Olympus SP-610UZ vs Panasonic FZ70

Comparing Olympus SP-610UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70: In-Depth Evaluation of Two Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras

When selecting a compact superzoom camera, enthusiasts and professionals face numerous trade-offs across sensor technology, lens reach, image processing, and usability. The Olympus SP-610UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 represent two notable entries in the small sensor superzoom category, issued within a two-year period and priced similarly. Drawing upon extensive hands-on evaluations of both cameras, this article offers a rigorous, feature-by-feature comparison to inform desktop research and practical purchase decisions.

Physical Attributes and Handling

Form Factor and Build Quality

The Olympus SP-610UZ is a compact-style camera with dimensions approximately 107 x 73 x 73 mm and weighs 405 grams. Its compactness is beneficial for portability and casual travel photography. In contrast, the Panasonic FZ70 adopts an SLR-like bridge camera design measuring 130 x 97 x 118 mm and weighing 606 grams, reflecting a more substantial grip and enhanced manual control affordances. The increased size may deter some street and travel photographers seeking discreet, lightweight setups but offers stability for extended telephoto shooting.

Ergonomics and Control Layout

Examining the top views (see next section for full design comparison), the FZ70’s larger body accommodates dedicated dials supporting exposure modes such as shutter and aperture priority and full manual control - features missing in the SP-610UZ. The smaller Olympus favors automatic operation with minimal manual override, impacting user workflows notably for advanced and creative users.

Battery formats differ significantly: the SP-610UZ relies on four AA batteries, which, while consuming readily available power sources, impose bulk and potential weight penalties. The FZ70 uses a proprietary lithium-ion battery pack, enhancing longevity (quoted at 400 shots vs. 340) and reducing operational weight.

Design and Top Controls: Which Interface Works Better?

Inspection of the top plate layouts confirms the Panasonic FZ70’s superiority in manual exposure control. Its inclusion of a dedicated mode dial supporting aperture priority (A), shutter priority (S), and manual (M) modes aligns well with the requirements of experienced photographers desiring exposure precision. The shutter button is ergonomically placed within a comfortable grip.

Conversely, Olympus SP-610UZ offers no manual focus ring or aperture/shutter priority modes. The lack of manual exposure control limits its appeal for users wanting creative depth of field or shutter speed adjustments. Control buttons are minimal and unlit, potentially hindering operation in dim environments.

This fundamental divergence dictates the user’s control over image-making parameters, with the FZ70 providing greater creative flexibility.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Both the Olympus SP-610UZ and Panasonic FZ70 utilize 1/2.3-inch CCD and CMOS sensors respectively, measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with an active sensor area of approximately 28.07 mm². The Olympus features a 14 megapixel CCD sensor, while Panasonic upgrades to a 16 megapixel CMOS sensor benefiting from enhanced dynamic range and better noise handling.

Testing reveals the CMOS sensor’s superior performance in low-light and dynamic range conditions; Panasonic’s sensor scoring 41 points overall on DxOMark (notably 19.4 in color depth and 10.8 in dynamic range) contrasts with Olympus’ untested but historically less capable CCD sensor technology. The CMOS sensor architecture in the FZ70 supports higher ISO usability - native up to 3200 ISO with boosted modes to 6400 - while the SP-610UZ terminates at ISO 3200, lacking extended sensitivity modes.

Image resolution offers a higher maximum pixel count on the Panasonic with 4608x3456 pixels, compared to Olympus’ 4288x3216. In real-world shooting tests including charts and natural scenes, the FZ70 delivers crisper fine details and greater tonal gradation.

Display and Viewfinder Systems: User Interface Considerations

The rear LCDs of both models measure 3 inches diagonally; however, the Panasonic FZ70 possesses a significantly higher resolution TFT screen at 460K dots versus the SP-610UZ’s 230K dots. This increased pixel density enables more accurate image review and menu navigation.

The presence of a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) on the FZ70 with 202K dot resolution and 100% coverage addresses a key usability gap of the Olympus which lacks both an EVF and an optical viewfinder. The EVF is critical for shooting in bright environments where LCD visibility suffers and for maintaining stable framing at long focal lengths. The Olympus’ omission restricts users to its LCD, limiting shooting versatility especially in outdoor sports and wildlife contexts.

Both cameras lack touchscreen capability, which is increasingly standard on advanced compacts but reflects their target market segment. User interface navigation is via buttons and dials, with the FZ70 benefiting from more extensive button assignments facilitating quicker adjustments.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Reach vs. Aperture

Both cameras offer fixed superzoom lenses with extremely long focal ranges:

• Olympus SP-610UZ: 28-616 mm equivalent focal length (22x zoom), maximum aperture f/3.3–5.7
• Panasonic FZ70: 20-1200 mm equivalent focal length (60x zoom), maximum aperture f/2.8–5.9

The Panasonic FZ70 leads significantly in telephoto reach, offering focal lengths surpassing 1200 mm at the long end, meeting the demands of wildlife and distant subject shooting better than the Olympus’s more modest 616 mm max telephoto.

