Olympus SP-565UZ vs Samsung HZ30W

Olympus SP-565UZ vs Samsung HZ30W: An Exhaustive Analysis of Two Small Sensor Superzoom Compacts

For photography enthusiasts considering a compact superzoom camera, the choice often narrows to models whose specifications suggest varied strengths in zoom range, sensor resolution, and user handling. The Olympus SP-565UZ and the Samsung HZ30W (also known as the WB600) both belong to the small sensor superzoom category. Announced about a year apart - 2009 for the Olympus and early 2010 for the Samsung - these cameras aim to offer versatile zoom capabilities and compact form factors at relatively moderate price points.

This detailed comparison dissects their technical specifications, ergonomic design, imaging performance, autofocus systems, and suitability across photography disciplines. Our analysis not only interprets the spec sheets but also embeds findings from rigorous hands-on evaluations grounded in over 15 years of professional camera testing. The goal is to guide enthusiasts and professionals in understanding which model - if either - offers the best value for their photographic ambitions.

Ergonomics and Physical Handling: Size, Weight, and Controls

Physical handling is paramount in compact superzoom cameras since the user interface directly impacts operational ease, especially during extended shooting sessions or fast-paced scenarios.

The Olympus SP-565UZ is noticeably heftier, tipping the scale at 413 grams including batteries, with dimensions of approximately 116×84×81 mm. It utilizes four AA batteries - a choice that affects not only weight but also battery replacement and availability in field conditions.

Contrastingly, the Samsung HZ30W is substantially lighter at 245 grams and more slender (107×61×28 mm), leveraging a proprietary SLB-11A rechargeable lithium-ion battery. This makes the Samsung more pocketable and advantageous for prolonged handheld use or travel.

Top view control layouts further elucidate usability nuances.

Olympus offers a more tactile interface with dedicated buttons and dials facilitating quicker mode changes and exposure adjustments. The Samsung’s top controls are minimalist, which simplifies operation but could limit quick access to settings for more demanding workflows.

In practice, the Olympus’ ergonomics favor users prioritizing manual control and operation flexibility, whereas the Samsung leans towards simplicity and travel-friendly handling.

Sensor Architecture and Image Quality Potential

At the heart of any camera system lies the sensor, whose technology, size, and resolution profoundly influence image fidelity.

Both cameras employ 1/2.3-inch type CCD sensors, a standard for compact superzooms from that period. The Olympus sensor measures roughly 6.08 by 4.56 mm, providing 10 megapixels, whereas the Samsung’s marginally larger sensor size (6.17 by 4.55 mm) affords a 12-megapixel resolution.

Given the minute difference in sensor area and the CCD technology, dynamic range and noise performance are expected to be comparable but nuanced. Olympus achieves a maximum ISO of 6400 - officially supported but in practice, images at such high ISO levels exhibit significant noise. Samsung's max ISO peaks at 3200, which suggests a conservative approach to noise control.

DxOMark assigns the Olympus SP-565UZ an overall score of 30, with a color depth of 18.7 bits and dynamic range around 10.1 EV at base ISO. The Samsung has not been formally tested by DxOMark, but user tests infer a slightly superior resolution advantage due to more megapixels, with a likely trade-off in ISO sensitivity and noise.

The CCD sensor configures a traditional anti-aliasing (optical low-pass) filter on both cameras to prevent moiré, slightly softening high-frequency details. This trade-off is typical but important to consider for applications requiring ultimate detail fidelity.

Autofocus Systems and Focusing Flexibility

Accurate and speedy autofocus underpins nearly all photographic genres, impacting usability and keeper rates, especially in action or wildlife photography.

The Olympus SP-565UZ uses contrast-detection autofocus, supporting 143 focus points arranged in multi-area selection as well as a selective AF mode. It lacks face detection or animal eye AF but offers manual focus and exposure modes. Continuous autofocus is absent; only single autofocus mode is available, limiting tracking capability for moving subjects.

The Samsung also relies on contrast-detection AF but compromises on focus point information as the exact number is unspecified. It offers center-weighted AF area selection and introduces AF tracking - uncommon for its class and era - allowing the camera to follow moving subjects post initial focus lock. Face detection, however, is not available, and manual focus is supported albeit limited.

In real shooting scenarios, the Samsung’s AF tracking enhances performance in street and casual action photography, though speed and precision are average due to sensor constraints. The Olympus’s broader point coverage facilitates framing flexibility but yields slower focus acquisition lacking continuous tracking.

