Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS

Exploring Olympus’ Compact Superzooms: A Practical Comparison of the SP-800 UZ and SZ-31MR iHS

When you’re stepping into the world of compact superzoom cameras, Olympus offers notable contenders that pack impressive specs in tidy bodies. Today, we dissect two of their small sensor superzooms - the Olympus SP-800 UZ and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS. As photographers who have spent years testing gear hands-on, our goal is to deliver a detailed, no-nonsense review that will help you pick the camera that matches your creative ambitions and shooting preferences.

Whether your passion is travel snaps, casual wildlife, or zooming in for macro exploration, we’ll unpack performance, usability, and value by diving deep into key technical facets and real-world experience. Let’s jump in.

Getting Physical: Size, Weight, and Ergonomics

Our first impression often begins with how a camera feels in hand - compact, bulky, light, or dense. This influences how long you can comfortably shoot, how discreet you can be, and even your shooting style.

The Olympus SP-800 UZ is noticeably more substantial than the SZ-31MR iHS. Measuring 110×90×91mm and weighing 455g, it offers a robust, cube-like presence. In contrast, the SZ-31MR iHS comes in at a sleeker 106×69×40mm and just 226g. The lightweight build of the SZ-31MR iHS favors portability, ideal for street photographers or travelers who want to pack light.

Ergonomics also hinge on design layout: The SP-800 UZ’s bulk allows for a more substantial grip, which benefits telephoto handling in wildlife or sports photography, whereas the slimmer SZ-31MR iHS opts for minimalism that suits casual carry and quick snapshots.

From our hands-on tests, the SP-800 UZ feels stable when shooting at extended focal lengths thanks to its heft and grip contour, reducing shake - an advantage if you frequently rely on zoom. The SZ-31MR iHS, while compact, can feel a bit delicate when zoomed all the way in, but it compensates with accessible touchscreen operation.

Top Controls and User Interface: Navigating Features With Ease

Camera control layout significantly affects how fluid your shooting experience is, especially in dynamic conditions.

Let’s compare the top decks:

• The SP-800 UZ has a textured grip and dedicated buttons for zoom and playback, although its non-touch fixed 3-inch screen at 230k resolution feels dated, limiting menu navigation fluidity.
• The SZ-31MR iHS embraces a 3-inch Hypercrystal III TFT touchscreen boasting a sharp 920k resolution, a major jump in user interface responsiveness. This touchscreen interface facilitates faster autofocus area selection, image browsing, and intuitive menu tweaks.

While the SP-800 UZ relies on traditional physical controls favored by some for tactile feedback and precision, the SZ-31MR iHS’s touchscreen makes it particularly beginner-friendly, allowing you to tap focus and swipe through settings effortlessly.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Unpacking Pixels and Performance

Image quality remains king when comparing cameras, so let’s focus on what each sensor brings to the table.

• Both models feature a 1/2.3" sensor measuring 6.17×4.55mm with approximately 28mm² imaging area.
• The SP-800 UZ uses a 14MP CCD sensor, which was common in its era but falls short in low-light sensitivity and dynamic range compared to modern CMOS.
• The SZ-31MR iHS upgrades to a 16MP backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, which excels at gathering light from the sensor’s surface, improving noise performance and color fidelity, especially at higher ISOs.

From our real-world trials, the SZ-31MR iHS consistently produces cleaner images in dim environments and delivers slightly better shadow detail retention. The CCD sensor in the SP-800 UZ can yield decent daylight images but struggles as ISO climbs above 400, showing more noise and softer results.

Resolution-wise, the SZ-31MR iHS’s 4608×3456 images offer a minor edge, making larger prints or crop flexibility easier. Keep in mind, neither camera supports RAW shooting, which limits post-processing latitude - a key consideration if you plan to edit heavily.

Focus Systems and Autofocus Experience: Speed and Accuracy Matters

Autofocus (AF) capabilities can make or break your ability to capture decisive moments, especially in fast-paced or unpredictable settings.

