Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Sony H55

In this article, we are evaluating the Olympus SP-590 UZ and Sony H55, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SP-590 UZ (12MP) and the H55 (14MP) is fairly close and they possess the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SP-590 UZ was launched 17 months before the H55 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony H55 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a in depth comparison, below is a short summation of how the SP-590 UZ scores against the H55 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SP-590 UZ & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H55. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery & Sony H55 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-590 UZ has physical dimensions of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") with a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) and the Sony H55 has measurements of 103mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Check the Olympus SP-590 UZ and Sony H55 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you use at that moment. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the SP-590 UZ vs the H55.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-590 UZ and H55 is 72 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to envision the difference in sensor dimensions merely by researching technical specs. The picture here will give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-590 UZ and H55.

As you have seen, both cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same megapixels. You can anticipate the Sony H55 to result in more detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics a little more aggressively. The more aged SP-590 UZ will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.