Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Olympus Stylus Tough 8000: A Detailed Comparison for Informed Photography Choices

In the realm of compact digital cameras, Olympus has long maintained a diverse lineup catering to a wide range of photographic needs, from rugged outdoor use to versatile superzoom versatility. The Olympus SP-800 UZ (announced February 2010) and the Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 (released July 2009) are two such offerings, each targeting different usage scenarios within the small-sensor compact category.

This comprehensive analysis provides a thorough technical and practical comparison between these two models, grounded in real-world testing experience. Our goal is to equip enthusiasts and professionals with the knowledge needed to determine which camera best serves their photographic ambitions and circumstances.

Physical Dimensions and Ergonomics: Comfort vs. Compactness

When evaluating handling and portability - two often-overlooked but critical factors - one must first consider the physical size and user interface design.

• Olympus SP-800 UZ: At 110 x 90 x 91 mm and weighing 455 grams, this model sits at the larger end of the compact category, owing primarily to its extensive zoom lens assembly. The body, constructed with a rigid plastic chassis, features a sculpted grip enhancing handhold stability for telephoto shooting. The bulk, while a potential encumbrance for travel or street work, translates to better balance when paired with longer focal lengths.

• Olympus Stylus Tough 8000: Extremely compact (95 x 62 x 22 mm) and lightweight (182 grams), this camera is designed for maximum portability with ruggedized housing. Its significantly thinner profile and smaller footprint excel in discrete shooting environments and active travel where pocketability is paramount.

Ergonomic Opinion: The SP-800 UZ offers superior comfort for extended handheld shooting, especially at telephoto ranges, due to its size and grip accommodations. Conversely, the Stylus Tough 8000 favors users prioritizing minimal weight and compactness, albeit at the cost of less substantial handling stability.

Top-View Control Layout and Interface: Operational Workflow Efficiency

Examining control placement and accessibility underpins how expediently users can navigate settings - crucial in dynamic shooting environments.

• SP-800 UZ employs a conventional layout with dedicated zoom toggle surrounding the shutter release, a mode dial with physical resistance, and buttons for playback, menu, and exposure compensation. The absence of manual exposure options reduces complexity but limits creative control.

• Stylus Tough 8000, by comparison, features a minimalist set of controls consistent with its rugged design focus. The shutter button and zoom lever are arranged ergonomically but the mode selection is limited, reflecting the camera’s fixed-automatic operational paradigm.

Operational Assessment: The SP-800 UZ's control scheme supports a more involved shooting experience with faster access to critical parameters, beneficial for enthusiasts demanding immediate adjustments. The Tough 8000 is optimized for straightforward, point-and-shoot usage.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Photographic Output

The sensor drives resolution, image noise behavior, dynamic range, and overall picture quality - metrics rigorously tested through standardized charts and real-world scenarios.

• Both cameras utilize 1/2.3" CCD sensors with very similar physical dimensions (SP-800 UZ: 6.17 x 4.55 mm vs. 8000: 6.08 x 4.56 mm).

• Resolution: SP-800 UZ captures 14 megapixels (4288 x 3216 pixels), slightly higher than the Tough 8000's 12 megapixels (3968 x 2976 pixels). This difference offers marginal advantage in cropping latitude and print enlargement.

• ISO Sensitivity: The SP-800 UZ reaches ISO 3200, whereas the Tough 8000 maxes out at ISO 1600. Both however yield noticeable noise above ISO 400 due to the small sensor size and CCD characteristics.

• Raw Support: Neither camera offers RAW capture, limiting post-processing flexibility - a significant drawback for image quality enthusiasts.

• Color Rendition and Detail Reproducibility: Both cameras exhibit similar color accuracy and detail reproduction under controlled lighting but show softness in corner resolution at wide apertures, particularly at telephoto extremes on the SP-800 UZ.

Image Quality Verdict: The SP-800 UZ does hold a slight edge in resolution and ISO range, beneficial for users prioritizing image detail versus the more limited optics on the Tough 8000. However, both are limited by their small sensors and lack of RAW files, constraining professional-grade output.

Display and User Interface: Monitoring and Playback Usability

A critical usability factor is the camera’s rear LCD for composing and reviewing images under varying ambient light.

• SP-800 UZ features a fixed 3.0-inch, 230k-dot screen. The larger display size aids framing, especially important given the absence of any viewfinder. However, its resolution and viewing angles are modest by modern standards.

• Stylus Tough 8000 offers a slightly smaller 2.7-inch screen at the same 230k dots. The Tough’s display is embedded within a sealed casing contributing to its environmental resistance but diminishes brightness and contrast.

User Experience: The SP-800 UZ provides a more comfortable viewing experience, advantageous for detailed composition and playback. The Tough 8000’s screen, while adequate, feels cramped in comparison and less visible in bright outdoor lighting.

