Olympus SP-565UZ vs Sony RX10: The Ultimate Superzoom Shootout from My Photographer’s Desk

When I first laid hands on these two cameras - the 2009 Olympus SP-565UZ and the 2014 Sony RX10 - the time gap was immediately obvious. But what’s fascinating about cameras like these superzooms is that, despite differences in eras and technology, they both promise a one-camera-does-all experience. But just how well do they deliver that promise? I’ve wrangled with both in various shooting situations, and this detailed comparison will help enthusiasts and pros decide which suits their style, needs, and pockets.

Buckle up because we’re diving into everything from sensor tech to burst rates, from ergonomics to video chops - all with a sprinkle of hard-earned wisdom and a dash of good humor.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling - Bulk vs. Budding Compactness

Right out of the gate, the Olympus SP-565UZ flaunts compact charm. It tips the scales at a mere 413 grams and measures 116x84x81mm - pocketable by some standards but still more of a small point-and-shoot than a bona fide DSLR style. The physical size is no coincidence as this Olympus falls under the “Small Sensor Superzoom” category, equipped with a 1/2.3” CCD sensor. It feels lightweight and travel-friendly but doesn’t exactly shout professional muscle.

Enter the Sony RX10, nearly doubling the weight to 813 grams, measuring 129x88x102mm, and exuding a robust bridge camera vibe reminiscent of an SLR. It sports a larger 1” BSI-CMOS sensor, and the build quality feels undeniably sturdy with weather sealing - important for shooting out in the wild or adverse weathers. The RX10’s heft translates directly into a more solid grip and stability, especially useful for telephoto work.

If you’re curious about the ergonomics side by side, the visual below gives a great sense of the physical difference:

In practice, Olympus’s SP-565UZ wins for portability, but Sony’s RX10 offers the kind of confident heft that makes longer shoots more comfortable and steady.

Top Controls and Interface: Quick Access or Cluttered Confusion?

Handling is not just about size. The control layout significantly impacts your shooting peace of mind - rapid adjustments prevent missed shots.

The Olympus SP-565UZ features a straightforward, if slightly dated, button layout on its compact shell. You get dedicated dials for shutter and aperture, and modes include manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority - a rare find in a superzoom from 2009. However, the 2.5” 230k-dot fixed LCD feels cramped, and without touchscreen, live adjustments are slow to execute.

On the other hand, the Sony RX10’s SLR-inspired design incorporates a larger 3” tilting LCD with WhiteMagic tech boasting 1.29 million dots - a night-and-day difference for clarity and framing. The top controls are laid out thoughtfully, with essential dials and buttons readily within thumb and forefinger reach, although some may find the 25-point autofocus system slightly limited compared to modern standards. The RX10 also supports face detection autofocus, giving it an edge for portraits.

Here’s a side-by-side peek at the top controls to help orient yourself:

Overall, Sony’s RX10 feels more like a serious shooter’s companion, while Olympus offers simplicity but at the price of speed and precision.

Sensor Technology – The Heartbeat of Image Quality

This section is where the most significant disparities emerge.

The Olympus SP-565UZ uses a 1/2.3” CCD sensor clocking in at 10 megapixels. Back in 2009, CCDs were known for good color reproduction and moderate noise control. However, the tiny sensor size - just 27.72 mm² - restricts light-gathering ability, resulting in limited dynamic range and high ISO noise performance.

Conversely, the Sony RX10’s 1” BSI CMOS sensor measures 13.2 x 8.8 mm or 116.16 mm², which is more than four times larger in area. This sensor captures 20 megapixels, doubling the resolution almost exactly. Thanks to back-illuminated (BSI) design, it excels in low-light sensitivity and boasts superior dynamic range.

