Olympus SP-600 UZ vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90: An Expert Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right compact camera often involves balancing diverse factors such as sensor performance, lens versatility, ergonomics, and feature sets, all tailored to specific photographic needs. In this detailed comparison, we pit the Olympus SP-600 UZ (announced in early 2010) against the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90 (released mid-2011), two compact cameras occupying overlapping but distinct niches within the small sensor segment - the former being a superzoom model, the latter a compact with more modern amenities and video prowess. Drawing on extensive hands-on testing experience and industry-standard evaluation metrics, I will explore their technical nuances, practical performance, and suitability across photography genres to help you make a well-informed choice.

First Impressions and Body Design: Handling and Ergonomics

Starting with physical dimensions and handling, the Olympus SP-600 UZ presents as a bulkier superzoom compact measuring roughly 110x90x91 mm and weighing a substantial 455 grams. This thickness and heft arise from its generously zoomed-in lens and older design cues. In contrast, the Panasonic FX90 demonstrates the classic sleek compact silhouette, significantly lighter at 149 grams and measuring a slim 102x56x22 mm, promoting pocketability and travel-friendliness.

While the SP-600 UZ’s larger size offers a more substantial grip for extended shooting, it’s less convenient for quick street or travel shoots where discretion is prized. The FX90’s diminutive frame supports easy one-handed operation and rapid deployment but might sacrifice some control comfort, especially for users with larger hands or longer sessions.

Control Layout and Top-Panel Functionality: Intuitive Operation Matters

Examining the top control decks reveals notable divergence in operational philosophy. Olympus’s SP-600 UZ employs traditional dedicated dials and buttons reflecting its semi-advanced shooting intentions, though it lacks manual exposure modes (no shutter or aperture priority), limiting experienced users. The buttons are well spaced, making them tactilely accessible despite the compact form factor.

The Panasonic FX90’s control layout is minimalist and streamlined, integrating touchscreen responsiveness - a significant advantage for menu navigation and focus control. However, it forgoes dedicated manual shooting modes too, focusing on user-friendly automation with limited physical controls.

For enthusiasts prioritizing quick manual adjustments, neither satisfies fully, but the FX90’s touchscreen responsiveness offers a smoother learning curve for novices navigating shooting modes and settings.

Sensor and Image Quality: Trusted CCDs in Small Sensor Compact Cameras

Both cameras incorporate a 1/2.3” CCD sensor with approximately 12 megapixels, measuring about 6.08 x 4.56 mm and totaling 27.72 mm² sensor area - industry-standard for compacts at their era. While CCDs typically afford pleasing color rendition and lower high-ISO noise than early CMOS counterparts, they are constrained in dynamic range and high-ISO sensitivity compared to modern sensors.

The Olympus SP-600 UZ’s sensor maxes at ISO 1600, which suffices for daylight and moderate indoor environments but struggles as lighting dims. Its sensor resolution caps at 3968x2976 pixels.

The Panasonic FX90 offers an extended ISO range from 80 to 6400, providing greater flexibility in low-light conditions, albeit ISO performance beyond 800 in small sensor CCDs should be treated cautiously due to noise. The FX90 achieves a maximum resolution of 4000x3000 pixels and supports multiple aspect ratios (including 1:1 and 16:9), introducing compositional versatility lacking in the Olympus.

In real-world testing on daylight and shadow-rich scenes, neither sensor delivers the expansive dynamic range or crisp fine detail of larger sensor models, but the FX90’s slightly more refined processing pipeline aids highlight retention subtly.

LCD and User Interface: The Eyes on Your Composition

The Olympus SP-600 UZ features a modest 2.7-inch fixed LCD with 230k dots, offering limited resolution and screen brightness, which constrains visibility under strong ambient light.

Conversely, the Panasonic FX90 boasts a larger 3-inch TFT LCD with 460k dots and a responsive touchscreen interface, an aspect that significantly enhances live view framing, menu navigation, focus point selection, and reviewing images or videos. Though neither camera includes any kind of electronic or optical viewfinder, the FX90’s screen sharpness and touchscreen liveliness deliver a superior compositional and operational experience, particularly outdoors.

