Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Sony RX10 IV: An Expert Comparison of Two Superzoom Cameras

In the realm of superzoom cameras, choosing the ideal model hinges on understanding the balance between sensor size, lens versatility, autofocus sophistication, and real-world usability under varied photographic disciplines. Here, we offer a comprehensive examination of two distinctly different superzoom cameras: the Olympus SP-800 UZ, a compact small-sensor bridge camera from 2010 known for its extensive zoom range, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV, a more recent large-sensor flagship bridge camera launched in 2017 with high-end features. This comparison draws extensively on hands-on experience, technical analysis, and real-world testing to provide a critical, evidence-based resource for photography enthusiasts and professionals.

Physical Dimensions and Handling: Ergonomics for the Field

Ergonomic considerations profoundly affect shooting comfort, especially with cameras intended for travel, wildlife, and sports photography where prolonged use is routine.

• Olympus SP-800 UZ: Compact with a body size measuring 110x90x91 mm and weighing just 455 g, this model is notably light and pocketable relative to its zoom range. The fixed 3” screen (230k-dot resolution) is non-articulating and fixed type, limiting flexibility in shooting angles.
• Sony RX10 IV: Exhibiting an SLR-like bridge form factor, the RX10 IV measures 133x94x145 mm and weighs significantly more at 1095 g. This weight and bulk reflect its larger sensor and extended feature set. It incorporates a 3” tilting touchscreen LCD with 1440k-dot resolution and a high-resolution electronic OLED viewfinder (2.36m-dot, 100% coverage).

Ergonomic Verdict: For photographers prioritizing portability and lighter setups, the Olympus SP-800 UZ is less cumbersome, but it sacrifices advanced handling features. The Sony RX10 IV's larger grip and customizable controls cater to professional demands at the expense of size and weight. This tradeoff distinctly impacts field usability, notably for extended wildlife or sports shoots where hand fatigue accumulates.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Photographic Output

Sensor technology directly correlates with image quality, low-light ability, dynamic range, and depth of field control.

• Olympus SP-800 UZ:

  • Sensor: 1/2.3" CCD sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm), total sensor area ~28.07 mm²
  • Resolution: 14 MP (4288 x 3216 pixels)
  • ISO Range: Native 64-3200 (no raw support)
  • Sensor type and size inherently limit dynamic range and noise performance, especially at higher ISOs.

• Sony RX10 IV:

  • Sensor: 1" BSI-CMOS sensor (13.2 x 8.8 mm), sensor area 116.16 mm² (over 4x larger than Olympus)
  • Resolution: 20 MP (5472 x 3648 pixels)
  • ISO Range: Native 125-12800, expandable to 64-25600 (raw support included)
  • BSI technology improves high ISO performance and enhances dynamic range significantly.

Technical Analysis: The Sony’s larger sensor provides a clear advantage in capturing nuanced details, rendering smooth gradation, and achieving cleaner high ISO images suitable for low-light and night photography. The Olympus CCD sensor, while adequate for daylight shooting, shows visible noise and limited latitude in darker shadows. Additionally, the RX10 IV supports raw file output, an indispensable format for professionals requiring maximum post-processing control.

Lens and Zoom Capability: Reach Versus Optical Quality

Lens system and zoom range are pivotal in a superzoom camera, dictating framing flexibility and optical fidelity.

• Olympus SP-800 UZ:

  • Fixed lens with an ultra-telephoto zoom range of 28-840 mm equivalent (30x optical zoom)
  • Aperture ranges F2.8 at wide end to F5.6 at telephoto
  • Macro focusing down to 1 cm, exceptional for close-up shooting but limited by sensor resolution.

• Sony RX10 IV:

  • Fixed zoom lens spanning 24-600 mm equivalent (25x optical zoom)
  • Faster maximum aperture: F2.4 wide to F4 telephoto
  • Macro minimum focus distance approximately 3 cm; superior optical quality due to high-performance Zeiss optics and advanced coatings.

Lens and Zoom Appraisal: While the Olympus has the edge in zoom reach, it compromises on maximum aperture and optical quality. The Sony’s lens delivers better sharpness across the zoom range and faster apertures, enhancing low-light versatility and depth of field control. The slight loss in zoom range is compensated by improved image quality and brighter apertures essential for professional applications.

