Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 vs Samsung WB750: The Ultimate Compact Camera Showdown

Choosing the right compact camera isn’t always straightforward, especially when two seemingly similar models promise different benefits tailored for varying shooting styles and environments. Today, I’m putting two distinct yet competitive compact cameras head-to-head: the Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 and the Samsung WB750. Based on thousands of hours of hands-on testing and technical evaluation, I’ll offer you a thorough, authoritative review to help you discern which camera suits your photography ambitions best.

From sensor tech and autofocus to real-world usability across genres like portrait, wildlife, and landscape, I’ll break down every aspect. Whether you’re a weekend adventurer wanting rugged resilience or a photography enthusiast hunting for zoom versatility, this guide will clarify your buying decision.

First Impressions and Ergonomic Considerations

Before diving into pixels and modes, handling a camera - its size, weight, and controls - shapes your photographic experience deeply. In my testing lab, I compared these two camera bodies side-by-side.

The Olympus 8010 is a bit more compact (98x64x24mm) and weighs 245g, sporting a robust ruggedness with environmental sealing. Think waterproof, shockproof, and freezeproof features tailor-made for adventure photographers who want a camera that carries on regardless of the elements.

In contrast, the Samsung WB750 is slightly longer but lighter (105x59x25mm, 193g), lacking weather sealing but compensating with a longer zoom lens and more manual control options. Its more slender grip is easier for casual everyday shooting but may lack the security of a fully sealed body.

Moving to design and controls, the top-view layout of each camera tells a story about user priority:

The Samsung WB750’s inclusion of dedicated manual exposure dials and buttons, including shutter priority and aperture priority modes, shows a tilt toward enthusiasts wanting creative control. Meanwhile, Olympus keeps things simpler in the 8010, focusing on tough usability over granular exposure adjustments.

Ergonomics takeaway: If you prioritize durability and fearless outdoor use, Olympus scores higher. If you want more control at your fingertips and a lighter everyday carry, Samsung might be preferable. Both fit comfortably in most hands but expect the 8010 to inspire confidence in harsh conditions.

Sensor and Image Quality: Technical Foundation of Great Photos

For image quality enthusiasts, sensor size and technology are non-negotiable considerations. A camera’s sensor influences resolution, dynamic range, low light capacity, and ultimately, print or screen quality.

The Olympus 8010 uses a 1/2.3” CCD sensor delivering 13 megapixels with a max ISO of 1600, while the Samsung WB750 features a 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor, also 13MP but with a higher max ISO of 3200.

• Sensor Technology: CCD sensors, while historically lauded for color rendition, struggle in low light with higher noise levels compared to modern BSI-CMOS, which is optimized for better light gathering efficiency.
• Maximum ISO: Samsung’s 3200 max ISO means better high-ISO performance, important for night, astro, or low-light shooting.
• Resolution and Image Area: Both sensors have very similar physical dimensions and deliver around 13MP, but Samsung edges slightly with a more modern sensor generation.
• Anti-Aliasing Filter: Both cameras incorporate an anti-aliasing (low-pass) filter for reducing moiré, standard for compact cameras but a slight image sharpness tradeoff.

Practical takeaway: In daylight or well-lit conditions, both offer sharp 13MP images suitable for prints up to A3 or detailed digital sharing. However, for low-light work, Samsung’s sensor technology and higher ISO ceiling will deliver cleaner, less noisy images. Olympus still offers respectable quality but expect more noise creeping in beyond ISO 800.

Lens and Zoom: Versatility vs. Adventure Ready

Lens specs dictate what kind of shots you can capture without changing gear. Here’s a quick comparison:

The Olympus’s 5x zoom is more modest but sufficient for everyday shooting, and its impressive macro focusing down to 1cm makes it a strong contender for close-up nature, flowers, or insects - especially given its rugged capabilities to withstand elements.

By comparison, Samsung’s 18x zoom is a standout feature, reaching a super-telephoto 432mm equivalent. This makes it very versatile, suitable for wildlife or sports from a distance without the weight of dedicated telephoto lenses. Its macro focus is limited to 5cm, not as impressive as Olympus’s “true macro” distance, but still usable.

Image stabilization helps in both to reduce blur at slower shutter speeds. Olympus employs sensor-lift stabilization, while Samsung uses optical lens-shift stabilization - both effective but the difference is marginal in typical daylight.

Lens and zoom verdict: Opt for Olympus if you want a rugged macro-friendly zoom. Samsung’s longer zoom range is better for telephoto needs with more manual control over aperture and shutter priority.

LCD Screen and Interface: Your Window to Creativity

When framing, reviewing, and changing settings, the quality of the LCD can make or break usability.

Samsung wins hands-down here with a larger 3-inch 460k-dot TFT LCD, which is bright and detailed for reviewing shots outdoors. Olympus has a smaller 2.7-inch 230k-dot fixed LCD, which feels a little cramped and less sharp, though perfectly functional.

Both lack a viewfinder, so bright daylight viewing can be tricky, particularly on the Olympus. Neither has a touchscreen or articulating screen, a limitation particularly felt on the 8010 in some awkward shooting positions.

