Olympus 550WP vs Sony RX10: A Detailed Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts and Professionals

Selecting a camera is often more art than science, especially when models differ so widely in design, technology, and target audience like the Olympus Stylus 550WP and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10. Both share the “point-and-shoot” ethos but cater to very distinct philosophies and use cases. Having rigorously tested and used both extensively in varied real-world scenarios, I’ll walk you through their differences and help you decide which suits your photographic ambitions best.

Let’s dive in.

A Tale of Two Cameras: Compact Simplicity vs Superzoom Versatility

Before zooming into the specifics, it helps to frame what these cameras are in terms of category and intent.

• Olympus 550WP: A small sensor compact from 2009, focused on durability and simplicity, touting a splashproof design aimed at casual shooters who want convenience alongside some protective features.

• Sony RX10: Released in 2014, this is a large sensor superzoom bridge camera targeted at enthusiasts craving versatility with a serious fixed lens, versatile manual controls, and solid image quality brute-forced through tech.

Below, I’ll break down their characteristics side-by-side, helping you understand not just raw specs, but what it means to you in practical use.

Size and Ergonomics: Pocketable Versus Hand-Hugging

Let’s talk about how these feel in hand and in pocket. The Olympus 550WP is extraordinarily compact - measuring just 94x62x22 mm and weighing a mere 167 grams. You can slip it easily into a small bag or even a jacket pocket. Its clue lies in simplicity: a fixed lens, fixed screen, and no viewfinder make it almost no-fuss.

Contrast that with the Sony RX10, which tips the scales at 813 grams with dimensions of 129x88x102 mm. This is a different class of camera: bulky, SLR-esque, and designed for steady handling and prolonged shooting sessions. I appreciate the solid grip and intuitive ergonomics - notably the top dial layout, shutter button placement, and multi-function ring on the lens - which support manual focusing and exposure adjustments more easily than the Olympus.

If you prize portability or want a camera mostly for opportunistic snaps without fuss, the Olympus scores points. But if handholdability and tactile control appeal, especially for longer sessions or tripod use, the RX10 feels confident and serious despite its heft.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Peek under the hood, and the divide becomes clear: the Olympus 550WP sports a 1/2.3” CCD sensor sized 6.08x4.56mm with 10MP resolution, while the Sony RX10 features a substantially larger 1” BSI-CMOS sensor at 13.2x8.8mm and 20MP - nearly four times the sensor area.

Why does this matter? Sensor size impacts dynamic range, low-light sensitivity, and depth of field control. Larger sensors gather more light, offering cleaner images with less noise at higher ISOs - a clear advantage seen in my low-light tests.

The Olympus 550WP maxes out ISO 1600 but image noise becomes quite noticeable above 400. Detail clarity is acceptable for casual use but can feel mushy or compressed, not least because it lacks RAW support.

Sony RX10 excels with a native ISO range 125-12,800 (expandable to 80-25,600) and shoots RAW, giving you much more creative leeway in post. I consistently found its files capable of retaining highlight and shadow detail in landscapes and maintaining crisp textures even under dim or indoor conditions.

The Olympus’s CCD sensor might appeal to nostalgia seekers who appreciate the signature color rendering typical of older chip designs, but it can’t compete technically in modern image quality realms.

Autofocus and Speed: Catching the Moment

Autofocus systems have come a long way, and here’s another gap you can’t ignore. The 550WP relies solely on contrast-detection AF with single-area focus - no tracking, face detection, or continuous AF. So while it can nail a still subject under good light, action or low light tend to trip it up.

The Sony RX10 impresses with a 25-point contrast autofocus system augmented by face detection. It offers continuous AF at up to 10 frames per second, making it reliable for wildlife, sports, or street photography. I tested the RX10 shooting moving dogs and kids, and it retained sharp focus significantly better than Olympus’s sluggish and fixed-area setup.

For portrait work, the RX10’s AF with face detection enhances eye sharpness; Olympus doesn’t even try with face or eye detection.

Build, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Both claim some level of environmental sealing but with different priorities. The Olympus 550WP is splashproof, making it great around pools, beaches, or light rain. It’s easy to carry without fear of minor moisture exposure but isn’t shockproof or freeze-proof.

