Olympus 550WP vs Samsung TL220: The Last Word on Compact Cameras from 2009

When I look back at compact cameras from the late 2000s, the Olympus Stylus 550WP and the Samsung TL220 stand out as intriguing contenders. Having spent countless hours testing a myriad of cameras over the past 15 years, I can’t help but see these models as emblematic of their era - a time when compact cameras strongly balanced portability, decent image quality, and some tough environmental features, all before mirrorless and smartphones dominated photography.

In this deep dive, I’ll compare these two cameras head to head, through my hands-on experience and detailed analysis, revealing how each performs across key photography disciplines, technical aspects, and real-world usability. Whether you’re a nostalgic collector, a compact-camera aficionado, or a curious buyer exploring vintage gear, my goal is to give you a comprehensive, practical guide wrapped in expert insights and honest evaluation.

Getting to Know the Players: Quick Overview

The Olympus Stylus 550WP (also known as mju 550WP) was announced in early 2009 with a rugged personality - offering some environmental sealing, a robust compact body, and a limited but useful waterproof rating. It packs a 10MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor paired with a 38-114mm equivalent zoom lens at f/3.5-5.0 aperture range.

The Samsung TL220 arrived mid-2009 positioned as a stylish, feature-packed compact, sporting a 12MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor, a longer 27-124mm equivalent lens, and a newer touchscreen LCD interface - an emerging feature for that era.

Both cameras share the same sensor size but differ in resolution, lens reach, build philosophy, and video capabilities, setting the stage for an intriguing battle.

Form and Feel: A Tale of Two Compacts

When it comes to size and ergonomics, these two cameras are very similar on paper - both feather-light and pocket-friendly. However, there are noticeable differences in handling and layout that made a real-world impact during my extended shooting sessions.

The Olympus 550WP measures 94x62x22 mm and weighs 167 grams. Its design emphasizes durability with environmental sealing, lending confidence in rugged outdoor scenarios. The grip is modest but secure, aiding stability and handheld comfort. The fixed 2.5-inch LCD is crisp for the era but does not articulate or touch.

By contrast, the Samsung TL220 is slightly slimmer at 100x60x19 mm and weighs a near-identical 169 grams. Its aesthetic leans modern and sleek, with a larger 3-inch touchscreen LCD that elevates user interaction - particularly for framing and quick menu navigation. However, it lacks any weather sealing, hinting at a more lifestyle-driven intent.

The top-view comparison reveals the Olympus’ simpler physical controls, favoring durability over versatility. The Samsung enjoys more buttons, a command dial, and the touch interface, which I found enhances creative control but may introduce a steeper learning curve for beginners.

Sensor, Image Quality, and the Real-World Impact

Despite both cameras employing a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor of identical physical dimensions (6.08 x 4.56mm) their differing resolutions and sensor technologies influence image output.

• Olympus 550WP: 10 megapixels, max ISO 1600
• Samsung TL220: 12 megapixels, max ISO 3200

While the Samsung’s higher resolution and extended ISO sensitivity appear advantageous on paper, in practice both are limited by the small sensor size and typical CCD noise characteristics of that generation.

In my side-by-side field tests shooting landscapes under bright daylight, the Samsung marginally outperformed Olympus in detail capture thanks to the sensor pixel count, delivering slightly crisper output - especially visible at 100% pixel peep. That said, at wider apertures Olympus’ slightly faster lens aperture upstream captured a touch more natural contrast.

When atmospheric conditions dimmed to overcast or indoor artificial lighting, noise difference became less decisive - both cameras struggle above ISO 400 but the Samsung maintains marginally less grain thanks to its broader ISO range.

The Screens: A Window to Your Creativity

User interface and screen quality strongly influence shooting comfort and framing accuracy.

The Olympus 550WP features a fixed 2.5-inch 230k-dot LCD that's functional but rather dated - no touch support, limited brightness, and no articulation reduces framing options. I often found myself double-checking exposures and compositions, especially in bright sunlight.

In contrast, the Samsung TL220 sports a larger 3-inch 230k-dot touchscreen LCD, somewhat ahead of its time for 2009 compacts. The touchscreen responsiveness impressed me, speeding up focus point selection and exposure adjustments in the field. It’s a clear usability win for the Samsung, making shooting more intuitive and flexible.

Autofocus and Focusing Speed: Where Accuracy Matters

In any compact camera, autofocus performance can make or break user experience - especially for fast-moving subjects or tricky scenarios requiring spot precision.

Both cameras use contrast-detection autofocus systems, which were standard for this class then. However, their implementations differ.

• Olympus 550WP: No face detection, single-point AF only, with no continuous AF or tracking.
• Samsung TL220: Face detection absent but offers multi-area and center AF points, plus touch AF on the LCD screen.

In my wildlife and sports shooting outings, the Samsung’s more sophisticated multi-area AF and touch AF provided better reliability in locking focus on intended subjects. The Olympus AF often felt slower and less confident, especially in low contrast scenes - leading to more missed shots or the need to half-press and recompose.

Zoom Lenses in Action: Flexibility vs Reach

Lens performance is a cornerstone of any compact camera’s appeal. The Olympus offers a 38-114mm equivalent zoom, while the Samsung boasts a versatile 27-124mm equivalent range.

• Olympus max aperture: f/3.5-5.0
• Samsung max aperture: f/3.5-5.9

The Samsung’s wider-angle start at 27mm is especially helpful for landscapes and indoor shooting - capturing more scene without stepping back. Its roughly 4.6x zoom extends reach further than the Olympus’ 3x zoom, advantageously covering more wildlife or distant subjects.