The Samsung's interface offers more extensive exposure controls on-camera, which I found helpful during testing for quick creative tweaks. Olympus sticks to basic exposure modes with no shutter or aperture priority for simplicity.

Interface takeaway: Samsung provides a better viewing and operational experience for enthusiasts who want more control, while Olympus keeps it simple, aligned with its rugged, point-and-shoot nature.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Eye on the Moment

For capturing fast-moving subjects or delivering sharp portraits, autofocus (AF) system capabilities matter.

The absence of face detection on the Olympus was notable. When shooting portraits, I found the Samsung’s face detection improved focus accuracy on eyes and faces, producing better skin-detail outcomes. Olympus’s contrast-detection AF was quite slow and occasionally hunted in low-light or complex scenes.

Burst mode shooting also differs, with Samsung delivering 10fps which, while not blazing, is double Olympus’s 5fps - critical when photographing action like sports or wildlife.

AF and performance takeaway: Samsung’s AF system is more refined and faster, making it more appropriate for action, sports, or street photography. Olympus’s AF is adequate for casual snapshots and rugged outdoor use but less reliable for fast subjects.

Durability and Environmental Protection: Weather the Storm

One of Olympus’s standout claims is its durable ruggedness.

• Olympus Stylus Tough 8010: Waterproof down to 3m, shockproof from 2m drops, freezeproof to -10℃, and dust-resistant. This is a camera you can take snorkeling, hiking, or skiing without special protection.
• Samsung WB750: No environmental sealing, more susceptible to dust or moisture, best suited for safer controlled environments.

These build differences strongly influence which camera will last longer under challenging conditions. I personally tested the Olympus in drizzle and mild snow, and the camera kept powering through uncompromised.

Genre-by-Genre Performance Analysis

Different genres place unique demands on cameras. Here’s my evaluation based on hands-on shooting tests and technical analysis:

Olympus 8010 front Olympus 8010 screen back Samsung WB750 screen back

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: The Practical Essentials

Storage-wise, both cameras use a single SD card slot. Olympus also has internal memory, useful as backup but limited capacity.

Battery models differ (Olympus Li-50B; Samsung SLB-10A) but actual battery life claims are vague. In practice, I found both lasted a full day of casual shooting with moderate use. Samsung’s lighter weight puts less strain on extended handheld use.

Connectivity is basic: no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC on either. Both feature USB 2.0 and HDMI output for image transfer and playback on TVs. The Olympus has no GPS; Samsung also lacks this. A bit disappointing in today’s wireless age, limiting options for instant sharing or geo-tagging.

Final Performance Ratings and Value Assessment

Bringing all data points and hands-on experience together:

• Olympus Stylus Tough 8010: Scores highest in ruggedness and macro; moderate on image quality; lacks control and video modernity.
• Samsung WB750: Strong performer in image quality, zoom versatility, and control; less durable but better at diverse photography situations.

Diving deeper with genre-specific scoring:

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Why You Might Choose the Olympus Stylus Tough 8010:

• You want a weatherproof, rugged compact ready for snorkeling, hiking, or ski trips.
• Macro and close-up photography excite you with super-close 1cm autofocus.
• Simplicity over manual controls is preferred - point, shoot, and rely on durability.
• You value sensor-shift stabilization for quick handheld snaps.
• Low-light performance isn’t a priority.

Why You Might Choose the Samsung WB750:

• You seek greater creative control with manual exposure modes and better AF face detection.
• You want an 18x zoom for wildlife, events, or travel versatility.
• Video in full HD at 1080p with optical stabilization is important.
• You mostly shoot in controlled environments where weather sealing isn’t essential.
• You want a higher ISO ceiling for darker scenes or night shots.

Conclusion: Making the Right Compact Camera Choice

Both the Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 and the Samsung WB750 have clear niches shaped by their design philosophy.

• Olympus 8010 is an adventure-ready, rugged companion - ideal if your photo exploits take you into wet, dusty, or freezing environments and if you focus on macro or casual snapshots.
• Samsung WB750 is a versatile superzoom with more manual controls, better autofocus, and superior video, appealing to enthusiasts wanting a creative compact without bulk or price of DSLR or mirrorless systems.

When you focus on value, both occupy a mid-range price but cater to different buyers. The Olympus demands a premium for durability; Samsung offers more features for less but trades off sealing.

I recommend Olympus 8010 to outdoor adventurers, casual shooters prioritizing resilience, and macro fans.

I recommend Samsung WB750 to travel photographers, generalists wanting zoom power, portrait shooters who appreciate face detection, and amateur videographers.

Whichever you choose, understanding your primary shooting environment and style is paramount. Both cameras deliver professional-grade imaging where it counts, but your choice depends on priorities - ruggedness and simplicity versus versatility and creative control.

Thanks for reading this in-depth comparison! I hope my firsthand experience and careful analysis help you feel confident in choosing the compact camera that best fits your photographic journey. If you want, dive deeper into specific shooting scenarios or ask questions - I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Happy shooting!