Olympus SH-50 vs Sony A850: A Comprehensive Expert Comparison Across Photography Genres

Choosing a camera can be a labyrinthine process, especially when the candidates come from vastly different categories and eras like the Olympus SH-50 and the Sony A850. Having spent over 15 years testing cameras across styles - from wildlife safaris to astro sessions - I’m excited to dig into how these two distinct systems stack up in real-world photography and performance. Spoiler: They cater to dramatically different users, but comparing them nonetheless reveals valuable insights.

Let’s start from their DNA, then weave through handling, imaging chops, autofocus, and suitability across the broad spectrum of photography disciplines we all treasure.

First Impressions: Size, Build, Ergonomics

Size truly sets these two apart in an immediately tangible way. The Olympus SH-50 is a compact superzoom with a sleek, pocket-friendly profile measuring just 112 x 63 x 42 mm and tipping the scales at 269 grams. Conversely, the Sony A850 is a mid-sized DSLR weighing a hefty 895 grams with dimensions at 156 x 117 x 82 mm - quite a sizable toolkit demanding a dedicated camera bag and commitment.

This size gap tells you everything about intended use: Olympus targets travelers and casual shooters craving portability, while Sony aims at professionals and enthusiasts comfortable with heftier gear for superior image quality.

Handling is correspondingly different. The SH-50’s minimalist, streamlined body lacks a viewfinder and opts for a 3-inch touchscreen LCD as the primary interface. Sony counters with traditional DSLR ergonomics: a generous handgrip, a robust magnesium alloy body with environmental sealing, and optical pentaprism viewfinder delivering 98% coverage and 0.74x magnification - the latter critical for precise manual framing.

Top Controls and Usability: How These Cameras Feel in the Moment

The Olympus SH-50 embraces simplicity with a limited physical control layout. Its touchscreen interface allows most settings to be toggled on-screen - effective but a step behind more tactile interfaces if you’re shooting on the move or with gloves. Exposure modes are limited; manual exposure is available but lacks shutter or aperture priority.

On the other hand, the Sony A850’s layout prioritizes physical dials and buttons, including dedicated exposure mode dials with shutter and aperture priority. Quick access to ISO, white balance, and drive modes is intuitive, streamlining workflow for demanding shooting conditions.

I personally find that for serious photography, direct tactile controls like Sony offers keep you connected to your creative decisions, whereas Olympus caters to quick snapshots and convenience, sacrificing some speed and depth of control.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: A Battle of Giants vs Pocket Rockets

Here’s where the category chasm widens into a canyon.

The Sony A850 sports a full-frame 35.9 x 24 mm CMOS sensor with 25 megapixels and an ISO range 200–3200 (expandable to 6400). This sensor area (approximately 862 mm²) dwarfs the Olympus SH-50’s 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28 mm²) with a native 16 MP resolution.

In theory and practice, the Sony sensor delivers vastly superior image quality: greater resolution, much improved dynamic range (12.2 EV on DxOMark), and better noise control in low light, thanks to its physical pixel size and full-frame architecture. The Olympus sensor, although competent for its class, is handicapped by its small size, resulting in higher noise levels beyond ISO 800 and limited extraction of shadow detail.

One intriguing feature on the Olympus SH-50 is its extraordinarily long 25–600 mm equivalent zoom (24x), enabling a remarkable reach rare in compacts. By contrast, the Sony body is lens-only; image quality depends heavily on the lens chosen, with a cornucopia of 143 compatible lenses offering immense flexibility but at extra cost and weight.

LCD Interface and Viewfinder: Looking at Your Frame

Both cameras feature fixed 3-inch LCDs, but quality and interface differ significantly. The Olympus’ 460k-dot touchscreen supports touch focus and setting navigation - helpful for beginners but relatively low resolution and limited refinement for critiquing detailed images in the field.

Sony’s 922k-dot TFT Xtra Fine color LCD delivers a crisper preview, aiding critical focus assessment and menu navigation, although it lacks touchscreen. However, the optical viewfinder on the Sony is a major asset, especially in bright conditions or for users who prefer eye-level composition.

