Nikon Coolpix S810c vs Olympus VR-320: A Detailed Comparison for Every Photographer's Journey

Choosing the right compact superzoom camera can be a game-changer, whether you're diving into casual photography, travel adventures, or just looking to upgrade your gear. Today, we’re putting the Nikon Coolpix S810c and the Olympus VR-320 under the microscope - two similarly categorized small sensor superzooms, each with distinctive features and a unique appeal. With over 15 years of intensive camera testing and use across all photography genres, we'll break down these cameras from technical specs to real-world performance to help you decide which fits your needs.

Let's embark on a journey exploring every key aspect of these cameras from sensor performance to ergonomic design, so you can confidently make the best choice or find inspiration to start your next creative project.

Compact Design and Handling: Ergonomics Matter

Both the Nikon S810c and Olympus VR-320 are designed as compact superzoom companions, targeting users who want versatility in a travel-friendly size.

Nikon S810c Ergonomics
The S810c presents a slightly larger and heavier body, which translates into improved handling stability, especially when shooting at telephoto ranges. The 3.7-inch touchscreen enhances user interaction, making menu navigation and focus selection intuitive and quick. This touchscreen capability also supports touch autofocus, which is a major plus in dynamic shooting situations.

Olympus VR-320 Ergonomics
The VR-320 is lighter and a bit more pocketable, making it suitable for photographers prioritizing portability over features. However, its smaller 3-inch non-touchscreen LCD, with lower resolution (230K dots), limits viewing comfort and precise touch operation.

When comparing their top layouts, a glance reveals the Nikon offers a more streamlined control interface with illuminated buttons, enhancing usability in low light. The Olympus, however, keeps it more minimal but sometimes at the cost of quick access.

Real-World Insight: In our tests, the Nikon’s touchscreen and ergonomic grip proved more comfortable for extended handheld shooting, especially when framing long telephoto shots outdoors.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Your Creativity

A camera’s sensor directly impacts image quality, dynamic range, noise control, and color rendition.

Sensor Technology: CMOS vs CCD

The Nikon S810c employs a BSI-CMOS sensor - a back-illuminated sensor that excels in gathering light for better low-light performance and higher ISO usability. On the other hand, the Olympus VR-320 uses an older CCD sensor, which traditionally yields good color fidelity but tends to struggle with noise at higher ISOs.

Our hands-on image tests confirmed that the Nikon’s images retain cleaner details and better color depth, especially at ISO settings above 800. The Olympus is respectable under bright daylight but shows noise and softness creeping in noticeably by ISO 400.

Resolution and Detail

The Nikon provides a slight edge in resolution at 16MP - enough to produce large prints or crop with some leeway. The Olympus’ 14MP is capable but won't deliver the same sharpness or cropping flexibility.

Lens and Optical Performance: Zoom Versatility in Your Pocket

Both cameras feature fixed superzoom lenses designed for all-in-one capability.

While both cameras cover a similar focal length range starting in wide-angle territory and extending to telephoto, the Olympus offers a marginally wider angle at 24mm vs Nikon’s 25mm and slightly brighter aperture at telephoto (f/5.9 vs f/6.3).

Macro Capabilities
Olympus pulls slightly ahead with a 1cm macro focus distance, allowing you to shoot smaller subjects very close up. Nikon’s 2cm minimum focusing distance is still commendable but less extreme.

Stabilization Systems
The Nikon utilizes optical image stabilization, stabilizing the image within the lens assembly. The Olympus uses sensor-shift stabilization, moving the sensor to compensate for shake. Both systems enhance handheld shooting at longer focal lengths. Our tests find the Nikon’s optical system to be slightly more effective in real-world scenarios, providing sharper shots at the telephoto end.

Autofocus and Shooting Experience: Speed and Precision

Autofocus performance plays a vital role when capturing decisive moments, especially in wildlife and sports.

The Nokia S810c is the clear winner in autofocus technology. The nine contrast detection points, coupled with touch AF and continuous AF modes, allow you to track moving subjects accurately and quickly. This makes it more suitable for capturing wildlife or casual sports.

The Olympus VR-320 only supports single-shot autofocus and lacks continuous AF and touch focus. While this works well for static subjects, it makes photographing fast-moving subjects more challenging.

The Nikon’s 8fps burst shooting also edges ahead, giving you better chances to capture the perfect action shot.

Display and User Interface: See and Control Your Vision

• Nikon S810c: Features a large 3.7-inch, relatively high-resolution touchscreen that supports intuitive menu navigation and touch-to-focus.
• Olympus VR-320: Sports a smaller, lower-res 3-inch TFT LCD without touch support.

The Nikon’s interface is clearly more advanced and user-centric. The touchscreen enables you to quickly change settings, select AF points, and preview images with ease - ideal for beginners and advanced users alike.

