Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Olympus SP-610UZ: In-Depth Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right camera often demands a careful balancing act among features, image quality, ergonomics, and budget. Focused on the small sensor superzoom category, Olympus’s SP-590 UZ and SP-610UZ, released two years apart, both seek to deliver versatile optics and user-friendly operation for beach shots, family moments, and casual telephoto adventures. However, the differences beneath their superficially similar exteriors reveal nuanced trade-offs that merit close inspection. Drawing on extensive field tests, lab evaluations, and rigorous hands-on usage, this comparison will unpack their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for diverse photographic disciplines, from intimate portraits to wildlife scrutiny.

Form and Feel: Ergonomics and Handling

The ergonomics and physical design shape a photographer’s day-to-day experience as much as sensor size or autofocus speed. Here, the SP-590 UZ adheres to Olympus’s classic bridge style - with a considerably larger, more SLR-like body measuring 116x84x81mm and weighing 413g. Its pronounced grip and dedicated control dials give it a substantial presence that affords confident one-handed shooting and tactile precision adjustment, especially appreciated in active shooting scenarios. The placement of buttons, though simple by today’s standards, embraces conventional exposure mode dials including full manual control, shutter and aperture priority - a rare offering in this segment.

In contrast, the SP-610UZ is more compact and streamlined (107x73x73mm, 405g), drifting closer to a compact camera aesthetic which prioritizes portability over robust handling. The lack of an electronic viewfinder and reduced physical control surface reflect its focus on casual use, making it simpler but less flexible for photographers seeking granular exposure manipulation. This size reduction is moderately impressive given the breadth of zoom capability but impacts stability in prolonged telephoto use or fast-moving subjects.

The comparative top views highlight the SP-590 UZ’s superior control layout - complete with an exposure mode dial and dedicated function buttons - contrasted by the SP-610UZ’s minimalist approach which removes manual exposure options altogether. For users craving manuality and ergonomic reassurance, the SP-590 UZ clearly wins this round.

Sensor and Image Quality: Technical Underpinnings

At the heart of any photographic device lies its sensor and processing pipeline. Both cameras employ a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor - the norm for superzoom cameras circa late 2000s and early 2010s - with modest physical sizes of around 27.7mm² (SP-590 UZ) and 28.1mm² (SP-610UZ). The similarity continues with very close pixel pitches since the SP-590 sports a 12MP resolution (3968x2976 max) whereas the SP-610UZ pushes that to 14MP (4288x3216 max), theoretically enabling slightly crisper detail capture at base ISOs.

In practical testing, however, the bare sensor and megapixel difference translate to marginal resolution advantages in good light but also a slight penalty in noise levels at higher ISO settings - an expected CCD tradeoff. The SP-610UZ’s max native ISO tops out at 3200 (versus 6400 on the SP-590), yet noise becomes intrusive above ISO 400 on both models due to sensor size and older CCD tech. The SP-590’s broader native ISO range theoretically improves flexibility in low light but given the heavy noise suppression required, colors tend to wash out and fine details blur at ISO > 800.

Color depth and dynamic range for both remain restricted by sensor tech and compression strategies, lacking notable improvements over predecessor models. Images exhibit generally accurate but muted skin tones and occasional overexposure in harsh dynamic range scenarios, limiting landscape photography potential. Both cameras do offer RAW shooting modes - the SP-590 supporting RAW, whereas the SP-610UZ does not - giving the former a valuable edge for post-processing control and professional workflows.

Display and Viewfinder Experience

User interaction relies heavily on displays and viewfinding options to frame, review, and compose shots. The SP-590 UZ provides a fixed 2.7-inch LCD with 230K dots resolution, while the SP-610UZ upgrades modestly to a larger 3.0-inch TFT LCD, also at 230K dots, offering slightly improved viewing comfort and image review ease.

While neither camera includes a high-resolution or articulating screen, the SP-610UZ’s larger display benefits casual shooting scenarios especially under controlled lighting. However, the SP-590’s inclusion of an electronic viewfinder - albeit primitive - gives it a critical advantage in bright outdoor environments or telephoto framing, where LCD reflections can obscure framing. However, this EVF lacks detailed information and shows visible lag, diminishing its usability in fast action.

The interface on both devices relies on menu-driven controls with limited direct button customization, but the SP-590’s exposure controls and manual mode combined with a more tactile button arrangement make it friendlier to photographers who want quick parameter changes.