In bright sunlight, using the Sony’s pentaprism is more efficient; the Olympus LCD can struggle with reflections and detail visibility.

Autofocus Systems: Precision vs Convenience

Autofocus performance tends to be the dividing line between casual snapshot systems and dedicated photographic tools.

Olympus SH-50 employs contrast-detection AF with face and smile detection, touch-focus on the LCD, and respectable single-shot accuracy. However, continuous AF and tracking struggle with moving subjects and complex scenes.

Sony A850 sports a 9-point phase-detection AF system, focusing well in low contrast and enabling selective focus area choice. With continuous AF and manual override, it supports more professional demands, though its 3 fps burst limits it for high-speed action compared to newer bodies.

In practice, I find the Sony’s AF more precise and reliable for portraits, wildlife, and sports - areas requiring critical focus retention. The Olympus is best for static subjects or casual use.

Addressing Different Photography Styles

Let’s break down how each camera serves the various photographic genres enthusiasts and pros frequently explore.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Portraiture demands precise focus on eyes, flattering skin tones, and pleasing background separation.

The Sony A850's large sensor renders beautiful, creamy bokeh when paired with fast prime or portrait lenses (for example, a 85mm f/1.4). Its accurate AF system locks well on eyes, resulting in sharp portraits with nuanced dynamic range to recover shadow and highlight elements in skin.

Olympus, with a smaller sensor, produces more depth of field at similar apertures, limiting background blur. Its zoom lens max aperture drops to f/6.9 at long end, curbing bokeh potential. Skin tones look acceptable but can feel less refined - typical of compact cameras.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range, Resolution, Weather Sealing

Landscape photographers prize high resolution, wide dynamic range, and durability.

The Sony A850 shines here with 25 MP resolution capturing intricate details and a wide 12+ stops dynamic range to hold shadows and highlights even in challenging lighting. Its weather sealing guards against dust and moisture, enabling rugged outdoor shooting.

The Olympus SH-50’s compact body has no weather sealing; sensor limited dynamic range and resolution produce less detailed, noisier landscapes, especially in variable light. However, its wide-angle setting (25 mm equiv.) and portability allow spontaneous scenic captures.

Wildlife Photography: Telephoto Reach and Autofocus Speed

Wildlife photography demands long reach and responsive AF.

Olympus’ 600 mm equivalent zoom lens is a standout, offering monster reach without lens swaps. Optical image stabilization further helps handholding at telephoto lengths. That said, contrast AF and modest burst speed (12 fps but limited to 3 fps in extended modes) constrain capturing fast-moving subjects sharply.

Sony’s A850 with telephoto primes (e.g., 300mm f/2.8) offers superior image quality and phase-detection AF optimized for tracking, even if total reach requires carrying multiple lenses and a tripod. Burst speed helps but isn’t stellar by modern sports standards.

Sports Photography: Burst Rates and Tracking

Sports shooting favors fast frame rates and predictive AF tracking.

Neither camera is ideal for serious sports. Olympus offers a surprisingly quick 12 fps burst but this speed is often limited by buffer and focus tracking constraints. Sony’s 3 fps burst is restrained by the DSLR’s generation.

Thus, neither suits rapid action fully, but Sony performs better with continuous autofocus and robust lens choices.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Portability

Street photographers prize discretion, portability, and quick responsiveness.

Here Olympus SH-50’s compact size, quiet operation, and touch interface shine - allowing spontaneous shooting with minimal intrusion. Lens zoom provides framing flexibility.

Sony A850 is louder and bulkier, drawing more attention. However, its image quality and precise controls might appeal if discretion is less critical.

Macro Photography: Magnification and Focus Precision

Macro work requires close focusing and stable shooting.

Olympus supports a minimum focus distance of 5 cm, respectable for casual macro. Yet lack of focus stacking or bracketing limits creative refinement.

Sony’s macro capability depends on dedicated macro lenses - many excellent options exist, enabling superb detail and bokeh control. Focus precision is boosted by phase-detection autofocus.

