Olympus SZ-15 vs Olympus Stylus Tough 6010: A Thorough Comparison for Today’s Photo Enthusiasts

Choosing the right compact camera can feel overwhelming, especially when options span from versatile superzooms to rugged waterproof models. Today, we put two Olympus compacts under the microscope: the Olympus SZ-15, a 21x superzoom powerhouse introduced in 2013, and the Olympus Stylus Tough 6010 (also known as the mju Tough 6010), a rugged waterproof compact from 2009. Both cameras target very different shooting needs and users, yet they share a compact form and Olympus’ heritage - which begs the question: which is the better fit for your photography style and priorities?

Having spent extensive hours shooting and testing both cameras in real-world scenarios, I’m excited to share a deep dive that goes well beyond specs. We’ll examine everything from sensor and lens technology to ergonomics, autofocus, and creative use cases - so you can make a truly informed choice.

How Do They Feel in Your Hands? Ergonomics and Design

The physical size and layout of a camera matter hugely in daily use, and here the SZ-15 and Stylus Tough 6010 already set themselves apart. The SZ-15 feels bulkier and a bit heftier, measuring 108x70x40 mm and weighing 250 grams, while the 6010 is more compact (95x63x22 mm) and lighter at 179 grams.

Because the SZ-15 carries a big 21x zoom, it naturally demands a chunkier body with a more pronounced grip - a definite ergonomic win if you often shoot telephoto or outdoors for extended periods. Meanwhile, the 6010’s slim, ruggedized form factor is optimized for portability and rough handling - a true pocketable companion that invites you to take it anywhere, whether diving, hiking, or adventuring in wet or dusty environments.

Controls on both are minimal but functional. Neither camera features an electronic viewfinder, relying solely on their LCDs for framing. As we’ll see, this affects usability in bright sunlight and action-focused shooting.

Control and User Interface: Intuitive or Limited?

Zooming in on the top plate and button arrangement reveals more clues about each camera’s user profile. The SZ-15 offers dedicated exposure modes including aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual exposure - a surprising level of control in a compact from 2013. This makes it appealing to enthusiasts craving creative exposure adjustments without lugging a DSLR.

In contrast, the 6010 keeps things very streamlined. With no manual exposure controls and a minimal shooting menu, it’s clearly designed for straightforward point-and-shoot operation under demanding conditions. While this limits creative flexibility, the user interface prioritizes speed and simplicity, beneficial when quick reflexes and durability matter more.

Neither camera features illuminated buttons or touchscreen controls, something to note if you often shoot in varying light or want tap-to-focus responsiveness.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: CCD Origins and Resolution

Both cameras use a 1/2.3” CCD sensor measuring approximately 6.17x4.55mm - standard fare for compacts of their era but limited compared to modern back-illuminated CMOS sensors.

The SZ-15 boasts a 16-megapixel resolution, while the 6010 settles for 12 megapixels. On paper, this would suggest the SZ-15 offers higher detail potential. However, image quality is also influenced by sensor processing, lens sharpness, noise management, and JPEG algorithms.

From my testing, the SZ-15 delivers cleaner results with more natural color rendition and better dynamic range. Its higher native ISO ceiling of 3200 (compared to the 6010’s 1600 max ISO) gives it an edge in low-light scenarios, though image noise becomes noticeable past ISO 800 on both.

The 6010’s sensor exhibits a warmer color cast and less refined noise control. Considering its 2009 launch date and intended use, this is understandable - the camera optimizes for robustness over resolution or subtle image nuances.

While neither camera supports RAW capture, the SZ-15’s somewhat better JPEG processing helps it pull ahead for enthusiasts who want more latitude in post.

LCD Screens and Viewfinding: Crafting Your Composition

Both the SZ-15 and 6010 rely exclusively on fixed LCD screens, but the differences are palpable.

The SZ-15 sports a 3” display with 460k dots, rendering images with decent brightness and color fidelity. This size and resolution facilitate accurate manual focusing and menu navigation - key when venturing beyond fully automatic modes.

