots from unusual angles. The wider 24mm equivalent base is preferable.
• Olympus SP-610UZ: Narrower widest angle at 28mm equivalent and limited screen make compositions less versatile.

Wildlife

• Nikon A900: 35x zoom, 7fps burst, and face/tracking AF is suitable for casual wildlife enthusiasts but not pro fast-action.
• Olympus SP-610UZ: The telephoto reach is slightly shorter, and 1fps burst plus slower AF limits action capture.

Sports

• Nikon A900: Burst mode and AF tracking enable some sports shots at the amateur level. Battery life may be limiting though.
• Olympus SP-610UZ: Not recommended due to slow burst and focus.

Street Photography

• Nikon A900: Compact size and tilting screen aid discretion and creativity, although no EVF can make bright scenes tricky.
• Olympus SP-610UZ: Bulkier body and lower-res screen aren’t ideal for inconspicuous shooting.

Macro

• Both: Excellent close focusing down to 1cm; Nikon’s higher resolution produces more detailed macro images.

Night/Astro

• Nikon A900: Better high ISO performance due to BSI CMOS sensor; limited by small sensor size.
• Olympus SP-610UZ: CCD sensor struggles with noise; not well-suited.

Video

• Nikon A900: 4K capability and optical IS make it the clear winner.
• Olympus SP-610UZ: Basic 720p video fallback.

Travel

• Nikon A900: Light, long zoom, Wi-Fi connectivity, and battery rechargeability make it excellent.
• Olympus SP-610UZ: Heavier body, older tech but AA battery flexibility.

Professional Work

• Neither camera is designed for professional use, lacking RAW, fast autofocus, or interchangeable optics. Nikon offers creative manual exposure modes that enthusiasts may appreciate.

My Final Recommendation: Choosing Your Superzoom Compact

If you want a small sensor superzoom compact that balances portability, updated features, and image quality - and you’re willing to invest around $400 - the Nikon Coolpix A900 is clearly the better all-rounder.

Its modern sensor, 35x zoom, tilting high-res screen, manual exposures, better video, and wireless sharing make it a versatile tool for casual enthusiasts and travelers who want a camera capable of evolving with their photography. It won’t replace a mirrorless or DSLR for serious work but punches above its weight in this category.

The Olympus SP-610UZ, affordable and straightforward, may suit absolute beginners or those on tight budgets who simply want a long-range zoom point-and-shoot without fuss. However, its older tech, slower autofocus, lower resolution, and limited video options make it feel dated.

Who Should Pick the Nikon Coolpix A900?

If you:

• Appreciate manual exposure controls and creative flexibility
• Want 4K video for casual filming
• Desire faster autofocus and shooting speeds
• Prefer a tilt-screen for creative angles
• Travel light but want serious zoom reach

And Who Might Consider the Olympus SP-610UZ?

If you:

• Need a budget-friendly superzoom for casual snapshots
• Don’t care about manual modes or video quality
• Prefer having easily replaceable AA batteries on hand
• Can tolerate slower autofocus and smaller, dimmer screen

In closing, I hope my breakdown helps you decide wisely. The Nikon Coolpix A900 is a stronger choice for anyone wanting a superzoom compact today, delivering excellent value and performance for the enthusiast eye.

Remember, no compact can replace the image quality and flexibility of larger sensor interchangeable lens cameras - so if your ambitions grow, think about stepping up to a mirrorless system. But for dedicated superzoom convenience and solid image quality in a tiny package, the Nikon A900 stands tall.

Happy shooting!