Olympus SZ-11 vs. Pentax Optio H90: A Detailed Comparison for the Discerning Photography Enthusiast

When navigating the compact camera landscape, two models often come under practical consideration for those seeking an affordable, travel-friendly superzoom and advanced features in a small package: the Olympus SZ-11 and the Pentax Optio H90. While both are modestly priced and target similar entry to enthusiast-level users, their design philosophies and feature sets reveal enough distinctions to influence your choice profoundly.

Having put both cameras through their paces in the field - ranging from city street shoots to casual wildlife snaps and macro close-ups - I’m here to break down how they stack up in key areas. My goal is to equip you with the insights that push past spec sheets into the realm of real-world usability, so you can pick the right tool for your photographic style and budget.

Let’s jump in.

Handling and Ergonomics: Size Matters, But Comfort Matters More

At first glance, both cameras are compact and pocketable, fitting easily into a jacket pocket or small bag. But nuance creeps in when you begin using them in extended sessions.

The Olympus SZ-11 sports dimensions of 106 x 69 x 40 mm and weighs 226 grams - noticeably chunkier and heavier than the Pentax H90, which measures 101 x 65 x 28 mm and weighs 153 grams. This roughly 70g weight difference gives the SZ-11 a bit more substance in hand and arguably provides a grippier feel. I found the SZ-11 less prone to slips during fast framing on uneven terrain - definitely nice when shooting wildlife or macro handheld.

Conversely, the Pentax Optio H90's narrower and thinner profile lends itself to discreet street photography. If you prefer blending into urban scenes or slipping the camera into a jacket pocket without a bulge, the H90 is more conducive.

Neither camera offers an articulated screen, but the SZ-11’s larger 3-inch LCD coupled with a superior 460k-dot resolution makes composing shots more pleasant than the H90’s 2.7-inch, 230k-dot screen. This difference is subtle but meaningful during daylight use, as you’ll see in the interface section coming up.

Design Philosophy and Control Layout: Simple vs. Slightly More Refined

Both cameras embrace a straightforward control scheme typical of their class, designed for point-and-shoot ease. However, Olympus edges ahead with a top layout that integrates a dedicated zoom rocker and conveniently placed shutter button with ergonomic contours. Pentax’s control layout is more minimalist, with fewer tactile buttons, which might appeal to beginners but frustrate users who like shortcut buttons during fast shooting moments.

Neither camera includes manual exposure modes or a traditional electronic viewfinder, limiting flexibility for creative control and composition under harsh lighting. One unique trait of the Pentax H90 is its manual focus option - while the SZ-11 eschews manual focus entirely.

For photographers who enjoy occasional manual focusing - perhaps in macro or landscape scenes - the H90 provides a mild but welcome advantage. The lack of manual shooting modes or exposure compensation on both cameras limits creative exposure control, which is a nod to their casual photography focus but worth noting if you want to experiment beyond automatic settings.

Sensor and Image Quality: Two CCDs on the Same 1/2.3" Stage

Technically, both run a 1/2.3” CCD sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, about 28 mm² - a common size in small sensor compacts. The Olympus packs a 14-megapixel resolution compared to Pentax’s 12 megapixels, which could translate to finer detail and larger print capability, albeit marginal in everyday viewing.

CCD sensors tend to deliver pleasant colors and better low-light noise characteristics than early CMOS counterparts, though they’re not without limitations in dynamic range and noise at higher ISOs.

In real-world shooting, the Olympus SZ-11 yields slightly crisper images with more vibrant tones and better detail retention, particularly when shooting outdoors in abundant light. The Pentax H90’s images tend to be softer, possibly due to its lower resolution and slightly noisier high ISO performance, despite its higher maximum ISO rating of 6400 compared to Olympus’s 1600. However, in low-light shots above ISO 800, both cameras struggle with noticeable noise - expected in this sensor class.

Neither supports RAW capture, locking users into lossy JPEGs, which constrains professional-grade post-processing flexibility. If you’re a hobbyist or casual shooter, this won't be much of a hurdle, but it’s a dealbreaker for advanced users.

LCD Screens and Interface Usability: Bigger and Sharper Wins Here

The Olympus SZ-11’s 3-inch TFT LCD with 460k-dot resolution provides a brighter, more detailed display than the Pentax H90’s 2.7-inch, 230k-dot screen. This advantage becomes crucial when shooting in bright conditions, giving the Olympus a decisive edge in framing accuracy and menu navigation.

While neither camera supports touch input, both have logically structured menus, though Olympus’s TruePic III+ processor contributes to a more responsive UI with smoother live view autofocus preview.

The lack of an electronic viewfinder on both cameras means they rely heavily on the LCD screen for composition, which can be challenging under bright sunlight. Olympus’s brighter screen mitigates this somewhat.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: More Reach vs. More Versatility

Olympus equips the SZ-11 with a 25-500 mm equivalent zoom lens - an impressive 20x optical zoom - that extends your reach dramatically, making it particularly versatile for long-distance subjects like wildlife or distant landscapes. The variable maximum aperture ranges from f/3.0 at wide-angle to f/6.9 at telephoto, reflecting the compromises inherent in superzoom optics.

