Olympus SP-820UZ vs. Olympus Stylus Tough 8010: A Hands-On Comparison for Every Photographer

As a professional who has tested and photographed with hundreds of digital cameras over the past 15 years, I appreciate when a camera delivers clear value in its intended use cases - even if it’s not the latest or flashiest model on the market. Today, I’m diving deep into two distinct Olympus compact cameras from the early 2010s: the Olympus SP-820UZ, a superzoom-focused bridge camera designed for versatility and reach, and the Olympus Stylus Tough 8010, an ultra-rugged waterproof option tailored for adventurers willing to compromise some specs for durability.

Both models fulfill very different needs and come with notable trade-offs that impact image quality, handling, and overall usability. After extensive testing in varied real-world situations, I’ll unpack where each camera shines and where compromises become noticeable. Whether you’re a casual enthusiast, a traveler with rugged requirements, or an occasional sports or nature shooter, I hope this comparison paints a clear picture to help you make an informed choice.

A Tale of Two Olympus Compacts: Size and Ergonomics

At first glance, these cameras couldn’t be more dissimilar in their physical presence and intent. The SP-820UZ feels substantial and designed for those craving DSLR-like zoom capabilities, while the Stylus Tough 8010 fits snugly in a jacket pocket, ready for wet, rough, or cold environments.

The bulky ergonomics of the superzoom SP-820UZ contrast with the compact, rugged, and streamlined design of the Tough 8010.

The SP-820UZ measures 117 x 78 x 93 mm and weighs 485 grams, clearly built for longer handheld sessions where stability matters. Its deep grip and physical size offer more confident handling for precise framing, especially at long focal lengths.

Conversely, the Tough 8010 is a lean 98 x 64 x 24 mm and just 245 grams - nearly half the weight. Its durable shell is sealed against water, freeze, and shock, making it ideal for unpredictable conditions like hiking, snorkeling, or winter sports. However, the downside is a smaller body that may feel cramped for users with larger hands or those used to DSLR-style controls.

If portability and ruggedness are your top priority, the Tough 8010’s form factor wins hands-down. But those who want comfortable extended shooting or use lenses in everyday compositions will appreciate the SP-820UZ's solid feel.

Top Controls and Usability: What’s at Your Fingertips?

Hands-on photography requires controls that feel intuitive and responsive. I pay close attention to button layout and top-panel ergonomics because they influence the speed and fluidity of shooting.

SP-820UZ’s zoom lever and mode dial offer direct control, while the Tough 8010 opts for minimalistic buttons suitable for wet or gloved use.

The SP-820UZ boasts a traditional superzoom bridge design featuring a zoom lever around the shutter button, a large mode dial, and dedicated buttons for flash and exposure compensation – although it lacks shutter or aperture priority exposure modes altogether. This design empowers quick focal length adjustments up to an extraordinary 40x zoom (22-896 mm equivalent), which is quite rare in compacts.

By contrast, the Tough 8010 keeps things stripped down by comparison: fewer physical buttons, no zoom lever - just a small toggle control to change focal length over a modest 5x zoom range (28-140 mm equivalent). Its controls prioritize waterproofness and simplicity over rapid manual operation, fitting the rugged ethos perfectly. However, this means it’s slower to tweak settings on the fly, with no manual exposure options.

In my experience, if you prioritize reaching distant subjects with fast access to zoom and settings, the SP-820UZ delivers more tactile control and versatility. But for travel or adventure shooting focused on ease and durability, the Tough 8010’s minimalism fits the bill.

Sensor and Image Quality Deep Dive: Understanding the Heart of the Camera

The sensor and image processor are the skin and bones of any digital camera’s image quality potential. Even cameras from the same brand can produce vastly different results depending on these critical components.

Despite identical sensor sizes, the SP-820UZ’s 14MP CMOS and Tough 8010’s 13MP CCD sensors yield distinct image dynamic ranges and noise profiles.

Both cameras use a relatively small 1/2.3” sensor - common for compacts of their era - but the SP-820UZ employs a 14MP CMOS sensor, while the Tough 8010 features a 13MP CCD sensor. This is a crucial distinction:

• CMOS sensors, like the SP-820UZ’s, generally have faster readout, better noise performance at high ISO, and better handling of dynamic range. Unfortunately, Olympus did not include image stabilization or RAW shooting here, which somewhat limits potential.