To quantitatively frame this difference, DxOMark bench tests rate the RX10 at an overall 69 points with notable strengths: 22.9 bits color depth, 12.6 EV dynamic range, and robust low-light ISO scoring 474. Meanwhile, the SP-565UZ scores a meager 30 overall, with 18.7 color depth, 10.1 EV dynamic range, and a laughably low low-light score of 68.

The number speak volumes. Let's visually appreciate the sensor size difference and what that theoretically means for image quality:

Larger sensor = more light = better image quality and flexibility.

LCD and Viewfinder Experience: Framing and Reviewing Shots

If you’re a researcher like me - constantly checking your shots on the fly - the viewing experience matters.

The Olympus SP-565UZ sports a humble 2.5” fixed LCD at 230k dots without touchscreen support. Its electronic viewfinder (EVF) lacks detailed specs, and in practice, it felt like peering through a foggy window both in low light and bright conditions.

On the flip side, the RX10 features a 3” tiltable LCD with a sharp 1290k-dot resolution and WhiteMagic technology, delivering a bright and clear preview even under harsh sunlight. The EVF gets a substantial upgrade to 1440k dots, with 100% coverage and 0.7x magnification - approaching DSLR-like comfort for precise framing and manual focus.

Check out the back screen difference here:

For photographers who depend on accurate framing and quick feedback, the RX10 is in a league of its own.

Exploring Photography Disciplines - Who Excels Where?

Now, let’s get into real-world use cases, filtered through years of hands-on trials and thousands of shots.

Portrait Photography: Are Those Skin Tones Picture-Perfect?

For portraits, key factors are accurate skin tone rendition, creamy bokeh, and reliable eye detection autofocus.

The Olympus SP-565UZ, with its small sensor, delivers passable skin tones under controlled lighting but struggles with background blur due to limited aperture (F2.8-4.5) and no real shallow depth-of-field magic. Its autofocus is single-point contrast detection only, without face or eye tracking, meaning focus hunting around eyes can be frustrating. The 26-520mm lens zoom range is impressive but not tailored for flattering 85-135mm portrait lengths.

The Sony RX10 really shines here. Its F2.8 aperture stays constant throughout the 24-200mm range, enabling attractive background separation. The 1” sensor preserves detail and color nuance, making skin tones pleasingly natural even in mixed lighting. Add to that the RX10’s face detection AF and reasonably responsive single-point focus, and portraits come out crisp and striking.

Here’s a sample set from both cameras portraying portraits and headshots:

Olympus SP 565UZ front Olympus SP 565UZ screen back Sony RX10 front Sony RX10 screen back

RX10 clearly wins for portraits, but the 565UZ offers casual snapshots with superzoom flair.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Detail Count

Landscape photographers demand high resolution, wide dynamic range, and durable weather sealing for rough environments.

The Olympus SP-565UZ’s small sensor size limits dynamic range to about 10 EV - decent for simple scenes but prone to blown highlights or blocked shadows. It carries no weather sealing or rugged body features, making outdoor shoots in adverse conditions risky. The maximum image resolution of 3648x2736 (10MP) yields adequate prints up to 13” x 19” but lacks room for heavy cropping.

Sony RX10’s larger sensor extends dynamic range over 12 EV, essential for capturing nuanced skies and shadow detail in landscapes. The 20MP resolution allows large prints and flexible cropping. Its weather-sealed body stands up well against dust and moisture, an important advantage for serious outdoor enthusiasts.

Landscape photographers will appreciate the RX10’s wide lens option starting at 24mm, versatile enough for sweeping vistas but not as extreme as ultra-wide primes.

Wildlife and Sports: Tracking Fast Movers and Capturing Action

Here, speed and autofocus performance become critical.

The Olympus SP-565UZ disappoints with just a 1 fps continuous shooting rate - very slow for action photography. Its autofocus system is contrast-detection and single point only, incapable of tracking moving subjects reliably.

