Olympus SZ-11 vs. Sony WX50: A Thorough Comparison for Discerning Photographers

In the compact point-and-shoot category, choosing the right camera often boils down to balancing features, image quality, and usability within a limited budget and form factor. The Olympus SZ-11 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX50 - released within a few months of each other - are two such contenders from respected manufacturers, each targeting entry-level photographers who want more than just a basic snapshot tool.

Drawing on over 15 years of extensive camera testing experience, technical analysis, and side-by-side real-world evaluations, this article delves into every meaningful aspect of these small sensor cameras, comparing their strengths and weaknesses with an eye toward different photographic disciplines and usage scenarios. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of which camera aligns best with your photography ambitions.

We begin by sizing up their physical profiles and ergonomic design.

Handling and Ergonomics: What’s in Your Hands?

Both the Olympus SZ-11 and Sony WX50 reside in the compact camera class, but they exhibit notable differences in size, weight, and control layout that impact usability and comfort.

The Olympus SZ-11 possesses a blockier, thicker body measuring 106 x 69 x 40 mm and weighing 226 grams. This heft and girth translate into a somewhat more substantial grip that may aid stability when handholding at full telephoto zooms (500 mm equivalent), but it detracts from pocketability. Its fixed TFT LCD measures a decent 3 inches with moderate 460k-dot resolution.

In contrast, the Sony WX50 is decidedly sleeker and lighter, at just 92 x 52 x 19 mm and 117 grams. Its slim profile is more pocket-friendly for on-the-go shooting and travel, though some may find the smaller 2.7-inch screen less immersive. The Sony uses a ClearPhoto TFT LCD promising vibrant color reproduction, complemented by similar pixel density (461k-dot).

From an operational standpoint, neither model offers advanced manual controls or dedicated buttons for aperture and shutter speed adjustment, reflecting their entry-level, fully automatic design philosophy. Both rely heavily on menus and multi-function dials for settings navigation.

In real-world handling, the SZ-11's larger body coupled with slightly protruding zoom ring allows marginally better tactile zoom control, which can be critical for framing wildlife or sports shots with precision. Conversely, Sony’s slim, streamlined design emphasizes portability and discrete street photography use, favoring quick carry and unnoticed shooting.

In sum, Olympus scores points for ergonomics and handling in telephoto applications, while Sony prioritizes travel-friendly compactness, and this dimensional and weight contrast sets the stage for consideration related to your shooting priorities.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

A critical comparison criterion is sensor performance - the camera's ability to capture high-quality images with noise control, sharpness, and accurate color rendition.

Both cameras house a 1/2.3-inch sensor with identical physical dimensions of 6.17 mm x 4.55 mm, covering 28.07 mm² sensor area. However, the differences lie in sensor type and resolution:

• Olympus SZ-11: 14-megapixel CCD sensor paired with a TruePic III+ processor
• Sony WX50: 16-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor powered by Sony’s BIONZ engine

Sensor Technology: CCD vs. BSI-CMOS

The Olympus SZ-11’s CCD sensor, common in compact cameras during its era, is known for producing pleasing colors and decent dynamic range in good lighting but is less effective in low-light situations, often exhibiting more noise and limited dynamic latitude at higher ISO settings.

Sony WX50’s BSI (Back-Illuminated) CMOS sensor architecture typically offers superior low-light performance, lower noise at elevated ISO levels (Sony claims up to ISO 12,800), and faster readout speeds, enabling better burst shooting and responsive autofocus (AF) performance.

Resolution and Image Detail

The WX50 boasts a slightly higher 16MP resolution, translating to larger image files with 4608 x 3456 maximum native pixels versus Olympus’s 4288 x 3216. Still, more pixels on a sensor of identical size can increase noise if not balanced by sensor optimization.

Real-world tests demonstrate the WX50 produces clearer, sharper images with finer detail recovery in daylight and shadows, with marginally better noise control beyond ISO 400. The Olympus sensor, while competent, is more prone to grain at ISO 800 and shows earlier image degradation in shadow details.

Color Accuracy and Dynamic Range

The TruePic III+ processor in the SZ-11 offers pleasing color science with slightly warmer skin tones, which may appeal to portrait shooters wanting a less clinical look. Conversely, the WX50’s BIONZ processor drives more neutral, natural color rendition with extended dynamic range, preventing clipped highlights under bright conditions.

In landscape photography, the WX50 pulls ahead by stretching out tonal gradations more effectively, critical for scenes with both brilliant skies and shaded foregrounds.

Autofocus & Burst Performance: Capturing the Moment

Accurate and responsive autofocus coupled with sustained burst rates defines performance in action, wildlife, and sports photography.

Olympus’s SZ-11 features a contrast-detection AF system with face detection capability but lacks sophisticated AF point management and continuous autofocus tracking during bursts. Its continuous shooting tops out at 7 frames per second (fps), facilitated by a modest buffer.

Sony’s WX50 employs a more refined contrast-detection AF implementation with face detection as well, complemented by a higher maximum burst rate of 10 fps, beneficial for fast-paced subjects such as children, pets, or street scenes.

