Olympus SP-100 vs Olympus XZ-1: A Detailed Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

In the world of bridge and compact cameras, Olympus has long represented an intriguing crossroad between feature-packed usability and controlled portability. Today, I have the pleasure of digging into two of Olympus's intriguingly different small sensor cameras: the Olympus SP-100, released in early 2014, and the older but still resilient Olympus XZ-1 from 2011. Despite sharing brand DNA and a target of enthusiast photographers seeking versatility beyond smartphone snappers, these two cameras charter notably different courses - one a superzoom bridge-style with a monumental reach, the other a compact powerhouse with a bright lens tailored for image quality and low light.

Having put thousands of cameras through the wringer over the years, I’m well aware that spec sheets can only get you so far. The real test lies in hands-on experience across various photography styles, understanding the engineering trade-offs Olympus made, and how those choices translate into actual shooting situations. So let’s unlock the layers and see which camera shines where - from lofty landscape vistas and intimate portraits to the unpredictable pace of wildlife and sports, plus video chops and travel practicality.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Before we prod into sensor tech or autofocus wizardry, let’s talk about how these cameras feel in the hand - a surprisingly important first step that can often make or break user experience.

The Olympus SP-100 embraces the bridge camera philosophy: it’s more camera-shaped like a DSLR but built with a fixed superzoom lens. At 122mm wide and 133mm deep, it’s a noticeable presence in your bag, weighing in at 594g. The relatively hefty and chunkier form factor offers a solid grip, which is vital when you’re hoisting that 1200mm-equivalent lens (yes, 1200mm!). This makes it feel more substantial, lending confidence for steady shooting, though extended handheld use can tire your wrist without a strap or tripod.

The Olympus XZ-1 looks like a seasoned compact veteran: svelte and pocketable at 111mm wide and only 42mm thick, tipping the scales at 275g. It slips comfortably into a jacket pocket - the antithesis of the SP-100’s bulk. This makes the XZ-1 an attractive daily carry for spontaneous street shots or travel, where discretion and quick access are prized.

Both cameras share 3" LCD screens, but…

…the SP-100’s control layout caters more to traditionalists who want dedicated dials and buttons reminiscent of a DSLR, including shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes, plus exposure compensation and custom white balance. The XZ-1 opts for a minimalist approach, with fewer physical controls but still offers full manual modes. However, the lack of a built-in electronic viewfinder in XZ-1 (only optional external models) can be limiting under bright conditions, compared to the SP-100’s integrated EVF.

The tactile experience is a reminder that physical design often underpins what kinds of photography you can effectively pursue without fumbling or missing moments.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

When scrutinizing image quality, sensor size and technology form the cornerstone. Olympus’s two offerings diverge notably here.

The SP-100 employs a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor - a typical size for superzoom bridge cameras - with 16 megapixels on tap. While the BSI (Backside Illuminated) architecture improves light gathering somewhat, the sensor area is modest: about 28mm². A smaller sensor combined with an aggressive zoom range usually means compromises in low light and dynamic range.

In contrast, the XZ-1 features a larger 1/1.63" CCD sensor sporting 10 megapixels but a significantly bigger surface area (~45mm²). CCDs have been known for strong color rendition, though at the cost of higher power consumption and slower readouts compared to CMOS. The XZ-1’s sensor, paired with its bright f/1.8-2.5 lens, is tailored for image quality and low light prowess rather than extremes of zoom.

This configuration difference impacts noise performance, sharpness, and dynamic range in real shooting - where the SP-100’s sensor can struggle beyond ISO 800, the XZ-1’s sensor holds up gracefully to slightly higher ISOs, making it a more dependable partner in dim scenarios.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Chasing the Action

In my personal tests - capturing everything from fast-moving wildlife to fleeting street shots - autofocus (AF) performance can make or break your results. Olympus has equipped these cameras with fundamentally different AF systems.

The SP-100 uses a contrast-detection AF system with continuous, single, and tracking modes plus face detection. While the camera boasts a relatively fast 7 fps burst rate, the actual AF speed at full telephoto tends to lag, struggling especially in low contrast or low light. Tracking moving subjects at 1200mm equivalent requires superhuman patience, and stabilizing such a long lens handheld demands either a tripod or very steady hands.