Night and Astro Photography: ISO Performance and Exposure Options

Low light shoots stress sensor efficiency and stability.

Sony’s full-frame sensor excels at high ISO performance, delivering usable images up to ISO 3200 with low noise, even better if downscaled. Exposure controls allow long shutter speeds and manual blend.

Olympus’ small sensor noise becomes evident beyond ISO 800, limiting night use. It has a maximum shutter speed of 1/2000 sec but no bulb mode or extended exposure facilitation.

Video Capabilities: Recording Specs and Stabilization

Video shooters note big differences.

Olympus can record Full HD 1080p at 60 fps and features optical image stabilization in video mode for smooth handheld footage. Its lightweight body is well suited for casual video.

Sony A850 lacks video functionality completely; it’s a pure photographic tool.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Battery Life, and Size

Travelers want all-in-one versatility and endurance.

Olympus’s integrated zoom, compact size, and image stabilization make it a solid travel companion. Battery life data is unspecified, likely modest but recharge-friendly.

Sony delivers superb image quality and lens flexibility but requires carrying heavier kit and more batteries. Its environmental sealing offers peace of mind in diverse climates.

Professional Work: Reliability and Workflow Integration

Sony’s A850 is the clear pro choice with robust build, dual storage slots (CF and Memory Stick), extensive RAW support, and compatibility with professional lenses and flashes. With a battery rated at 880 shots, it supports demanding shoots.

Olympus is a consumer-grade product with limited RAW/non-existent, no external flash, or advanced tethering, lessening professional appeal.

Image Sample Gallery: A Peek at Real-World Results

Olympus SH 50 front Olympus SH 50 screen back Sony A850 front Sony A850 screen back

Comparing images from both, Sony’s raw files reveal greater detail, tonal depth, and low noise. Olympus files look good for social media and snapshots but fall back in challenging light.

Performance Summaries and Scorecards

The objective ratings mirror the narrative above.

Sony dominates in image quality, build, reliability, and professional features; Olympus edges video and portability.

Additional Technical Considerations

• Storage: Sony uses dual slots: CF and Memory Stick Duo (Pro), preferred by pros for backup and workflow. Olympus uses single SD slot.
• Connectivity: Olympus includes built-in WiFi for image transfer; Sony lacks wireless. HDMI available on both.
• Battery: Sony’s larger NP-FM500H battery yields ~880 shots; Olympus battery unspecified but generally less endurance.
• Price: Olympus is budget-friendly (~$300 new), ideal for casual users; Sony discontinued with secondhand pricing variable but higher.

Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Olympus SH-50 if:

• You want a highly portable all-in-one zoom camera.
• Your focus is casual travel, street shooting, or video at decent quality.
• Budget is under $400.
• You prefer touchscreen operation and a lighter, pocketable form.
• You don’t require RAW, professional build, or advanced optics.

Choose the Sony A850 if:

• You require full-frame image quality and a versatile lens system.
• Your photography spans portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or studio work.
• You need manual controls, RAW shooting, and professional durability.
• You value reliable autofocus and weather sealing.
• You don’t need video functionality.
• You are comfortable with larger size, weight, and budget for lenses.

Closing Thoughts from My Lab and Field Tests

Comparing a compact superzoom like the Olympus SH-50 to a full-frame DSLR like the Sony A850 might seem like apples and Ferraris, yet this juxtaposition underscores a broader lesson: understanding your photography goals empowers your gear choices.

The SH-50 offers approachable versatility wrapped in a neat package - perfect to slip into a day bag or pocket. The Sony A850 is more demanding but rewards commitment with pro-level control, superior image quality, and a system built for serious photographic exploration.

If my workflow leaned towards adventure travel with light packing, the SH-50 would be a trusted companion. When I’m shooting assignments, studio portraits, or landscapes, the heft and precision of the A850 are irreplaceable.

Whatever your path, I hope this detailed dive provides clarity, revealing these cameras’ strengths and trade-offs with the rigor only years in the field can bring.

For detailed specs and more image samples, happy to engage in your questions and testing curiosities in the comments below.