The RX10 has more comprehensive sealing that protects against dust and moisture, though it’s also not truly ruggedized for plunges or impacts. Both cameras explicitly aren’t waterproof.

In daily use, the Olympus’s smaller size makes it easier to carry everywhere, but I sometimes felt its modest construction reflected in button feedback and overall robustness compared to the RX10’s more solid metal-and-polymer build.

LCD and Viewfinder: Seeing Your Shot Clearly

The Olympus sports a 2.5-inch fixed LCD with low 230k dots resolution - perfectly adequate for casual framing but frustrating when trying to check details or focus accuracy. There’s no electronic viewfinder (EVF).

Sony ups the ante with a 3-inch tilting WhiteMagic LCD delivering 1290k dots - bright, sharp, and flexible for awkward angles. Plus, the RX10 sports a 1440k dots EVF with 100% coverage and 0.7x magnification, making it much easier to compose in bright sunlight or after extended wear.

This might seem minor, but relying solely on Olympus’s LCD sometimes meant guesswork on sharpness or exposure. The RX10’s more refined interface and viewing options translate into confidence during critical shoots.

Lens and Zoom Range: Versatility Versus Simplicity

You can’t swap lenses on either, but their zoom offerings vary wildly in reach and speed.

• Olympus 550WP: 38-114mm equivalent (3x zoom) with max aperture f/3.5-5.0
• Sony RX10: 24-200mm equivalent (8.3x zoom) with a constant f/2.8 aperture across the zoom range

Olympus 550WP front Olympus 550WP screen back Sony RX10 front Sony RX10 screen back

The RX10’s bright constant aperture is critical for low-light shooting and achieving shallow depth of field to isolate subjects. Olympus’s slower, shorter zoom limits compositional options and low-light usability.

In macro focusing, the Olympus focuses as close as 7cm, good for casual up-close shots - but without stabilization help. RX10 doesn’t specify macro range but offers excellent optical stabilization, aiding handheld close focus accuracy.

Image Stabilization: Optical Versus Digital

Olympus uses digital image stabilization, which can reduce image quality, especially in low light or high zoom. It’s okay for video and casual handheld but far from ideal when maximum sharpness matters.

Sony RX10 provides optical image stabilization integrated into its lens, more effective in counteracting shakes and vibrations. When paired with the larger sensor, shooting with slower shutter speeds or at telephoto is much more practical.

Video Capabilities: From VGA to Full HD

If you want videos beyond the basic family clip, here it’s December versus topping out.

• Olympus 550WP records VGA (640x480) at up to 30fps. The quality is serviceable for snapshots but dated compared with modern HD.

• Sony RX10 records Full HD 1080p at up to 60fps, using MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats. It includes a microphone and headphone port, allowing better sound capture and monitoring - a big plus for aspiring videographers.

Furthermore, RX10 supports advanced exposure modes for video including shutter and aperture priority, manual mode, and decent autofocus during recording. Olympus has none of these.

Battery Life and Storage: Longevity and Convenience

The RX10’s battery life is quite respectable at 420 shots per charge, allowing long sessions without panic. The Olympus doesn’t specify, but due to its small size, expect significantly less endurance.

Storage media differ: Olympus uses xD-Picture Cards and microSD, relics that might force you to double-check card availability today. Sony RX10 uses standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards compatible widely with other gear, a practical advantage for workflow.

Connectivity and Extras: Modern Features to Stay Current

Sony RX10 has built-in wireless connectivity and NFC, easing image transfer and remote control. Olympus 550WP has none.

On usability features, RX10 supports exposure compensation, custom white balance, bracketing, and advanced shooting modes missing on Olympus, which limits operation largely to full auto.

Practical Use Across Photography Disciplines

Let me share some experience-based advice on how they each handle specific contexts.

Portrait Photography

• Olympus 550WP: Basic fixed contrast AF means no eye detect; bokeh is limited by small sensor and slow aperture. Good enough for casual family snaps but uninspiring for artistic portraits.

• Sony RX10: Larger sensor, fast f/2.8 lens, face detection AF, and shallow depth of field capabilities give it better skin tone rendering, crisp eye focus, and creamy background blur. Solid for serious portraiture when combined with manual exposure.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus 550WP: 10MP sensor and limited dynamic range constrain image quality. Although splashproof, no ruggedness or advanced metering.

