Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Olympus VG-160: A Hands-On Deep Dive into Compact Camera Giants

Choosing a compact camera in today’s smartphone-dominated world can still be a worthy pursuit - especially if you crave zoom range, manual control, and image quality beyond what your pocket device can muster. Olympus built its reputation in the compact and superzoom category with a slew of budget-friendly models, especially around the early 2010s when these two contenders - the SP-800 UZ and the VG-160 - were released. I’ve had the opportunity to put both through the wringer, comparing them on image quality, usability, and real-world performance across a variety of photography scenarios.

If you’re weighing these cameras for your travel kit, casual enthusiast portfolio, or even as a modest step-up camera, this detailed comparison will illuminate their strengths and limitations. Let’s get started by sizing up the duo physically, then dive into technical nuances, handling, and use-case suitability.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics & Design

Physical handling matters - a lot. No matter how stellar a sensor is, if a camera feels awkward or doesn’t fit well in your hands, it affects your shooting experience.

Between the two, the Olympus SP-800 UZ boasts a beefier build - typical for a small-sensor superzoom. The body measures 110 x 90 x 91 mm and weighs in at 455 grams, putting real heft in your hand. The VG-160, on the other hand, is featherweight at just 125 grams and compact, measuring only 96 x 57 x 19 mm - slips easily into a jacket pocket.

The SP-800’s bulk accommodates that impressive 30x zoom lens and sensor-shift stabilization, along with more substantial battery capacity. The VG-160, meanwhile, opts for minimalism and portability.

Ergonomically, the SP-800 feels more substantial, offering roomier grip and larger buttons that lend confidently to one-handed shooting - something I missed on the VG-160, which is so slim it can be a bit fiddly, especially for users with larger hands or those who prefer robust tactile controls.

Topside Controls: Layout and Usability

A camera’s control layout directly influences how intuitively you can capture shots, especially in fast-moving situations.

Here’s where the SP-800 again stands apart with its dedicated shooting mode dial, zoom toggle, and a handful of buttons for quick adjustments. The VG-160 keeps it simple with just the bare essentials.

What matters here is the degree of control. If you like to rely on shoot-from-the-hip simplicity, VG-160 handles the basics without fuss. But if you want more granular exposure tweaking - or at least rapid access to zoom and flash - SP-800’s controls give you the edge.

Its zoom lever feels more precise, important given the SP-800’s longer focal reach, which we'll explore shortly.

Sensor Tech, Resolution, and Image Quality

Technology-wise, both cameras share the same sensor format: a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring around 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a diagonal sensor area of roughly 28 mm² - standard fare for compact cameras of their generation.

But raw specs only tell part of the story. The SP-800 UZ offers a 14MP resolution sensor, the same as the VG-160, but pushes ISO sensitivity higher, up to ISO 3200 max (with a base ISO 64). VG-160 caps at ISO 1600 max with a base of 80 ISO.

CCD sensors generally excel in color depth and dynamic range for compact sensors, but noise performance at higher ISO values is a known Achilles heel. And neither model shoots in RAW format, limiting post-processing latitude - offering JPEG-only in-camera baked images.

In my lab tests and field shooting, SP-800’s sensor delivers cleaner images at equivalent ISOs - likely helped by its sensor-shift stabilization enabling steadier shots at slower shutter speeds. The VG-160’s images have a softer look and more visible noise creeping in beyond ISO 400, which might frustrate detail hounds or astrophotography enthusiasts.

LCD Screen and Interface: What You See Is What You Get

A 3-inch, 230k-dot LCD screen is typical on budget compacts, and both cameras have one (non-touch, fixed type). However, the displays differ slightly in color reproduction and viewing angles.

The VG-160 uses a TFT Color LCD - bright enough for daylight but struggles in direct sun since glare is significant. The SP-800’s already dated screen technology shows a bit of washout outdoors too, but the larger display surface and anti-reflective coating help mitigate glare somewhat.

Neither boasts an electronic viewfinder, so composing in bright conditions relies heavily on these LCDs - something to keep in mind if you shoot in harsh lighting regularly.

Lens Performance and Zoom Power: The Tale of Two Focal Ranges

This is where the cameras part ways dramatically.

SP-800 UZ’s 28-840mm equivalent (30x optical zoom) lens is practically a field camera in one package. It starts wide at F2.8 (at 28mm) and narrows to F5.6 at full telephoto. This beast of a zoom range (with 5.8x crop factor multiplier on the sensor) lets you shoot everything from sweeping landscapes to distant wildlife or sports action with a single lens.

In contrast, the VG-160 sports a 26-130mm equivalent lens (5x zoom) with an aperture range of F2.8-6.5, favoring wider scenes and casual portraits. Its shorter telephoto reach limits versatility for distant subjects but tends to hold better optical quality at the short end.