The XZ-1, on the other hand, offers 11 AF points with face and tracking detection focused primarily for still subjects or slow movement. Burst shooting at 2 fps isn’t a speed demon but suits controlled shooting scenarios better. The fast lens helps autofocus speed - to some extent - with clearer subject separation.

For wildlife or sports photographers hunting lightning-fast autofocus and top frame rates, neither camera is stellar compared to modern mirrorless or DSLR models, but given the age and class, SP-100’s 7 fps at full zoom is a noteworthy achievement. The XZ-1 shines in slower paced scenarios where precision and low light performance matter more.

Lens and Zoom: How Far Does Your Vision Go?

When zoom range matters, the SP-100 is in a league of its own.

A 24-1200mm equivalent lens with a max aperture range of f/2.9-6.5 is the marquee feature of the SP-100. This 50x optical zoom encompasses wide landscape views to ultra-telephoto reach for distant wildlife or sports arenas. Olympus employs various stabilization measures to keep that reach viable, including optical image stabilization, crucial for handheld shooting at long focal lengths.

Conversely, the XZ-1’s 28-112mm f/1.8-2.5 lens covers a modest 4x zoom range designed for sharpness and speed rather than telephoto extremes. The notably bright aperture throughout the zoom range favors shallow depth of field and better low light capture. The lens also excels in macro mode, capable of focusing down to 1cm, similar to the SP-100.

If you want one camera that you can virtually point at the moon (okay, not really, but close) and the other edits light and shadows in a dim cafe, this distinction is critical.

LCD and Viewfinder Technology: Framing Your Shots

Both cameras offer 3" fixed LCD screens, but their approach differs.

The SP-100’s 3" LCD has decent 460k-dot resolution with a traditional TFT panel, adequate for framing and reviewing shots, but it can be a bit washed out under bright sunlight. A built-in 920k-dot electronic viewfinder offers utility, though it lacks magnification details typical of higher-end EVFs.

The XZ-1 impresses with a 614k-dot OLED screen that presents punchier contrast and deeper blacks - a boon for judging exposure and focus crisply. Unfortunately, it lacks a built-in viewfinder, relying on eye-level shooting with the screen or an optional external VF-2 electronic viewfinder accessory.

For outdoor photographers, the SP-100's EVF is a useful advantage, while the XZ-1’s screen looks better indoors or in shaded conditions. Neither design is perfect, but their LCDs serve their classes adequately.

Photo Quality in Different Genres: Real-World Field Tests

Let’s get into the meat and potatoes - actual photography results. Below I share my detailed impressions and sample outcomes from various photography disciplines, accompanied by direct sample images.

Olympus SP 100 front Olympus SP 100 screen back Olympus XZ 1 front Olympus XZ 1 screen back

Portraiture: Skin Tones and Bokeh

• SP-100: Portraits capture decent detail but skin tones occasionally read a bit flat due to the smaller sensor and modest color depth. The slow aperture at long focal lengths hinders creamy bokeh. Still, face-detection autofocus helps nail focus on eyes.

• XZ-1: With its bright f1.8 lens and larger sensor area, the XZ-1 excels in producing natural skin tones and smooth background separation at shorter focal lengths. Its CCD sensor renders colors more pleasingly and with better tonal gradation.

Landscape: Dynamic Range and Clarity

• SP-100: The 16MP sensor offers respectable resolution for landscape prints, but dynamic range is limited, and shadow detail can clip in high-contrast scenes. Weather sealing is absent, so caution is needed in adverse weather.

• XZ-1: Despite lower megapixels, the XZ-1's wider dynamic range and sharper optics lend crisper landscapes with better highlight retention. The bright lens allows for faster shutter speeds even under cloudy conditions.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst Handling

• SP-100: The superzoom and seven frames per second burst rate make the SP-100 a long-range contender. However, AF hunting and slower response times reduce practical hit rates, particularly with erratically moving subjects.

• XZ-1: The XZ-1’s slow burst and less effective AF tracking limit its use for fast sports or wildlife - best reserved for more composed shots.

Street and Travel: Portability and Discretion

• SP-100: Noticeable bulk and telephoto dominance make it impractical for street candid shots - people tend to notice a camera that big.

• XZ-1: Compact size, fast lens, and quiet operation make the XZ-1 an excellent discreet street shooter and comfortable traveler.

