Olympus SP-820UZ vs. Samsung HZ10W: An Expert Comparative Review for Photography Enthusiasts

When hunting for the ideal compact camera, especially a superzoom model, the choices can seem bewildering. Today, I’ll take a deep dive into two somewhat contemporaneous contenders: the Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ and the Samsung HZ10W (also known as the WB500). Both cameras hover around similar price points but cater to distinct user priorities with notably different designs and technical chops. Having put these cameras through rigorous real-world use and technical assessments, I am excited to share nuanced performance insights that go beyond spec sheets. Whether your passions revolve around landscapes, portraits, wildlife, or travel, this side-by-side comparison is designed to clarify which camera better suits your photographic vision.

Form Factor and Handling: First Impressions Matter

At first glance, the Olympus SP-820UZ and Samsung HZ10W occupy opposite ends of the compactness spectrum. The Olympus SP-820UZ, weighing in at a hefty 485 grams and measuring 117x78x93mm, is noticeably larger and chunkier than the sleek Samsung HZ10W’s slender 249 grams and 105x61x37mm frame. This difference - the Olympus nearly doubling the Samsung’s weight - impacts usability markedly.

The SP-820UZ feels robust, with a deeper grip that lends confidence during telephoto zoom or in unstable shooting positions. In contrast, the Samsung’s diminutive frame fits snugly into small camera bags or even deep pockets, making it excellent for discreet street photography or travel when minimizing gear bulk is a priority.

While the Olympus’s size benefits one-handed operation and stability at long focal lengths, it compromises discretion and quickness of deployment. The Samsung’s lightweight design is perfect for photographers who prioritize grabbing spontaneous shots without announcing their presence.

In short, if ergonomic solidity and leverage come first, the SP-820UZ claims the advantage. For portability and subtlety, the HZ10W wins points.

Controls and Usability: Navigating the User Interface

Examining the top plate and interface, the Olympus SP-820UZ impresses with clear, well-spaced dials and buttons, purposely designed for rapid adjustments. This thoughtful layout supports users who desire quick alternation between zoom, flash, and shooting modes without fumbling.

Conversely, the Samsung HZ10W features a more minimalist control scheme, reflective of its compact class and consumer-focused design. Manual focus is an option here, a notable perk for users who prefer granular control - especially useful in macro and portrait scenarios - but the absence of dedicated manual exposure modes limits creative flexibility.

Both cameras lack touchscreens and electronic viewfinders, relying exclusively on LCDs for composition and review. The Olympus’s fixed 3.0-inch screen with 460K-dot resolution is sharper and more generous than Samsung’s 2.7-inch panel at 230K dots, offering a more comfortable framing and image inspection experience.

While neither model presents advanced customization menus typical of prosumer cameras, Olympus’s superior top control ergonomics translate into less time navigating settings and more time capturing decisive moments.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras utilize a “small” 1/2.3-inch sensor format; however, their technologies diverge significantly, influencing image output and potential applications.

• Olympus SP-820UZ: Employs a 14-megapixel CMOS sensor sized at 6.17x4.55 mm (28.07 mm²).
• Samsung HZ10W: Integrates a 10-megapixel CCD sensor measuring 6.08x4.56 mm (27.72 mm²).

From firsthand testing, the Olympus’s CMOS sensor delivers notably better dynamic range, less noise at higher ISOs, and more accurate color rendition - particularly skin tones - compared to Samsung’s CCD. This difference is critical for users shooting landscapes or portraits in challenging lighting where preserving highlight and shadow detail matters.

The Olympus’s higher megapixel count enhances resolution, allowing for larger prints and greater cropping flexibility without sharpness loss. Meanwhile, the Samsung’s lower resolution and older sensor tech can struggle in demanding light scenarios, introducing grain or color shifts beyond ISO 400.

The antialiasing filters present on both help prevent moiré but ever so slightly soften fine detail - a common compromise with small sensors. Neither camera supports RAW capture, limiting post-processing latitude; thus, getting it right in-camera is essential.

In practical terms, the SP-820UZ’s sensor capabilities offer superior overall image quality for enthusiasts not ready to step into DSLR or mirrorless realms.

Display and Live View Performance

While both cameras lack an electronic viewfinder, their LCD screens represent the primary visual interface for composition. The Olympus’s 3.0-inch TFT color LCD reigns supreme here, with 460,000 pixels offering crisp previews and on-the-fly image evaluation. The SP-820UZ’s screen brightness and contrast aid in outdoors visibility - important for wildlife or travel photography where sunlight can wash out displays.

Samsung’s smaller and lower resolution screen hampers ease of focus confirmation and menu navigation. During hands-on field tests, I found the HZ10W’s screen adequate but occasionally frustrating in bright conditions or when attempting precise manual focus.

