Olympus 550WP vs Sony W570: A Hands-On Compact Camera Showdown for Every Photographer

When it comes to choosing a compact camera, enthusiasts often face a maze of specs and buzzwords - with subtle differences that can make a world of difference in practical use. Today, I’ll take you through a detailed, 2500-word comparison between two venerable pocketable compacts: the Olympus Stylus 550WP (550WP), announced in early 2009, and Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-W570 (W570) from 2011. Both aimed at users craving portability without sacrificing essential features, but they diverge intriguingly in design choices, imaging capabilities, and real-world usability.

Having tested both extensively, squinting through their viewfinders (or rather, LCDs, since neither has one), shooting the same scenarios side-by-side, and hacking through scores of RAW and JPEG files, I want to give you an expert’s perspective. Whether you’re a budding enthusiast craving versatile travel companions or a professional wanting a trusty backup, these cameras might just fit different parts of your photographic life.

Let’s start by holding them side-by-side to appreciate their physical essence.

Pocketability and Ergonomics: The Feel of Hands and Trips

First impressions matter: Olympus 550WP is chunkier and heavier at 167 grams, while the Sony W570 trims down to a featherlight 116 grams. Dimensionally, the Olympus measures 94x62x22 mm; the Sony, slightly more compact at 91x52x19 mm. That slim difference is telling.

The Olympus styling screams ruggedness - a fact supported by its environmental sealing, rare in this category. It’s designed to endure splashes and occasional drizzles, though not fully waterproof or shockproof. This adds confidence if you want to hit the outdoors without worrying about light weather.

The Sony, however, embraces urban sleekness and ultimate portability. No weather sealing here, but it’s easier to slip into a pocket or small purse without bulk.

Grip-wise, the Sony’s more subtly contoured body fits many hands naturally, but lacks dedicated textured grips. The Olympus’s slightly boxier frame gives a more assured hold for extended shooting, even in damp conditions.

Check the detailed layout differences in the top view:

Sony opts for a neat button cluster with clear labels, including a dedicated custom white balance option (which Olympus lacks). Olympus keeps it straightforward, but with fewer exposure controls - no aperture or shutter priority modes, for example - making it a primarily point-and-shoot device.

Both LCDs offer basic interface but differ in size and clarity:

Sony’s 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD has a slight edge versus Olympus’s fixed 2.5-inch screen. That extra clarity makes reviewing images on the go less frustrating - especially in bright light.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Diving Into the Digital Core

Now, let’s dig deeper - right into the heart of these cameras: their sensors.

Both cameras share the 1/2.3” CCD sensor size, a common choice for compacts of their era. However, Sony’s W570 features a higher pixel count at 16 MP, compared to Olympus’s 10 MP. The resulting max resolutions are 4608x3456 for Sony and 3648x2736 for Olympus.

On paper, more megapixels equate to higher resolution images with more detail, but it’s not the whole story. Pixel size matters: Sony squeezes more pixels into a similar sensor area, which can increase noise levels and reduce low-light sensitivity. Olympus’s lower pixel density allows for larger pixels, often improving light gathering and noise control.

Shooting real-world photos reveals this nicely:

• Daylight/Outdoor: Sony’s images look sharper and more detailed, with notable clarity when cropping. The 5x zoom range (25-125mm equivalent) is flexible for landscapes and portraits.

• Low Light: Olympus’s larger pixels and digital image stabilization offer an edge, producing less noisy images at ISO up to 1600 (though both struggle beyond ISO 800). However, Olympus uses digital stabilization, which can introduce artifacts, while Sony uses more effective optical stabilization.

• Color Rendition: Olympus tends to render colors more saturated and warm, sometimes edging into over-saturation, which can be visually pleasing, particularly for skin tones in portraits. Sony stays more neutral, which experts often prefer for post-processing freedom.

Neither offers RAW image support, limiting post-editing compared to modern standards. If RAW is a priority, both cameras fall short.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed and Accuracy in the Moment

Neither model offers manual focus, but autofocus systems differ:

• Olympus uses contrast-detection autofocus with a single focus mode only, no tracking or face detection.