The Sony RX10 offers a much better 10 fps continuous shooting burst and continuous autofocus support (AF-C), albeit with a limited 25-point AF system. The face detection aids some subject recognition, but there's no in-built phase detection AF to rival modern mirrorless or DSLR trackers. Still, it’s well suited for casual sports or wildlife shoots, especially paired with its effective 24-200mm zoom and constant F2.8 aperture that lets in ample light.

Street and Travel Photography: Stealth, Portability, and Endurance

Street shooters often prize discrete handling combined with good low-light performance.

Olympus SP-565UZ’s lightweight size and small sensor make it easy to carry about, though it lacks subtlety with its somewhat bulky zoom grip and electronic viewfinder. Its maximum ISO is 6400 but image quality degrades quickly after ISO 400, yielding noisy photos in dim settings.

Sony RX10’s larger body is heavier and more conspicuous but rewards travelers with better image quality up to ISO 12800 native and a tilting screen for creative angles. Battery life is rated at about 420 shots (NP-FW50 battery), far outpacing the Olympus’s AA batteries whose life varies widely but often falls short for long days out.

Compactness and stealth go to Olympus, while quality and endurance strongly favor Sony.

Macro and Close-up: How Low Can You Go?

Both cameras offer macro modes, but Olympus SP-565UZ boasts an impressively close focusing range of 1cm, exceptional for larger-than-life close-ups with good detail. Its lens zooms to 520mm, letting you experiment with distant macro-like shots.

The Sony RX10’s macro focusing range isn’t explicitly detailed, but the minimum focusing distance is less forgiving. However, its larger sensor preserves texture detail better. Combined with optical stabilization, handheld macro work is achievable.

Still, if ultra-close macro shooting is your passion, I found the Olympus finer to coax subject detail up close, albeit at lower image quality overall.

Night and Astro Photography: See the Stars (or Try)

Low-light sensitivity and noise control are key here.

With a max ISO of 6400, the SP-565UZ struggles with noise at ISO 800 and beyond. Its slow shutter speeds (up to 2000 sec) can allow long exposures but only with tripods and patience. Unfortunately, it lacks interval timers or bulb mode.

Sony RX10 pushes ISO to 12800 native and 25600 boosted, and its BSI CMOS sensor yields cleaner results at high ISO. It also supports shutter speeds up to 30 seconds, enough for star trails and nightscapes. Adding to the toolkit is the RX10’s built-in optical image stabilization to help handheld shots at lower speeds. While it doesn’t have specialized astro settings, it’s the better candidate for night photography.

Video Capabilities: Going Beyond Stills

Back in 2009, Olympus’s video specs were modest: 640 x 480 at 30 fps max, with no microphone jack or HD capability. For casual movie moments, it suffices, but don’t expect cinematic results or ease of editing.

The Sony RX10, on the other hand, delivers full HD 1920 x 1080 video up to 60 fps and supports AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats. It offers an external microphone and a headphone jack, important for serious videographers monitoring sound quality. Though not 4K capable, its video features are robust for its day.

Inside and Out: Durability, Battery, and Connectivity

With build, the Sony RX10 takes the crown with partial weather sealing - no small luxury for photographers venturing outdoors. The Olympus lacks any special environmental protection.

Battery-wise, Olympus uses 4 x AA batteries - a convenience in a pinch but prone to frequent swaps. Sony relies on a rechargeable NP-FW50 Lithium-Ion battery, rated for 420 shots per charge, which proved dependable in extended use.

Regarding connectivity, the Olympus offers nothing wireless; the Sony has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, enabling streamlined transfers and remote control features - a welcome modern convenience.

Lens and Zoom - Superzoom Showdown

Olympus packs the SP-565UZ with a 26-520mm (20x optical zoom) lens, starting reasonably wide and zooming ridiculously far, though with variable apertures from f/2.8 to 4.5.

The Sony RX10’s 24-200mm (8.3x optical zoom) fixed lens sports a constant f/2.8 aperture, ensuring consistent exposure and image quality through the zoom range. While the zoom range is less extreme, the faster, constant aperture is a huge plus, especially in low light or for creative depth of field.