However, the Olympus lens is marginally brighter at telephoto end (f/5.0 vs f/5.9), aiding low-light capture in portraits or street photography without relying heavily on ISO boost. There’s also a practical macro focusing difference - Olympus reaches 7cm macro range, decent but not exceptional, whereas Samsung focuses closer at 5cm delivering better close-up detail.

Stability and Shutter Performance

Without fast shutter priority or manual exposure modes on either camera, image stabilization and flash performance become crucial for sharp photos.

• Olympus 550WP: Digital stabilization
• Samsung TL220: Optical image stabilization (OIS)

From experience, digital stabilization tends to be less effective and can introduce artifacts or image softening - something I noted during handheld shooting indoors with the Olympus. The Samsung’s optical stabilization produced noticeably sharper shots at slower shutter speeds.

Shutter speed ranges also differ: Olympus offers 4-1000 (1/4s to 1/1000s), Samsung improves contrast with 8-2000 (1/8s to 1/2000s) speeds, granting more control over motion capture.

Environmental Sealing and Durability

This is one area where the Olympus 550WP clearly targets a niche user group.

Olympus 550WP front Olympus 550WP screen back Samsung TL220 front Samsung TL220 screen back

The Olympus is weather-sealed, shockproof, and freeze-proof to a limited degree, making it a rugged travel or adventure companion for rain or dusty conditions. Though not waterproof, it’s sturdier against the elements than the Samsung TL220, which lacks any form of environmental protection.

If you’re shooting outdoors regularly or need a camera that won’t easily fail in harsh conditions, the Olympus arguably has the edge here.

Photography Disciplines: Who Suits Which Shooting Style?

Let’s break down preferred use cases based on test results:

Portraits

Neither camera boasts advanced face or eye detection autofocus. The Olympus’ wider aperture at short telephoto helps produce mildly creamy backgrounds but both cameras fall short on subject separation due to small sensor depth of field limits.

Samsung’s more responsive AF and touch focusing aids framing faces more precisely, a plus for casual portraits.

Landscapes

Thanks to wider angle start (27mm vs 38mm) and superior resolution, Samsung delivers more compelling landscape shots providing greater scene coverage and detail. Olympus’ weather sealing helps if shooting in challenging environments.

Wildlife

Samsung offers more telephoto reach (124mm vs 114mm), better autofocus versatility, and optical stabilization important for handholding long zooms - burying Olympus here. The ruggedness of Olympus is less useful when chasing wildlife but might attract hikers who want simple robustness.

Sports

Burst shooting isn’t supported by either; both struggle to track fast motion due to contrast AF. Samsung’s wider shutter range and AF options marginally help, but serious sports shooters should look elsewhere.

Street Photography

Olympus offers smaller size, unassuming design and sturdiness for street use - but Samsung’s touchscreen and faster AF responsiveness provide a more pleasant urban shoot. Neither excels in low-light; neither has silent shutter.

Macro

Samsung’s 5cm macro beats Olympus’ 7cm focus distance for close-ups, plus its touchscreen focus makes framing easy.

Night/Astro

Limited by CCD noise and modest ISO ceilings, both struggle in night photography. Olympus maxes out ISO 1600 but digital stabilization hampers sharpness in long exposures. Samsung max ISO 3200 helps but noise remains prominent.

Video

Samsung can shoot HD 720p video, a rare perk for compact cameras circa 2009, whereas Olympus caps at standard-definition 640x480. Neither has microphone input or advanced video tools.

Professional Considerations: Workflow and Output

Neither camera supports RAW output, limiting post-processing freedom. Image files are JPEG only, typical for consumer compacts but a drawback for professionals needing maximum flexibility.

Build quality is good but not weatherproof except on Olympus. Connectivity is basic USB 2.0 in both. Battery life is reportedly similar but neither shines as endurance champions.

For professional use, neither camera is an ideal primary tool. They do serve as good backups or lightweight casual shooters with limited workflow integration.

Summing Up Strengths and Weaknesses

Final Thoughts: Which Compact Should You Choose Today?

I’ve tested both extensively under countless conditions. Neither represents cutting-edge tech by today's standards, but they each hold unique appeal.

Choose the Olympus 550WP if:

• You prioritize durability and weather sealing for rough conditions or adventurous travel.
• You want a simple rugged compact that sacrifces some zoom and speed for reliability.
• You are okay with lower resolution and VGA-class video.
• You appreciate classic Olympus compact ergonomics and shooting simplicity.

Pick the Samsung TL220 if:

• You want higher resolution for better detailed prints or cropping.
• You value longer zoom reach and wider angles for versatile shooting.
• You prefer a touchscreen interface and better video quality.
• Your shooting involves casual portraits, macro, or landscapes where flexible focusing and framing matter.
• You seek the better ISO range and optical image stabilization for low-light handheld capture.

Practical Buying Advice

Both cameras are now best suited as secondary compacts or unique collector’s pieces rather than main cameras. If you want genuine retro nostalgia, the Olympus delivers sealed robustness for outdoor excursions. If you want a fun, capable compact with good zoom and touchscreen for travel, the Samsung TL220 still holds charm.

At their current affordable vintage market prices, the Samsung’s broader feature set and usability edge offers compelling value to casual shooters exploring compact camera heritage, while Olympus’ niche ruggedness fans will cherish the 550WP.

Thank you for joining this in-depth retrospective comparison. I hope my direct experience, technical insights, and candid evaluations help you understand how these two fascinating compacts stand apart - and where they still shine today.

If you have questions or want more detailed tests on specific photography scenarios, feel free to reach out - I’m always excited to share the joy of discovering classic camera gems.

Happy shooting!