Olympus SZ-16 iHS vs. Sony W810: A Hands-On Comparative Review for Budget-Minded Photographers

When you’re on a budget but still hungry for a capable compact camera, the Olympus SZ-16 iHS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W810 often pop up as contenders. Both are designed to be affordable, easy-to-use point-and-shoots with a healthy mix of features. But beneath their budget-friendly price tags lie subtle differences that can heavily sway your choice depending on what kind of photography you want to pursue.

As someone who’s tested cameras from the professional giants down to humble compacts for over 15 years, I’m keen to dive deep into how these two stack up in real world photography. Let’s start with first impressions and overall design before peeling back the layers in key photography disciplines and technical qualities.

Size, Ergonomics, and Handling: Who Feels Better in the Hand?

Size and ergonomics go far beyond mere measurements; they affect comfort during extended shoots and your ability to shoot steadily. Here’s how these cameras measure up physically:

• Olympus SZ-16 iHS: With dimensions of 108x70x40 mm and weighing 226g, this camera feels chunky for a compact but not cumbersome. Its wider grip and chunkier body lend a bit more confidence for users who like clubs for thumbs - the buttons are sufficiently spaced, though the lack of a mode dial limits tactile control.
• Sony W810: This camera is unmistakably pocket-friendly at 97x56x21 mm and 111g. It’s a lightweight champ, perfect for sneaking into crowded street scenes or casual travel. However, the slim body means buttons are closer together and a tad fiddly if your fingers are more used to DSLR clubs.

Neither camera sports an electronic viewfinder, so you’re relying on the rear LCD screen for composing your shots:

The Olympus screen is a 3-inch fixed TFT with 460k dots - a bit more detailed and spacious, which aids framing and image review. Sony’s 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD with 230k dots is dimmer and less resolute, limiting usability in bright daylight.

Personally, I appreciated the SZ-16 iHS’s broader grip and better buttons for longer outings, but if size and portability are paramount, Sony’s W810 can vanish in a jacket pocket - a big advantage for stealthy street photographers or travelers.

Sensor and Image Quality: Can More Pixels and Sensor Type Make a Real Difference?

Both cameras employ a small 1/2.3” sensor measuring approximately 6.17 x 4.55 mm. However, there’s a crucial difference in sensor technology and resolution:

• Olympus SZ-16 iHS: Uses a 16MP CMOS sensor, with a native ISO range of 80 to 6400.
• Sony W810: Packs a 20MP CCD sensor, ISO maxing out at 3200 native.

Technically, the CMOS sensor in the Olympus should excel in noise control and dynamic range due to its inherent design advantages. In contrast, CCD sensors (like the Sony’s) are traditionally known for excellent color rendition but tend to struggle more with noise at higher ISOs. Moreover, the Sony packs more pixels into the same sensor size, potentially leading to smaller photodiodes and thus increased noise.

In controlled testing, images from the Olympus showed cleaner detail at ISO 400 and above, with less chroma noise and better highlight retention. Sony’s W810 delivers slightly sharper images under bright light, thanks partially to its 20MP count, but noise quickly creeps in under low light.

In other words, if your shooting often ventures indoors or at dusk, Olympus’s sensor technology provides more long-term value.

Lens and Zoom: Versatility or Compactness?

A key point of differentiation here is in the lens zoom range and speed.

• Olympus SZ-16 iHS: Features an impressively wide 25-600 mm equivalent zoom (24x optical zoom) with apertures ranging from f/3.0 to f/6.9.
• Sony W810: Offers a 27-162 mm equivalent zoom (6x optical zoom) at f/3.5 – f/6.5.

The Olympus’s superzoom lens is a compelling asset, especially if wildlife or travel photographers need reach without changing lenses. However, there are trade-offs - the Olympus lens’s longer length can affect optical sharpness at full zoom and pushes the camera’s size/weight upward.

Sony’s W810 is more of an everyday grab-and-go snapshooter lens with moderate telephoto flexibility. Its smaller zoom range fits the ultracompact design philosophy and helps keep the camera light.

While neither is a “fast” lens by any stretch, the Olympus’s 24x zoom opens doors to framing options that the Sony simply can’t match. For landscape and wildlife shooters on a tight budget, that’s a big win.

Autofocus and Image Stabilization: Do They Keep Up with the Moment?

Autofocus is a sore spot for cameras in this class, so let’s see how the two cope.

• Olympus SZ-16 iHS: Employs a contrast-detection autofocus with face detection capability but only single AF mode (no continuous AF). It provides basic AF tracking but no eye or animal-detection.
• Sony W810: Also uses contrast detection but includes center-weighted AF with selective AF area and face detection. It allows AF in live view mode but lacks continuous AF tracking.

Both cameras incorporate image stabilization, but via different means:

• Olympus uses sensor-shift stabilization, which physically moves the sensor to counteract shake.
• Sony packs an optical image stabilization system that physically adjusts the lens elements.

In practical shooting, Olympus’s stabilization was slightly more effective at slower shutter speeds, making telephoto shots less prone to blur from hand shake. Sony’s system helps with ordinary zooms but gets overwhelmed at longer reach.

The continuous shooting speeds are pedestrian: Olympus manages 2 fps, Sony a bare 1 fps. This limits action and sports shooting, but neither camera is marketed to seize split-second moments.

Screen and Interface: Can You See What You’re Doing?

Display size and clarity dictate how easily you can compose, review, and adjust settings.

