Olympus SZ-10 vs Sony Cyber-shot H55: A Deep Dive into Small Sensor Compacts for Enthusiasts

Choosing the right compact camera can feel like navigating a maze - especially when faced with two contenders as similar in category as the Olympus SZ-10 and Sony Cyber-shot H55. Both released a little over a decade ago, these small sensor compacts were designed to appeal to casual shooters craving ample zoom and portability without the complexity or bulk of interchangeable lens systems.

Having put both cameras through hours of hands-on testing - covering everything from autofocus quirks to image quality and real-world usability - I’m here to offer a thorough side-by-side comparison that will help you decide if either deserves a spot in your camera bag today. We’ll explore everything from physical ergonomics to sensor performance, autofocus, and across multiple photography disciplines.

Let’s jump in.

Getting a Feel: Size, Design, and Ergonomics

First impressions tell you a lot. At just 106 x 67 x 38 mm and weighing 215 grams, the Olympus SZ-10 strikes a balance between pocketability and comfortable handling. The slight bulk accommodates its impressive 18x zoom lens without making the camera awkward to hold. In contrast, the Sony H55 is a bit smaller and lighter at 103 x 58 x 29 mm and 200 grams - truly compact and easily pocketed.

From my time shooting, the SZ-10 offers a firmer grip thanks to its sculpted right-hand thumb rest and textured finish. The H55’s slim, smooth body is more prone to slips but wins in unobtrusiveness, which photographers who prioritize discretion in street or travel photography may find appealing.

Looking at control layouts (compare the top views below), both cameras keep it simple, but Sony’s buttons are smaller and squishier, whereas Olympus provides better tactile feedback - something I appreciate during fast-paced shooting scenarios.

Neither camera includes an electronic viewfinder, so both rely heavily on their rear LCD screen for composition. Neither is particularly designed for extended manual control - these models prioritize automated shooting modes, reinforcing their target towards casual users but potentially frustrating enthusiasts who want deeper customization.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensors, Big Differences?

Both cameras employ a 14MP CCD sensor sized at 1/2.3 inches (6.17 x 4.55 mm sensor area), a common choice in compact cameras of their time. The theoretical difference in sensor tech is minimal here; both avoid the larger CMOS sensors seen in advanced compacts or entry-level mirrorless cameras, limiting dynamic range and high ISO performance.

However, real-world output differs due to image processors and lens sharpness. Olympus’s TruePic III+ processor is competent but shows softness and noise creeping in beyond ISO 400. Sony’s Bionz processor, while older, surprisingly manages better noise suppression up to ISO 800 but occasionally at the cost of smoothed details - which hobbyist landscape photographers may notice.

I shot both cameras side by side in varied lighting. At base ISO 80, images from the SZ-10 often benefit from slightly richer colors and better contrast on sunny days. The Sony’s rendition leans towards cooler tones with less punch but a tad more detail in shadows.

Landscape photographers should note the 18x zoom on the SZ-10 allows for more framing flexibility compared to the 10x on the H55, though the latter’s lens is marginally brighter at wide (f/3.5 vs. f/3.1) but darker telephoto (f/5.5 vs. f/4.4) - impacting low-light telephoto outdoor shots.

The Screen Interface: Your Window and Workflow

Both cameras provide a 3-inch fixed TFT LCD screen, but the SZ-10 delivers a higher resolution display with 460K dots compared to Sony’s 230K dots. The noticeable difference in sharpness and brightness on the Olympus makes composing and reviewing images easier, especially outdoors in bright light.

Neither implements a touchscreen, and menu navigation is straightforward yet dated, reinforcing the casual user focus. However, the Sony interface includes portrait modes labeled “Portrait1” and “Portrait2,” increasing versatility for on-the-go users wanting instant effects, while Olympus leans on the basics with fewer presets.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

This is where the cameras diverge more significantly.

The Olympus SZ-10 uses contrast-detection autofocus with face detection enabled, and boasts "AF tracking" modes albeit limited by processing power. The Sony H55 has a 9-point AF system but lacks face or eye detection, relying mostly on center or multi-area contrast detection.

In practice, the Olympus delivered slower but more consistent AF accuracy - particularly in well-lit conditions. Face detection worked reliably for portraiture, and while I wouldn’t call it lightning fast, it stayed locked once acquired.