Autofocus Systems: Precision, Speed, and Tracking

Shooting fast-moving subjects or capturing fleeting street moments demands a reliable and responsive autofocus system.

• Olympus SP-800 UZ:

  • Contrast-detection AF with 143 focus points
  • Single-shot and limited continuous AF modes; no phase detection AF
  • No manual focus capability; AF tracking present but rudimentary
  • No face or eye-detection AF

• Sony RX10 IV:

  • Hybrid AF: 315 phase-detection points combined with contrast detection
  • Face and eye detection for humans and animals, essential in portrait and wildlife contexts
  • Touch-assisted AF and continuous AF tracking with selectable focus areas
  • Manual focus support with focus peaking and precise focus aids

Performance Note: The Sony RX10 IV’s cutting-edge hybrid AF enables rapid, accurate focus acquisition and sustained tracking of erratic subjects, critical for wildlife, sports, and street photography. The Olympus system is comparatively basic, adequate for static subjects but prone to hunting in low light or with moving subjects, and struggles with fine focus control given the absence of manual focus.

Continuous Shooting and Shutter Performance

Burst shooting speed significantly impacts action photography disciplines such as sports and wildlife.

• Olympus SP-800 UZ:

  • Maximum burst rate: 10 fps (frames per second)
  • Shutter range 1/12 - 1/2000 s
  • Lacks silent electronic shutter

• Sony RX10 IV:

  • Exceptionally fast continuous shooting up to 24 fps with AF tracking
  • Wider shutter range, including ultra-fast electronic shutter speeds up to 1/32000s silent mode
  • Full manual exposure modes, aperture and shutter priority

Usability Insight: The Sony’s superior burst speed and shutter versatility make it markedly better for pro-level sports, wildlife, and candid street photography. Olympus’s more limited shutter speeds and burst rates cannot compete with the responsiveness and subtlety needed for high-tempo sequences.

Viewfinder and LCD Interface: Composing and Reviewing Images

Accurate framing and image review quality are critical for workflow efficiency and reducing missed shots.

• Olympus SP-800 UZ:

  • No electronic viewfinder; composition via fixed 3" LCD (230k dots)
  • No touch interface; menu navigation relies on physical buttons
  • Limited live-view functionality with no touchscreen control

• Sony RX10 IV:

  • High-resolution OLED electronic viewfinder (2359k dots, 100% coverage)
  • 3" tilting touchscreen LCD (1440k dots) supporting touch focus and menu navigation
  • Menu and control customization aids speed in diverse shooting scenarios

Interface Commentary: The Sony RX10 IV’s electronic viewfinder and touchscreen greatly enhance usability in bright conditions and for precise focusing. The Olympus lacks these modern conveniences, making it cumbersome in bright daylight and restricting compositional flexibility for complex angles.

Video Capabilities: 4K Readiness and Stabilization

Modern hybrid shooters demand robust video features alongside stills performance.

• Olympus SP-800 UZ:

  • HD video capture capped at 1280x720 @ 30 fps; older H.264 codec
  • Sensor-shift image stabilization benefits handheld video stability
  • No external mic input; limited manual video controls

• Sony RX10 IV:

  • Supports 4K UHD (3840x2160) up to 30p with advanced XAVC S codec
  • Full HD video at 60p, 24p, slow sync flash options
  • Optical SteadyShot image stabilization optimized for video
  • External microphone and headphone jacks enable professional audio monitoring

Video Evaluation: The RX10 IV stands as a compelling video tool, delivering pro-level codec support, 4K capture, and comprehensive audio inputs, positioning it as a hybrid shooter’s powerhouse. Olympus’s video functions suit casual users but are insufficient for professional or serious videography demands.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

Long shooting sessions require dependable battery performance and flexible storage.

• Olympus SP-800 UZ:

  • Uses Li-50B battery; official battery life unspecified but generally modest due to older tech
  • Single SD/SDHC card slot and internal flash memory
  • USB 2.0 support; HDMI output present but limited

• Sony RX10 IV:

  • Utilizes NP-FW50 battery, rated for approximately 400 shots per charge
  • Single slot supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick variants
  • USB, HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC for robust connectivity including wireless tethering

Practicality Assessment: Sony’s RX10 IV excels in connectivity and battery life, enabling extended shoots and integration with mobile workflows. Olympus’s simpler options constrain professional workflows and tethering capabilities, highlighting its beginner or casual user stance.