Lens Systems and Optical Performance: Zoom Range and Aperture Influence

Lens characteristics underpin the versatility spectrum each camera can cover.

• SP-800 UZ: A standout feature is the 28-840 mm equivalent 30x optical zoom range with an aperture of F2.8-5.6. Such an extensive telephoto reach is rare in compact systems, enabling wildlife, sports, and distant landscape photography.

• Stylus Tough 8000: The lens offers 28-102 mm equivalent (3.6x) zoom at F3.5-5.1, decidedly more limited telephoto reach suited to general snapshots and landscapes.

• Macro Capability: SP-800 UZ can focus as close as 1 cm enabling intimate macro shooting with significant magnification, compared to 2 cm for the Tough 8000, though both lack dedicated macro enhancements such as focus stacking.

• Optical Stabilization: Both cameras employ sensor-shift image stabilization, crucial to counteract shake especially at the extended telephoto range of the SP-800 UZ.

Lens System Evaluation: The SP-800 UZ is a clear leader in versatility for diverse shooting conditions owing to superior zoom reach and a brighter aperture at wide angle. The Tough 8000 lens is restricted to wider focal lengths but benefits from simplicity and compactness.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Flexibility

Reliable autofocus (AF) is essential for sharp captures, more so with telephoto and action photography.

• SP-800 UZ utilizes contrast detection AF with 143 focus points allowing multi-area AF, and even limited tracking capabilities. However, AF speed is moderate and prone to hunting indoors or in low contrast scenes.

• Stylus Tough 8000 offers a more rudimentary contrast detection AF system with fewer focus area options and no tracking mode.

• Neither camera supports phase-detection AF or face/eye detection technologies, resulting in less predictive AF compared to modern standards.

Practical Implications: Users demanding fast, complex AF - such as wildlife or sports shooters - will find the SP-800 UZ’s expanded multi-area AF useful but not exemplary. The Tough 8000’s AF is best suited for static subjects and casual shooting scenarios.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds: Capturing Motion with Precision

• Burst shooting underpins action and wildlife photography.

• SP-800 UZ offers 10 frames per second continuous shooting (fps), notable among compact cameras. However, the buffer depth and AF performance during burst can limit practicality for sustained action sequences.

• Stylus Tough 8000 lacks continuous burst mode, evidencing a design philosophy centered on casual shooting.

• Shutter speed ranges are comparable (SP-800 UZ's 12 sec minimum to 1/2000 sec maximum, and Tough 8000's 1/4 sec to 1/2000 sec maximum), supporting reasonable flexibility for exposure control given the lack of manual modes.

Assessment: For photographers prioritizing capturing movement or fleeting moments, the SP-800 UZ offers a functional edge through its burst shooting capability.

Weather Resistance and Durability: Building for the Great Outdoors

For outdoor and travel photographers, a camera’s ability to withstand environmental challenges is crucial.

• Stylus Tough 8000 is engineered with environmental sealing, providing resistance to splash, dust, and modest weather conditions. While not fully waterproof or shockproof, it's a rugged choice for adventure travel and less-than-ideal shooting environments.

• SP-800 UZ lacks any form of weather sealing or ruggedization and should be sheltered from moisture and dust ingress.

Conclusion: Users frequently shooting in unpredictable or harsh environments benefit from the Tough 8000’s sealing features, enhancing reliability under adverse conditions.

Battery Life and Storage Media: Practical Considerations for Extended Use

• Olympus SP-800 UZ uses the Li-50B battery, common to many Olympus compacts, with estimated endurance suitable for around 350 shots per charge under typical use. Supports SD/SDHC cards with a single slot.

• Stylus Tough 8000 battery specifics are less clearly documented but given its compact size, expect shorter battery life (approximately 200-250 shots per charge). Compatible with xD Picture Card and microSD cards.

Storage media choice may impact workflow; SD cards are industry standard, widely available and inexpensive, whereas xD cards are less common and slower, posing potential bottlenecks for large data volumes.

Connectivity and Video Recording Capabilities

• Video: SP-800 UZ accommodates HD video recording at 1280 x 720 pixels, 30 fps using efficient H.264 compression, offering reasonably good quality for casual HD video use.

• Tough 8000 records lower resolution VGA (640 x 480) video in Motion JPEG format, which results in larger files with less quality.

• No microphones, headphone jacks, or advanced video features such as image stabilization in video modes exist on either camera.

• Connectivity: Both cameras lack Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and GPS, thus requiring USB 2.0 and external card readers for file transfer, limiting tethered and wireless workflow integration.

Real-World Photography Genre Evaluations

Portrait Photography

• SP-800 UZ benefits from higher resolution and macro focusing closer to 1 cm, facilitating tight headshots and detail capture. The lens’s modest aperture (F2.8 wide-angle) can yield softer background blur but lacks true shallow depth of field due to sensor size constraints.

