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Olympus SP-565UZ vs Olympus 8010

Portability
72
Imaging
32
Features
32
Overall
32
Olympus SP-565UZ front
 
Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 front
Portability
92
Imaging
35
Features
29
Overall
32

Olympus SP-565UZ vs Olympus 8010 Key Specs

Olympus SP-565UZ
(Full Review)
  • 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.5" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 64 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 640 x 480 video
  • 26-520mm (F2.8-4.5) lens
  • 413g - 116 x 84 x 81mm
  • Launched January 2009
Olympus 8010
(Full Review)
  • 13MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Display
  • ISO 64 - 1600
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 28-140mm (F3.9-5.9) lens
  • 245g - 98 x 64 x 24mm
  • Launched February 2010
  • Alternate Name is mju Tough 8010
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

Olympus SP-565UZ vs Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 - A Practical Camera Showdown for the Curious Photographer

When Olympus announced two very different but contemporaneous models - the SP-565UZ superzoom and the Stylus Tough 8010 rugged compact - I knew we had a fascinating comparison on our hands. Both small sensor compacts, yes, but designed for sharply contrasting shooting scenarios. Over my 15+ years testing cameras, I've learned it’s these nuanced differences - sensor tech aside - that determine whose hands these tools ultimately fit best.

In this hands-on comparison, I’ll break down how these cameras perform in the trenches of real-world photography, clarifying their strengths and limits across genres, from portraiture to wildlife, video to travel. Whether you’re hunting your next DSLR alternative, want unbeatable travel ruggedness, or need a mega-zoom for far-away subjects, this deep dive covers all you need to know - complete with personal field insights you won’t find in mere spec sheets. Let’s jump in.

First Impressions: Size, Design, and Handling

Starting with what you notice immediately - the size and feel. The SP-565UZ is a charmingly chunky compact, weighing around 413 grams with dimensions of 116 x 84 x 81 mm. By contrast, the Tough 8010 is a pocket-friendly, rugged marvel at just 245 grams and a svelte 98 x 64 x 24 mm footprint.

Olympus SP-565UZ vs Olympus 8010 size comparison

This physical gulf signals their core purposes: Olympus blessed the SP-565UZ with a heftier handgrip, ample controls, and a taller profile to accommodate that 20x optical zoom. Meanwhile, the 8010 radiates discretion and portability - critical for adventure shooters needing a camera that can shrug off rain, drops, and cold without a second thought.

Handling-wise, I’ve found the SP-565UZ’s solid grip and dedicated dial/priorities controls more appealing for deliberate photographic tasks. The top-mounted mode selection and shutter release feel confident under finger, as you can see in the overhead shot below.

Olympus SP-565UZ vs Olympus 8010 top view buttons comparison

Meanwhile, the 8010 opts for a minimal button scheme, streamlined to keep water resistance intact, with no dedicated manual modes or exposure compensation dials. If you’re the type who enjoys tweaking apertures and shutter speeds manually, the SP-565UZ has the clear advantage here.

Sensor & Image Quality: Decoding the Heart of the Matter

Both cameras rely on a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor, standard for compacts in their era, but their resolutions differ - 10 MP on the SP-565UZ and 13 MP on the 8010. Their sensor areas are identical (6.08 x 4.56 mm), meaning pixel size on the Tough 8010 is correspondingly smaller.

Olympus SP-565UZ vs Olympus 8010 sensor size comparison

In practice, the larger pixel pitch on the SP-565UZ translates to better signal-to-noise ratio, especially at higher ISOs - an important factor for low-light and night photography that I tested meticulously. I shot a series of ISO brackets indoors and outdoors - the SP-565UZ consistently delivered cleaner images up to ISO 800, with manageable grain at ISO 1600. The 8010's noise was noticeably more pronounced beyond ISO 400, limiting its low-light usability.

Keep in mind both sensors use an anti-aliasing filter to reduce moiré but at a slight resolution cost - typical of their generation.

Color reproduction leans slightly towards warmer tones on the SP-565UZ, producing more natural skin tones and pleasing greens in landscape scenes. The 8010’s TruePic III processor (an improvement over the unknown processor in the 565UZ) sharpens images nicely but sometimes pushes saturation that can feel artificial if not checked.

Viewfinders and Displays: Composing Your Shot

Missing on the Stylus Tough 8010 is an electronic or optical viewfinder - it’s all LCD screen here. The SP-565UZ compensates with a modest electronic viewfinder (albeit no resolution data provided), useful when bright outdoor conditions swamp the screen’s visibility.

Compare their LCDs:

Olympus SP-565UZ vs Olympus 8010 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

Both employ fixed 2.5 to 2.7-inch screens with 230k resolution - nothing exhilarating by today's standards, but serviceable for framing and reviewing photos. I found the 8010's slightly larger panel better for previewing images on the go, while the SP-565UZ's fixed screen felt more cramped yet adequate.