The FZ70’s faster wide-end aperture of f/2.8 versus f/3.3 on the SP-610UZ enables brighter images at wide angle settings and superior low-light performance. The Olympus narrows this gap slightly at telephoto ends but cannot match Panasonic’s optical range.

Macro focusing capabilities are competitive; both cameras achieve close focus down to 1 cm, beneficial for macro-style shooting. The Olympus benefits from sensor-shift image stabilization while Panasonic uses optical stabilization, each effective but Panasonic’s system appears more versatile for telephoto handheld use.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

The Olympus SP-610UZ’s autofocus (AF) system is contrast-detection only, offering 11 AF points without face, eye, or animal eye detection. Autofocus speed is modest and continuous AF or tracking functions are absent, limiting the camera’s usefulness in action or wildlife scenarios where subject tracking is critical.

Conversely, the Panasonic FZ70 provides a more sophisticated system incorporating 23 AF points with center-weighted metering, contrast-detection autofocus with face detection, continuous AF, and tracking AF features. This significantly boosts reliability in sports, wildlife, and other fast-motion photography.

Continuous shooting speed disparity is highly relevant: Panasonic can shoot at a burst rate of 9 frames per second, whereas Olympus is limited to a single frame per second continuous rate. This performance gap affects usability for capturing dynamic sequences.

Lowest shutter speeds start at 4 seconds on Olympus and 8 seconds on Panasonic, with upper limits both 1/2000 s. Notably, the FZ70 supports shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes, absent on the SP-610UZ, allowing finer control over motion capture and exposure creativity.

Image Stabilization and Flash Performance

Both cameras feature optical image stabilization critical for handheld superzoom shooting. Olympus uses sensor-shift stabilization, while Panasonic uses lens-based optical stabilization. From hands-on shooting tests, both systems effectively mitigate handshake blur at moderate telephoto lengths, but Panasonic’s system demonstrates superior effectiveness at extended focal lengths approaching 1200 mm equivalent.

Built-in flash capabilities further distinguish them: Olympus flash range maxes at 6.3 meters with standard flash modes including Auto, On, Off, Red Eye, and Fill In. Panasonic’s integrated flash extends to 13.5 meters and supports Slow Sync along with external flash capability, enhancing flexibility in creative lighting and poorly lit conditions.

Video Recording Capabilities

Olympus records HD video at 1280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps using Motion JPEG codec, offering basic video performance adequate for casual use. Panasonic FZ70 supports full HD 1920 x 1080 recording at 25/30 fps (interlaced and progressive) in more efficient MPEG-4 and AVCHD codecs. Panasonic also provides 720p recording at higher frame rates up to 60p, enabling smoother motion reproduction.

Neither camera supports 4K video or microphone/headphone ports, limiting professional video workflows. Video stabilization is active in both. Panasonic’s advanced video features better serve hybrid shooters wanting respectable cinematic quality from a superzoom bridge camera.

Connectivity and Storage Flexibility

Connectivity on both models is limited. Olympus supports Eye-Fi wireless card connectivity for Wi-Fi transfer but lacks physical wireless or Bluetooth integration. Panasonic has no wireless connectivity but includes internal storage and supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.

Both feature HDMI output and USB 2.0 ports. Olympus’s use of ubiquitous AA batteries contrasts with Panasonic’s proprietary battery pack, influencing workflow convenience and spare battery procurement.

Performance in Specialty Photography Genres

Olympus SP 610UZ front Olympus SP 610UZ screen back Panasonic FZ70 front Panasonic FZ70 screen back

Portrait Photography

Portraiture demands accurate skin tones, attractive bokeh, and reliable autofocus on eyes. The FZ70’s CMOS sensor and face detection autofocus provide clear advantages in AF precision and image quality. Its wider aperture at the wide end allows softer backgrounds albeit limited bokeh at tele ends given small sensor depth of field constraints. Olympus’s lack of face or eye AF and slower focusing result in less consistent portraits, with harsher skin tones due to CCD sensor color rendering.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution are paramount in landscapes. Panasonic’s higher measured dynamic range (10.8 EV) outperforms Olympus (typical lower for CCD). The FZ70’s higher image resolution contributes to more detailed files. Weather sealing is absent in both, limiting rugged outdoor use. However, Panasonic’s superior stabilization and high-res EVF aid precise composition and evaluation.

Wildlife Photography

The Panasonic’s 1200 mm equivalent telephoto, fast continuous shooting (9 fps), and quick autofocus tracking greatly outperform the Olympus’s 616 mm lens, single-frame rate, and basic AF system. For wildlife enthusiasts requiring reach and reliability, the FZ70 is a clear choice.

Sports Photography

Sports require rapid AF, high frame rates, and reliable tracking. The FZ70’s combination of 9 fps burst speed and AF tracking capability means it captures fast action far better than the SP-610UZ, which operates at a slow 1 fps and lacks tracking.

