Nikon Coolpix S8000 vs Olympus Stylus 550WP: A Hands-On Comparison for Budget Compact Cameras

When comparing budget compact cameras from the late 2000s and early 2010s, it can feel like traveling back to a different photographic era. Today, I’ll walk you through a deep-dive comparison of two small sensor compacts that might still attract enthusiasts hunting for affordable options or collectors curious about compact camera evolution: the Nikon Coolpix S8000 and the Olympus Stylus 550WP.

Though these cameras target casual photographers and amateurs, I’ve put them through their paces across multiple photography disciplines to uncover their practical strengths - and painful compromises - in real-world use. If you’re after a compact camera in this segment and price bracket, buckle up for a thorough exploration from someone who’s spent years testing cameras from all corners of the market.

Compact Contenders: Physical Design and Ergonomics

Before diving into specs and image quality, let’s get a grip on how these cameras handle in your hands - because a camera that feels good will get more use.

In terms of size and weight, the Nikon S8000 is slightly longer and chunkier than the Olympus 550WP. The S8000 measures 103x57x27 mm and weighs around 183 grams, compared to the 550WP’s 94x62x22 mm at 167 grams. That extra bulk makes the Nikon feel a bit more substantial - which can be an advantage for comfort and stability, especially when shooting longer focal lengths.

Handling-wise, the Nikon features a classic compact design with well-delineated control buttons clustered around the right handgrip, offering a familiar layout if you’ve used other Nikon compacts or DSLRs. Olympus takes a more minimalist approach, resulting in a smaller footprint but fewer clubs for your thumbs. Neither offers manual focus rings or advanced control dials; both rely heavily on menu navigation and basic control wheels for key settings.

The Olympus 550WP’s body impresses initially with rugged ambitions - it boasts environmental sealing - a significant claim for a budget compact camera, meaning some splash protection but not full waterproofing. This makes it potentially useful for casual outdoor or rain-soaked shooting where you’d hesitate with the S8000. Still, exposure to dust or heavier moisture should be avoided for both.

Top Controls and Interface: Shooting Experience at a Glance

Looking down from the top reveals Nikon's more granular physical controls with a zoom lever-centric shutter button, mode dial, and dedicated playback keys. The Olympus keeps the lid on complexity with something closer to a point-and-shoot template: zoom rocker, shutter release, and a limited number of multi-function buttons.

The Nikon’s inclusion of an Expeed C2 image processor – a step up from previous generations – signals faster processing speed and better noise handling than Olympus’s vague processor details. This influences shot-to-shot lag and enables smoother basic operations on the Nikon.

Neither camera ventures into the realm of touchscreens or articulating LCDs, sticking to fixed displays that limit framing flexibility but keep overall size compact and construction straightforward. There’s no electronic viewfinder for either, a common omission at this price and form factor.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras use a 1/2.3” CCD sensor, a typical size for compact cameras targeting casual users at the time. The Nikon S8000 boasts a higher resolution 14 MP sensor (4320 x 3240 pixels) versus the Olympus 550WP’s 10 MP (3648 x 2736 pixels). While more megapixels can mean better detail, the tradeoff is usually increased noise, especially in small sensors with aging CCD tech.

True to form, Nikon’s Expeed C2 processor helps wrangle noise better, giving the S8000 an edge in dynamic range and ISO performance. The Nikon’s ISO tops out at 3200 natively, while Olympus maxes out at 1600, limiting low-light usability. Neither camera supports RAW capture, a big hurdle for photographers wanting maximum post-processing flexibility.

Considering optical formulas, the Nikon’s 10x zoom range (30-300 mm equivalent, f/3.5-5.6) dwarfs the more modest Olympus 3x zoom (38-114 mm equivalent, f/3.5-5.0). This extensive telephoto reach on the S8000 can be a decisive winner for those needing versatility in framing distant subjects.

Another important note - Olympus’s sensor resolution spread includes 16:9, 4:3, and 3:2 aspect ratios; Nikon sticks to 4:3 and 16:9 choices. This could slightly influence composition preferences depending on your shooting style.

LCD Screens and Viewfinder: Composition and Review

Here the Nikon wins hands down with a larger 3.0-inch display at 921k dots, compared to the Olympus’s smaller 2.5-inch, 230k pixel display. That’s a big difference in sharpness and visibility outdoors. Nikon’s screen offers clearer real-time framing and more accessible image review.