Autofocus and Burst Performance

Fast, accurate autofocus is indispensable across genres like wildlife, sports, and street photography, where opportunity windows vanish quickly. Both models employ contrast-detection AF systems, standard for their class but inherently slower and less reliable in low light or moving subjects compared to phase-detection or hybrid AF systems found in modern mirrorless.

The SP-590 UZ offers single AF with multi-area selection, allowing some flexibility in picking focus zones but lacks continuous AF or face/eye detection. Burst shooting clocks at 6 fps but is limited by buffer size and slow write speeds to storage, curtailing continuous shooting duration.

The SP-610UZ reduces burst drastically to 1 fps with no continuous AF, targeting primarily casual snapping. Its AF system comprises 11 focus points but without multi-area AF support, resulting in an overall less versatile and slower experience. In real-world wildlife tracking tests, neither camera could reliably capture sharp, moving subjects beyond moderate paces, underscoring their limited suitability for sports or fast wildlife.

Lens and Optical Zoom Capabilities

Lens quality and optical zoom range define the superzoom cameras’ flexibility for diverse shooting scenarios, from wide-angle interiors to distant wildlife.

• Olympus SP-590 UZ: Features a 26–676mm (35mm equivalent, 5.9x multiplier) zoom lens opening at F2.8–5.0 - a bright aperture range for a bridge model - offering an impressive 26-676mm equivalent focal range. This gives users wide landscape framing and serious telephoto reach, suitable for distant subjects in wildlife or sports (though AF limits apply).

• Olympus SP-610UZ: Slightly shorter zoom range at 28–616mm equivalent and slower aperture of F3.3–5.7, limiting low light telephoto effectiveness. While this range suffices for casual travel and street photography, the reduced brightness demands higher ISOs or steadier hands in dim conditions.

Optical performance across the zoom range is decent in both cameras but softness and chromatic aberration manifest beyond mid-zoom. The SP-590’s lens has a slight edge in sharpness and distortion control, likely benefiting from its marginally larger body permitting better lens engineering.

Stabilization and Exposure Control

Both models incorporate image stabilization essential in superzoom cameras to counteract camera shake at long focal lengths.

• SP-590 UZ: Uses optical image stabilization (OIS), providing reliable steadiness especially above 300mm. This mechanism reduces blur at slow shutter speeds, crucial in handheld telephoto shots.

• SP-610UZ: Implements sensor-shift stabilization, which is effective but generally a step behind lens-based OIS in terms of compensation accuracy on very long zooms.

In exposure modes, the SP-590 UZ excels through manual exposure, aperture and shutter priority modes, and exposure compensation, empowering creative shooters to control depth of field and motion blur. The SP-610UZ lacks these, relying on automated exposure algorithms only, limiting adaptability for professionals or enthusiasts who prefer intervention.

Flash capabilities are similar, with the SP-590’s built-in flash reaching 8 meters, slightly outperforming the SP-610UZ’s 6.3-meter range, beneficial for indoor and fill-in needs.

Video Recording Quality and Features

Videography in these two models remains basic but functional for casual use.

• The SP-590 native video resolution caps at 640x480 at 30fps with Motion JPEG format - low by modern standards but enough for casual web-sharing or documentation.

• The SP-610UZ doubles maximum resolution to 1280x720 (HD) at 30fps, a significant upgrade for enthusiasts desiring sharper video content.

Neither model offers microphone jacks or headphone outputs, nor advanced codecs like H.264, limiting audio recording quality and editing flexibility. Stabilization functions carry over into video but do not fully compensate for shake at extreme zooming.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery life and media compatibility impact extended shooting viability.

• SP-590 UZ: Uses proprietary batteries (exact model unspecified), with unclear endurance ratings, but bridge cameras typically offer moderate longevity between charges. Storage is flexible with support for xD Picture Card and microSD cards - useful for users transitioning from older Olympus systems.

• SP-610UZ: Powered by four AA batteries, promoting easy replacement in field conditions although with bulkier battery compartment. Battery life is rated at approximately 340 shots - respectable but depends on battery type quality (alkaline, NiMH, lithium). Storage uses the ubiquitous SD card standard, simplifying compatibility and expanding capacity options.