Durability and Environmental Protection

Weather resistance is a decisive factor for outdoor, travel, and wildlife photographers.

• Olympus SP-800 UZ:

  • No environmental sealing or dust/water resistance
  • Lightweight compact build prioritizes portability over ruggedness

• Sony RX10 IV:

  • Full weather sealing against dust and moisture ingress
  • More robust build designed for field reliability in challenging conditions

Performance Scores and Genre-Specific Evaluation

Analyzing comprehensive performance metrics alongside genre suitability yields clarity on practical strengths.

• Portraits: Sony’s superior sensor, eye-detection AF, and wider aperture produce better skin tone rendition, subject isolation, and focus precision.
• Landscape: RX10 IV’s dynamic range and weather sealing make it ideal for diverse outdoor conditions; Olympus is usable but limited in resolution and sensor capacity.
• Wildlife: RX10 IV’s rapid AF, burst, and telephoto reach serve best; Olympus zoom range impressive but focus and sensor constraints reduce effectiveness.
• Sports: High frame rate and AF tracking favor Sony exclusively.
• Street: SP-800 UZ’s smaller size is advantageous for discreet shooting.
• Macro: Both offer good close-focusing, with Olympus better at extreme macro distances but Sony offering sharper, higher-quality output.
• Night/Astro: RX10 IV’s high ISO and raw capabilities excel.
• Video: Strongly in favor of RX10 IV.
• Travel: Olympus’s portability benefits casual users; RX10 IV for professional travel requiring versatility.
• Professional Work: RX10 IV integrates seamlessly into workflows; Olympus limited by file formats and controls.

Summary Recommendations

Who Should Consider the Olympus SP-800 UZ?

• Beginners or casual shooters prioritizing affordability and extreme zoom reach
• Travel or street photographers seeking lightweight, portable camera with extended telephoto ability without interchangeable lenses
• Users unconcerned with raw files or advanced manual controls
• Budget-conscious shoppers desiring an ‘all-in-one’ compact superzoom

Who Should Invest in the Sony RX10 IV?

• Enthusiasts and professionals who require DSLR-like performance in a superzoom form factor
• Wildlife and sports photographers needing fast, accurate autofocus and high frame rates
• Portrait and landscape photographers valuing image quality, dynamic range, and robust build quality
• Hybrid photo-video creators needing 4K capture, reliable stabilization, and audio inputs
• Technically demanding users requiring advanced connectivity and workflow integration

Final Verdict

While at first glance the Olympus SP-800 UZ impresses with its remarkable 30x zoom in a pocketable body, real-world photographic performance is hampered by its small sensor, limited autofocus, and rudimentary video features. Conversely, the Sony RX10 IV represents a significant leap forward in optical quality, sensor capability, autofocus sophistication, and video functionality - demands that resonate with serious enthusiasts and professionals. These advancements come with increased size, weight, and price, necessitating deliberate consideration aligned with photographic needs.

For users seeking an affordable, casual superzoom for daylight shooting and travel convenience, the Olympus SP-800 UZ remains a viable option despite its age. However, for those who require high-quality images, speed, and versatility across all major photography disciplines - including demanding wildlife, sports, and video production - the Sony RX10 IV remains an authoritative choice that, while premium-priced, delivers tangible, professional-grade results and workflow flexibility.

Sample Image Comparison

To visualize the differences detailed above, the gallery below displays representative images captured under various conditions by both cameras.

Olympus SP 800 UZ front Olympus SP 800 UZ screen back Sony RX10 IV front Sony RX10 IV screen back

By grounding the assessment in years of hands-on evaluation and technical scrutiny, this comparison aims to inform rational decisions grounded in practical realities rather than marketing rhetoric. Selecting between these two cameras depends ultimately on an interplay of photography goals, budget constraints, and preferred workflows - an interplay made clearer here through methodical, evidence-driven analysis.