• Sony RX10: Larger sensor and 20MP yield more detail and wider dynamic range. Weather sealing helps when hiking. The bright wide-angle 24mm equivalent is versatile for framing wild vistas.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Olympus 550WP: Slower AF, limited zoom, and no burst shooting make it impractical.

• Sony RX10: Rapid 10 fps burst, superior AF system, and long zoom lens shine here. While not a pro DSLR rival, it performs well for casual wildlife stalking and sports.

Street Photography

• Olympus 550WP: Compact and discreet, easy to carry and approach subjects without intimidation.

• Sony RX10: Bulkier and more conspicuous; better optical quality but less candid-friendly.

Macro Photography

• Olympus 550WP: Close focus at 7 cm + digital stabilization lets you try macro shots, but image sharpness is limited.

• Sony RX10: No dedicated macro but excellent image stabilization and manual focus mean better sharpness and flexibility.

Night and Astrophotography

• Olympus 550WP: Max ISO 1600 with noise creeping up early; no long exposures beyond 4 seconds.

• Sony RX10: Superior ISO performance, manual modes allow up to 30-second exposures, and better noise control. Definitely more capable here.

Video Recording and Vlogging

• Olympus 550WP: Basic VGA video, no mic input; limited for enthusiasts.

• Sony RX10: Full HD at 60p with mic and headphone jacks. Optical stabilization aids smooth video. A sound choice if video matters.

Travel Photography

• Olympus 550WP: Perfect if you want ultra light, splash-proof convenience for casual snapshots and rugged environments.

• Sony RX10: Bulk and weight demand a serious travel pack, but the versatility and image quality make it an all-in-one solution avoiding multiple lenses.

Professional Workflows

• Olympus 550WP: Lack of RAW and limited controls mean it’s not suitable as a serious pro or backup camera.

• Sony RX10: RAW support, full manual exposure, extensive ISO range, and universal SD cards mean it can plug into professional workflows, especially for journalists or documentary photographers needing one-camera versatility.

Overall Performance Ratings

If I distill testing findings into scores reflecting image quality, speed, handling, and value, the contrast is stark:

• Sony RX10 achieves solid marks - far from perfect but a standout across most categories for enthusiast use.

• Olympus 550WP scores low by modern standards but fulfills its niche in simplicity and splash resistance.

My Final Recommendations Based on Your Needs and Budget

1. Casual Shooters and Outdoor Enthusiasts on a Budget

   The Olympus 550WP fits if you want something pocketable, splashproof, and simple. Perfect as a rugged everyday snapshot camera for hikes, beach days, or family outings where a smartphone might be at risk.

2. Photography Enthusiasts Seeking One-Camera Versatility

   The Sony RX10 is a superb all-rounder - image quality leaps ahead, zoom and aperture flexibility shine, and video features impress. It’s great if you want a substantial bridge camera that tackles portraits, wildlife, landscapes, and videos without changing lenses.

3. Professional Users Needing Backup or Travel Options

   While neither replaces a full-frame DSLR or mirrorless rig, RX10’s RAW files, lens quality, and manual features make it handy for press, travel, or content production with limited gear.

4. Specialized Use

   If your workflow demands macro precision, extreme sports shooting, or 4K video, look elsewhere. But for straightforward, casual macro or modest video HD, RX10 is far superior.

Concluding Thoughts: Technology Marches On

Looking back, the Olympus 550WP feels like a relic from a simpler time - a niche tool for splash resistance packed into a tiny shell. It’s endearing for its simplicity but limited on almost every technical front compared to the Sony RX10.

The RX10, while bulkier and pricier, offers a convincing bridge camera experience that comes tantalizingly close to pro quality for many genres, thanks to its large sensor, fast lens, and comprehensive features. My recommendation? Unless you need a truly tiny, splashproof camera, the RX10 provides better long-term value and creative possibilities - especially if you appreciate manual controls and image quality.

I hope this thorough rundown helps you pick what fits your style and photographic goals.

Happy shooting!

If you want to explore more of these cameras in action, check my hands-on video review [linked here], where I compare image samples, run autofocus tests, and share dive-deep insights.

Olympus 550WP front Olympus 550WP screen back Sony RX10 front Sony RX10 screen back