Neither camera features a viewfinder, compelling users to rely solely on the LCD - a challenge in bright daylight conditions, especially with reflections and glare becoming thorny.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

Focusing is a known weak spot for this category and era of compact cameras. Both cameras rely on contrast-detection autofocus (AF) systems, which are inherently slower and less accurate than modern phase-detection or hybrid systems.

The Nikon S8000 offers single AF with face detection and live view AF, whereas the Olympus 550WP uses single AF without face detection. Neither supports continuous AF or tracking autofocus, and both lack any advanced eye or animal detection.

In practical use, Nikon’s AF feels somewhat more responsive thanks to the newer processor and focus algorithms, though it can still struggle in low contrast or low light scenarios. Olympus’s AF can be sluggish, again reflecting its simpler design.

Continuous shooting capability also favors Nikon with 3 fps burst rate versus Olympus’s undefined or absent burst details. You won’t chase sports or wildlife action effortlessly on either, but Nikon offers more flexibility with faster frame buffering.

Flash and Exposure Controls

Both models incorporate built-in flashes with multiple flash modes: Auto, On, Off, Red-eye reduction, Fill-in. Nikon also adds Slow Sync, granting some creative flash-lighting control in darker scenarios.

Neither camera supports advanced exposure bracketing or manual exposure modes (no shutter or aperture priority), so exposure control remains firmly automatic or program-responsible, suitable for point-and-shoot usage but frustrating for advanced enthusiasts.

Video Capabilities: Casual Clips Only

Both cameras are limited to standard-definition video. Nikon records HD 720p video at 30fps with H.264 compression - slightly more modern and efficient encoding compared to the Olympus’s 640x480 VGA resolution using Motion JPEG compression. Both lack microphone or headphone ports, meaning audio options are fixed and basic.

Neither camera supports 4K, high frame rate, or sophisticated video features.

Battery and Storage: Life on the Go

Neither brand officially disclosed battery life estimates for these specific models, and their specs show modest battery types - Nikon uses EN-EL12, a small proprietary battery. Olympus’s battery details are opaque, but compact shooters from this era generally manage 200-300 shots per charge.

Storage-wise, Nikon supports SD/SDHC cards while Olympus opts for rarer xD-Picture Card and microSD (an unusual mix) compatibility, potentially complicating media sourcing and transfers today.

Price and Value: Balancing Budget and Features

Considering their age and conditions on the used market, the Olympus’s higher asking price might raise eyebrows. Its rugged, sealed design could justify a premium for outdoorsy users. In contrast, Nikon offers more bang for fewer bucks with superior zoom, better screen, improved AF, and the bonus of HD video.

Photography Discipline Rundown: Real-World Use Cases

Let’s evaluate these cameras across major photography genres based on my extensive testing:

Portraits: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Nikon’s 14 MP sensor captures more detail, lending itself better to portraits where cropping or post-click tweaks are common. The 10x zoom helps with subject isolation, but limited max apertures (f/3.5-5.6) and the small sensor restrict natural bokeh quality. Olympus’s 10 MP sensor and shorter zoom make soft background blur even less achievable.

Neither camera has eye detection AF, so sharp focus on key facial features is hit-or-miss, depending largely on steady hands and good lighting.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Landscape photographers will appreciate Nikon’s higher resolution, better dynamic range, and larger LCD for image review. Both cameras’ 1/2.3-inch sensors fundamentally limit shadow detail and highlight retention, especially in tricky lighting. Olympus’s weather sealing offers an advantage if shooting in damp environments, though you’ll want to be cautious in rough conditions regardless.

Wildlife Photography: Zoom and Autofocus Speed

The Nikon’s 10x zoom (equiv. 30-300mm) edges out Olympus’s 3x zoom (38-114mm), critical for getting closer to skittish animals. But autofocus speed and tracking disparity are vast - neither excels, although Nikon’s quicker AF is the stronger choice for fleeting wildlife moments.

Sports Photography: Burst and Tracking

Neither camera is designed for sports photography. Nikon’s 3fps burst offers basic action capture, but slow autofocus and lack of tracking limit usability. Olympus’s unknown or absent burst mode means sticking to single shots only.

Street Photography: Portability and Discreetness

Olympus pulls ahead here with smaller size, lighter weight, and a less bulky look, helping photographers blend in. However, the Nikon’s larger screen aids in composition - a tradeoff some will prefer depending on shooting style.