In contrast, the Pentax H90 offers a more modest 28-140 mm (5x zoom) range, with f/3.5-5.9 aperture, better for everyday shooting but constrained when trying to capture distant subjects.

For photographers prioritizing reach - whether birders, event shooters, or travelers reluctant to carry multiple lenses - the SZ-11’s superzoom lens is a significant asset. The tradeoff includes noticeable edge softness and chromatic aberrations at extreme telephoto lengths, as expected from a compact camera lens pushing 500 mm equivalent.

Pentax’s lens offers a slightly faster max aperture at telephoto ends, which may marginally help indoor and lower-light scenes.

Autofocus Systems: Simplicity vs. a Bit More Sophistication

Both cameras employ contrast-detection autofocus systems typical of compact models. Olympus features face detection autofocus with multi-area AF, while Pentax lacks face detection but offers nine focusing points with multi-area AF capabilities.

Olympus SZ-11’s autofocus is reasonably quick and accurate in bright light, though hunting can occur under low-contrast or low-light conditions. Its face detection helps maintain focus on people, enhancing portraits and snapshots.

Pentax Optio H90’s autofocus is somewhat slower and more prone to hunt, especially in dim environments, though its multiple focus points provide flexibility in framing off-center subjects. Unfortunately, Pentax’s lack of face detection is a limitation for casual portrait shooters.

Neither camera supports continuous autofocus tracking, updated focus bracketing, or eye-detection autofocus - features now common even in entry-level cameras.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds: Olympus’s Slight Edge

The Olympus SZ-11 delivers a 7 fps continuous shooting speed, quite fast for compact cameras of this era, making it better suited for capturing fleeting moments or some wildlife action. Pentax H90 maxes out at a meager 1 fps burst rate, which severely restricts its usability in sports or dynamic shooting situations.

Both cameras share a 4 to 1/2000 second shutter speed range, which is sufficient for most daylight and casual shooting but limiting for night photography or fast action requiring very short exposures.

Image Stabilization: Sensor-Shift in Both, With Practical Impact

Both cameras implement sensor-shift image stabilization, which physically moves the sensor to compensate for camera shake. In my tests, the Olympus SZ-11’s stabilization was noticeably more effective, especially at long telephoto focal lengths - likely a result of optimized vibration reduction algorithms paired with the TruePic III+ processor.

The Pentax system provides decent shake reduction for general use but less noticeable improvement with full zoom, meaning handheld shots at 140 mm can sometimes suffer slight blurriness in low light.

Flash and Low-Light Performance: Olympus Provides More Reach

Olympus boasts a flash range of 9.3 meters at ISO 1600 - respectable for a compact superzoom - and features modes including Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, and Fill-in. Pentax’s built-in flash has a lower effective range of around 4 meters and includes a Soft mode, helpful for reducing harsh shadows indoors.

Neither flash system rivals dedicated external flashes, unsurprisingly, but Olympus’s longer flash reach broadens indoor and nighttime usability.

Video Recording: Modest HD Support That Isn’t the Main Attraction

Both offer HD video at 1280 x 720 resolution at 30 or 15 fps, stored as Motion JPEGs - a comparatively large and inefficient format by today’s standards but acceptable for casual recordings.

Neither camera supports microphone or headphone ports, 4K footage, nor advanced stabilization during video recording, meaning serious videographers will find these offerings barebones.

For occasional family videos or travel snippets, either will suffice, but I’d lean toward the Olympus for slightly superior image processing and stabilization during filming.

Storage, Battery, and Connectivity: Basic but Functional

Olympus uses a rechargeable LI-50B battery, rated around 200 shots per charge, while Pentax carries a D-LI68 battery with unspecified life but generally fewer shots based on comparable models.

Both support SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, though Pentax also offers internal memory, useful if you forget a card.

Connectivity is minimal: Olympus has an HDMI port but no wireless capabilities, while Pentax offers Eye-Fi card support for wireless image transfers - a novelty at launch time but now mostly obsolete.

Neither camera includes GPS or Bluetooth.

Durability and Environmental Sealing: Neither Cameras Are Ruggedized

For seriously adventurous photographers, neither Olympus SZ-11 nor Pentax H90 offers weather sealing or rugged features, which is typical for their compact category and price bracket. Handle both with care around moisture and dust.

Real-World Use Cases Across Popular Photography Genres

Now that we’ve dissected specs and technical merits, how do these cameras serve actual photography disciplines?

Olympus SZ 11 front Olympus SZ 11 screen back Pentax H90 front Pentax H90 screen back

Portrait Photography

Olympus SZ-11’s face detection AF and expansive zoom allow framing tightly for headshots without forcing awkward proximity, which helps natural expressions. The 14 MP sensor renders pleasing skin tones with moderate bokeh at longer focal lengths, softening backgrounds decently in good light. Pentax lacks face detection and has a shorter reach, limiting framing options. Still, the H90 offers manual focus for in-depth control, useful for macro style close-ups of facial details, though macro focus range starts at 10 cm versus Olympus’s 1 cm.