The Sony H55 surprisingly offers much faster continuous shooting at 10fps (vs. 1fps on Olympus), but autofocus can hunt or fail to lock on moving subjects, due to its less sophisticated tracking.

For wildlife or sports shooters aiming to capture action, neither is ideal; but if forced to choose, the SZ-10’s tracking AF provides a slight edge in keeping focus on human subjects.

Zoom Capability and Lens Performance: Versatility vs. Practicality

One clear strength of the Olympus SZ-10 is its remarkably long 28–504 mm equivalent zoom - an 18x optical reach. This makes it a tempting choice for photographers who prioritize flexibility in framing distant subjects, from wildlife glimpses to architectural details during travel.

Sony’s 25–250 mm equivalent zoom covers a more modest 10x range, sacrificing reach but benefiting from a smaller lens barrel and lighter weight. The lens max aperture varies, from f/3.5 at wide angle to f/5.5 telephoto, slightly slower than Olympus.

In my testing, the longer zoom on the SZ-10 inevitably sacrifices corner sharpness and contrast at maximum reach, especially in lower light, but optical image stabilization partly offsets this, allowing more usable hand-held shots. The Sony’s lens is noticeably sharper in the center at equivalent focal lengths but loses versatility for distant framing.

Build Quality and Durability: Carrying Confidence

Neither camera features weather sealing or ruggedized construction. Olympus and Sony both expect these to be casual companions rather than adventure tools.

The SZ-10’s slightly more robust build - including a textured grip and firmer buttons - gives it a marginal advantage in handling and durability, while Sony’s H55 feels somewhat more delicate but lighter.

No freezeproof, shockproof, or waterproof features are present, so outdoor photographers should use protective gear or opt for sturdier models.

Battery Life and Storage: Powering Your Shoot

The Olympus SZ-10 uses the proprietary LI-50B battery, rated for roughly 220 shots per charge during my tests - a reasonable performance for compacts, but not stellar over long days.

Sony’s user manual lists the NP-BG1 battery but provides no official shot count. Anecdotal use suggests roughly 250 shots per charge, likely due to less demanding electronics and smaller screen.

Both cameras offer only a single memory card slot; the SZ-10 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, while Sony is more versatile, compatible with Memory Stick Duo family in addition to SD cards - a plus if you already own older Sony media.

Video Capabilities: Modest but Functional

Neither camera is a video powerhouse - but both offer HD video recording for casual sharing.

Olympus records up to 1280 x 720 pixels at 30fps using Motion JPEG format, while the Sony H55 also shoots 720p at 30fps but uses MPEG-4 compression.

Neither offers microphone or headphone ports or advanced frame rates. Optical image stabilization on Olympus helps steady video more than Sony’s optical stabilization - though footage remains distinctly consumer-grade.

For vloggers or serious filmmakers, these models are immediately obsolete. But for quick clips during family events or travels, they’ll suffice.

Photography Applications: What Each Excels At

How do these cameras fit specific photographic genres? Let’s break it down:

• Portrait Photography: Olympus’s face detection autofocus and longer zoom lens help capture flattering composition and background separation. However, both cameras lack aperture priority or manual aperture control, limiting bokeh control. Sony's higher max ISO of 3200 can help in dim environments but yields noisy images.

• Landscape Photography: Both struggle with dynamic range due to small sensors. Olympus’ higher-resolution LCD and longer zoom help framing distant vistas creatively; Sony’s slightly sharper lenses provide marginally crisper wide-angle shots. Neither camera supports RAW output, limiting post-processing flexibility.

• Wildlife Photography: The SZ-10’s 18x zoom is a compelling feature here, but slow continuous shooting speed and autofocus limitations restrict use to stationary or slow-moving subjects. Sony's 10fps burst rate is fast, but autofocus hunting undercuts effectiveness.

• Sports Photography: Neither camera is optimized for fast action. Olympus falls short with 1fps burst rate; Sony is better with 10fps but compromised by AF accuracy. Neither has manual exposure modes or customizable controls necessary for advanced sports shooting.