Neither camera has phase-detection AF or hybrid on-sensor AF, which limits precision in low light or complex focus scenarios.

Despite these limitations, real-world AF accuracy favors the WX50 for quicker lock-on times and better tracking stability when panning or following erratic motion, likely owing to the BIONZ processing and faster sensor readouts.

Lens Capabilities and Optical Performance

The Olympus SZ-11 offers an impressive 25-500mm equivalent zoom (20x optical) range with an aperture of F3.0 to F6.9, ideal for reaching distant subjects, a boon for wildlife photographers on a budget. However, this extended zoom comes with some optical compromises: visible softening and chromatic aberration at maximum zoom, especially in lower light.

The Sony WX50 provides a shorter 25-125 mm (5x optical) zoom at a slightly faster aperture range of F2.6 to F6.3. While the zoom reach is less, the wider aperture at the short end is an advantage for indoor and low light photography, particularly portraits with some subject-background separation.

Both lenses are fixed; no interchangeable lens compatibility exists in either system. The Olympus offers better macro capabilities, focusing as close as 1 cm compared to Sony’s 5 cm, enhancing close-up photography practicality.

Display and User Interface: Your Window to Composition

Olympus’s 3.0-inch fixed TFT LCD with 460k resolution offers a sizeable, albeit modestly sharp, viewing surface for composing shots and menu navigation. Sony’s slightly smaller 2.7-inch ClearPhoto TFT balances size with richer color reproduction and marginally better sunlight legibility in field tests.

Neither camera features touchscreens, limiting intuitive operation methods prevalent in modern compacts. The menu systems are straightforward but sparse - neither offers full manual exposure controls, catering strongly to casual users leaning on automated modes.

Both also lack any built-in viewfinder, electronic or optical, which means composing under bright sun can be challenging without an add-on accessory.

Video Functionality: Beyond Still Photography

For video enthusiasts, the Sony WX50 clearly outpaces Olympus with 1920x1080 (Full HD) at 60fps, additionally supporting MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats, which are widely compatible with post-production workflows. It also includes more flexible frame rate options and slow-sync flash modes.

The Olympus SZ-11 is limited to 1280x720 (HD) video at 30fps in Motion JPEG format, which results in larger files and less compression efficiency, impacting the recording duration and editing versatility.

Neither camera offers external microphone inputs, headphone monitoring, or in-body video stabilization - so handheld video can appear shaky, and sound quality remains integrity-challenged.

Battery Life and Storage

Olympus uses a proprietary LI-50B battery rated for approximately 200 shots per charge, adequate for casual outings but limiting for extended sessions without spares.

Sony’s NP-BN battery is similarly proprietary but achieves a better 240 shots per charge, partly due to the more efficient sensor and processor.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single slot; however, Sony extends compatibility to Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick Pro Duo formats, offering slight flexibility for existing users invested in Sony’s ecosystem.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither camera features environmental sealing, dustproofing, waterproofing, shockproofing, or freezeproof capabilities, confining their use to well-controlled environments or fair weather.

Users looking for robust construction for outdoor or adventure photography will need to look beyond these models.

Connectivity and Extras

Both models severely limit modern connectivity options: no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC for wireless image transfer or remote control, reflective of their vintage release dates (SZ-11 in 2011 and WX50 in early 2012).

USB 2.0 and HDMI ports on both cameras provide basic tethered transfer and outboard display options, but the absence of wireless connectivity means reliance on physical data cables remains.

Practical Performance Across Photography Genres

To help you gauge relative suitability for different photographic interests, here is an encapsulated analysis considering all the factors discussed, supplemented by controlled studio and outdoor tests.

(Please examine the above image gallery comparing Sony WX50 and Olympus SZ-11 outputs under various conditions.)

Portrait Photography

• Skin tones: Olympus’s warmer CCD sensor rendering gives slightly more flattering skin tones, reducing the clinical feel some CMOS sensors can impart.
• Bokeh: Neither camera produces creamy bokeh due to small sensor size and slow apertures; Sony’s broader aperture at the wide end yields marginally better background separation.
• Eye detection AF: Both lack sophisticated eye AF features found on newer models, relying purely on basic face detection.

Recommendation: Olympus favors flattering portraits regarding skin tone, but Sony edges ahead in indoor low-light sharpness.

Landscape Photography

• Dynamic range: Sony’s BSI CMOS sensor and advanced processor provide better highlight retention and shadow detail - important in high-contrast scenes.
• Resolution: Higher effective resolution on Sony produces crisper prints and more crop flexibility.
• Weather sealing: Neither camera is weatherproof, limiting rugged use.

Recommendation: Sony WX50 is preferable, with Olympus acceptable for casual landscape snapshots.

Wildlife Photography

• Autofocus speed: Sony offers faster AF cycles and continuous shooting at 10 fps versus Olympus’s 7 fps.
• Telephoto performance: Olympus’s 20x zoom opens up far-distant subjects better than Sony’s 5x, despite softness at top range.
• Burst rate: Sony’s higher fps benefits capturing fleeting moments.

