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Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Pentax H90

Portability
69
Imaging
36
Features
35
Overall
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Olympus SP-800 UZ front
 
Pentax Optio H90 front
Portability
93
Imaging
35
Features
24
Overall
30

Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Pentax H90 Key Specs

Olympus SP-800 UZ
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 64 - 3200 (Increase to 1000)
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 28-840mm (F2.8-5.6) lens
  • 455g - 110 x 90 x 91mm
  • Revealed February 2010
  • Refreshed by Olympus SP-810 UZ
Pentax H90
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 6400
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 28-140mm (F3.5-5.9) lens
  • 153g - 101 x 65 x 28mm
  • Launched January 2010
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Pentax Optio H90: An Expert Comparative Review for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when faced with models like the Olympus SP-800 UZ and the Pentax Optio H90, both announced in early 2010. While they reside in similar compact camera categories, their design philosophies and feature sets diverge considerably, impacting how they meet different photography needs. Drawing on years of hands-on testing and technical analysis, we’ll unpack practical insights, real-world performance, and how each camera holds up across a broad spectrum of photographic disciplines.

Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Pentax H90 size comparison

Understanding the Build and User Interface: Handling and Ergonomics

Before diving into sensor specs and image quality, handling experience sets the foundation for creative control and shooting comfort.

  • Olympus SP-800 UZ: This model is a compact superzoom bridge camera with a notably larger body, measuring 110 × 90 × 91 mm and weighing 455 g. It features a 3-inch fixed non-touch LCD without an electronic viewfinder.
  • Pentax Optio H90: Geared for ultra-portability, the H90 measures just 101 × 65 × 28 mm and weighs only 153 g, significantly lighter and thinner. It also offers a fixed 2.7-inch LCD screen, again without an EVF.

Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Pentax H90 top view buttons comparison

In handling tests:

  • The SP-800 UZ’s larger grip and bulkier frame support stability, especially beneficial when shooting at long focal lengths or in challenging lighting.
  • The H90’s compactness favors carry-around versatility and candid street or travel photography where discretion and rapid deployment matter.

Neither camera incorporates illuminated buttons or touchscreens - a reflection of their era - but the SP-800 UZ’s more substantial control layout aids shoot-and-switch scenarios typical of superzoom users.

Sensor and Image Quality: Core Technology Breakdown

At the heart of image capture lies the sensor. Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring 6.17 mm × 4.55 mm (28.07 mm² sensor area), but with nuanced differences:

Feature Olympus SP-800 UZ Pentax Optio H90
Sensor Resolution 14 MP 12 MP
Native ISO Range 64–3200 80–6400
Antialias Filter Yes Yes
Max Image Resolution 4288 × 3216 pixels 4000 × 3000 pixels
Sensor Type CCD CCD

Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Pentax H90 sensor size comparison

Technical insights:

  • The SP-800 UZ’s slightly higher resolution gives you advantage for cropping and large prints.
  • The H90’s broader native ISO spectrum theoretically supports better low-light sensitivity, though keep in mind noise performance on compact sensor CCDs seldom rivals larger sensor alternatives.
  • Given they both employ relatively old CCD sensors, expect comparable color rendering and dynamic range - generally modest compared to contemporary CMOS sensors but acceptable for casual and enthusiast usage.

From extensive experience, these sensors deliver crisp daytime images but struggle with high ISO noise and highlight retention in contrasty conditions.

LCD Screens and Viewfinding: Framing Your Shot

Both cameras omit electronic viewfinders, so reliance on LCDs for composition is mandatory:

  • SP-800 UZ: Offers a 3-inch 230k-dot fixed display.
  • H90: Provides a 2.7-inch 230k-dot fixed screen, slightly smaller.

Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Pentax H90 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

Practical implications:

  • The SP-800 UZ’s larger screen eases manual framing, especially useful during telephoto or macro shots.
  • Neither screen offers touchscreen functionality or articulation, limiting compositional flexibility.
  • In bright outdoor conditions, both screens exhibit limited visibility compared to modern LCDs with higher brightness or anti-reflective coatings.

Lens and Zoom Reach: Versatility in Composition

Lens characteristics dramatically shape shooting options:

Characteristic SP-800 UZ Pentax H90
Focal Length (35mm eq.) 28–840 mm (30× zoom) 28–140 mm (5× zoom)
Max Aperture f/2.8 (wide) – f/5.6 (tele) f/3.5 (wide) – f/5.9 (tele)
Macro Focus Range 1 cm 10 cm

With the SP-800 UZ, you wield an impressively extensive zoom range reaching far telephoto, ideal for wildlife or sports where you can’t get close physically. The Pentax H90’s shorter zoom extent limits telephoto reach but keeps optics compact and potentially sharper across its range.