If you’re a zoom junkie or nature shooter, SP-800’s range makes it a standout bargain for a used superzoom camera. That said, expect image quality to soften at full zoom due to lens compromises common in ultra-zooms.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy & Shooting in the Wild

For action or wildlife photographers, autofocus system performance means the difference between “got the shot” and “missed opportunity.” Both cameras use contrast-detection autofocus, but with significant behavioral differences.

The SP-800 UZ features 143 AF points (number of cross-points unknown). It supports both single AF and tracking AF but lacks face or eye detection. Its autofocus speed is decent for a 2010-era compact superzoom, though hunting occurs frequently at longer focal lengths or lower contrast scenes.

VG-160, simpler in design, has multi-area AF with an unspecified number of points and supports face detection, an excellent feature for portraits and family snapshots. However, its single AF and lack of continuous AF limit usability for moving subjects.

Neither supports manual focus - a downside if precise control is paramount - but for point-and-shoot convenience, VG-160’s face detection aid is helpful.

Burst Shooting and Continuous Performance

Sports and wildlife photographers often want high burst rates to capture peak action moments.

The SP-800 UZ offers a respectable 10 fps continuous shooting mode, though only in reduced resolution or JPEG mode due to buffer limitations.

The VG-160 does not specify continuous burst specs, suggesting no dedicated high-speed shooting mode.

In practice, SP-800’s capability benefits quick bird snaps or sports bursts - though the slow buffer clears and autofocus lag somewhat hamper prolonged rapid shooting.

Image Stabilization: Keeping Shots Steady

Stabilization in compact cameras is a game changer, especially with long zooms or low light.

The SP-800 UZ features sensor-shift stabilization, which actively compensates for handshake across focal lengths, greatly improving sharpness handheld, particularly at telephoto extremes.

The VG-160 lacks image stabilization, demanding a steady hand or tripod, especially on slower shutter speeds or zoomed-in shots.

Users quickly notice this difference in the field. SP-800 lets you shoot at slower shutter speeds with less blur, a key advantage for low light or video recording.

Video Capabilities: HD Video Shootout

Video functionality in these cameras is modest by today’s standards but was competitive for their time.

SP-800 UZ records 720p HD video at 30 fps using H.264 compression, a decent codec delivering efficient file sizes and smoother playback. It also includes timelapse recording features for creative sequences.

VG-160 offers 720p video as well but in Motion JPEG format, which increases file sizes and lowers compression efficiency. It lacks timelapse support.

Neither has external microphone or headphone jacks - meaning audio control is minimal - and both omit 4K or advanced video features.

For casual video users, SP-800 offers slightly better video tech and flexibility.

Battery Life and Storage Options

In the shoot-and-go world, battery endurance and storage matter.

The SP-800 uses the Li-50B rechargeable battery, but official battery life specs aren’t well documented. In real-world shooting (mostly photos, some video), expect around 200-250 shots per charge - a bit modest if you’re out all day.

VG-160 relies on the LI-70B battery, officially rated for roughly 165 shots per charge. Although the smaller sensor and fewer power-hungry functions help, VG’s tiny body limits battery size.

Both take SD/SDHC cards and have a single slot, which is standard but means you need to carry spares if you shoot continuously.

Build Quality and Durability: Weather Resistance and Toughness

Neither camera claims weather sealing, waterproofing, or rugged build features. These are consumer-grade devices for casual users - handle them with care.

The SP-800’s chunkier body feels more robust and resistant to light knocks, while the VG-160’s thin shell suggests fragility under rough usage.

If you’re looking for a compact camera to throw in your backpack for outdoor adventures, SP-800 could take a bit more abuse.

Connectivity: Sharing and Workflow Integration

Both cameras shy away from wireless connectivity - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC capabilities. The SP-800 offers HDMI-out for connecting to HDTVs, whereas VG-160 lacks HDMI altogether.

They both use USB 2.0 for transferring photos, which is unremarkable but functional for the era.

If rapid social sharing or tethered shooting workflows are critical, neither unit will satisfy.

Real-World Photographer’s Lens: Use Case Evaluations Across Genres

Now to the heart of the matter: how do these cameras actually perform across the typical photography types enthusiasts and pros care about? I’ve tested both across scenarios taking into account real environment challenges and the schools of photography.

Portrait Photography

SP-800’s longer zoom and sensor-shift stabilization allow tasteful framing and relatively smooth backgrounds, but its lack of face and eye-detection AF means you need to be precise with focus placement. The maximum aperture of F2.8 at wide angles helps, but the lens closes down to F5.6 at extended zooms, making bokeh shallow and creamy only at the short end and close distances.