Macro and Close-up

Both cameras allow focusing down to 1cm, delivering respectable macro shots.

• SP-100: Optical stabilization aids handheld macro, but slower max apertures limit depth of field control.

• XZ-1: The XZ-1’s brighter lens enables better artistic bokeh and subject isolation in close-ups.

Night and Astro Photography

Neither camera is designed for serious astro work, but…

• SP-100: Higher megapixel count slightly helps star detail, but noise climbs sharply above ISO 800.

• XZ-1: Lower megapixel CCD sensor sustains cleaner images at similar ISO, but max ISO remains a limitation.

Video Capabilities: Moving Pictures

If video is on your agenda, here’s a quick rundown:

• SP-100 shoots Full HD 1080p at 60 or 30 fps with H.264 compression and supports external microphones - a notable advantage for serious video enthusiasts.

• XZ-1 maxes at 720p at 30fps with Motion JPEG codec; no external mic input.

Image stabilization in both cameras helps in handheld video, but the SP-100’s optical stabilization combined with external mic input makes it a better hybrid photo-video tool.

Connectivity and Storage: Modern Conveniences?

Both cameras support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single slot, but as Olympus release dates reveal, wireless features aren’t a priority - SP-100 offers optional wireless, while XZ-1 has none.

HDMI output is standard on both, facilitating easy preview on external monitors.

Battery life sits close to 320-330 shots per charge - adequate but not marathon-level.

Durability and Build Quality: Will They Last?

Neither camera boasts weather sealing or ruggedization. Handling with care is advisable, especially for the SP-100 when used outdoors thanks to its exposed extended lens barrel.

Build quality is solid for both, with the SP-100 feeling more tool-like and durable physically, versus the XZ-1’s compact but still robust chassis.

Performance Ratings at a Glance

Here’s a summary of their overall and genre-specific performance, based on my exhaustive tests and cross-referencing DxO benchmarks where available.

The XZ-1 scores well in portraits, landscapes, and low-light uses, while the SP-100 shines in versatility and telephoto reach, reigning supreme for wildlife and distant subjects despite AF caveats.

Who Should Buy Which? Recommendations for Different Users

Let’s cut to the chase and match these cameras to your photography ambitions and style.

Buy the Olympus SP-100 if you…

• Need an ultra-long zoom for wildlife, birding, or sports and prefer one all-in-one camera
• Value an integrated electronic viewfinder and DSLR-style handling
• Want full HD video with an external mic port
• Prioritize versatility over pocketability and ultimate image quality

Opt for the Olympus XZ-1 if you…

• Desire a compact, high-quality camera with a bright lens ideal for portraits, street, and travel
• Seek better low light performance and richer color rendition from a larger sensor
• Prefer a lightweight, pocketable form factor for spontaneous shooting
• Don’t require extensive zoom range or full HD video

Neither camera if you…

• Crave raw file support with the SP-100 does not offer it, XZ-1 does but with older processing
• Expect cutting-edge autofocus and high burst rates for fast sports photography
• Demand advanced connectivity like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or modern video codecs (4K - nope)

Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Olympus for You

After working extensively with both cameras, it’s clear that Olympus positioned these models with very different philosophies:

• The SP-100 is a superzoom workhorse - a camera willing to tackle a wide range of subjects with its astounding zoom lens and imaging modes. Its size and AF quirks are trade-offs for the reach it offers. In wildlife or distant sports scenarios, it can unlock compositions few compact cameras can.

• The XZ-1 remains a gem for photographers chasing image quality in a small package without sacrificing control or creative flexibility. Its fast lens and competent sensor deliver images with exceptional nuance for its class - a compact that punches well above its weight for portraits, travel, and street photography.

Both cameras have their charm and quirks, and as someone who has often toggled between the two shooting scenarios, I can confidently say that your choice boils down to prioritizing either reach and versatility (SP-100) or low light performance and portability (XZ-1).

I hope this deep dive has helped demystify what lies beneath these Olympus monochromes and given you a clear path forward. Happy shooting - whatever you pick!

Note: For exact details, keep in mind sample variability and firmware updates over time can affect camera behavior. Always try hands-on before purchase if possible.

Summary of Key Specs at a Glance

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this comparison, check out my other reviews and field tests to stay informed before your next camera upgrade.