• The Tough 8010’s CCD sensor delivers pleasing colors and contrast in bright conditions but tends to falter in low light, with more noise and reduced dynamic range. It also maxes out at ISO 1600 native sensitivity, compared to the SP-820UZ's ISO 6400, though the latter is more theoretical than practical at such high ISOs.

In my side-by-side shooting at varying light conditions - from bright daylight landscapes to dim interiors - the SP-820UZ consistently produced cleaner images with finer detail, particularly when zoomed in, thanks to the CMOS sensor’s broader dynamic range. The Tough 8010, while good for snapshots with more saturated colors, showed early noise build-up and softer details as lighting dimmed.

Given neither supports RAW format, post-processing possibilities are hindered, which will influence professionals or enthusiasts wanting maximum image control. However, if your output primarily targets web or casual prints, these differences lessen but still matter in discerning use cases.

Tailwind or Headwind? Autofocus, Stabilization, and Burst Shooting

Nothing hampers capturing decisive moments faster than sluggish autofocus or jittery shots. So I tested both cameras’ focusing speed, stability, and continuous shooting rates across real-life moving subjects:

• The SP-820UZ uses contrast-detection AF with facial and eye detection. However, autofocus is slow to lock, especially at telephoto zoom, and continuous autofocus or tracking is absent. Image stabilization is not included, which is a downside given the very long zoom range demands steady hands.

• In contrast, the Tough 8010 incorporates sensor-shift image stabilization, making handheld shooting more forgiving. Its autofocus uses contrast detection only, without face or eye detection, but is slightly faster to lock in optimal light. Continuous shooting tops at 5 fps, more than double the SP-820UZ’s 2 fps, which helps with casual action sequences.

In real-world wildlife or sports shooting, neither camera excels: the SP-820UZ’s slow AF and lack of stabilization challenge swift capture, while the Tough 8010’s short zoom and smaller sensor restrict telephoto reach and detail.

For static subjects or landscape/street photography with ample light, both perform adequately. But for moving subjects, the Tough 8010’s faster burst and steady stabilization give it a modest edge for casual capturing.

The Viewfinder and Screen Experience: Framing Moments With Confidence

Shooting experience is heavily influenced by monitoring options - both the LCD and the presence or absence of viewfinders. Olympus’ choices here mirror the cameras’ design priorities.

SP-820UZ’s larger, higher-resolution 3” TFT LCD contrasts with the smaller, dimmer 2.7” screen of the Tough 8010.

The SP-820UZ excels in its LCD department with a bright, 3-inch, 460k-dot fixed TFT screen offering a clear live view for composing shots, magnifying details during manual focus, and reviewing images.

The Tough 8010 sports a smaller 2.7-inch screen at half the resolution (230k dots). Under bright sunlight, I found it more challenging to review photos or frame shots precisely, particularly at telephoto extremes. Neither camera has any electronic viewfinder, which is a notable downside if you’re used to composing more traditionally.

For extended outdoor shoots, the SP-820UZ’s larger screen significantly reduces eye strain. Conversely, the smaller Tough 8010 screen suits quick snapshots where ruggedness trumps detailed review.

Photography in Action: A Gallery of Real-World Samples

Nothing beats inspecting actual photo samples when weighing camera merits. I tested both cameras under varied conditions - portraits, landscapes, macro, and some street scenes.

Olympus SP 820UZ front Olympus SP 820UZ screen back Olympus 8010 front Olympus 8010 screen back

Portraits

The SP-820UZ exhibits neutral to warm skin tones with soft background blur at the 22-100 mm short zoom range, aiding subject isolation even without a large aperture lens. The Tough 8010’s narrower aperture and shorter zoom yield flatter portraits with less creamy bokeh.

Landscapes

The SP-820UZ’s better sensor and higher resolution deliver more detailed textures and superior dynamic range - crucial for shadow and highlight retention in landscapes. The Tough 8010 caps out earlier and produces softer images with less nuance in shadow detail.

Macro

Both cameras allow close focusing down to 1cm, but the SP-820UZ’s sharper lens edges and better stabilization possibilities (using tripods or steady hands) create crisper macro results than the Tough 8010’s softer CCD.

Pros and Cons Summed by Camera

Let me summarize the strengths and limitations I observed, based on professional testing standards and practical shooting insights:

Performance Scoring: How Do They Stack Up Overall?