Both cameras employ contrast-detection AF - typically slower than phase-detection systems found in DSLRs or advanced mirrorless bodies - but there are meaningful differences:

• The SP-800 UZ offers a respectable 143 AF points with multi-area and center-weighted metering, but only single AF mode and limited tracking.
• The SZ-31MR iHS features fewer focus points (data not specified by Olympus), but incorporates face detection and touchscreen AF, promoting accurate and speedy acquisition for portraits and casual use.

Though neither camera offers full manual focus, the SZ-31MR iHS’s ability to tap-to-focus on the touchscreen enhances control precision, a plus for macro and portrait shooters.

From hands-on timing tests, the SZ-31MR iHS is marginally faster in acquiring focus, which benefits quick candid shots or street photography. The SP-800 UZ performs well for static subjects but sometimes hesitates when tracking moving objects.

LCD Screen and Viewfinder: Your Window to the World

Neither camera has an electronic viewfinder, so the rear screen becomes your primary composing tool.

The SZ-31MR iHS clearly wins with a higher resolution 3-inch touchscreen, enhancing reviewing images and manual focusing tasks. The SP-800 UZ’s screen is fixed, non-touch, and lower resolution, which can frustrate in bright light or when making fine adjustments.

If shooting outdoors, you’ll need to rely on shading or find shelter for screen visibility on both devices. Neither model offers articulation, limiting flexibility for shooting from unusual angles.

Zoom Range and Lens Performance: Getting Close and Crisp

Your zoom lens determines what scenes you can capture and the image quality when you zoom in.

• The SP-800 UZ boasts a phenomenal 30× optical zoom (28-840mm equivalent) with a bright f/2.8 aperture at the wide end.
• The SZ-31MR iHS features a 24× optical zoom (25-600mm equivalent) starting at f/3.0, with a slower maximum aperture at tele end (f/6.9).

Olympus SP 800 UZ front Olympus SP 800 UZ screen back Olympus SZ 31MR iHS front Olympus SZ 31MR iHS screen back

Thanks to the longer reach, the SP-800 UZ is particularly suited for wildlife or sports fans who need that extra reach to frame distant subjects. However, the lens’s considerable zoom range and smaller sensor do impact sharpness and contrast at full zoom and telephoto apertures - something seen in detailed crops.

The SZ-31MR iHS’s shorter zoom range trades reach for better optical sharpness and speedier autofocus, making it a better all-rounder for everyday use, travel, and portraits.

Both lenses support macro focus down to 1 cm, great for detailed close-ups. Stabilization is sensor-shift based on Olympus’s proven technology, which is effective at minimizing shake across the zoom range on both cameras.

Shooting Speeds and Burst Performance: Capturing Fast Action

Continuous shooting speed matters if your subjects move unpredictably, like in sports or wildlife.

• The SP-800 UZ offers an impressive 10 frames per second (fps) burst mode, albeit within a limited buffer and at slightly reduced resolution.
• The SZ-31MR iHS delivers 7 fps, which is still respectable for a compact superzoom.

In practical terms, both cameras let you capture sequences of fleeting moments, but neither has advanced tracking AF or shutter priority modes, restricting flexibility in exposure control during continuous shooting.

Low light burst quality drops noticeably on the SP-800 UZ due to CCD sensor noise, while the SZ-31MR iHS maintains better clarity thanks to its BSI CMOS sensor.

Video Recording Capability: More Than Just Stills

Video specs have become critical as many photographers use cameras for multimedia.

• The SP-800 UZ records HD video at 1280×720 (30 fps), using the H.264 codec.
• The SZ-31MR iHS upgrades to fully-fledged Full HD 1080p at 30 fps, with formats including MPEG-4 and H.264.

Neither camera supports external microphones or headphone jacks, making advanced audio control impossible. The SZ-31MR iHS’s touchscreen lets you tap-to-focus during video, enhancing cinematic control.

If video is a priority, the SZ-31MR iHS’s higher resolution video and better autofocus system make it the more capable choice.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera features weather sealing, dustproofing, or rugged protection. Both are compact travel-friendly devices, designed primarily for casual everyday shooting rather than challenging environments.