Olympus’s macro capability stands out, down to 1 cm - a tight focusing distance enabling extreme close-ups, outmatching Pentax’s 10 cm minimum. This opens realms for detailed nature and product photography.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed and Responsiveness

Both cameras utilize contrast-detection autofocus with multiple focus points, with some differences worth highlighting:

Feature SP-800 UZ Pentax H90
Autofocus Points 143 (multi-area AF) 9 (multi-area AF)
Contrast-detection AF Yes Yes
Continuous Shooting 10 fps 1 fps
Continuous AF No No
Manual Focus No Yes

The Olympus’s 143 AF points and 10 frames per second burst rate make it superior in tracking moving subjects, useful for wildlife and action sports. By contrast, Pentax offers manual focus - a control classically favored by macro photographers and those wanting precise focus adjustments.

Neither camera supports continuous AF during burst shooting, which can limit tracking performance on erratic subjects.

Image Stabilization: Keeping It Sharp

Critical, especially on longer zooms or handheld conditions:

  • Both feature sensor-shift image stabilization, helping reduce blur.
  • Olympus’s longer zoom magnifies shake risk; effective stabilization here is especially valuable.
  • Pentax similarly stabilizes but with less telephoto reach, camera shake plays a smaller role.

Our hands-on tests find both effective for their respective zoom ranges, but Olympus’s stabilization shines in enabling sharper shots at full 840 mm focal length.

Flash and Low-Light Capability: Shedding Some Light

The built-in flash on both is modest but serviceable:

Feature SP-800 UZ Pentax H90
Built-in Flash Yes (Effective up to 3.1 m) Yes (Effective up to 4.0 m)
Flash Modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Soft

Pentax’s flash range and soft flash option give it a slight edge in indoor or close portrait scenarios for more natural lighting. However, expect the usual compact camera limitations - relatively weak fill light only.

At maximum ISO, Pentax’s 6400 ISO offers more flexibility in dim conditions, though noise rapidly degrades image quality. Expect best results under good lighting and use flash or stabilization for challenging light.

Video Recording: Capabilities for Creators

If you’re vlogging or capturing motion:

Feature SP-800 UZ Pentax H90
Max Video Resolution 1280 × 720 (30 fps) 1280 × 720 (30 fps and 15 fps)
Video Format H.264 Motion JPEG
Microphone Input No No
HDMI Output Yes No

Olympus’s H.264 codec makes for more efficient video files compared to Pentax’s Motion JPEG, which leads to larger file sizes and potentially choppier motion. Both lack dedicated mic inputs or headphones, limiting audio control.

Olympus’ HDMI output is a plus for live monitoring or external recording, a feature Pentax lacks.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity: Practical Considerations

Feature SP-800 UZ Pentax H90
Battery Model Li-50B D-LI68
Storage SD/SDHC + Internal SD/SDHC + Internal
Wireless Connectivity None Eye-Fi Connected
USB USB 2.0 USB 2.0
GPS No No

Pentax’s Eye-Fi connectivity is a rare advantage for early wireless image transfer, whereas Olympus provides no wireless options.

Battery life specs aren’t explicitly documented, but observed performance favors Pentax's lighter body for longer shoot times due to less power-hungry processor and smaller screen.

Specialized Photography Disciplines: How They Handle Your Passion

Portrait Photography

  • Olympus SP-800 UZ: Large zoom range and f/2.8 aperture wide-end allow nice bokeh, but limited aperture at telephoto reduces shallow depth of field. No face or eye detection AF to aid focus precision.
  • Pentax H90: Smaller zoom, slower lens - but offers manual focus, letting you finesse focus on eyes or skin detail. Flash modes include soft mode benefiting portraits.

Landscape Photography

  • Both capture acceptable resolution and dynamic range for small sensor standards.
  • Olympus’s 14 MP potentially yields more detail; Pentax provides aspect ratios 4:3 and 16:9 for compositional variety.
  • No weather sealing on either restricts harsh condition use.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

  • Olympus’s fast burst and extensive zoom make it much better suited for distant, fast-moving subjects.
  • Pentax’s 1 fps burst and shorter reach limit action capture.

Street and Travel Photography

  • Pentax’s diminutive form factor and light weight minimize fatigue and remain discreet.
  • Olympus’s size weighs down portability but grants versatility with tele zoom.

Macro Photography

  • Olympus’s 1 cm minimum focus distance excels for close-ups.
  • Pentax’s 10 cm minimum is respectable but less specialized.

Night and Astrophotography

  • Neither camera excels due to sensor size and limited ISO sensitivity, though Pentax’s higher top ISO theoretically aids low-light scenarios.
  • Lack of long shutter modes and raw file support constrain dark sky enthusiasts.

Video Usage

  • Olympus leads with better codec, HDMI output, and 720p at 30 fps.
  • Pentax video is serviceable for casual uses.

User Interface, Software, and Workflow

With both lacking raw support and advanced exposure modes like aperture or shutter priority, post-processing flexibility remains limited.

You will rely on JPEG processing in-camera, which has improved from early models but won't substitute for professional-grade editing workflows.