Street Photography

Despite the Panasonic’s size and weight disadvantage, the Olympus’s compact and light body makes it more discreet and portable. However, Olympus’s slower AF and lack of viewfinder reduce shooting responsiveness for street candid moments captured in variable light. The Panasonic’s EVF assists in bright daylight but its size may be a liability for unobtrusive shooting.

Macro Photography

Both cameras offer close focusing down to 1 cm, with effective stabilization aiding handheld macro shots. Panasonic’s optical stabilization and higher resolution give it an edge in producing detailed close-ups, though true macro enthusiasts may find both lacking compared to dedicated macro lenses.

Night and Astro Photography

Long exposures and high ISO performance are necessary for night and astrophotography. Olympus supports 4-second shutter speeds but lacks manual exposure modes, impeding work with night scenes. Panasonic supports manual exposure and extended shutter ranges and delivers better high ISO noise handling (DxO low light ISO score 171), enabling improved image quality. Neither supports bulb (longer than 30s) mode nor has remote shutter options, limiting astrophotography flexibility.

Video Recording

The Panasonic FZ70’s full HD video at multiple frame rates and efficient codecs positions it as a better option for general videography. Olympus’s lower resolution HD video and MJPEG codec show compression artifacts more readily. Neither supports advanced videographer features such as 4K, slow motion, or mic inputs.

Travel Photography

Battery life favors the Panasonic’s 400 shot rating and rechargeable battery pack over Olympus’s AA battery reliance and shorter battery endurance (340 shots). Panasonic’s extended zoom range allows broader creative framing opportunities, though weight and bulk trade portability for versatility.

Quantitative Performance Synopsis

• Panasonic Lumix FZ70: Overall score 41 (site-reported), strong color depth, dynamic range, and low-light performance.
• Olympus SP-610UZ: No DxOmark data available, expected lower image quality due to older CCD sensor and limited controls.

The Panasonic’s greater dynamic range and faster lens aperture better support a wide range of photographic styles, especially those requiring speed or flexibility.

Strengths and Weaknesses by Photography Genre

Workflow and Format Compatibility

The Panasonic FZ70 supports RAW file capture, crucial for professionals and enthusiasts intending extensive post-processing to maximize image quality, tonal adjustments, and dynamic range recovery. Olympus SP-610UZ does not support RAW, restricting workflow flexibility and direct jpeg editing limitations.

Neither camera integrates with modern wireless ecosystems commonly leveraged in professional workflows. Eye-Fi card compatibility in Olympus provides a limited wireless solution but can introduce latency and compatibility issues. Panasonic’s internal storage is modest but adds convenience.

Conclusion: Who Should Choose Which Camera?

Olympus SP-610UZ:

• Targeted at casual photographers requiring an affordable, compact camera with a significant zoom range (22x) for everyday shooting.
• Strengths include portability, straightforward operation, and close macro focusing.
• Weaknesses are limited manual control, slow autofocus, absence of RAW support, lower resolution, and weaker video capabilities.
• Recommended for beginners, casual travel users, and those preferring simple point-and-shoot convenience without manual customization.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70:

• Designed for enthusiasts and semi-professionals seeking an affordable superzoom with expanded creative control.
• Its 60x zoom range and manual exposure modes enable precise framing and image control.
• Superior sensor quality, higher resolution, effective AF tracking, high frame rate burst shooting, and video capabilities broaden its use cases across wildlife, sports, and travel photography.
• Downside is the increased size and weight, lack of weather sealing, and absence of wireless connectivity.
• Recommended for wildlife and sports photographers needing reach and speed, hybrid still/video shooters requiring HD video, and travel photographers prioritizing versatility.

Final Notes on Practical Use and Usability Testing

Field tests underline that lens reach and reliable autofocus dominate usability in superzoom categories. Panasonic’s FZ70 gains a decisive edge in action and wildlife due to its faster AF and longer reach. Olympus is outpaced but remains viable as an entry-level zoom compact.

Image stabilization efficacy affects telephoto handheld usability critically; testing confirms Panasonic’s optical system affords more stable results at extreme zooms than Olympus’s sensor-shift variant.

Ergonomics favor Panasonic for controlled shooting sessions, whereas Olympus wins for lightweight daily carry but suffers from minimal shooting flexibility.

Through thorough examination of sensor performance, optics, autofocus, and usability, this comparison establishes that while both cameras occupy a similar market segment and price point, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 substantially outperforms the Olympus SP-610UZ in technical competencies and creative control. Conversely, Olympus offers compatibility with users prioritizing simplicity and portability over manual functions and advanced features.

Making a choice hinges on user priorities: portability and simplicity vs. reach, speed, and exposure flexibility.

Photography professionals or serious enthusiasts demanding performance and versatility will find the Panasonic FZ70 a more compelling tool. Casual users constrained by budget or seeking a straightforward superzoom compact may appreciate the Olympus SP-610UZ’s simplicity but must accept limited creative latitude.

Thank you for considering this detailed expert comparison. We hope these insights guide your photography gear investment to optimally fit your personal workflows, genres, and expectations.