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.

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.

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:

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.

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:

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:

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:

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:

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

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

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

Real-World Image Quality and Sample Outputs

Olympus SP 800 UZ front Olympus SP 800 UZ screen back Pentax H90 front Pentax H90 screen back

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!