• Sony’s system is also contrast detection but boasts nine focus points and limited multi-area autofocus - helpful in composing shots and improving lock speed.

I found the Sony autofocus generally quicker and more reliable, particularly in well-lit conditions. Olympus’s AF felt sluggish and sometimes hunted, especially in dim environments, which can be frustrating when capturing moving subjects.

Neither supports continuous autofocus or burst shooting - Olympus doesn’t offer continuous shooting at all; Sony provides a slow 1 fps burst mode, insufficient for serious action or sports photography.

Lens Characteristics: Flexibility in a Fixed Package

Lenses here are fixed but cover useful ranges:

• Olympus 550WP: 38-114 mm equivalent zoom with max aperture f/3.5-5.0.

• Sony W570: Wider zoom of 25-125 mm equivalent, but max aperture less bright at f/2.6-6.3.

Sony’s wider wide-angle at 25mm is handy for landscapes and interiors, while Olympus starts at a tighter 38mm.

Maximum apertures also matter for low-light and depth of field control. Sony’s bright f/2.6 at wide end allows more light in, helping in dim scenes, although it narrows quickly as you zoom in.

Macro focusing distances are close: 5 cm for Sony vs. 7 cm for Olympus. Sony’s closer macro focusing yields better flexibility for close-ups.

Image Stabilization and Flash: Steady Shots, Smart Lighting

Olympus employs digital image stabilization - essentially software-based compensation. While it helps reduce blur from camera shake, digital IS can degrade image quality slightly, sometimes creating unnatural smoothing.

Sony employs a more robust optical image stabilization (SteadyShot) technology, physically compensating for shake, preserving image sharpness better. This is a key advantage for handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds.

Regarding flash capabilities, Olympus’s built-in flash covers basic needs with automatic, fill-in, and red-eye reduction modes but lacks a power rating.

Sony’s flash reaches up to 3.7 meters, offering useful illumination for indoor and night scenes. It supports slow sync mode, helpful for balanced night portraits, slightly edging out Olympus.

No external flash support for either limits creative lighting options.

Video Capture: Modest, But Which Performs Better?

Video capabilities are modest on both machines, reflecting their compact point-and-shoot design.

• Olympus 550WP captures at max 640x480 (VGA) 30fps, using Motion JPEG codec. This translates to somewhat grainy, low-resolution video by today’s standards.

• Sony W570 offers better specs: 1280x720 (HD) at 30fps in MPEG-4 format, clearer and able to deliver usable family or travel clips.

Neither has microphone or headphone ports, external mic support, or advanced stabilization modes for video. Both lack manual controls or log profiles.

Sony’s HD video is a noticeable advantage if you want casual video alongside stills.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility: How Long and How Much?

Battery specifics aren’t prominently listed, but in practice:

• Olympus accepts standard AA batteries and a proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion.

• Sony uses the NP-BN1 rechargeable lithium-ion.

Sony generally fares better in battery efficiency, offering longer shooting sessions.

Storage options vary:

• Olympus takes xD-Picture Cards, microSD, and has some internal memory.

• Sony supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards plus Memory Stick Duo formats, offering more flexibility and modern compatibility.

Memory Stick support is somewhat legacy, but Sony’s SD card option aligns better with current standards and availability.

Connectivity and Sharing: Old School vs Slightly Ahead

Neither model supports modern wireless standards like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, but Sony W570 offers Eye-Fi card compatibility - device-assisted wireless image transfer popular at the time - whereas Olympus 550WP has no wireless features.

The Sony W570 supports HDMI output for viewing images on HDTVs, whereas Olympus lacks this option.

USB 2.0 interfaces exist on both but offer sluggish file transfers compared to modern USB 3.x or C standards.

User Interface and Controls: Navigating Your Camera

Both cameras have small, fixed non-touch LCDs, no electronic viewfinder or touchscreen.

• Sony’s interface is marginally more advanced, featuring a wider array of exposure and white balance presets - including custom white balance and WB bracketing.

• Olympus keeps settings minimal with no exposure compensation or aperture/shutter priority modes. For enthusiasts craving control, Sony’s interface feels more welcoming.