In real-world shooting, Olympus wins the sheer range battle, but Sony delivers better sharpness and less optical compromise.

Image Stabilization - Keeping It Steady

Both cameras use optical image stabilization, essential for superzoom cameras to tackle camera shake at long focal lengths.

Olympus’s system proved effective, especially combined with its steady grip, though limited by slower reaction to sudden movement. The Sony RX10’s stabilization felt more refined, noticeably mitigating shake even at full telephoto - an impressive feat that helps handheld video and low-light shooting alike.

Storage and Workflow

The Olympus SP-565UZ uses xD Picture Cards (a format now discontinued), which limits compatibility and increases costs. Internal storage is nominal.

Sony RX10 adheres to industry standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and supports Sony’s Memory Stick formats, providing greater flexibility and faster write speeds beneficial for RAW and HD video.

Both cameras provide RAW file support, but RX10’s 20MP sensor output offers greater latitude for post-processing and professional-grade workflows.

Performance in Numbers: The DxOMark Verdict

It’s instructive to see how these cameras rank numerically based on technical sensor testing:

Clearly, Sony RX10 takes a commanding lead in almost every category: color depth, dynamic range, and low-light ISO scores.

Strengths and Weaknesses by Photography Genre

A photography-type specific performance breakdown gives extra clarity:

• Portraits: RX10 excels with better bokeh and face detection.
• Landscapes: RX10’s dynamic range and weather sealing win.
• Wildlife: RX10’s burst and better autofocus make it far superior.
• Sports: RX10 is the better choice, though neither matches dedicated sports cameras.
• Street: Olympus is more discreet and easy to carry.
• Macro: Olympus’s close focusing is surprisingly strong.
• Night/Astro: RX10’s higher ISO and longer exposure windows rule.
• Video: RX10’s HD and microphone inputs dominate.
• Travel: Olympus’s light weight wins on portability, RX10 on image quality.
• Professional: RX10 stands out with RAW, format compatibility, and build.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Olympus SP-565UZ if:

• You want a budget-friendly, ultra-zoom compact for casual travel and slow-paced shooting.
• Portability and sheer zoom range tops your priority.
• You’re okay sacrificing some image quality and modern features for simplicity.
• Macro photography at extreme close distances intrigues you.
• You don’t mind the limitations of older specs and nonstandard storage.

Pick the Sony RX10 if:

• Image quality and dynamic range are critical across genres.
• You need a professional-level all-in-one bridge camera.
• You shoot in diverse conditions, including low light and outdoor environments.
• Video recording with audio inputs is important.
• You prefer a robust, weather-sealed body and longer battery life.
• You want better ergonomics and faster autofocus for action.

Final Thoughts: The Price of Progress and What You Get

At MSRP, Olympus retailed around $400 - a reasonable starter superzoom in its day. The Sony RX10 launched near $700, targeting enthusiasts ready to invest in superior technology.

For contemporary buyers, the RX10 remains a remarkable performer and good value for the upgraded sensor, control, and durability features. Olympus SP-565UZ might appeal only for casual shooters or collectors who appreciate its prodigious zoom and compact form.

In my experience, owning both means recognizing their niches: Olympus for convenient travel zoom and super close-ups, Sony RX10 for excellence in image quality, versatility, and semi-professional usage.

Choosing wisely depends on your demands. Superzoom cameras have evolved rapidly, and the RX10’s embrace of larger sensors and quality optics has set a benchmark hard to beat within this category.

Whether you want to finesse dramatic wildlife shots, shoot low-light portraits, or simply pack a pocket-friendly camera for your next wanderlust, understanding these fundamental trade-offs is key. I hope this comparison sheds light on which tool suits your vision and shooting adventure best.

Shoot well - and remember, the best camera is ultimately the one you have in your hand when the moment happens.