• Stylus Tough 8000 with its smaller zoom range and slightly slower aperture is more limited; face detection and eye AF are not supported on either.

Landscape Photography

• SP-800 UZ’s longer zoom offers dynamic framing options; however, the lack of RAW and limited dynamic range restrict post-processing flexibility.

• Tough 8000’s rugged body is better suited for rough outdoor conditions.

Wildlife and Sports

• SP-800 UZ’s 30x zoom and burst speed advantage the camera for telephoto needs, but AF speed and tracking limitations temper effectiveness.

• Tough 8000 is unsuitable given limited zoom and slower AF.

Street Photography

• Tough 8000’s compact size and discreet design make it more suited for candid street work.

• SP-800 UZ's bulk and slower AF reduce spontaneity.

Macro Photography

• SP-800 UZ’s 1 cm macro focus and image stabilization provide superior close-up capability.

• Tough 8000 is acceptable but less flexible.

Night and Astro Photography

• Both are constrained by small sensors with limited high-ISO performance.

• Shutter speed ranges allow some manual control but lack the sophistication needed for prolonged astro shots.

Video Use

• SP-800 UZ’s HD video outperforming the Tough’s VGA capabilities makes it preferable for casual video work.

Travel Photography

• Tough 8000’s size, weight, and weather sealing make it a strong candidate.

• SP-800 UZ offers more zoom versatility but sacrifices compressibility.

Professional Workflows

• Neither camera supports RAW, tethered shooting, or advanced workflows; both are primarily consumer-grade.

Sample Imagery and Performance Ratings

[Imagery shows comparative sharpness, color fidelity, and noise levels highlighting the SP-800 UZ’s resolution edge but also its susceptibility to telephoto softness.]

[SP-800 UZ ranks higher for zoom versatility and burst speed; Tough 8000 scores better in ruggedness and portability.]

[The SP-800 UZ scores best in wildlife and sports, Tough 8000 excels in travel and street photography.]

Summary of Strengths and Limitations

Feature Area	Olympus SP-800 UZ	Olympus Stylus Tough 8000
Sensor Resolution	14 MP (Higher detail potential)	12 MP
Zoom Range	30x optical (28-840 mm equiv.)	3.6x optical (28-102 mm equiv.)
Lens Aperture	F2.8-5.6	F3.5-5.1
Image Stabilization	Sensor-shift IS	Sensor-shift IS
AF System	143-point contrast AF with tracking	Basic contrast AF
Burst Shooting Speed	Up to 10 fps	No burst mode
Weatherproofing	None	Environmental sealing
Video Capability	HD 720p, H.264	VGA, MJPEG
Display Size	3.0 inch LCD	2.7 inch LCD
Weight	455 g	182 g
Size	Larger, less portable	Compact, slim and lightweight
Raw Support	None	None
Connectivity	USB 2.0, HDMI	USB 2.0

Recommendations: Matching Models to User Needs

• Choose the Olympus SP-800 UZ if:

  • You require versatile zoom capabilities for wildlife, sports, or travel where long focal lengths are essential.
  • Burst shooting and better video resolution enhance your casual multimedia needs.
  • Moderate bulk and lack of weather sealing are acceptable trade-offs for expanded reach and controls.
  • You prioritize larger screen size for composition and playback.

• Choose the Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 if:

  • You need a highly portable, rugged companion camera for travel, street shooting, or active environments.
  • Long zoom and advanced features are less important than size, durability, and ease of use.
  • You shoot primarily in daylight with static subjects diminishing the impact of slower AF and burst absence.
  • Environmental sealing is critical for your outdoor photography.

Final Expert Notes on Comparative Evaluation

In testing each model extensively under standardized conditions - ranging from resolution charts, real-world landscapes, macro scenes, and action sequences - both cameras reveal their distinct design philosophies rather than head-to-head superiority. The SP-800 UZ emerges as a robust superzoom compact optimized for controlled, demanding photographic scenarios where zoom and burst frame rate matter most. Conversely, the Stylus Tough 8000 delivers a strong proposition for photographic enthusiasts prioritizing reliability, portability, and durability in casual use.

Neither camera fully meets professional standards due to sensor limitations, lack of manual exposure modes, and absence of RAW formats, constraining serious image editing workflows. Yet, each has carved a niche resonating with clearly defined user segments.

As technology and photographic expectations have shifted dramatically since their release, prospective buyers should carefully weigh the feature sets against current market offerings. However, for those valuing established Olympus engineering in compact formats without a premium price tag, the choice between these two models will largely hinge on the balance between zoom capacity versus rugged portability.

Whether for telephoto exploration or adventurous travel, understanding these cameras’ nuanced strengths and limitations fosters confident, rational purchasing aligned with genuine photographic intent.