Olympus Stylus 1s vs Sony Cyber-shot HX80: The Compact Superzoom Showdown

In the ever-evolving world of compact superzoom cameras, it’s easy to get dazzled by specifications, zoom ranges, or marketing buzzwords. But after testing thousands of cameras over 15 years, I can assure you - the devil is in the details, and it’s the real-world experience, beyond glossy specs, that reveals which camera truly deserves a spot in your bag. Today, we're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison between two interesting contenders that have captured the attention of enthusiasts looking for portable yet versatile cameras: the Olympus Stylus 1s and the Sony Cyber-shot HX80.

Both released around the mid-2010s, these cameras belong to the niche “small sensor superzoom” category. They promise high versatility ranging from wide-angle landscapes to super-telephoto zooms, all cramped into one compact unit. But how do they stack up in terms of image quality, handling, speed, and versatility? Let’s delve in.

First Impressions and Ergonomics – Size Matters (Or Does It?)

Starting with the obvious - size and feel. The Olympus 1s is a bridge-style camera, designed to look and feel like a mini DSLR. In contrast, the Sony HX80 is a compact point-and-shoot aiming for ultimate portability.

Both cameras feature an electronic viewfinder and similar 3-inch tilting LCD screens, yet the Olympus definitely asserts a heftier presence, weighing about 402 grams compared to Sony’s 245 grams - a notable difference on extended shooting days. The Olympus measures approximately 116x87x57 mm, while the HX80 is more pocketable at 102x58x36 mm.

Handling-wise, the 1s offers a more traditional grip and dedicated dials, which photographers familiar with interchangeable lens cameras will appreciate - allowing quick access to aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation without diving into menus. Sony’s HX80, however, embraces a minimalist design with fewer external controls, favoring simplicity but at the cost of tactile immediacy.

Overall, if you prize comfortable ergonomics, particularly for longer shooting, the Olympus’s more pronounced grip and robust build are winners here. On the flip side, the HX80’s sleeker, lighter profile excels as a carry-anywhere travel companion.

Exploring the Control Layouts and Interface

Diving deeper into the usability, let’s examine the control layouts from a top-down view. This is where day-to-day efficiency often makes or breaks the shooting experience.

The Olympus 1s impresses with its traditional dial system that includes dedicated rings for aperture and shutter speed, an exposure compensation dial, and a mode dial. Buttons are generally well spaced and responsive, with some backlighting for low light scenarios (albeit limited). Having direct PASM control - including manual exposure - is a real boon for enthusiasts wanting creative control without fumbling through menus.

On the Sony HX80, the controls are decidedly more compact and techy, with a mode dial incorporating typical scene selections, but no dedicated aperture or shutter controls outside fully manual mode. The rear button layout is crowded, and the absence of touchscreen functionality (discussed later) further restricts quick navigation.

First-hand, I found the Olympus faster for setting creative parameters on the fly. The Sony beckons more menu diving, which can be a minor nuisance if you’re accustomed to reflexive physical controls.

Sensor and Image Quality: Is Bigger Always Better?

Both these superzooms come with 1/1.7” or smaller sensors, which limits their native image quality compared to larger APS-C or full-frame rivals. But subtle technical contrasts can impact the final image in challenging scenarios.

Olympus Stylus 1s:

• Sensor: 1/1.7" BSI-CMOS (7.44 x 5.58 mm, 41.5mm²)
• Resolution: 12 MP (3968x2976)
• ISO Range: 100–12800 native
• Antialiasing filter: Yes

Sony HX80:

• Sensor: 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS (6.17 x 4.55 mm, 28.1mm²)
• Resolution: 18 MP (4896x3672)
• ISO Range: 80–3200 native, 12800 boost
• Antialiasing filter: Yes

At first glance, the Sony boasts higher resolution, which nominally sounds better. However, in real photography conditions, more megapixels on a smaller sensor can lead to increased noise and less sensitivity, especially in low light. The Olympus’s larger sensor area translates into better light gathering, delivering cleaner images with improved dynamic range and color depth - both critical for landscapes and portraits.

In my controlled shooting tests, Olympus images showed smoother gradients and less chromatic noise past ISO 800, while Sony’s images, although sharper at base ISO, suffered more visible grain when pushed into higher sensitivities.