Neither screen is touch-sensitive, and live view responsiveness is decent but unspectacular on both, with minor lag noticeable under rapid zoom or exposure adjustments. For video framing, the Olympus’s larger screen improves accuracy, vital when shooting handheld or moving subjects.

Overall, Olympus leads this category, contributing to a smoother shooting experience.

Olympus SP 820UZ front Olympus SP 820UZ screen back Samsung HZ10W front Samsung HZ10W screen back

Real-World Image Results: Portrait, Landscape, and More

Evaluating sample images, the two cameras reveal divergent strengths and weaknesses across photography disciplines.

Portraits

The Olympus SP-820UZ’s skin tone reproduction impresses with natural warmth and minimal color casts, aided by its accurate face detection autofocus. Its 40x zoom range, starting at a 22mm equivalent wide angle, also allows for creative portrait compositions. However, the relatively narrow maximum apertures (F3.4-5.7) limit depth of field control and bokeh quality, imparting a more “compact camera” look rather than DSLR-like background separation.

Samsung’s HZ10W produces pleasant portraits under adequate lighting, but white balance can occasionally skew cooler, requiring post-correction. Manual focus helps in macro portraits but its 10x zoom limits telephoto compression and framing versatility.

Landscapes

Thanks to the Olympus’s better sensor and wider zoom range, landscapes appear more detailed, sharper, and showcase balanced dynamic range - even in underexposed shadows or bright skies. Sadly, neither camera enjoys any weather sealing, so rough outdoor shooting demands caution.

Samsung’s landscape shots look softer and sometimes less vibrant, partly due to the CCD sensor’s more limited dynamic range. However, its wider aperture at 24mm equivalent (F3.3) allows slightly brighter wide-angle scenes.

Wildlife

Zoom prowess separates these cameras here: Olympus’s reach extends to 896mm equivalent, extensively outclassing Samsung’s 240mm. This makes the SP-820UZ the clear winner for birdwatchers and casual wildlife shooters with a limited budget.

The Olympus’s autofocus system, while contrast-detection only, incorporates face detection which can assist in tracking animals with consistent shapes. However, neither camera supports continuous AF tracking or phase detection, limiting their speed and accuracy for fast-moving subjects.

Samsung’s reach and AF limitations curtail its utility for serious wildlife photography.

Technical Analysis: Autofocus, Burst, and Shutter Performance

• Autofocus: Olympus uses a contrast-detection AF system enhanced with face detection and multi-area focusing. Samsung employs a contrast-detection module with center-weighted AF and face detection but lacks multi-area autofocus support. In hands-on testing, Olympus autofocus proved faster and more reliable in decent light.

• Shutter speeds: Olympus spans 4s to 1/2000s, allowing for more creative exposure control (e.g., light trails, moderate action freezing) than Samsung’s 16s to 1/1500s. The relatively modest top shutter speeds on both constrain freezing extremely fast action.

• Burst rates: The Olympus maxes out at 2fps - suitable only for casual continuous shooting - while Samsung’s burst details are unspecified, implying similarly modest performance. Neither is designed for sports or high-speed subjects that demand rapid burst rates and precise tracking.

• Stabilization: This is an important differentiator: the Samsung HZ10W features sensor-shift image stabilization, beneficial for handheld shooting at telephoto ranges and in low light. By contrast, the Olympus SP-820UZ lacks any image stabilization mechanism, a critical missing feature given its long zoom range. Handholding at 896mm equivalent without stabilization is a challenge requiring high shutter speeds or tripods.

How These Cameras Handle Across Photography Genres

Drawing from comprehensive testing across genres, here’s a distilled overview:

• Portraits: Olympus edges ahead owing to superior sensor and better face detection autofocus.
• Landscapes: Olympus again dominates due to superior resolution and dynamic range.
• Wildlife: Olympus by a mile for zoom reach despite limited AF.
• Sports: Neither camera suits fast action due to slow burst and AF.
• Street: Samsung’s compactness enhances discreteness and portability, suiting street shooters better.
• Macro: Olympus’s close focusing distance of 1cm versus Samsung’s 5cm offers more creative macro opportunities.
• Night/Astro: Neither excels given limited high ISO performance and no specialized exposure modes.
• Video: Olympus offers 1080p at 30fps with MPEG-4 and H.264, while Samsung maxes out at 720p with Motion JPEG. Olympus wins video usability here.
• Travel: Samsung’s portability and stabilization fit travel photography better; Olympus’s zoom versatility counters with heavy-duty capability.
• Professional use: Neither camera is truly professional; both lack RAW and robust manual controls.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither camera includes weather sealing or rugged-body specifications. For outdoor and adventure usage, users will need to supplement with protective accessories or choose other models. Build quality-wise, the Olympus feels more substantial and well-assembled, befitting its larger, enthusiast-oriented design. The Samsung’s plastic construction aligns with its consumer compact status but remains reasonably durable for everyday carry.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Both cameras utilize removable lithium-ion batteries (exact models unspecified) and accept standard SD/SDHC cards (Samsung additionally supports MMC formats). Battery life figures were not disclosed by manufacturers, but typical usage suggests around 300-400 shots per charge. The Olympus SP-820UZ’s continuous 2fps shooting and extensive zoom likely consume battery faster than Samsung’s lighter system.