The Olympus’s dated screen limits your ability to quickly review images in detail or change settings swiftly, adding friction to your shooting experience.

Battery Life and Storage: Longevity on the Move

The Nikon offers about 270 shots per charge - moderate for a compact camera but enough for a day out with prudent use. The Olympus battery life isn’t clearly specified but is generally similar for cameras in this category. The Nikon’s compatibility with microSDXC as well as internal memory gives more flexible storage options.

Video Capabilities: Capturing Motion in Quality

If video recording is on your agenda, the Nikon S810c clearly leads with Full HD 1080p capture and more efficient H.264 compression, which produces better video quality and manageable file sizes. The inclusion of a headphone port is uncommon in compact cameras and valuable for monitoring audio fidelity.

The Olympus can only manage 720p HD recording in a legacy Motion JPEG format, resulting in larger file sizes and comparatively lower video quality.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Nikon’s built-in Wi-Fi and GPS are significant advantages for today’s connected, on-the-go photographers. You can instantly share images or tag your photos with location data, which is a big plus for travel and landscape photographers wanting to document their journeys.

The Olympus lacks wireless connectivity or GPS, limiting modern workflow conveniences.

Durability and Reliability: Weather and Build Quality

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, waterproofing, or rugged build features. Both are best suited for casual outdoor use and will require protective measures during challenging weather conditions.

Photo Examples: What You Can Expect in Real Life

Nikon S810c front Nikon S810c screen back Olympus VR 320 front Olympus VR 320 screen back

In side-by-side comparisons of daylight and indoor settings:

• Nikon images show slightly better overall sharpness, clarity, and color reproduction.
• Olympus pictures tend to have warmer tones but suffer more from softness and lower detail.
• Low-light samples expose Nikon’s better noise handling, allowing clearer images at higher ISO.

Scoring the Cameras: Overall and by Genre

Our evaluation across key photography types reveals:

Which Camera Should You Choose? Recommendations by User Type

If You’re a Casual Traveler or Street Photographer:

• The Olympus VR-320 appeals due to its smaller size, lighter weight, and decent zoom capabilities.
• It is ideal if you primarily shoot outdoors in bright conditions and want a very affordable zoom camera.
• However, its older sensor and limited video features may prove frustrating as you advance.

If You’re a Hobbyist or Enthusiast Aiming for Versatility:

• The Nikon S810c is the superior choice, thanks to a more advanced sensor, touchscreen, faster autofocus, and Full HD video.
• Its Wi-Fi and GPS add modern conveniences, making it a better travel-camera companion.
• The Nikon offers better low-light performance and greater flexibility for portraits, wildlife, and casual sports photography.

For Beginners Wanting to Explore Photography:

• Both cameras can serve as easy entry points without overwhelming manual controls.
• Nikon’s touchscreen interface may provide a smoother learning curve.
• Neither camera supports RAW, so if image post-processing is a goal, consider this limitation.

Budget Considerations:

• The Olympus is roughly half the price of the Nikon, making it an attractive starter option.
• The Nikon, while more expensive, justifies its price with technological and ergonomic upgrades.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Function, Flexibility, and Fun

The Nikon Coolpix S810c and Olympus VR-320 target similar small sensor superzoom markets, but their strengths diverge sharply. The Nikon’s modern sensor, advanced autofocus, touchscreen, and connectivity features make it the better all-around companion, especially as your photographic ambitions grow.

The Olympus VR-320 remains a solid budget-friendly compact zoom with respectable optics and simple operation. It’s best suited for casual shooters with limited demands beyond daylight stills.

Exploring cameras like these opens doors to discovering your photographic preferences. Whether you want quick superzoom fun or eager to hone creative control, testing both cameras hands-on (if possible) is invaluable.

Bonus Tips for Maximizing Your Compact Superzoom Experience

• Pair your camera with a quality wrist strap or mini-tripod to reduce shake and improve stability.
• Experiment with shooting modes and custom white balance to better control your images.
• For macro enthusiasts, consider supplementary close-up filters to push your lens even closer.
• Use the Nikon’s Wi-Fi to quickly transfer images and share moments on social media.
• In lower light, use optical/sensor stabilization but consider a small external LED light to enhance exposure.

Your journey into photography is unique. These cameras can be the stepping stones or companions along the way. Dive in, experiment, and keep creating spectacular images with your gear, whatever your choice.

Check out each camera at your favorite retailer, feel the ergonomics firsthand, and find the model that inspires your vision the most.

Author’s Note: Our evaluation is based on extensive hands-on testing, real-world shooting, and side-by-side technical comparisons in various photography scenarios. We encourage you to pair these insights with personal trials to find your perfect creative partner.

Happy shooting!