Autofocus Systems: Precision, Speed, and Tracking Capability

The autofocus performance in compact cameras often varies widely based on system design. The SP-600 UZ employs a contrast-detection AF system with an extensive 143 focus points, which in theory should allow for fine selective focusing. However, lacking face or eye detection and with no continuous AF mode, the system is less adept at tracking moving subjects, resulting in slower or hunting behavior particularly in low light or wildlife contexts.

The Panasonic FX90 features a simpler 23-point contrast-detection AF array with touch-enabled AF point selection, including continuous AF mode - a crucial advantage for capturing brief movements in street or casual action photography. While still limited compared to phase-detection systems or hybrid AF in contemporary cameras, the FX90’s ability to maintain focus on moving subjects is noticeably improved in practice.

Neither camera supports advanced face or animal eye detection, limiting portrait and wildlife specificity compared to modern standards.

Lens Characteristics and Zoom Range: Versatility in Focal Length and Aperture

A key differentiating factor is lens design and optical reach. The Olympus SP-600 UZ features a fixed 28-420 mm equivalent lens (a 15x zoom), with an aperture range of f/3.5-5.4, affording extended telephoto reach suitable for distant wildlife or sports shooting, albeit at moderate aperture speeds. This superzoom range offers flexibility for landscape to telephoto needs, albeit at some cost to image quality due to optical compromises inherent to high zoom factors.

Meanwhile, the Panasonic FX90 sports a 24-120 mm (5x zoom) with a notably brighter aperture of f/2.5-5.9, meaning better low-light capability at wide angle but less telephoto reach. Yet, the brighter wide end aids environmental and street photography, producing cleaner backgrounds and better subject separation.

Additionally, the FX90’s lens supports optical image stabilization, reducing motion blur in handheld shots, crucial for low-light shooting and video, whereas the SP-600 UZ lacks any image stabilization, requiring steady hands or tripods.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Performance: Capturing the Decisive Moment

The Olympus SP-600 UZ offers a burst rate of 10 frames per second, impressive on paper for a compact, though actual buffer depth limits prolonged high-speed shooting. Its shutter speeds range from 1/2 second to 1/2000 second, adequate for freezing action or introducing some motion effects but limited compared to faster pro-grade cameras.

The Panasonic FX90 provides a more modest 4 fps burst rate, reflecting its compact focus, but with an extended shutter speed range from 60 seconds to 1/4000 second, facilitating artistic long exposure and night photography opportunities inaccessible on the Olympus.

Video Capabilities: HD Video with a Clear Edge

The Panasonic FX90 clearly outshines the Olympus here, offering Full HD 1920x1080 video recording at 60fps and 30fps, alongside AVCHD and MPEG-4 codecs, while the SP-600 UZ tops out at 720p HD at 24fps with H.264 compression.

Complementing its video prowess, the FX90 includes optical image stabilization helping smooth handheld footage, and a touchscreen interface for touch-to-focus during recording. Unfortunately, neither model offers external microphone inputs or headphone jacks, a limitation when considering semi-professional vlogging or audio monitoring.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Usability in the Field

The Panasonic FX90 provides specified battery life around 200 shots per charge, typical for compacts but a limiting factor for extended travel or event shoots. The SP-600 UZ’s battery life details are unspecified but historically superzooms consume more power due to extensive zoom mechanics and lack of efficient power saving, possibly resulting in fewer shots per charge.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC cards; the FX90 also supports SDXC cards, allowing for high-capacity storage, useful for high-resolution video clips.

Connectivity and Extra Features: Modern Conveniences vs. Basic Functionality

Connectivity-wise, the FX90 includes built-in wireless connectivity, facilitating quick image transfer and sharing without cables - convenient for casual shooters needing social media uploads. The lack of Bluetooth or NFC is a slight omission by current standards but consistent for the camera's release period.

The Olympus SP-600 UZ does not offer any wireless features, relying solely on USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs, making workflow integration more cumbersome in today’s mobile-centric environment.

Durability and Weather Resistance: Field Reliability Considerations

Neither camera is weather sealed, waterproof, dustproof, or shockproof, limiting their reliability in harsh environments. The Olympus’s heft and bulk may impart a perception of sturdiness, but internal components remain vulnerable compared to rugged cameras aimed at adventure photographers.