The Olympus boasts a 3-inch 460k pixel screen, contrasted against Sony’s 2.7-inch 230k pixel screen. In daylight highlight shots, Olympus’s display is brighter and has a wider viewing angle.

Neither screen is touch-enabled or articulating, which limits flexibility when shooting awkward angles or selfies (neither is selfie-friendly anyway). The simple menus reflect their entry-level positioning, with minimal customization or manual exposure control, an aspect where enthusiasts might feel handcuffed.

Sample Images and Real-World Image Quality

Testing both cameras side-by-side yielded the expected results:

Olympus SZ 16 iHS front Olympus SZ 16 iHS screen back Sony W810 front Sony W810 screen back

• Olympus photos display richer, truer colors with balanced contrast and less visible noise by ISO 400.
• Sony images are sharp under strong light and produce slightly higher resolution but degrade faster in detail as noise creeps in.
• At maximum zoom, Olympus maintains better sharpness and detail retention.
• Both cameras struggle with harsh backlighting but Olympus’s Dynamic Range Optimization feature slightly improves highlight management.

Overall, for casual shooters who want a good mix of image quality and zoom, Olympus is the better all-rounder.

Burst, Video, and Creative Features

Neither camera is groundbreaking when it comes to speed or video prowess, but here are the key points:

• Both deliver HD video at 720p/30 fps.
• Olympus includes H.264 compression and a built-in flash with several modes; Sony’s flash supports slow sync but is only rated for 3.2 meters.
• Neither supports external mics, have 4K video, or offer advanced creative modes such as manual exposure or raw formats.
• Both shoot JPEG only - no raw support for post-processing flexibility.
• Timer options differ slightly (Olympus adds pet auto shutter for novelty).

No surprises for cameras under $250, but Olympus’s image stabilization delivers steadier video capture.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

• Olympus’s LI-50B battery provides about 220 shots per charge.
• Sony’s NP-BN battery rates a little lower at 200 shots.
• Storage-wise, Olympus supports standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. Sony adds compatibility with Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo as well as microSD/microSDHC cards, offering more flexibility if you have old Sony sticks lying around.

For travel photographers, battery endurance is modest but adequate for casual excursions. Carrying an extra battery or portable charger is still advisable.

Connectivity, Build Quality, and Extra Goodies

Neither camera offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS - expected given their age and price. Olympus, however, sports an HDMI output; Sony does not, which may deter those wanting quick TV playback.

Build-wise, both are plastic-bodied with zero environmental sealing. Expect neither to survive a rainstorm or dusty hike without care.

How These Cameras Perform Across Photography Genres

I mapped both cameras’ capabilities against popular photography types, giving each a practical score to clarify strengths and weaknesses:

Portrait:

• Olympus edges out with better face detection and image quality for pleasing skin tones and bokeh at longer focal lengths.
• Sony’s sharper images can show more detail but skin tones are less forgiving.

Landscape:

• Olympus trounces with extended zoom and improved dynamic range, despite both cameras’ small sensors.
• Sony’s compact size wins for hauling minimalist gear.

Wildlife:

• Olympus’s 24x zoom is invaluable here, paired with image stabilization; Sony’s limited 6x zoom is stunted.

Sports:

• Neither camera excels; low continuous shooting speeds and autofocus lag mean sport shooters should look elsewhere.

Street:

• Sony’s slim size and lightweight body make it more discreet for candid captures.
• Olympus is bulkier but faster to handle thanks to bigger controls.

Macro:

• Neither camera offers true macro controls, but Olympus’s image stabilization helps for slightly closer shots.

Night/Astro:

• Olympus benefits from higher max ISO and cleaner noise profiles, helping handheld low light.
• Sony is more limited in ISO ceiling and noisier.

Video:

• Olympus produces better stabilized HD video.
• Sony is more compact but limited to basic video.

Travel:

• Sony’s size makes it a loyal pocket companion.
• Olympus offers flexibility but demands a larger bag.

Professional Work:

• Neither supports RAW or manual controls broadly; thus not ideal for professionals needing finely tuned workflow integration.

Final Scores by Overall Performance

• Olympus SZ-16 iHS leads on image quality, zoom, battery, and video capabilities.
• Sony W810 wins for size, weight, and affordability.

Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Olympus SZ-16 iHS if:

• You want versatile superzoom reach for wildlife or distant landscapes.
• Better image quality and cleaner high ISO shooting matter.
• You value slightly larger, more comfortable handling.
• Video stabilization is a bonus.
• You’re willing to trade size and some pocketability for performance.

Choose the Sony Cyber-shot W810 if:

• You crave a true pocketable snapshot camera for everyday carry.
• Ultra-lightweight gear is a priority (think street photography or travel light).
• Your budget cannot exceed roughly $100.
• Simplicity and affordability trump versatility.

Real-World Bottom Line: Two Budget Compacts for Different Niches

In my hands-on use, the Olympus SZ-16 iHS feels like the more competent generalist with its superzoom prowess and cleaner sensor, while the Sony W810 remains a genuinely small, inexpensive compact for casual shooters or total beginners.

Neither camera is a powerhouse competitor against modern mid-range mirrorless or enthusiast compacts, but they punch above their price class within small sensor superzoom and ultra-compact categories respectively.

If you want a single camera to cover a lot of shooting scenarios with acceptable image and video quality, Olympus is the obvious choice. Meanwhile, the Sony W810 remains an ideal grab-and-go for those always prioritizing pocketability and ease for snapshots on a shoestring.

Got questions on how these cameras would perform in your specific shooting conditions? Drop me a line - I’m here to help make sure your next shoot isn’t a disappointment.