Meanwhile, the 6010 is fitted with a smaller and dimmer 2.7” LCD at 230k dots. In bright sunlight, compositions can be tough to confirm, especially outdoors. That said, the simple menus and fewer adjustment options make interface navigation straightforward despite the modest display quality.

Neither camera has a touch interface, limiting touchscreen focus or swipe gestures many enjoy today, but that is hardly a dealbreaker given their aimed user groups.

Zoom and Lens Performance: Telephoto Versatility vs Modest Range

The SZ-15’s 21x zoom (23-483 mm equivalent) is its most significant hardware highlight. This ultra-telephoto reach expands your creative possibilities immensely - from tight wildlife shots to distant architectural details - without adding bulk. The lens’s max aperture of f/2.8-5.9 reflects decent light gathering given the superzoom, although expect softer images and slower autofocus at the tele end.

By contrast, the 6010’s zoom tops out at 3.6x (28-102 mm equivalent), which is perfectly serviceable for general snapshots but limits creative freedom in telephoto framing. Its aperture range of f/3.5-5.1 is slightly slower, consistent with a less ambitious photographic tool.

In practice, the SZ-15’s zoom versatility is compelling for travelers and hobbyists who want one camera solving multiple roles, while the 6010’s shorter zoom fits well with its rugged simplicity.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking and Responsiveness

Autofocus technology is crucial, especially with moving subjects. The SZ-15 impresses with single, center, and multi-area AF, plus face and eye detection. It features contrast-detection AF but no phase detection - standard for compacts - yet the added eye detection improves portrait focus sharpness noticeably.

Continuous shooting tops out at 10 fps, a highly competitive rate for its class and year. That means you can capture fleeting moments in wildlife or sports reasonably well.

The 6010 features only single autofocus without face detection and slower contrast-detection AF performance. It doesn’t support continuous shooting modes or tracking - understandable for a camera prioritizing ruggedness over speed.

If your photographic interest includes fast action or wildlife, the SZ-15 clearly has greater capability to deliver keepers.

Steadiness Counts: Image Stabilization Systems

Both cameras incorporate optical/image stabilization but by different means.

The SZ-15 uses an optical image stabilization system, reducing blur from hand shake, especially valuable at long focal lengths. This makes handheld shooting viable even in lower light or at full zoom.

The 6010 implements sensor-shift stabilization - a more modern approach that is effective but generally less potent than lens-based stabilization for telephoto zooms.

In real-world assessments, the SZ-15’s system yields sharper images in zoomed-in scenarios, boosting confidence when you can’t afford a tripod.

Ruggedness and Environmental Resistance: Taking a Hit and Staying Ready

One key differentiator is the 6010’s purpose-built ruggedness. It offers:

• Waterproof sealing (to around 3 meters depth)
• Shockproof to withstand drops
• Freezeproof down to -10 °C

The SZ-15 lacks any such environmental sealing - it’s a traditional pocket camera meant for everyday casual or travel use but not exposure to extreme conditions.

If adventure, beach days, or winter sports shooting are on your agenda, the 6010’s robust construction is a game changer.

Video Features: Beyond Stills

Video capabilities are basic on both cameras but worth noting.

The SZ-15 supports 1080p Full HD at 30fps, alongside HD 720p and lower resolutions suitable for web sharing. It uses MPEG4/AVI formats but lacks external microphone input, limiting audio quality enhancement. The stabilization helps produce smoother handheld footage.

The 6010’s video maxes out at 640x480 resolution - far below HD standards - primarily for casual clips. No HDMI output restricts external playback, and lack of audio input limits sound quality control.

If video is a moderate priority, the SZ-15 makes more sense. For simple video capture in rough environments, the 6010 suffices.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

Neither Olympus model boasts stellar battery endurance, typical for small sensor compacts. The SZ-15 uses the SLB-10A battery, while the 6010 employs the LI-50C. Both cameras accept a single memory card slot - SD/SDHC/SDXC for the SZ-15 and multiple card formats including microSD for the 6010, offering slightly more flexibility in storage.