This subtle balance tilts in favor of Olympus for image quality purists, despite the lower megapixel count.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders - Your Windows to Creativity

Both cameras include an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and tilting rear LCD screens, essential for composing shots at various angles and lighting conditions - especially for travel and street photography where flexibility is crucial.

The Olympus’s EVF features 1,440k-dot resolution with 100% coverage. It’s bright, sharp, and offers fast refresh rates, making it a pleasure when shooting in bright sunlight or tracking fast subjects. The rear LCD is a touch-enabled 3-inch screen with 1,040k dots and tilting functionality, great for low or high-angle shots.

Contrast that with Sony’s HX80 EVF, which lacks resolution specification and felt noticeably lower in sharpness and update speed during my trials. The 3-inch rear LCD offers 921k dots but no touchscreen, limiting intuitive control or tap-to-focus options.

For photographers who rely on framing precision and quick adjustments, Olympus offers a more premium, responsive viewing experience. Sony’s, though serviceable, feels like a step behind in this department.

Zoom and Lens Performance: The Heart of Superzooms

Now onto the feature that grabs most buyers’ attention: zoom range and lens speed.

• Olympus Stylus 1s: 28-300mm equivalent, constant f/2.8 aperture
• Sony HX80: 24-720mm equivalent, variable aperture from f/3.5 (wide) to f/6.4 (telephoto)

Sony’s 30x zoom impresses on paper - pushing beyond 700mm equivalent makes it ideal for wildlife and distant subjects. But beware that such extreme zoom often compromises image sharpness and aperture size. On the other hand, Olympus offers a shorter zoom span (about 10.7x) capped at 300mm but with a bright f/2.8 aperture across the entire zoom range.

In practical shooting, the Olympus lens’s fast aperture provides better low-light performance and shallower depth of field potential for portraits and creative bokeh. Additionally, its optical image stabilization system is effective - keeping shots steady even near the 300mm mark.

Sony’s HX80, despite the impressive zoom reach, loses sharpness and brightness significantly as you zoom in beyond 400mm. This makes it less reliable for critical telephoto use compared to Olympus, unless you shoot primarily in good light or crop heavily.

In wildlife and sports photography - where reach matters - Sony’s zoom offers flexibility but Olympus’s superior image quality and aperture win in most scenarios under my rigorous field tests.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed - Chasing Fast Moments

Speed and accuracy can make or break action and wildlife photography. Let’s see how both cameras perform focusing and burst shooting.

Olympus 1s features contrast-detection AF with face detection and 35 focus points, including continuous AF and tracking modes, allowing reasonably confident subject acquisition. The max continuous shooting speed is 7 fps.

Sony HX80 has contrast-detection AF with face and selective AF areas, also offering continuous autofocus and tracking, with a higher max burst speed of 10 fps.

In my hands-on experience, Sony’s autofocus tracking was a touch quicker and smoother for fast-moving subjects - likely helped by its newer Bionz X processor. Burst rates are faster but limited by buffer depth and write speeds.

However, Olympus maintains a more reliable focus lock in tricky lighting and more consistent frame intervals during continuous shooting sequences.

For serious sports/action shooters on a budget, Sony’s burst advantage and zoom reach might edge out. But Olympus offers more dependable focus consistency during real-world usage.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

The true test is versatility - how well do these cameras handle diverse photography types? Let’s break it down.

Portrait Photography

Olympus’s bright f/2.8 lens and larger sensor favor creamy background blur and natural skin tones. Face detection AF reliably tracks eyes, crafting flattering images. Sony’s higher resolution can deliver detailed portraits but smaller sensor and slower lens limit bokeh and perform less well in low light.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and image clarity are key. Olympus pulls ahead due to larger sensor, better ISO performance, and generally richer colors. The 28mm wide angle is adequate, though not ultra-wide. Sony’s advantage: 24mm wide, longer zoom, but noisier images and lower dynamic range limit final output quality.

Wildlife and Sports

Sony dominates in reach with 720mm equivalent zoom and higher burst rates, making it tempting for wildlife observers reliant on super-telephoto reach. Olympus’s better lens aperture and steadier focus matter too but may require cropping.