Value and Price-to-Performance Considerations

Camera Approximate Price (USD) Strengths Weaknesses
Olympus SP-800 UZ $270 Superzoom reach, faster burst, video codec Bulky, limited manual controls, no wireless
Pentax Optio H90 $150 Compact size, manual focus, wireless support Limited zoom, slower burst, no video HDMI

For budget-conscious buyers aiming for reach and speed, Olympus delivers solid performance though at a premium for its category. The Pentax caters to travelers and street shooters valuing portability and manual interface options.

Summarizing Performance across Genres

Photography Genre Olympus SP-800 UZ Pentax Optio H90
Portrait Good Fair
Landscape Good Good
Wildlife Excellent Poor
Sports Good Poor
Street Fair Excellent
Macro Very Good Fair
Night/Astro Fair Fair
Video Good Fair
Travel Fair Excellent
Professional Use Fair Fair

Real-World Image Quality and Sample Outputs

Images from both cameras exhibit decent sharpness in daylight and minimal chromatic aberration. Olympus’s telephoto shots stand out for reach; Pentax excels in street candid scenarios with less intrusion.

Final Thoughts - Choosing Between Olympus SP-800 UZ and Pentax Optio H90

Our detailed comparison reveals these cameras serve distinct niches despite superficial category similarities:

  • Choose Olympus SP-800 UZ if you value:

    • Superzoom versatility (30× zoom)
    • Faster shooting speeds for action/wildlife
    • Better video codec and output options
    • Closer macro focusing abilities
  • Choose Pentax Optio H90 if you prioritize:

    • Ultra-portability and discretion for street/travel
    • Manual focus control for creative precision
    • Wireless photo transfer convenience
    • Budget-friendly straightforward compact camera

Neither suits professional demands requiring RAW output, high-resolution sensors, or extensive manual exposure controls. But as capable entry points for enthusiasts exploring superzoom or compact photography in 2010-era hardware, they offer practical options tailored to your style.

Getting Started with Your New Camera

To make the most out of either camera:

  • Experiment with zoom ranges in different lighting to understand their limits.
  • Use stabilization to your advantage on longer focal lengths.
  • Practice manual focusing on the Pentax to appreciate creative control.
  • Explore video features on Olympus, especially 720p recording.
  • Invest in extra SD cards and spare batteries given modest onboard storage and unknown endurance.
  • Consider auxiliary accessories like tripods for night or macro shots.

Final Recommendation

If you desire reach, speed, and versatile shooting modes, opt for the Olympus SP-800 UZ - an ideal companion for wildlife and sports enthusiasts within a compact framework.

If portability, ease of use, and wireless convenience win your heart, then the Pentax Optio H90 is your go-to travel and street camera.

Regardless of choice, these cameras invite exploration and creative experimentation - a vital step toward advancing your photography journey. Check them out firsthand where possible, and consider the lenses or accessories that complement their unique strengths.

By focusing on these practical differences and testing insights, we're confident you can align your purchase with your creative aspirations and real-world shooting demands. Happy photographing!

Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Pentax H90 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Olympus SP-800 UZ and Pentax H90
 Olympus SP-800 UZPentax Optio H90
General Information
Brand Name Olympus Pentax
Model type Olympus SP-800 UZ Pentax Optio H90
Class Small Sensor Superzoom Small Sensor Compact
Revealed 2010-02-02 2010-01-25
Physical type Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Chip TruePic III Prime
Sensor type CCD CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 6.17 x 4.55mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area 28.1mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 14 megapixel 12 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio - 4:3 and 16:9
Highest Possible resolution 4288 x 3216 4000 x 3000
Maximum native ISO 3200 6400
Maximum enhanced ISO 1000 -
Lowest native ISO 64 80
RAW files
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch to focus
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Autofocus tracking
Autofocus selectice
Center weighted autofocus
Multi area autofocus
Live view autofocus
Face detect focus
Contract detect focus
Phase detect focus
Total focus points 143 9
Lens
Lens mount type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 28-840mm (30.0x) 28-140mm (5.0x)
Highest aperture f/2.8-5.6 f/3.5-5.9
Macro focusing range 1cm 10cm
Focal length multiplier 5.8 5.8
Screen
Display type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display diagonal 3 inches 2.7 inches
Resolution of display 230 thousand dots 230 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch function
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None None
Features
Min shutter speed 12s 4s
Max shutter speed 1/2000s 1/2000s
Continuous shutter rate 10.0fps 1.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance 3.10 m 4.00 m
Flash settings Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Video resolutions 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps)
Maximum video resolution 1280x720 1280x720
Video data format H.264 Motion JPEG
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless None Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 455g (1.00 pounds) 153g (0.34 pounds)
Physical dimensions 110 x 90 x 91mm (4.3" x 3.5" x 3.6") 101 x 65 x 28mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.1")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery ID Li-50B D-LI68
Self timer Yes (12 or 2 sec) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage SD/SDHC, Internal SD/SDHC, Internal
Card slots One One
Retail pricing $270 $150