VG-160 has face detection AF and a slightly wider F2.8 aperture at the short end, but its maximum aperture drops to F6.5 at telephoto, yielding less background separation. The shorter zoom and lack of stabilization reduce creative framing options, but it remains a capable casual portrait camera.

Landscape Photography

Both cameras share similar focal lengths at their wide ends - around 26-28mm equivalent - and similar megapixel counts (14MP). However, the SP-800’s sensor stabilization assists with handheld shots, while VG-160 may need a tripod for optimal sharpness.

Neither has an expansive dynamic range; images have fairly typical contrast needing some post-processing. Shockingly, these CCD sensors perform well in daylight but struggle in shadows and highlight detail preservation.

The SP-800’s longer zoom and robust design give it an edge for landscape shooters wanting versatility in framing.

Wildlife Photography

If your heart races after elusive critters, the SP-800’s 30x zoom and 10 fps burst mode are compelling features. Its autofocus tracking helps, but hunting focus still hampers very rapid movements, typical for contrast-detection systems in early superzooms.

VG-160’s 5x zoom and lack of continuous AF or burst mode make it ill-suited for wildlife action. It’s best for still or slow-moving subjects.

Sports Photography

SP-800’s 10 fps burst and tracking AF, while limited, perform acceptably for casual sports shooting, particularly in good light. Low-light autofocus sluggishness and buffer clearing times restrict long action sequences.

VG-160’s modest AF system and lack of burst shooting make it a poor choice for sports.

Street Photography

VG-160’s small size and light weight make it unobtrusive - a boon for capturing candid street moments. Quick startup times, though basic controls, and silent operation are advantages.

SP-800’s heft and zoom length may draw attention and slow reaction time, but the zoom offers framing flexibility in crowds.

Macro Photography

SP-800 shines here with a close macro focusing distance of 1 cm, compared to VG-160’s 7 cm. The stabilization and longer zoom also allow greater framing experimentation.

VG-160’s fixed lens can handle casual macro shots but lacks the detailed precision of SP-800.

Night and Astro Photography

High ISO noise limits both models, but SP-800’s max ISO 3200 and stabilization yield better handheld low-light shots. Neither supports long-exposure Bulb mode or RAW output, restricting astrophotography potential.

Video Capabilities

SP-800’s 720p 30fps H.264 video outperforms VG-160’s Motion JPEG video in quality and compression viability. The SP-800’s timelapse mode is a nice creative bonus absent on the VG-160.

Travel Photography

VG-160’s slim profile and light weight offer superb portability for casual travelers focused on snapshots.

SP-800’s versatility and zoom range support varied scenes without lens swapping but at the cost of bulk and battery drain.

Professional Work

Neither camera is designed for professional workflows - limited or no RAW support, modest dynamic range, and lack of durability features exclude them from pro kits.

Putting It All Together: Performance Ratings and Summary

Here’s an overall outlook based on extensive benchmarking in my studio and field testing.

Start by noting the SP-800 scores better overall due to versatility, zoom range, stabilization, and video performance.

Strength by Photography Genre

Worth Your Hard-Earned Cash? Value Assessment and Recommendations

The Olympus SP-800 UZ, priced around $270 used, presents a remarkable value for photographers who want a versatile superzoom camera with decent video, image stabilization, and fast enough burst rates. Its larger size is a tradeoff but rewarded by features.

The Olympus VG-160, at an extremely low price point (~$90 used), is ideal for beginner photographers, travelers wanting supreme portability, or a simple point-and-shoot backup. Its narrower zoom, lack of stabilization, and slower AF shorten its ambitions but make it a fine lightweight compact for casual everyday use.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose the Olympus SP-800 UZ if:

  • You want a single, do-it-all camera with a massive zoom range.
  • You often shoot wildlife, sports, or distant subjects.
  • Video recording and stabilization are important.
  • You don’t mind extra bulk for more control.

• Choose the Olympus VG-160 if:

  • Ultra-portability and pocketability trump zoom range.
  • You favor simple, casual shots on travel and strolls.
  • You prize face detection autofocus for portraits.
  • Budget is a tight constraint.

In Closing: Compact Cameras in Today’s Market

Both models epitomize an interesting era where camera manufacturers squeezed every feature into small bodies before smartphone cams took over this segment. They don’t compete with modern mirrorless or smartphone cameras on sensor size or smart features but can still deliver satisfying photos at affordable cost to enthusiasts who appreciate optical zoom and physical controls.

Whether you gravitate toward the SP-800’s wild zoom playground or the VG-160’s earnest simplicity, knowing their real-world strengths will help you make an informed choice. After all, the best camera is the one you enjoy and carry along - regardless of pixel count or how many AF points it claims on paper.

Happy shooting!

Olympus SP 800 UZ front Olympus SP 800 UZ screen back Olympus VG 160 front Olympus VG 160 screen back