Street Photography

Sony’s compact size, discretion, and lighter weight shine here. Olympus, bulkier and more DSLR-like, demands more presence. Sony’s flip-up screen also aids creative compositions discreetly. However, Olympus’s superior image quality compensates if you’re okay with a slightly larger package.

Macro Photography

Both offer 5cm closest focusing. Olympus lens’s constant f/2.8 aperture helps isolate subjects with nice background separation. Sony’s smaller sensor can at times yield sharper images up close but with less bokeh charm. Stabilization helps Olympus’s handheld macro stability.

Night and Astro Photography

Low light performance clearly wins in Olympus’s court here, supported by ISO sensitivity and constant aperture. Sony’s smaller sensor limits usable high ISO, and slower lens aperture requires longer exposures - harder to handhold.

Video Capabilities

Sony supports 1080p up to 60fps, plus multiple codecs including AVCHD and XAVC S, catering to casual videographers wanting smoother motion and better compression. Olympus tops out at 1080p 30fps in H.264 only. Neither have microphone or headphone jacks, limiting professional video rigs. Optical stabilization in both helps handheld video.

Travel Photography

Factors include weight, battery life, zoom versatility, and ruggedness. Olympus’s superior handling and lens aperture favor creative shots, but Sony’s small size and longer zoom win practical points for travel ease and flexibility.

Professional Use

Neither camera targets professional workflows, but Olympus offers RAW support (Sony HX80 does not), valuable for serious editing. Olympus’s more tactile controls and reliability edge toward enthusiast use, while Sony fits casual snapshots and vacations.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera offers weather sealing or shock resistance, so risk mitigation is necessary if shooting outdoors in tricky conditions.

Olympus’s semi-robust bridge body feels solid and durable, designed for extended use. Sony’s compact body is less rugged but pocket-friendly.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life - Staying Powered and Connected

Both cameras feature built-in Wi-Fi for image sharing, but Olympus lacks NFC and Bluetooth. Sony includes NFC but no Bluetooth, making pairing with smartphones slightly easier.

Storage-wise, both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. Sony also supports Memory Stick PRO Duo compatibility.

Battery life favors Olympus with about 450 shots per charge compared to Sony’s 390 - modest but adequate for day trips or travel with backup.

Putting It All Together: Performance Ratings

To sum everything visually...

And by photography genre:

Real-World Shooting Gallery

Here are sample images showcasing both cameras, processed with standard settings in typical outdoor scenes, low-light interiors, and telephoto crops. The Olympus 1s exhibits cleaner shadows and subtle color rendering, while Sony’s are punchier but noisier at higher ISO.

Olympus 1s front Olympus 1s screen back Sony HX80 front Sony HX80 screen back

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

With two commendable cameras in hand, I’d say it boils down to what you value most - image quality, zoom range, handling, or portability?

• Choose Olympus Stylus 1s if you:

  • Desire better image quality in variable lighting, aided by larger sensor and constant f/2.8 lens.
  • Prefer more tactile, DSLR-style controls for creative shooting.
  • Shoot portraits, landscapes, macro, or night photography primarily.
  • Value RAW support and solid build despite a bit more bulk.
  • Are willing to invest about $700.

• Choose Sony HX80 if you:

  • Need extreme reach with 30x zoom for wildlife or distant subjects.
  • Prioritize portability, low weight, and compactness for travel or street photography.
  • Desire higher burst rates and 60fps Full HD video.
  • Are on a budget around $370.
  • Don't mind smaller sensor compromises and lack of RAW support.

Neither camera is perfect - both represent trade-offs between pocket-friendly versatility and quality. Still, from my long-term use and testing, Olympus’s overall balance and image fidelity place it a notch above for enthusiasts seeking creative control and reliability, while Sony’s HX80 is a solid travel companion and zoom champion for casual shooters.

What About Alternatives?

If you’re willing to consider other options, modern mirrorless cameras like the Sony RX100 series or Panasonic Lumix TZ90 offer larger sensors, faster lenses, and 4K video, albeit at a higher price. If zoom lens reach is paramount, newer superzoom models with bigger sensors may deliver improved results despite increased weight.

In the world of compact superzooms, no single camera rules all - just different users and priorities.

So what’s your perfect match? Feel free to share your thoughts or shooting preferences - I’d love to hear how these cameras could fit into your photographic adventures. Let’s keep the conversation going!