Connectivity in both is basic: USB 2.0 ports facilitate file transfer, but neither supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC for wireless sharing - a downside for current-day convenience expectations. Olympus lacks HDMI, while Samsung includes one, enhancing direct playback options on compatible displays.

Lens and Zoom Performance: Reach, Aperture, and Versatility

The Olympus SP-820UZ’s 22-896mm equivalent 40x zoom virtually envelops all general photography needs - from sweeping landscapes through close-up wildlife telephoto shots - making it a veritable "all-in-one" superzoom camera. The maximum aperture range of F3.4-5.7, while typical for superzoom compacts, constrains low-light shooting but is a fair trade for such reach.

Samsung’s HZ10W sports a 24-240mm 10x zoom at F3.3-5.8 aperture - a respectable zoom suitable for everyday photography and more forgiving in stabilization demands thanks to shorter reach. Its lens design includes sensor-shift stabilization, substantially improving handhold ability at telephoto ends.

While neither camera accepts interchangeable lenses, their fixed lens designs target complementary user segments: Olympus appeals to users craving extreme versatility; Samsung suits those prioritizing portability and steadier shooting.

Video Capabilities: Which Camera Films Better?

Video on the Olympus SP-820UZ is more advanced: Full HD 1080p at 30fps in efficient H.264 codec, allowing for better compression, quality, and editing flexibility. Samsung maxes out at 720p HD resolution in Motion JPEG format - a heavier and less efficient codec, resulting in larger files and reduced quality.

Neither camera includes microphone or headphone jacks; hence, audio recording options are limited. Both offer basic video stabilization (sensor-shift on Samsung only) and continuous autofocus during recording, but Olympus’s superior resolution and codec offer a more professional video experience, particularly for casual filmmakers.

Price Considerations: Which Offers Better Value?

Both cameras launch at around $299, a modest investment for entry-level superzoom compacts. Olympus’s added features - higher resolution sensor, tremendous zoom range, superior video specs, and better screen - present a stronger value proposition for users who prioritize image quality and versatility.

Samsung’s smaller size, built-in sensor-shift stabilization, manual focus, and HDMI output create a tempting option for travel-oriented photographers and those who want compact convenience above all.

Neither camera is current generation (Olympus from 2012, Samsung from 2009), and today’s market offers more advanced alternatives. But for tight budgets or specialized needs, understanding these subtle value trade-offs is key.

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Olympus SP-820UZ if:

• You want the longest zoom range possible in a compact form.
• Image quality, especially for portraits and landscapes, is a priority.
• You appreciate physical controls and a larger viewing screen.
• You plan to shoot Full HD videos regularly.
• Portability is secondary to photographic versatility.

Opt for the Samsung HZ10W if:

• You desire the smallest, lightest camera for street shooting or travel.
• Stabilized imaging at telephoto is important.
• Manual focus capability can enhance your subject control.
• You want basic HD video and HDMI output.
• You’re a casual shooter prioritizing convenience over ultimate image quality.

Final Thoughts: Balanced Wisdom from Hands-On Testing

After extensive evaluation of the Olympus SP-820UZ and Samsung HZ10W, I see these cameras as emblematic of two core philosophies in compact photography: Olympus leans toward ambitious versatility and higher image quality, whereas Samsung targets lightweight, stabilized convenience with modest zoom.

Neither camera will satisfy professionals craving RAW capture, ultra-fast AF, or rugged designs - indeed, some performance aspects feel dated by today’s standards. Yet, both continue to serve distinct niches effectively, and understanding their individual strengths helps photographers make deliberate, confident choices.

If you’re after all-encompassing zoom power and video functionality with a sound sensor, Olympus is the way to go. For on-the-go street photography, portable travel snaps, or balanced point-and-shoot ease with stabilization, Samsung still holds merit.

Whichever route you take, approach your purchase informed by what truly matters in your shooting style - because a camera’s value is measured not in specs alone but in how well it helps you capture your vision.

Thank you for reading this comprehensive review. If you’d like to explore sample images or genre-specific performance data, please check the image gallery below.

Olympus SP 820UZ front Olympus SP 820UZ screen back Samsung HZ10W front Samsung HZ10W screen back

Feel free to dive deeper into the data:

I hope this hands-on, detailed comparison illuminates your camera decision journey. Happy shooting!