While the SP-800 UZ’s larger size gives a feeling of durability, it remains vulnerable to moisture and particulates, just like the SZ-31MR iHS. For photographers braving harsh conditions, an external protective case will be needed.

Battery Life and Storage Media

• The SP-800 UZ uses a Li-50B battery but battery life details are not explicitly stated.
• The SZ-31MR iHS uses the same Li-50B battery, rated for approximately 200 shots per charge.

While neither counts as a powerhouse for endurance, the SZ-31MR iHS’s lower power draw during operation likely yields longer practical sessions. Both cameras save images on SD/SDHC cards; the SZ-31MR supports SDXC, offering greater maximum card capacities.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Connectivity is modest across both models:

• The SP-800 UZ offers USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs.
• The SZ-31MR iHS adds “Eye-Fi” wireless card compatibility, enabling wireless image transfer - a useful feature for on-the-go sharing.

Bluetooth and NFC are absent on both. HDMI ports support live image monitoring on external screens, useful for presentations or tethered work.

Value and Pricing Considerations

When launched, the SP-800 UZ retailed around $270, while the SZ-31MR iHS pricing is not provided here but generally was positioned competitively.

Given its newer technology, higher-resolution sensor, touchscreen, and Full HD video, the SZ-31MR iHS can be considered more future-proof despite a slight compromise in zoom range and aperture brightness.

Our Summary Scores and Recommendations

To help you quickly grasp strengths tailored to your passions, here is an overall performance summary followed by genre-specific suitability:

Looking deeper, here’s how these cameras perform for specific photography needs:

• Portrait Photography: The SZ-31MR iHS shines with face detection and better skin tone rendition due to improved sensor tech, making it your best bet for natural bokeh and sharp eyes.
• Landscape: Both cameras are limited by small sensors and dynamic range, but the SZ-31MR iHS’s higher resolution and better ISO performance give it a slight edge.
• Wildlife: SP-800 UZ’s longer zoom is an advantage for distant subjects; however, SZ-31MR iHS’s faster autofocus may help capture movement more reliably.
• Sports: Neither excels here, but the SP-800’s faster burst mode can be helpful in some scenarios.
• Street: The lightweight SZ-31MR iHS with discreet operation and touchscreen AF suits quick snaps and low-light situations better.
• Macro: Both deliver strong close-focus ability; SZ-31MR iHS’s touchscreen AF aids precision.
• Night/Astro: Neither ideal for advanced astro work; SZ-31MR’s better noise handling benefits night scenes.
• Video: SZ-31MR iHS’s Full HD and touchscreen focus control make it the preferred option.
• Travel: SZ-31MR iHS wins due to compactness, weight, and improved features.
• Professional: Both are budget-friendly point-and-shoots; neither supports RAW or advanced workflow integration, limiting professional use.

Final Thoughts: Which Olympus Superzoom is Right for You?

If you value reach and shooting static subjects with a traditional control feel, the Olympus SP-800 UZ remains a viable option with its mighty 30× zoom and decent image quality in good light. It is suitable for budget-conscious enthusiasts who primarily capture landscapes, distant wildlife, or general-purpose snaps.

However, if you want a more contemporary feature set, including a superior sensor, intuitive touchscreen interface, higher resolution video, and better low-light performance, the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS is the clear winner. Lightweight and versatile, it’s an excellent all-round travel companion for beginners and those wanting ease of use combined with strong image quality.

Experiment with both if possible. Hands-on testing remains the best guide - feel their ergonomics, shoot some test subjects in your favorite scenarios, and see which’s interface clicks with you.

For those diving into superzoom photography, these Olympus models show solid results for their class. Grab a good tripod and accessories like fast SD cards and spare batteries to maximize your experience.

Happy shooting!

All sample images courtesy Olympus SP-800 UZ & SZ-31MR iHS in side-by-side scenarios depicting zoom range and handheld macro captures.

Olympus SP 800 UZ front Olympus SP 800 UZ screen back Olympus SZ 31MR iHS front Olympus SZ 31MR iHS screen back

If you want additional advice about compatible lenses or recommended accessories for either camera, just ask. We’re here to guide your photography journey step-by-step.