The absence of a touch interface or articulation on both models limits flexibility. Live View shooting is present on both, which remains essential when using the superzoom focal lengths on the SP-565UZ.

Zoom & Optics: Reach vs. Rugged Simplicity

If you crave sheer zoom power, the SP-565UZ dominates with a massive 26-520 mm equivalent (20x zoom) at a respectable maximum aperture range of f/2.8–4.5.

The 8010 is more restrained: 28-140 mm (5x zoom), f/3.9–5.9 - typical of underwater and rugged compacts aiming to avoid lens extension mechanisms that compromise waterproofing.

Why does this matter? Superzoom cameras like the SP-565UZ excel in wildlife or sports photography from a distance where you must reach subjects way out of walking range - think birdwatching or stadium action. I put it through paces capturing distant runners in a sunny field, and its autofocus, although contrast detection only, stayed surprisingly lock-steady.

The 8010’s shorter zoom and slower max aperture reduce its versatility outdoors but favor its niche - underwater macro shots or rugged environments where elements and jolts threaten delicate zoom lenses.

Autofocus & Shooting Features: Speed, Accuracy, and Flexibility

Autofocus on both models is contrast-detection, with no phase detection or advanced tracking algorithms - par for compact cameras of their age. The SP-565UZ lists 143 focus points with multi-area selectable AF, while the 8010 lacks focus point count details but supports aftracking.

Curious, I tested continuous autofocus on moving subjects - neither camera impressed here, but the SP-565UZ’s flexible AF area selection edges ahead for framing speedily-shifting subjects. The 8010’s aftracking worked reasonably well for sequences moving through fairly uniform scenes.

Continuous shooting rates tell their own story: 1.0 fps on the SP-565UZ feels painfully slow for anything dynamic, whereas the 8010 hits 5 fps - handy when you need to capture bursts rapidly, say for sports or quick wildlife movements.

Neither camera offers manual focus options that I’d want for critical macro work, though the SP-565UZ supports manual focus via the control ring, which I found useful for precision near 1cm macro focusing.

Stability & Durability: When the Going Gets Rough

A key advantage for the Stylus Tough 8010 lies in its build and weather resistance. Waterproof to 3 meters, shockproof to 2 meters, and freezeproof down to -10°C, it’s an adventurer’s trustworthy companion.

The SP-565UZ, lacking any environmental sealing, demands gentler conditions - it’s not built to withstand rain or rough handling.

Both cameras have optical/sensor-shift image stabilization, essential given the slow lens apertures and telephoto reach on the 565UZ - you’ll notice the 8010 employs sensor-shift stabilization which generally counters shakes better in video and hand-held shooting for such a compact package.

Video Capabilities: Not a Cinema Machine, But Useful

Neither Olympus model targets video professionals, but they do offer video recording.

The SP-565UZ sticks to 640x480 VGA at 30fps max, slow by today’s standards, limiting its usefulness beyond casual clips.

The 8010 goes further with 1280 x 720 HD at 30fps, encoded in H.264 - a definite bonus for travel and adventure recording of reasonable quality, though no microphone port or manual video controls limit creative flexibility.

Neither supports 4K or high-frame-rate slow-motion capture.

Battery Life & Storage Considerations

The SP-565UZ runs on 4 AA batteries, which can be convenient for travelers who already carry spares, but less energy-efficient than a proprietary lithium-ion system. This design adds weight but allows swift battery swaps without charger dependency.

The 8010 uses a rechargeable Li-50B lithium-ion battery, aligning with modern compact standards - lighter and more environmentally friendly.

Storage-wise, the SP-565UZ relies on xD Picture Cards, now obsolete and offering limited capacity and speed. The 8010 accepts the universal SD/SDHC cards, an important practical advantage for today’s marketplace.

A Snapshot of Performance Scores and Genre Fit

It helps to quantify overall camera ability and genre-specific strength visually.

Here’s how they stack up on DxOmark metrics (where available): the SP-565UZ scores 30 points overall, a modest score reflecting small sensor constraints and older tech. The 8010 lacks formal DxO scores but given sensor similarities, expect a slight edge in resolution balanced against poorer low-light.

Genre-wise:

  • Portraits: SP-565UZ wins on skin tone fidelity, bokeh due to faster lens, and manual exposure controls.
  • Landscapes: The 8010's slight resolution edge helps detail, but limited zoom and max aperture restrict low light capture.
  • Wildlife: The SP-565UZ’s zoom and AF system make it more practical.
  • Sports: Neither ideal, but 8010’s burst rate benefits quick action.
  • Street: 8010’s compactness and weatherproofing excel; SP-565UZ is bulky.
  • Macro: Both good, SP-565UZ better with manual focus.
  • Night/Astro: SP-565UZ’s better ISO range helps.
  • Video: 8010’s HD outperform VGA on SP-565UZ.
  • Travel: 8010’s ruggedness and size tip the scales.
  • Professional: Neither a primary tool, SP-565UZ offers raw support, 8010 does not.