No USB charging or USB-C here - battery recharge requires dedicated chargers. A practical consideration if you rely on all-day shooting.

Sample Image Quality: Real-World Comparisons

Olympus SZ 15 front Olympus SZ 15 screen back Olympus 6010 screen back

Looking at side-by-side sample images, the SZ-15 shows more detail retention, better dynamic range in shadow areas, and more accurate skin tone replication. Its higher megapixel count shines in scenes demanding large prints or heavy cropping.

The 6010 produces respectable images for snapshots but often with muted colors and less sharpness, especially in indoor or shaded scenarios.

Neither camera excels in night photography due to sensor noise and limited ISO ranges, but the SZ-15 handles street lighting better thanks to higher ISO capabilities.

Scorecard Summary: How Do They Rate Across Key Metrics?

The SZ-15 rates highly for image quality, zoom range, and autofocus speed. It earns average marks in portability and battery life but loses points for lack of ruggedness.

The Stylus Tough 6010 excels in durability and portability but is held back by limited zoom, video, and image quality potential.

Who Should Pick Which? Matching Cameras to Photography Genres

• Portraits: SZ-15 wins hands down with better autofocus face/eye detection and wider aperture (f/2.8 at wide end) for pleasant background blur.
• Landscape: Both cameras work but SZ-15’s higher resolution and zoom versatility provide more compositional freedom.
• Wildlife: SZ-15 offers faster, smarter autofocus and longer zoom reach, crucial for capturing elusive animals.
• Sports: While neither is a sports specialist, the SZ-15’s 10 fps and continuous AF edges it slightly ahead.
• Street: 6010’s portability and discreteness appeal; however, SZ-15’s better image quality and LCD size facilitate creative street shots.
• Macro: 6010’s 2 cm macro is closer than SZ-15’s 5 cm minimum focus distance, better suited for close-up experimentation.
• Night/Astro: Neither suitable but SZ-15’s higher ISO and sustained shutter speeds make it marginally better.
• Video: SZ-15 comfortably leads with Full HD and stabilization.
• Travel: Weigh your priorities - SZ-15 for image versatility, 6010 for ruggedness and compactness.
• Professional Use: Neither meets pro standards; SZ-15 might serve casual professional needs better.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

To wrap up, the Olympus SZ-15 and Stylus Tough 6010 are cameras tailored for very distinct audiences.

Choose the Olympus SZ-15 if you prioritize:

• Extensive zoom range and telephoto reach
• Manual exposure and creative controls
• Better autofocus with face/eye detection
• Full HD video recording and enhanced image stabilization

It suits photography enthusiasts wanting a flexible, compact superzoom for portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and even some sports action.

Meanwhile, the Olympus Stylus Tough 6010 is ideal if:

• Durability against water, shocks, and cold is paramount
• Your shooting scenarios involve risk of camera damage (beach, winter, rugged outdoors)
• You prefer lightweight, pocketable designs without complex controls
• Accepting modest image quality and limited zoom is acceptable trade-off

Though dated and basic, the 6010 still holds value as a tough shooter for adventures where conventional cameras fear to tread.

Closing Advice: Hands-On Testing Is Key

While this detailed head-to-head should clarify core differences, I always recommend prospective buyers try cameras in-store or rent before committing. Ergonomics, user interface preference, and image style are often personal and subtle.

Feel free to reach out with any questions about workflows or specific shooting conditions. My 15+ years of camera testing experience equip me to guide you toward the model best aligned with your photographic aspirations.

This analysis has highlighted all major facets - from sensor technology and autofocus to build quality and genre suitability - empowering you to choose wisely between these Olympus compacts. Happy shooting!

References and Images

(Images used appropriately throughout the article)

Olympus SZ 15 front Olympus SZ 15 screen back Olympus 6010 screen back