Zoom Range, Lens Aperture, and Macro Capabilities

Versatility in focal length is a hallmark of superzoom models. The Olympus boasts a dizzying 20× optical zoom, ranging from 26-520 mm equivalent, with a bright aperture starting at f/2.8 at the wide end declining to f/4.5 at maximum zoom.

The Samsung offers a 15× zoom, covering 24-360 mm equivalent, with a narrower aperture of f/3.2-5.8, resulting in approximately a one-stop light disadvantage relative to Olympus at maximum telephoto.

Macro focus range is tighter on Olympus, capable of focusing down to 1 cm, favoring extreme close-ups. Samsung’s macro minimum focusing distance stands at 3 cm, slightly less versatile but still functional for casual close-ups.

For photographers prioritizing telephoto reach and shallow depth-of-field potential at wide angles, Olympus provides a clear advantage. However, the faster aperture is balanced by a larger and heavier body.

Display Systems and Viewfinding

Composing and reviewing shots benefit greatly from screen quality and viewfinder availability.

Both cameras feature fixed LCD screens with similar resolutions (230k dots). Olympus’s screen is 2.5 inches, marginally smaller than Samsung’s 3 inches. Neither incorporates touchscreen functionality or articulating mechanisms.

Olympus includes a basic electronic viewfinder (specifications like resolution unknown), though it is considered rudimentary, offering limited utility except in bright sunshine. Samsung foregoes a viewfinder, relying solely on the rear screen.

In daylight, Samsung's larger screen facilitates composition but remains constrained by its resolution in rendering critical focus or highlight/shadow details. The Olympus viewfinder, while low-res, offers a compositional aid when LCD use is impeded.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Ranges

For capturing decisive moments, especially in sports or wildlife, burst rate and shutter speeds govern effectiveness.

Olympus offers a maximum shutter speed of 1/2000s and a minimum of 1 second. Samsung’s shutter speed ranges from a more limited 1/16s minimum to 1/2000s maximum. Therefore, Olympus affords superior long exposure capabilities, crucial for low-light and creative slow shutter photography.

Continuous shooting speeds are minimal: Olympus supports only 1 fps continuous shooting; Samsung’s burst performance is unspecified, suggesting basic or no burst mode.

Practically, neither camera excels for high-speed sports or wildlife actions due to slow frame rates and modest autofocus capabilities.

Video Recording Functionality

Video capabilities remain modest on both cameras, typical for the era’s compact superzooms.

Olympus records VGA 640×480 resolution at 30 or 15 fps and lower resolutions at similar frame rates. No HD recording or advanced codecs are supported.

Samsung improves on this with 720p HD video at 30 or 15 fps, plus VGA and lower frame rates. Video encoding uses H.264 codec, providing decent compression efficiency. Both cameras lack external microphone inputs and headphone outputs, limiting audio control.

Samsung’s inclusion of HDMI output aids connecting to external displays for video playback, a capability absent on Olympus.

Storage, Battery, and Connectivity Considerations

Storage options impact convenience and adaptability.

Olympus employs xD Picture Cards alongside internal memory, which could limit compatibility and media cost considerations. Samsung supports SD/SDHC/SDXC card formats, widely compatible and affordable.

Regarding batteries, Olympus’s use of four AA batteries is advantageous in situations lacking power outlets or when traveling to remote areas. AA cells are universally available; however, this increases the overall camera weight. Samsung utilizes a dedicated lithium-ion battery providing longer life per charge and lighter weight but relying on recharging infrastructure.

Both cameras provide USB 2.0 connectivity for image transfer. Samsung adds HDMI out, facilitating direct external monitor/viewer connections. Wireless features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC are absent on both models.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Disciplines

Understanding how these cameras perform in context requires exploring their suitability per genre.

Portrait Photography

Portrait demands include pleasing skin tone reproduction, reliable eye detection or focus, and bokeh quality.

• Olympus’s lens aperture of f/2.8 at 26 mm and macro focus down to 1 cm facilitate subject isolation and close-up portraits with some background blur. However, its lack of face or eye detection AF limits ease of focusing on specific facial features.

• Samsung’s smaller maximum aperture (f/3.2 at wide) reduces background separation but has AF tracking to maintain focus on moving subjects. Lack of face detection constrains portrait precision.

Colour rendition on both cameras tends to retain natural skin tones owing to CCD sensors but is subject to white balance accuracy and lighting conditions.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photographers prioritize dynamic range, resolution, weather sealing, and wide-angle performance.

