Olympus SP-820UZ vs Sony HX400V: The Definitive Small-Sensor Superzoom Showdown

When selecting a compact superzoom camera, the choices on the market can be bewildering. Today, we put two popular contenders head-to-head: the Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V. Both aimed at enthusiasts craving dramatic zoom ranges packed into portable bodies, but each approaches its goals differently. Having field-tested these cameras extensively over years, we’ll walk you through every facet - from sensor tech to ergonomics, from real-world autofocus to video capabilities - so you can pick the right tool for your creative journey.

Let’s dive in with a hands-on, informed comparison that goes beyond marketing specs to reveal tangible strengths and practical tradeoffs.

Putting Size and Handling Into Perspective

You want a camera that fits your grip and matches your shooting style. Portability isn’t just about dimensions but also ergonomics, button placement, and ease of control on the go.

Comparing physical size and ergonomics: Olympus SP-820UZ (left) vs Sony HX400V (right).

• Olympus SP-820UZ - A distinctly compact, lightweight system at 485 grams and a relatively small footprint (117 x 78 x 93 mm). Its compact body is easy to slip into a bag or hold for casual travel. However, its chunky zoom lens does bulk up the front, and the lack of a traditional viewfinder means you’re fully reliant on the LCD.

• Sony HX400V - Heftier and larger at 660 grams, dimensions 130 x 93 x 103 mm. The bridge camera form factor lends it SLR-like ergonomics with a pronounced handgrip and well-spaced dials, making it comfortable for extended shoots. It also includes a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF), crucial when shooting in bright conditions.

Ergonomics verdict: If compactness and easy pocket carry matter most, Olympus wins. For handling confidence, especially with long lenses, Sony’s more substantial grip and EVF deliver professional ergonomics and compositional flexibility.

Control Layout and Interface: How Seamlessly Can You Shoot?

Interface design and control accessibility can make or break your shooting experience, especially when time is critical.

Top-down comparison reveals control placement - note Sony’s mode dial and Olympus’s simpler button layout.

• Olympus SP-820UZ - Prioritizes simplicity; you get a fixed 3” TFT screen with 460k-dot resolution, no viewfinder, and minimal control dials. Exposure modes are limited, and manual control is virtually nonexistent. This camera suits casual shooters or beginners who want to point and shoot with zoom flexibility.

• Sony HX400V - Features a tilting 3” LCD with 921k dots, considerably sharper and angle-adjustable for low/high shooting. Additionally, it includes an electronic viewfinder with full 100% coverage - a boon outdoors. The camera offers full manual control: shutter priority, aperture priority, manual exposure, exposure compensation, and customizable controls. The layout is clearly aimed at enthusiasts seeking creative control without lugging a full DSLR.

Interface verdict: Sony’s comprehensive control scheme and higher-res display gain the edge for users eager to master exposure and composition. Olympus keeps it simple and easy, reinforcing its beginner-friendly promise.

Sony HX400V’s bigger, brighter screen with tilting functionality vs Olympus SP-820UZ fixed LCD.

Image Quality and Sensor Performance: Decisive Factors for Photographers

Let’s dissect their imaging hearts: Both are built around 1/2.3” sensors, a common choice in superzoom compacts for balancing size and zoom reach.

Sensor sizes and types compared - note Sony’s backside-illuminated CMOS sensor and Olympus’s conventional CMOS.

• Sony’s BSI-CMOS sensor design significantly enhances light-gathering efficiency by flipping the photodiodes closer to the surface, reducing noise and improving low-light performance. Coupled with 20 MP resolution, Sony’s sensor captures more image detail - useful if you intend to crop or print large.

• Olympus sticks to a standard CMOS sensor with 14 MP, somewhat limiting resolution and ISO ceiling. The absence of raw support in both cameras constrains post-processing flexibility.

Image Quality in Practice

• Landscape and daylight shooting: Sony’s superior resolution and dynamic range deliver images with more fine detail and better highlight recovery. Olympus’s images can appear softer with less depth in shadow regions.

• Low light and high ISO: Sony’s 12800 native ISO option (vs Olympus’s 6400) paired with BSI tech yields cleaner images at the same ISO. You’ll see less noise and better color fidelity.

• Color and skin tones: Both render pleasing natural tones, but Sony’s advanced image processor delivers richer color saturation and subtle contrast tweaks, making portraits more vibrant without appearing oversaturated.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking Capability

Autofocus can be make-or-break in fast-paced scenarios such as sports or wildlife photography.

• Olympus SP-820UZ offers basic contrast-detection AF without continuous or tracking options. This results in slower focusing speeds and less reliability for moving subjects.

• Sony HX400V’s AF system supports face detection and AF tracking, helping keep moving subjects sharp and focus steady in dynamic scenes. Its 9-point AF system also allows selective focusing, enhancing creative control.

Autofocus verdict: The Sony HX400V has the edge here, especially for wildlife, sports, or any situation demanding quick, accurate focus tracking.

Zoom Range and Lens Quality: Reach Matters, But So Does Sharpness

Superzooms live or die by quality optics delivering sharpness and clarity at extremes of focal length.