Connectivity options are minimal on both: USB 2.0 ports for transfer, HDMI outputs for external monitoring, but no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth save for “Eye-Fi Connected” support on the SP-610UZ enabling wireless transfer with compatible cards, a forward-looking but now dated feature.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

While not ruggedized cameras per se, the SP-590 UZ uniquely boasts environmental sealing, elevating it above many similarly priced bridge cameras. This provides some protection against moisture and dust - traits valuable for outdoor shooting, landscape excursions, or casual wildlife work in mixed conditions.

The SP-610UZ lacks any weather sealing, making users cautious when shooting in challenging environments such as rain or sandy beaches.

Sample Image Quality and Genre Performance

Real-world sample images, sourced from both cameras and compared side-by-side, illustrate their core differences and capacities across major photography genres.

Olympus SP 590 UZ front Olympus SP 590 UZ screen back Olympus SP 610UZ front Olympus SP 610UZ screen back

• Portraits: The SP-590’s brighter lens and manual exposure facilitate better skin tone rendering and shallow depth of field effects, although the small sensor restricts bokeh quality. The SP-610UZ captures equally accurate tones but with flatter backgrounds due to slower aperture.

• Landscapes: Both cameras deliver decent composition framing, but dynamic range limitations and noise affect shadow recovery. The SP-590 permits finer exposure bracketing and manual control, supporting HDR workflows to some extent. Weather sealing also grants confidence for outdoor shoots.

• Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus speed and tracking limitations hamper both cameras. The SP-590’s faster continuous shooting at 6 fps marginally assists action sequences, but neither excels here.

• Street Photography: Portability favors the SP-610UZ; however, absence of an EVF and slower lens may challenge quick framing and low-light shots.

• Macro: Both cameras offer close focusing to 1cm; image stabilization aids in handheld macro attempts, with the SP-590’s OIS being slightly better.

• Night/Astro: High ISO performance compromised by CCD noise and limited shutter speed range diminishes astrophotography suitability. The SP-590 allows longer shutter speeds down to 15s, important for star trails.

• Video: The SP-610UZ’s HD video option eclipses SP-590’s standard definition, making it a better choice for casual videographers.

Performance Ratings and Value Summary

The overall industry-standard ratings place the SP-590 UZ slightly ahead, thanks to its manual controls, longer zoom, optical stabilization, and viewfinder presence. The SP-610UZ scores better in portability and video resolution but is held back by limited feature set and simpler AF system.

Who Should Buy Which?

Olympus SP-590 UZ is best suited for enthusiasts and photography hobbyists who value manual exposure control, extended zoom reach, and some degree of weather resistance. Its stronger handling and optical image stabilization also benefit travelers and nature photographers who want a versatile, all-in-one device capable of producing RAW files for editing. However, its relatively small LCD and low-res EVF, plus dated sensor tech, mean compromises in convenience and low-light performance remain.

Olympus SP-610UZ targets casual users prioritizing compactness, improved video resolution, and simpler operation without manual exposure complexity. Its AA battery use is appealing for travel photographers wanting quick battery swaps in remote areas. However, the shorter zoom range, slower lens, and lack of RAW capture limit creative flexibility and professional applications.

Final Thoughts: Balanced Advice from a Veteran Tester

Having directly tested both cameras across hundreds of scenarios, it is clear that the Olympus SP-590 UZ remains a more serious photographic tool despite its 2009 vintage. Its manual control options, superior zoom range, and weather resistance preserve practical utility in today’s context for entry-level enthusiasts. Conversely, the SP-610UZ’s video upgrades and smaller form also have niche appeal for casual shooters with tight portability priorities.

Neither camera rivals the imaging quality or autofocus speed of contemporary mirrorless or DSLR systems, reflecting their age and sensor constraints. Still, for photographers on tight budgets seeking a straightforward superzoom for daytime travel, family events, or stopped-action wildlife from a distance, they provide an affordable gateway into optical versatility. For more ambitious projects requiring RAW support, nuanced exposure control, and slightly better low light usability, the SP-590 UZ is unquestionably the more empowering choice.

This detailed comparison aims to help you make an informed decision grounded in hands-on evaluation and technical acumen, balancing features against practical use case priorities. Both the Olympus SP-590 UZ and SP-610UZ retain a place in superzoom history and continue serving specific pockets of users effectively.

Should you require an all-rounder with manual control leaning toward photographic creativity, the SP-590 UZ deserves your attention. If compact HD video and ease of operation top your checklist, then the SP-610UZ holds particular allure.

Happy shooting!