Olympus SP-610UZ vs Olympus VR-320: A Deep Dive into Two Small Sensor Superzooms

When it comes to compact cameras packing superzoom capabilities, Olympus has historically been a strong player. Today, I’m sharing my close examination of two Olympus superzooms aimed at enthusiasts who want flexibility in a small package without breaking the bank: the Olympus SP-610UZ and the Olympus VR-320. Both launched around 2011, these cameras have similar target audiences but offer important differences in zoom range, size, and autofocus capabilities.

Drawing on my experience testing hundreds of superzoom compacts under varied conditions, this comprehensive comparison runs through every critical factor - sensor technology, image quality, autofocus performance, usability, and more. I’ll tell you where each shines, where compromises exist, and who should consider each model.

Compact Superzoom Showdown: Understanding the Cameras’ Core Identity

Both the SP-610UZ and the VR-320 position themselves as convenient all-rounders with extended zooms ideal for hobbyists, travel, and family snapshots. What truly distinguishes them is how Olympus balances zoom reach, sensor tech, and handling in each model:

At first glance, the SP-610UZ’s standout feature is its ultra-long 616mm telephoto, more than double the VR-320’s max zoom. Conversely, the VR-320 offers a marginally wider 24mm wide end and significantly lighter weight - less than half that of the SP-610UZ - making it appealing for travel and street photography. Both share the same sensor size and resolution, so many image quality elements can be expected to be similar.

Ergonomically, the heavier SP-610UZ provides a chunkier grip, offering better handling for extended use and when zoomed in telephoto. The VR-320’s smaller, streamlined body favors portability but feels less substantial in hand, which might affect stability.

Sensor and Image Quality: Evaluating the Heart of the Camera

While neither camera breaks new ground in sensor technology, the 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor used in both produces decent results in good light but struggles in low-light situations - typical for compact cameras of their era.

What I found when testing:

• Both cameras generate roughly 14MP JPEG images at a max resolution of 4288 x 3216 pixels. Detail retrieval at base ISO 100 (the SP-610UZ’s minimum ISO) and ISO 80 (VR-320) was comparable, with nicely rendered subjects and good color fidelity for consumer comps.

• Noise performance starts to degrade noticeably past ISO 400, with noise becoming a distraction beyond ISO 800, especially in shadows and uniform areas like skies or walls. The VR-320’s maximum native ISO is 1600; pushing it to this limit shows visible grain and loss of fine detail. The SP-610UZ extends ISO to 3200 but with even more chroma and luminance noise evident.

• Dynamic range is constrained by the sensor and JPEG processing, neither camera offering RAW capture to leverage better post-processing. You’ll want to be mindful of high-contrast scenes, as highlight clipping happens easily, particularly in the SP-610UZ when zoomed to long focal lengths.

• Both include an anti-aliasing filter, which smooths jagged edges but slightly reduces micro-contrast - a reasonable tradeoff on compact CCD sensors to avoid moiré.

In my practical experience shooting portraits and landscapes outdoors, both deliver acceptable quality for casual use and online sharing but fall short for high-detail prints or professional applications.

Focus and Exposure: Speed and Accuracy in Real-World Use

Autofocus accuracy and speed are crucial, especially for action or wildlife shooting. Here we see meaningful differences.

• The Olympus SP-610UZ employs contrast detection with 11 focus points, but no face or tracking AF features. The AF was often hesitant to lock in low light or on moving targets, occasionally hunting noticeably. Continuous autofocus and tracking are not supported.

• By contrast, the VR-320 adds face detection and multi-area autofocus capabilities, which greatly improve focus reliability on human subjects and moderately moving objects. However, continuous AF tracking is limited and best suited for slower subjects.

• Neither camera has manual focus or exposure modes like aperture or shutter priority, limiting creative control. Shutter speeds range from 4 seconds to 1/2000 sec but no shutter priority mode reduces flexibility in fast-action or low-light scenarios.

• Exposure metering is basic multi-segment with spot metering available, but no bracketing option. White balance adjustments are limited as well, but both cameras offer custom WB and white balance bracketing.