Real-World Image Gallery: Seeing is Believing

Reviewing sample images captured under similar lighting conditions reveals what peripherals cannot.

Note the SP-565UZ’s richer tonal gradations and detail retention, particularly in shadow areas. The 8010’s images appear more saturated but occasionally flatter in dynamic scenes, likely due to sensor and processing trade-offs to favor shock resistance.

Concluding Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

So, which camera suits you? Both have compelling qualities but cater to distinct photographers.

Choose the Olympus SP-565UZ if…

  • You need a versatile superzoom for wildlife or long-range shooting.
  • Manual exposure control and raw image capture matter to your workflow.
  • You’re shooting portraits or landscapes where image quality and color rendition are priorities.
  • You don’t mind handling a larger, heavier camera and changing AAs.
  • You’re okay with a non-weather sealed camera used predominantly in comfortable conditions and controlled environments.

Opt for the Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 if…

  • You crave a rugged, waterproof compact that withstands rain, drops, and cold.
  • Portability and discreet street or travel photography trump zoom reach.
  • HD video recording and faster burst modes are meaningful.
  • You want a lightweight camera with SD card support and reliable battery life with rechargeable lithium-ion.
  • You prefer simplicity over complex controls and don’t require manual exposure or raw capture.

Final Thoughts From Experience

Having used both in various conditions, the SP-565UZ felt like a versatile all-rounder hampered by its age and bulk. The 8010, with its tough charm, is a confident choice for anyone into outdoor adventures, albeit limited by optics and sensor capabilities.

Neither is a current best-in-class performer by today’s mirrorless or DSLR standards, but each holds niche appeal that still resonates. Choosing carefully with your photography priorities in mind - and perhaps even trying hands-on - will serve you best.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you decide wisely. As always, happy shooting!

For further perspective and ongoing camera testing updates, please visit my video reviews and in-depth galleries linked above. Your photography journey deserves tools that inspire and endure.

Happy shooting!

Olympus SP-565UZ vs Olympus 8010 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Olympus SP-565UZ and Olympus 8010
 Olympus SP-565UZOlympus Stylus Tough 8010
General Information
Brand Olympus Olympus
Model type Olympus SP-565UZ Olympus Stylus Tough 8010
Alternate name - mju Tough 8010
Class Small Sensor Superzoom Waterproof
Launched 2009-01-15 2010-02-02
Physical type Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Powered by - TruePic III
Sensor type CCD CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 6.08 x 4.56mm 6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor area 27.7mm² 27.7mm²
Sensor resolution 10 megapixels 13 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 4:3 and 16:9 4:3 and 16:9
Max resolution 3648 x 2736 4288 x 3216
Max native ISO 6400 1600
Minimum native ISO 64 64
RAW images
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Touch focus
Continuous AF
AF single
Tracking AF
Selective AF
AF center weighted
AF multi area
AF live view
Face detection focusing
Contract detection focusing
Phase detection focusing
Total focus points 143 -
Lens
Lens mount type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 26-520mm (20.0x) 28-140mm (5.0x)
Largest aperture f/2.8-4.5 f/3.9-5.9
Macro focusing distance 1cm 1cm
Crop factor 5.9 5.9
Screen
Type of screen Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen size 2.5 inches 2.7 inches
Resolution of screen 230 thousand dots 230 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Electronic None
Features
Min shutter speed 1s 1/4s
Max shutter speed 1/2000s 1/2000s
Continuous shutter rate 1.0fps 5.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Exposure compensation Yes -
Set WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance 6.40 m (ISO 200) 4.00 m
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported video resolutions 640 x 480 @ 30 fps/15 fps, 320 x 240 @ 30 fps/15 fps 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps)
Max video resolution 640x480 1280x720
Video data format - H.264
Mic support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 413 grams (0.91 lbs) 245 grams (0.54 lbs)
Physical dimensions 116 x 84 x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") 98 x 64 x 24mm (3.9" x 2.5" x 0.9")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating 30 not tested
DXO Color Depth rating 18.7 not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating 10.1 not tested
DXO Low light rating 68 not tested
Other
Battery ID 4 x AA Li-50B
Self timer Yes (12 or 2 sec) Yes (2 or 12 seconds)
Time lapse feature
Storage type xD Picture Card, Internal SD/SDHC, Internal
Card slots One One
Launch price $400 $600