• Sony’s slightly longer 50x zoom privileges you with an astounding 1200mm reach, perfect for distant wildlife and sports subjects. Its bright f/2.8 aperture at the wide end aids low-light shooting and background separation at normal focal lengths.

• Olympus’s 40x zoom tops out at 896mm equivalent, still formidable for superzoom standards but lacks the wider aperture range. Critically, Olympus SP-820UZ lacks any form of optical image stabilization, which severely handicaps handheld shooting at telephoto distances.

• Sony’s Optical SteadyShot stabilization is a vital asset, allowing you to capture sharp images at long zoom lengths and slower shutter speeds - a significant advantage for handheld telephoto photography.

Lens and zoom verdict: Sony’s longer, brighter zoom and image stabilization provide a clear advantage in reach, sharpness, and usability at telephoto.

Shooting Speed, Burst Performance, and Shutter Controls

Capturing sports or wildlife requires fast shutter response and burst shooting capacity.

• Sony’s 10 fps burst at full resolution offers serious speed for capturing critical moments, compared to Olympus’s leisurely 2 fps.

• Sony’s faster shutter ceiling of 1/4000 sec gives more flexibility for bright light and freezing fast action.

Video Capabilities: Which Camera Supports Your Motion Creativity?

Both cameras offer Full HD video, but with important differences.

• Sony’s support of 60p/frame rates provides smoother motion videos, suitable for slow-motion effects in editing, while Olympus is capped at 30 fps.

• The lack of video stabilization and external microphone input on the Olympus limit advanced video use.

• Sony’s HDMI output capability facilitates external recording - a valuable feature for videographers wanting cleaner footage.

Additional Features: Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life

Modern cameras thrive on seamless workflow connectivity and endurance.

Sony’s networking features enable direct image sharing and geotagging on the move - particularly helpful for travel photographers and bloggers.

Battery life on Sony is professionally rated (300 shots), which aligns with bridge camera norms. Olympus’s undocumented battery life makes it harder to plan extended trips.

Durability and Build Quality: Can These Cameras Withstand Everyday Use?

Neither camera is ruggedized or weather-sealed. Both should be treated as delicate consumer electronics:

• Keep away from rain, dust, and extreme conditions.

• Invest in a protective case if you intend to shoot outdoors frequently.

Real-World Performance and Sample Image Quality

Olympus SP 820UZ front Olympus SP 820UZ screen back Sony HX400V front Sony HX400V screen back

• Olympus SP-820UZ images tend to have softer detail, narrower dynamic range, and noisier shadows at higher ISOs. The absence of in-body stabilization sometimes causes motion blur in low light.

• Sony HX400V photos appear crisper, with more accurate colors and detail. The longer zoom and OIS shine in wildlife shots, enabling sharp captures from a distance.

• Portrait skin tones are more natural and pleasant on the Sony, owing to better sensor technology and advanced processing.

Scorecard Summary: Overall and Genre-Specific Analysis

Who Should Buy the Olympus SP-820UZ?

This camera fits best if you:

• Want an affordable superzoom with decent versatility for casual travel and family events.

• Prefer a simple, point-and-shoot experience without the complexity of full manual controls.

• Don’t prioritize video or fast autofocus, and usually shoot in good daylight conditions.

• Desire a compact camera with surprisingly strong zoom reach and a very close macro focus distance (1 cm).

If you’re a beginner photographer or non-technical user seeking accessible zoom power for snapshots, the Olympus SP-820UZ is a budget-friendly, easy-to-use option.

Who Shines With the Sony HX400V?

Opt for the Sony HX400V if you:

• Demand creative control, manual exposure options, and faster burst shooting.

• Require a long-reaching, stabilized zoom for wildlife, sports, or telephoto landscapes.

• Want better image quality, particularly at higher ISOs and in challenging light.

• Are serious about video recording with smoother frame rates and microphone input.

• Value connectivity features for instant sharing and GPS tagging.

• Are comfortable carrying a slightly larger camera for professional handling and reliability.

Sony’s HX400V bridges the gap towards entry-level enthusiast cameras and offers excellent all-rounder performance for those who want versatile superzoom power paired with decent controls and image quality.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Both the Olympus SP-820UZ and Sony HX400V offer compelling superzoom capabilities with small 1/2.3” sensors, but they serve quite different user profiles.

If you prioritize simplicity, affordability, and straightforward zoom power, the Olympus remains an attractive, easy-to-use package. But if image quality, zoom reach, autofocus sophistication, and advanced features are must-haves, Sony’s HX400V delivers a significantly more capable experience.

For most photography enthusiasts stepping up from smartphones or compact cameras, the HX400V’s balance of manual controls, stabilization, and connectivity blends well with creative ambitions and varied scenarios.

Ready to Explore Your Next Camera?

Whether you lean towards Olympus’s simplicity or Sony’s advanced features, getting hands-on with these cameras remains crucial. Try real-world shooting, test autofocus responsiveness, and review image samples yourself to ensure the camera’s personality matches your style.

Check out compatible accessories - extra batteries, memory cards, or protective cases - to get the most from your new superzoom companion.

By focusing on honest, thorough analysis and firsthand insights, we hope this comparison helps you confidently take the next step in your photographic adventures.

Happy shooting!