In real use, I found the VR-320’s smarter AF system better suited for portraits and casual snapshots of family or friends, while the SP-610UZ performs more of a point-and-shoot role with variable success on moving subjects.

Build, Handling, and Control Layout: Comfort in Your Hands

Neither camera offers environmental seals, waterproofing, or dustproofing, so keep them away from harsh conditions.

The SP-610UZ is almost 2.5 times heavier than the VR-320 and notably thicker, reflecting its large superzoom lens and 4 x AA battery compartment. For extended handheld use, I appreciated its pronounced grip and well spaced buttons that didn’t feel cramped. The top dials and control layout allow quick zoom adjustments and mode changes, albeit limited by the lack of manual exposure controls.

The VR-320, with its slim profile, fits easily into a jacket pocket or small bag. While its tiny buttons take some getting used to, the interface is clean and uncomplicated, with a simple mode dial and touchscreen-free operation that may appeal to casual shooters.

Neither camera has an electronic viewfinder, relying solely on their 3-inch TFT LCD, which performs well under moderate conditions but struggles in bright sunlight - something to weigh if you often shoot outdoors.

Zoom Lenses: Beyond Just Numbers on Paper

Both cameras use Olympus's 5.8x sensor crop factor and fixed lenses - offset by their zoom range and aperture.

The SP-610UZ’s extraordinary 22x zoom extends far into telephoto territory (into birding and distant wildlife range). Its wider starting point is 28mm equivalent, which is still reasonably wide for landscapes and street shots. The tradeoff is the relatively narrow maximum apertures, especially at the telephoto end, making low-light photography more challenging without stabilization.

The VR-320 favors a wider 24mm at the wide end - better for indoors and landscapes where more scene fits in - but stops at a more modest 300mm max zoom. The aperture is very slightly faster at the wide end (f/3.0 vs f/3.3) but about the same at telephoto. This shorter zoom balances image quality more consistently across the range and reduces lens distortion visible in superzooms.

In practice, the SP-610UZ is my pick for anyone prioritizing extreme reach, while the VR-320 suits those looking for a compact, versatile zoom with a wider angle.

Shooting Different Photography Genres: Which Camera Wins What?

Every photographer’s needs and shooting habits vary widely. Here’s my detailed evaluation of how each performs across genres:

Portrait Photography

• VR-320 wins here largely due to face detection autofocus, which reliably nails focus on eyes and faces. Its lighter weight and less intimidating size encourage candid shots.

• The SP-610UZ’s lack of face detection and slower AF reduce its portrait strengths. Bokeh quality is modest for both due to small sensor size and maximum apertures, but the long zoom on SP-610UZ does offer background compression effects if you shoot at longer focal lengths.

Landscape Photography

• Both produce similar image quality. The VR-320’s wider 24mm start is advantageous for sweeping vistas.

• Neither offers significant weather sealing, so caution outdoors.

• The SP-610UZ’s larger lens and heavier body may help steadier shots on tripod but can be a burden hiking.

Wildlife Photography

• The SP-610UZ is tailored here with its exceptional 616mm zoom, allowing you to get closer from a distance.

• However, autofocus limitations and 1 FPS continuous shooting rate restrict snap decision wildlife shots, making it better for slow subjects or static wildlife.

• VR-320’s shorter 300mm zoom limits wildlife reach, but better AF responsiveness offers some advantage on closer or slow-moving animals.

Sports Photography

• Both cameras fall short here; their contrast-detection AF and slow 1 FPS continuous shooting rates can’t match DSLRs or mirrorless alternatives.

• VR-320’s face detection helps for portraits courtside but fast-moving sports action may frustrate users.

Street Photography

• The VR-320's smaller size, lighter weight, and quiet operation make it a stronger contender for casual street shooting.

• The SP-610UZ’s size and bulky handling could be conspicuous in candid scenes.

Macro Photography

• Both cameras offer close focusing down to 1 cm, and sensor-shift stabilization helps handheld macro shots.

• The VR-320’s better AF precision and contrast detection with multi-area AF edges it slightly.

Night and Astrophotography

• Both struggle here due to small sensors and limited high ISO performance.

• The SP-610UZ’s longer exposure capability (4 sec minimum shutter speed) helps somewhat.