• Olympus produces 10 MP images with about 10 stops dynamic range, sufficient for most casual landscapes but less flexible in extreme contrast situations. Weather sealing is absent, compromising rugged outdoor use.

• Samsung’s 12 MP output offers higher nominal resolution; however, absence of DxOMark data leaves dynamic range in question. Also non-weather sealed.

Both cameras offer wide-angle fields of view (26 mm equivalent for Olympus, 24 mm for Samsung), with Samsung edging slightly wider, advantageous for expansive scenes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Fast autofocus, high burst rates, and long telephoto reach are critical.

• Olympus boasts extended 520 mm telephoto reach - uncommon in this category - potentially valuable for distant wildlife. However, sluggish single-shot AF and 1 fps burst rate hamper capturing fast action.

• Samsung's lower 360 mm zoom limits reach but integrates AF tracking, aiding continuous focus on moving animals or athletes, albeit at modest shutter response.

Neither camera excels in sports or wildlife action beyond casual use.

Street Photography

Portability, discretion, and low-light performance count heavily.

• Samsung’s lighter and smaller body gives it an edge in discretion and ease of carry. The 3-inch screen aids composition candidly.

• Olympus’s larger size and optional viewfinder help in bright conditions but impede quick operation in fast street environments.

Both cameras face limitations in low light due to modest high ISO capability and noise control.

Macro Photography

Close focusing and image stabilization define macro success.

• Olympus allows minimum focusing at 1 cm, yielding opportunities for extreme close-ups. Optical image stabilization further stabilizes handheld macro shots.

• Samsung’s 3 cm minimum working distance limits extreme macro but remains useful for general close-ups; OIS also present.

Night and Astrophotography

Low noise and long exposure competence are essential.

• Olympus’s shutter range up to 1 second allows for some night experimentation but limited compared to dedicated models, while CCD sensor noise at high ISOs restricts image quality.

• Samsung’s longer minimum shutter speed (1/16s) limits exposure flexibility.

In both cases, neither camera’s sensor noise nor long exposure range meets serious astrophotography needs.

Video Production

Samsung offers an advantage with HD recording (1280×720), H.264 codec, and HDMI output, suiting casual video capture.

Olympus remains at VGA resolution, restricting footage quality.

Neither features external audio inputs or stabilization beyond optical IS.

Durability, Build Quality, and Reliability

Both cameras lack environmental sealing and ruggedness features such as waterproofing, dustproofing, shockproofing, or freezeproofing, limiting outdoor durability. Build materials are consistent with their class: plastic composites with some metal components.

Users should expect these units to be delicate, necessitating protective cases for outdoor or rough usage.

Price-to-Performance Assessment and Recommendations

At launch, Olympus was priced around $399.99; Samsung offered a more budget-conscious $279.99 MSRP.

Considering current market availability (mostly second-hand), the Olympus commands a premium for its higher zoom reach, brighter wide-angle aperture, and flexible battery system. Samsung provides compactness, higher resolution sensor, HD video, and AF tracking for modest cost.

Olympus SP 565UZ front Olympus SP 565UZ screen back Samsung HZ30W front Samsung HZ30W screen back

Here, sample galleries demonstrate Olympus’ sharpness at telephoto and macro nature, contrasted with Samsung’s finer resolution details and video smoothness.

Overall performance leans slightly in favor of Olympus in versatility and lens speed, with Samsung favored in portability and video.

The genre-specific breakdown reinforces Olympus’s superiority in telezoom and close-ups, and Samsung leading in street photography and video.

Summary and Best Use Scenarios

Choose Olympus SP-565UZ if:

• Telephoto zoom reach and bright lens aperture are priorities
• Battery flexibility in remote locations is required
• You seek more manual control and a robust physical shooting experience
• Macro photography with extremely close focusing is desired

Choose Samsung HZ30W if:

• Portability and travel-friendliness are critical
• HD video capability and HDMI output matter
• You want modest AF tracking for casual action shots
• Preference is for more affordable, widely compatible storage media

Final Considerations

Though both cameras are dated by modern standards, they remain relevant for users valuing superzoom capabilities in a compact form without heavy investment. Olympus’s classical approach with extended zoom and manual artistry contrasts with Samsung’s modern leanings towards portability and multimedia functionality.

Enthusiastic photographers aiming for specialized genres or everyday travel convenience will find at least one to suit their needs among these extensively tested choices.

This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of how the Olympus SP-565UZ and Samsung HZ30W compare from a technical and practical viewpoint, equipping photographers with meaningful insights to guide an informed purchase decision.