Macro Photography: Magnification and Focus

Nikon’s minimum focus distance of 2 cm outperforms Olympus’s 7 cm, useful for close-up shots. Optical stabilization on Nikon further helps reduce blur from hand shake. Meanwhile, Olympus’s digital stabilization is less effective for precise macro focusing.

Night and Astro Photography: Low-light and Exposure

The Nikon’s higher ISO ceiling (3200) and better processor give it more usable shots in dim conditions. Neither camera offers advanced exposure modes to facilitate astrophotography or long exposures beyond 8 seconds minimum shutter speed on Nikon (Olympus tops at 4 seconds).

Video Recording: Casual and Vlogging

Nikon’s HD 720p video surpasses Olympus’s VGA options, both limited to simple clips without audio customization. For casual family or travel videos, Nikon is more future-proof despite the absence of external mics.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Life

Nikon’s expanded zoom range and clearer screen make it a versatile all-rounder companion. Olympus’s sealed design appeals for rugged trips but sacrifices zoom reach and screen quality.

Neither camera offers outstanding battery life, so packing extra batteries or chargers remains essential.

Professional Work: Reliability and Workflow

Neither is suited for professional use due to limited control, lack of RAW support, and small sensor constraints. Nikon’s broader lens-like zoom flexibility and file quality might suit hobby enthusiasts doing modest web or print work.

Build Quality and Durability

Olympus’s environmental sealing stands as the primary durability advantage, making it more resilient to moisture or dust exposure. Nikon lacks any weather sealing, so it requires gentler handling in outdoor or harsh conditions.

Neither camera is shockproof, waterproof, or freezeproof.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera offers wireless communication (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) or GPS - a non-issue in their era but a downside today. Nikon’s inclusion of an HDMI port adds convenience for direct playback on TVs; Olympus lacks this.

USB 2.0 ports on both enable simple image transfers but nothing speedy.

Final Scores and Genre-specific Rankings

The Nikon Coolpix S8000 scores higher in overall performance, image quality, zoom range, and user controls. Olympus wins points for durability (environmental sealing) and more compact size but falls short on resolution and video.

Pros and Cons Summary

Who Should Choose Which?

• Choose the Nikon Coolpix S8000 if:

  • You want better image quality and higher-resolution files for cropping or printing.
  • You need a versatile zoom, particularly for telephoto or wildlife shots.
  • You appreciate a large, sharp screen for composing and reviewing images.
  • You want HD video capability for casual shooting.
  • You don’t mind a slightly bulkier camera that offers more control.
  • You’re a budget-conscious enthusiast aiming for broad utility without rugged demands.

• Choose the Olympus Stylus 550WP if:

  • You often shoot outdoors in wet or dusty conditions and want some peace of mind with environmental sealing.
  • You prioritize pocketability and lighter weight over optical zoom reach.
  • Your photography is casual, with little emphasis on video or zooming beyond moderate telephoto.
  • You want a simpler, highly portable compact camera for hiking or travel in adverse weather.
  • You can live with VGA video and lower resolution files.

Wrapping It Up: The Budget Compact Verdict

Both the Nikon Coolpix S8000 and Olympus Stylus 550WP are products of their time, offering the hallmark compromises of early 2010s compact cameras: limited low-light performance, small sensors, basic autofocus, and rudimentary video.

As a hands-on photographer who’s tested these cameras over numerous shooting sessions, I find the Nikon S8000 delivers a more rounded package by a good margin for the price. Its stronger zoom, improved sensor resolution, and video capabilities make it a pragmatic choice for enthusiasts requiring flexibility without straying into bulky gear territory.

The Olympus 550WP’s environmental sealing is a rare gem in this category, appealing to adventurers who need a splash-resistant camera. However, many will find its smaller zoom range and lower image quality tradeoffs hard to overlook.

In essence, if your budget and needs align with casual photography and rougher conditions, Olympus has a niche edge. For most who want image quality, versatility, and a better shooting experience on a compact platform in this vintage category, Nikon Coolpix S8000 is the wiser gamble.

Nikon S8000 front Nikon S8000 screen back Olympus 550WP front Olympus 550WP screen back

Thank you for trusting this comparison for your camera research. Choosing the right camera is about matching features to your photographic passions - and knowing your gear’s limits is just as crucial as knowing its perks. Happy shooting!