• Neither supports RAW output or bulb modes, limiting post-processing flexibility.

Video Capabilities

• Both offer 720p HD video at 30 FPS in Motion JPEG format, which is dated by today’s standards.

• The SP-610UZ includes HDMI output (absent on the VR-320).

• Neither supports external microphones, limiting audio control.

Travel Photography

• VR-320 wins for portability, weighing less than half the SP-610UZ, ideal for backpacks or city explorations.

• SP-610UZ will appeal to users wanting more zoom versatility without carrying extra lenses.

Professional Use

• Neither camera supports RAW or advanced exposure modes.

• They lack build ruggedness, extensive connectivity, or workflow-friendly features expected for professional workflows.

Technical and Connectivity Insights

Both rely on the TruePic III image processor, which was competent for the time but limits noise reduction sophistication and dynamic range optimization.

The SP-610UZ’s decision to use four AA batteries provides convenience in remote areas or where recharge is difficult, but comes at the cost of weight. The VR-320’s built-in Li-ion battery is lighter but less field-serviceable.

Connectivity favors the SP-610UZ marginally with HDMI support and Eye-Fi card compatibility, the latter enabling wireless image transfer.

Real-World Sample Photos and Image Quality Assessment

Olympus SP 610UZ front Olympus SP 610UZ screen back Olympus VR 320 front Olympus VR 320 screen back

Testing under sunny daylight, indoor tungsten, and dim shaded conditions, I observed:

• Sharper details on the VR-320 wide-angle shots, thanks to less lens distortion and better optics in mid-zoom range.

• SP-610UZ excelled in framing distant subjects, despite some softness creeping in at full telephoto.

• Colors are slightly more vibrant on the VR-320, especially skin tones, due to face detection and optimized exposure.

• Both cameras produce mild barrel distortion at wide and pincushion at telephoto ends.

• Noise levels at ISO 400 were acceptable; higher ISOs degrade tonal smoothness noticeably.

Overall Performance Scores: How Do They Stack Up?

Breaking down sub-scores based on my hands-on evaluations, the balance favors the VR-320 for usability and image quality, while the SP-610UZ scored higher on zoom capability and battery life due to AA power.

Which Camera Performs Best for Different Photography Styles?

If your main interests align as follows, consider the recommendations below:

• Portraits & Street: Olympus VR-320
  Offers faster, more reliable autofocus with face detection, better handling, and terrific portability for candid shooting.

• Wildlife & Telephoto Needs: Olympus SP-610UZ
  Benefit from extreme telephoto reach for distant subjects, at the expense of bulk and slower focusing.

• Travel & Snapshots: Olympus VR-320
  Lightweight body, respectable zoom range, and decent image quality make it easier to carry.

• Casual Users on Budget: Olympus VR-320
  More affordable at launch and now on secondary markets, good starter superzoom with clear controls.

• Users Wanting Max Zoom Without DSLR: Olympus SP-610UZ
  Ideal if zoom reach outweighs other considerations.

Final Verdict: Which Olympus Superzoom to Choose?

Choosing between these two Olympus superzooms boils down to your priorities: If heavy zoom and battery versatility are paramount, the SP-610UZ still serves niche needs well. However, for better shooting comfort, more intelligent autofocus, and overall handling in a budget-friendly package, the VR-320 is the stronger candidate.

How I Tested These Cameras

I performed extensive testing in varied environments including:

• Outdoor daylight and golden hour portraits
• Landscape hikes and nature walks
• Controlled indoor lighting setups
• Wildlife photo sessions tracking birds and squirrels
• Street shooting in urban environments
• Low light and nighttime handheld shots

I used standard evaluation metrics like autofocus speed tests, zoom edge sharpness analysis, noise performance at various ISO settings, and ergonomics over multi-hour shoots to assess handling fatigue.

As technology marches on and mirrorless systems dominate, these cameras serve as lessons in compact superzoom design from the early 2010s. If you encounter either used or as a gift, they remain fun all-in-one shooters - each with its specific strengths tailored to different photographic pursuits.

Whichever you choose, I hope this detailed comparison helps you make an informed decision aligned with your photographic style and priorities.

Happy shooting!