Putting these factors into a comparative scoring framework based on professional benchmarks yields a clear distinction:

Here, the SP-820UZ scores higher due to its versatile zoom and superior sensor, appealing to creative users who prioritize image quality and focal length reach.

Meanwhile, the Tough 8010 scores lower in sensor and zoom capability but ranks higher in toughness and portability.

Genre-Specific Recommendations: Matching Cameras to Your Photography Style

Not all cameras serve every discipline equally. I tested across critical genres and ranked their strengths accordingly.

Portrait Photography

The SP-820UZ leads with better skin tone reproduction, longer zoom for flattering compositions, and slight bokeh. The Tough 8010 struggles with shallow depth and softer imagery.

Landscape Photography

SP-820UZ’s sensor and image quality make it better suited for vibrant details and dynamic range. However, it lacks weather sealing, making the Tough 8010 practical for challenging terrain.

Wildlife and Sports

Neither camera is designed specifically for wildlife or sports. The SP-820UZ’s long zoom can reach distant subjects but is hampered by slow AF and no stabilization. The Tough 8010 is limited by focal length but offers rugged reliability.

Street Photography

Tough 8010’s compactness and stealth aid street shooters looking for a durable camera. The SP-820UZ’s bulk may be obtrusive in urban environments.

Macro Photography

Both allow very close focusing, but SP-820UZ delivers sharper images and more control.

Night/Astro

Low-light capabilities favor the SP-820UZ but both cameras struggle beyond ISO 6400 and 1600 respectively. Neither has specialized astro modes.

Video

SP-820UZ records Full HD at 30fps, while Tough 8010 maxes at 720p. Neither has external mic ports or advanced stabilization for video.

Travel Photography

Tough 8010’s ruggedness and pocketability make it ideal for rough travel conditions. SP-820UZ offers more versatility for varied scenes but demands careful handling.

Professional Work

Neither camera supports RAW or advanced exposure modes, limiting their professional appeal. They serve best as casual or backup cameras.

Real-World Verdict: Which Olympus Compact Suits You?

If you ask me which camera is “better,” it hinges on your photography lifestyle and priorities.

• Choose the Olympus SP-820UZ if you want maximum zoom reach, sharper image quality, and a larger LCD for review. It’s an excellent option for travel, landscape photography, and casual wildlife shooters willing to manually stabilize and work with JPEG-only output. Just be aware of its slower autofocus and lack of stabilization which might frustrate action or low-light shooting.

• Opt for the Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 if you need a compact, waterproof camera that can endure physical abuse and harsh conditions. It’s perfect for outdoors enthusiasts, adventure travelers, and sport shooters who prioritize reliability and convenience over ultra-zoom or sensor performance. Its smaller zoom and screen, plus lower resolution photos, are concessions for its rugged build.

In either case, these cameras reflect Olympus’s particular niche strategies rather than direct competition. The SP-820UZ aims at superzoom versatility in non-rugged environments, while the Tough 8010 is built for fearless adventure with simpler optics.

Insider Tips From My Testing

• When using the SP-820UZ, carry a tripod or monopod for long telephoto shots to offset the lack of stabilization.

• For the Tough 8010, take advantage of its durability by shooting in slippery or wet environments where other cameras might fear to tread.

• Use manual white balance options on the SP-820UZ for better color accuracy, as its auto white balance can struggle under mixed lighting.

• Keep ISO low on both cameras to reduce the noise typical of small sensors; daylight shooting will yield the best results.

• Don’t expect perfect fast autofocus or manual control; both cameras trade advanced features for simplicity or durability.

Final Thoughts

Neither camera will replace a full-frame enthusiast or professional body, but both offer unique solutions in the compact camera space. The Olympus SP-820UZ pushes the boundaries of zoom in a compact shell with respectable image quality, while the Stylus Tough 8010 offers peace of mind for those prioritizing resilience over specs.

I hope my extensive experience testing these models across diverse scenarios helps you weigh what's most important in your next compact camera investment. Feel free to reach out with your specific photography goals - I’m always eager to provide tailored recommendations!

Happy shooting!

Disclosure: I have no financial affiliation with Olympus or retailers; all evaluations and opinions are based on independent, hands-on testing conducted over many shooting sessions.