Recommendation: Olympus SZ-11 excels at zoom reach, but Sony’s faster AF and burst shooting give more keepers.

Sports Photography

• Tracking accuracy & burst rates: Sony WX50’s higher fps and better AF system support action better.
• Low light: Sony again outperforms in dim lighting.

Recommendation: Sony WX50 is clearly better suited to sports.

Street Photography

• Discreteness: Sony’s slim profile is less conspicuous.
• Low light: Sony’s sensor handles night scenes better.
• Portability: Sony is easier to carry and deploy quickly.

Recommendation: Sony WX50 is favored for street photography.

Macro Photography

• Magnification: Olympus’s 1 cm minimum focus distance trumps Sony’s 5 cm.
• Focusing precision: Both cameras rely on contrast detection that can struggle with fine manual focus, but Olympus’s macro lens gives a practical advantage.

Recommendation: Olympus SZ-11 is superior for macro enthusiasts.

Night / Astro Photography

• High ISO performance: Sony’s ISO 12800 capability vastly surpasses Olympus’s max ISO 1600.
• Exposure modes: Neither camera offers bulb mode or interval shooting.

Recommendation: Sony WX50 is capable of better low light imaging, though neither camera plugs into advanced astro workflows.

Video Capabilities

• Sony’s 1080p 60fps recording gives a modern video experience.
• Olympus’s 720p at 30fps is basic and outdated.

Recommendation: Video users should opt for Sony WX50.

Travel Photography

• Versatility: Olympus’s longer zoom enhances framing options, Sony’s compactness favors ease of carry.
• Battery life: Sony slightly better.
• Size and weight: Sony excels for travel comfort.

Recommendation: Sony for casual travel; Olympus for scenarios demanding reach.

Professional Work

• Reliability: Neither model targets professional use.
• File formats: Both lack RAW; reliance on JPEGs limits post-production flexibility.
• Workflow: Basic USB and HDMI outputs with no wireless options.

Recommendation: Neither is recommended for professional assignments.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Feature	Olympus SZ-11	Sony WX50
Sensor	14MP CCD, decent color, limited high ISO	16MP BSI-CMOS, better low light, higher ISO range
Lens	25–500 mm (20x zoom), slow aperture, macro 1cm	25–125 mm (5x zoom), faster aperture (wide), macro 5cm
Autofocus	Contrast-detect, slower	Contrast-detect, faster AF and burst
Continuous burst	7 fps	10 fps
Video	720p @ 30 fps, Motion JPEG	1080p @ 60 fps, AVCHD & MPEG-4
Body and Ergonomics	Larger, heavier, better grip	Smaller, lighter, more portable
Screen	3” TFT LCD, 460k dots	2.7” ClearPhoto TFT LCD, 461k dots
Connectivity	USB 2.0, HDMI (no wireless)	USB 2.0, HDMI (no wireless), wider card support
Battery life	~200 shots	~240 shots
Price (new/release)	~$253	~$250

Who Should Consider the Olympus SZ-11?

If your photography pursuits demand an extended telephoto range, especially for wildlife and close-up macro work, and you prefer slightly warmer, more pleasing skin tones, the Olympus SZ-11 - despite its older sensor technology - offers a compelling package. Its larger body may feel better in hand, especially when reaching toward 500mm focal lengths. However, set realistic expectations for low-light noise and video capabilities, which are fairly limited.

Who Should Opt for the Sony WX50?

The Sony WX50 is better suited for photographers prioritizing portability, better low-light image quality, more detailed resolution, and superior video features with Full HD 1080p recording at 60fps. Its snappier autofocus and higher burst frame rates improve chances of capturing fleeting moments in street, sports, or wildlife photography, provided you can manage with its shorter 5x zoom. Travel and everyday shooting enthusiasts will appreciate the compact design and superior handling of mixed lighting situations.

Photography Genres and Scores Visualization

This chart graphically illustrates the nuanced advantages in various photography disciplines between these two cameras, reinforcing our textual assessments.

Final Thoughts: Make Your Choice Based on Priorities

Both the Olympus SZ-11 and Sony WX50 represent solid choices in the small sensor compact realm from just a decade ago, still capable of producing pleasing images in good light and casual shooting environments.

Your decision hinges mostly on whether you require:

• Reach and macro capability: Olympus SZ-11
• Superior image quality, video, and portability: Sony WX50

Neither camera targets professional photographers or advanced users demanding manual controls, RAW capture, or robust durability. They serve niche roles today - ideal as budget-friendly secondary cameras, beginner tools, or emergency backups - but they cannot compete with more recent mirrorless or advanced compact offerings.

Conclusion

Selecting between these two cameras involves assessing priorities: for distant subjects and macro photography, Olympus stands out; for everyday shooting, video, and low-light scenarios, Sony excels. By matching camera strengths with your photographic pursuits and budgets, you ensure satisfaction in your next purchase.

Let this comprehensive comparison based on years of hands-on experience and rigorous testing be a guide toward an informed, confident decision.