Landscape Photography

Both cameras’ CCD sensors provide lively color and adequate resolution for prints up to A3 size. Olympus’s higher 14 MP sensor combined with a richer zoom range enhances composition options from wide angles to compressed telephoto landscapes. Neither camera is weather sealed, so they’re vulnerable in harsh conditions. Olympus’s stronger image stabilization aids handheld shots without tripods.

Wildlife Photography

Here, Olympus holds clear advantages: rapid 7 fps burst rates, extended 500 mm equivalent reach, and face detection AF translate to better success snapping elusive birds and animals from afar. Pentax’s limited 5x zoom and 1 fps burst constrain use in this demanding genre.

Sports Photography

Again, Olympus’s faster continuous shooting speed and more responsive AF offer better chances for action shots, although neither camera is truly built for high-speed sports photography. Pentax’s slow 1 fps burst effectively precludes capturing fast sequences.

Street Photography

Pentax H90’s compactness, light weight, and discreet styling favor street candidness. Its slower AF and smaller zoom are less crippling here because many street shots favor wide to mid focal lengths and quick operation. Olympus is bulkier and louder (especially zooming), perhaps drawing more attention.

Macro Photography

Olympus’s super-close 1 cm macro focus range combined with contrast-detection AF makes it more adept at capturing small details and insects. Pentax’s 10 cm minimum macro distance and manual focus option offer some control but lack the same intimacy on tiny subjects.

Night and Astro Photography

Both cameras’ limited max shutter speeds and smaller sensors restrict astrophotography potential. Olympus slightly edges out with a better high ISO max of 1600 (Pentax goes higher to 6400 but noisy), and stronger stabilization. Long exposure support is minimal on both - they cap at 4 seconds shutter - which hampers star trails or low-light landscapes.

Video Capabilities

Neither camera is a video powerhouse. Olympus’s better stabilization and higher LCD resolution again improve usability here, but by today’s standards, video quality is basic.

Travel Photography

For travelers, Olympus’s versatile zoom and robust ergonomics cater well to diverse shooting situations without carrying multiple lenses. Pentax’s lighter profile and Eye-Fi wireless connectivity (if you still use compatible cards) make it convenient for travelers requiring easy sharing and portability.

Professional Work

Neither camera meets the demands of professional workflows due to no RAW support, limited manual controls, and lower image quality compared to DSLRs or mirrorless systems. Both serve well as secondary or backup cameras but fall short for heavy-duty assignments.

Putting It All Together: Performance Ratings at a Glance

Here’s a quick visual takeaway on how each camera rates overall and by genre, derived from extensive hands-on testing across all metrics:

Olympus SZ-11 consistently outperforms Pentax H90 in versatility, zoom range, burst rate, and autofocusing, evidenced by higher marks in wildlife, sports, and video categories.

Conversely, Pentax H90 wins some points for portability and ease of use in street and travel contexts, but it trails markedly in technical features and image quality.

Who Should Pick Which? Tailoring Recommendations to User Needs

• Choose the Olympus SZ-11 if you:

  • Need extensive zoom range for wildlife, travel, or landscape versatility
  • Prioritize faster burst shooting for capturing action moments
  • Want better LCD screen clarity and more responsive autofocus
  • Can tolerate a slightly larger, heavier body for improved handling
  • Value sensor-shift stabilization that works well at telephoto lengths

• Opt for the Pentax Optio H90 if you:

  • Desire the smallest, lightest compact for street or casual travel photography
  • Occasionally shoot macro where manual focus offers creative control
  • Rely on simpler controls and want built-in wireless transfer options (Eye-Fi)
  • Are budget-conscious and prefer a lower entry price without compromising basic imaging
  • Don’t require long telephoto reach or rapid burst shooting

Final Thoughts: Two Small Cameras with Different Strengths

Neither the Olympus SZ-11 nor the Pentax Optio H90 broke any new ground upon release, but each carved out a niche for specific user preferences. The SZ-11’s significant zoom advantage and faster performance make it a more flexible tool for active shooters and wildlife enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the H90 remains a humble, light companion for casual shooters who enjoy compact portability and manual focusing on occasion.

If I were to pack one of these on a trip today purely for snapshots and adventures, my choice would be the Olympus SZ-11, thanks to its superior zoom, stabilization, and usability factors. But if discretion and pocketability are paramount, the Pentax H90 is not without merit.

In the end, each camera reflects a thoughtful balance of features and form at their respective price points - reminding us that understanding your shooting priorities is key before clicking “buy.”

I hope this detailed comparison provides the clarity and depth you need to make an informed decision about these two compact cameras. If you’re looking to get more out of your next compact, consider these strengths and limitations carefully. Happy shooting!