• Street Photography: Sony’s slim profile and lighter weight make it an attractive option for discreet street shooting, though its slower lens aperture can hinder low-light exposures. Olympus’s better grip and screen visibility benefit controlled shooting but at a slight size penalty.

• Macro Photography: Olympus offers a remarkable 1cm macro focus distance versus Sony’s 5cm, enabling close-up shots with fine detail. Both cameras offer sensor-shift or optical image stabilization, aiding hand-held macro work.

• Night/Astro Photography: Neither camera accepts long shutter times beyond 4 seconds (Olympus) or 30 seconds (Sony) limiting astrophotography capability. High ISO performance is poor on both due to sensor size and CCD technology.

• Video: Video quality is basic on both, suitable for snapshots. Olympus’s optical image stabilization allows steadier footage.

• Travel Photography: Olympus balances versatility with size, thanks to long zoom and solid ergonomics. Sony brings greater pocketability and faster shooting, with some compromise on reach and build.

• Professional Work: Both cameras lack RAW support, advanced exposure modes, and durable construction - removing them from professional workflows despite decent image quality for casual use.

Image Quality in Practice: Side-by-Side Gallery

I’ve included a collection of sample images from both cameras shot under various lighting and subject conditions. These illustrate real-world differences in sharpness, color reproduction, noise handling, and zoom reach.

Olympus SZ 10 front Olympus SZ 10 screen back Sony H55 front Sony H55 screen back

Analyzing Ratings: An Objective Performance Scorecard

To quantify overall performance, I applied a standardized scoring rubric combining technical specs with test results for autofocus, image quality, body ergonomics, and features:

Breaking it Down by Photography Type

Here’s how each camera performs across specific genres, rated out of 10:

Connectivity and Additional Features

Olympus packs Eye-Fi wireless card support, enabling photo transfer without cables - a handy if you crave easy sharing, though Eye-Fi cards have become obsolete. Sony lacks any wireless connectivity but supports a broader range of media cards.

The Olympus includes HDMI output, useful for displaying images or videos on TVs, whereas Sony omits HDMI.

Neither has Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, or microphone/headphone jacks.

Price and Value: What You Get for Your Money

At list prices, Sony’s H55 is about $235 while Olympus SZ-10 sits at $300 - a modest premium for longer zoom and better screen.

Given their age, prices today on used or refurbished units will vary widely. For casual shooters seeking an affordable superzoom compact, the SZ-10 offers more telescopic reach and handling comfort, arguably delivering better real-world value, if you prioritize photographic flexibility over burst speed.

Sony’s strengths lie in its rapid shooting mode and slightly faster AF in simple scenarios, attractive to those wanting a nimble, cheap compact with decent features.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Fits Your Style?

So, should you pull the trigger on Olympus SZ-10 or Sony Cyber-shot H55? Here are my recommendations based on use cases:

• Go for the Olympus SZ-10 if:
  You want the greatest zoom range possible on a compact camera, appreciate better ergonomics, want face detection autofocus, and a sharper, brighter LCD during framing. It’s better for travel, portraits, and casual wildlife snaps with closer focusing capability for macro. The longer shutter speed range benefits exposure versatility.

• Choose the Sony H55 if:
  You prioritize light weight, quick burst shooting, and tend to shoot mostly in bright conditions where its downsides are minimized. The camera’s smaller size makes it handy for street photography or simple family snapshots. Its media versatility and lower price are bonuses for budget-conscious users.

• Avoid both if:
  You need professional image quality, RAW shooting, fast and reliable autofocus for sports or wildlife, or video beyond basic HD. Their small 1/2.3" CCD sensors and limited manual controls show their age when held against modern compacts and mirrorless cameras.

Closing

While both cameras emerged in the early 2010s small sensor compact era, their feature sets reflect different philosophies. Olympus focuses on optical range and usability, Sony leans into burst shooting and compactness. Neither breaks new ground technically but each could still serve specific niches.

Having tested thousands of cameras over 15+ years, I can say that real-world use and how a camera fits your shooting style matter more than megapixels or spec sheets. If you value long reach and handling, go Olympus. If fast capture and discreteness appeal, Sony might be your pick.

I hope this detailed comparison saves you time and confusion, arming you with expert insight to decide which camera suits your photography ambitions best.

Happy shooting!

End of Review Article