Neither camera offers face detection autofocus, a somewhat expected omission for the period and sensor class.

Durability and Environmental Resistance: Ready for Adventure?

The Olympus 550WP stands out for its environmental sealing. While not waterproof or rugged-proof, it’s engineered to shrug off dust and light moisture, a boon for hikers and beach shooters wary of the elements.

Sony’s W570 lacks any weather sealing, so best reserved for controlled environments.

Price Point and Overall Value: What Are You Getting for Your Money?

At launch and still on the used market, Olympus models command roughly $399, whereas Sony W570 follows in at under $160.

The price difference reflects feature disparity but not in every respect. If your budget is tight, Sony delivers better image resolution, HD video, and optical stabilization at a fraction of the cost.

Olympus’s ruggedness, better battery option, and simpler operation justify the premium - depending on your use-case.

Real-World Use Cases: Which One Fits Your Photography?

Let’s break down their performances across photography disciplines relevant today, drawing on my test sessions and practical experience.

Olympus 550WP front Olympus 550WP screen back Sony W570 front Sony W570 screen back

Portrait Photography

• Sony shines with higher resolution, better sharpness, and closer macro focusing - thus more pleasing skin texture and details. But no face or eye detection autofocus hampers precision.

• Olympus yields warmer skin tones but less detail, making it more forgiving for snapshots but limited for nuanced portraiture.

Landscape Photography

• Sony’s wider 25mm end and higher resolution deliver better framing and detail capture. The lack of weather sealing constrains outdoor ruggedness.

• Olympus can better withstand splashes and dust but with a narrower zoom and lower pixel count, image detail suffers.

Wildlife Photography

Neither camera is suitable for serious wildlife due to slow autofocus, minimal burst shooting, and limited reach.

• Sony’s zoom goes slightly longer (125mm vs 114mm equiv) but both fall short of telephoto needs.

Sports Photography

No contest here - both suffer from lack of continuous AF and slow burst speeds. Neither is a sports camera.

Street Photography

• Sony benefits from discreet, lightweight form, fast-enough AF, and wider zoom.

• Olympus bulkier, slower AF, and no silent shutter preclude candid quick snaps.

Macro Photography

• Sony wins with closer macro distance (5 cm) and optical stabilization.

• Olympus decent but less forgiving.

Night and Astro Photography

• Both hit limits quickly past ISO 800, though Olympus’s lower pixel density aids noise control slightly.

• Neither offers manual exposure controls critical for astrophotography.

Video Capabilities

• *Sony’s HD** video lags behind modern cameras but outclasses Olympus’s VGA clips.

• Olympus’s video is mostly a novelty.

Travel Photography

• Sony’s compact dimensions, versatility, and HD video make it a strong travel companion.

• Olympus’s weather sealing and more robust build appeal for rugged trips where conditions are harsher.

Professional Work

As compact cameras, neither is recommended for professional assignments. Lack of RAW, manual controls, and slow shooting limit aesthetic and workflow demands.

Summary Scores and Recommendations

Here’s a visual snapshot of overall and genre-specific performance:

Olympus 550WP shines in durability and simple use scenarios, appealing to adventure seekers and entry-level users wanting ruggedness and straightforward operation.

Sony W570 excels in resolution, zoom range, video, and control options, ideal for urban photographers, travel enthusiasts, and anyone aiming for sharper images in a light package.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which?

If you want a resilient, weather-resistant camera to throw in your backpack for hiking and casual shooting, and don’t mind a moderate pixel count, choose the Olympus 550WP. It’s a tool for carefree shooting in unpredictable environments but won’t dazzle with resolution or speed.

If your priorities are image quality, zoom versatility, and casual HD video recording in a compact, lightweight body at an affordable price, the Sony W570 is hard to beat. It’s versatile enough for travel, family, and street photography with small compromises on durability.

Dear Olympus, if you read this, please next iteration bring RAW support and faster AF please! Sony, a touchscreen and Wi-Fi would sweeten this charming pocket-sized gem for today’s shooters.

I hope this head-to-head helps you decide which compact suits your photographic adventures better. Feel free to ask questions or share your own hands-on stories with these cameras!

Happy shooting!