Comprehensive Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Suitability

When benchmarked across overall performance, image quality, and handling, the Panasonic FX90 tends to score higher in video capabilities, interface modernity, and low-light versatility, while the Olympus SP-600 UZ appeals for its superior zoom reach and faster burst shooting.

A genre-by-genre breakdown affirms:

• Portrait Photography: The FX90’s brighter lens at wide angles aids better skin tone rendering and softly blurred backgrounds. Neither has face-detection AF; SP-600’s lack of image stabilization hinders low-light portraiture.
• Landscape Photography: SP-600’s longer zoom covers wide scenic views and distant details; however, the FX90’s greater ISO range and better LCD enhance framing under varied conditions.
• Wildlife Photography: The SP-600’s 420 mm reach supports distant wildlife, but its AF speed can hamper fast action; FX90’s limited zoom restricts range but its continuous AF can better follow motion if closer.
• Sports Photography: SP-600’s faster burst helps capture fleeting moments, but limited tracking AF and slower shutter ceiling are drawbacks. FX90’s slower burst rate hinders sports use.
• Street Photography: FX90’s compactness, discreet design, touchscreen AF, and better low-light ISO make it well-suited for candid shots in urban environments.
• Macro Photography: SP-600’s closer 1cm macro focus range is superior to FX90’s 3cm, enhancing close-up shots.
• Night/Astro Photography: FX90’s longer shutter speeds, higher max ISO, and stabilized lens favor night scenes, though neither excels at astrophotography due to small sensor limits.
• Video Work: Clearly dominated by FX90 with full 1080p 60fps, stabilization, and modern formats.
• Travel Photography: FX90’s light weight, high ISO capabilities, and wireless features provide practical advantages over the heavier SP-600.
• Professional Workflow: Both are entry-level; neither supports RAW image capture or professional tethering, limiting their pro utility.

Real-World Image Samples: Visualizing Differences in Output

Olympus SP 600 UZ front Olympus SP 600 UZ screen back Panasonic FX90 front Panasonic FX90 screen back

Comparative images demonstrate the FX90 producing richer color saturation and cleaner shadows at higher ISOs, while the SP-600 UZ delivers respectable detail at base ISO with noticeable softness and chromatic aberration creeping into telephoto shots. Video capture from the FX90 shows smooth frame interpolation and stabilization benefits absent in the Olympus footage.

Final Verdict: Which Camera Suits You Best?

In synthesizing these findings:

• Opt for the Olympus SP-600 UZ if you prioritize superior zoom reach (28-420mm equivalent), faster continuous shooting for fleeting moments, and macro capabilities, and if you don’t mind the bulk or lack of video finesse. It remains a valuable choice for daylight outdoor use, beginner wildlife snapshots, or casual sports photography with budget constraints near $190.

• Favor the Panasonic Lumix FX90 if you desire a compact, travel-ready camera with excellent video recording capability (Full HD 60fps), stabilized optics, touchscreen ease, and better all-around usability in dim environments owing to its extended ISO range and effective image stabilization - even at a slightly higher price point (~$227). Ideal for street, travel, landscape, and casual portrait photography, especially when portability and modern connectivity matter.

Recommendations for Different User Types

Closing Thoughts

While neither the Olympus SP-600 UZ nor Panasonic FX90 can stand up to today’s mirrorless or high-end compact cameras, each offers strengths aligned with distinct photographic lifestyles. The SP-600 UZ’s superzoom advantage remains relevant for those craving focal length diversity, whereas the FX90 presents a more balanced approach to imaging versatility, especially excelling when video and ease of use are prioritized.

Your choice should reflect not just specifications but how you intend to shoot - be mindful of ergonomics, shooting disciplines, and future-proof features such as video and wireless sharing as you select your next compact partner.

For further reading and comparisons, consider examining sensor tests from DxOMark or hands-on field reviews to complement these findings with the latest in compact camera innovations.

Thank you for engaging with this comprehensive comparison. I hope this detailed analysis clarifies which camera aligns better with your photographic goals.