Olympus VG-110 vs Sony Cyber-shot HX5: A Hands-On, No-Nonsense Camera Showdown

Choosing a compact camera these days can feel like trying to pick the best ice cream flavor at a shop with a hundred options. Both the Olympus VG-110 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5 come from a time when digital cameras were evolving rapidly but before smartphones stole much of the compact camera thunder. I spent many days shooting with these two cameras side-by-side to bring you a clear peek behind their spec sheets, focusing on what really counts: real-world performance, user experience, and value for money.

Let’s break down these little shooters across a broad spectrum of photography needs, exploring their sensor mojo, autofocus savvy, video chops, handling quirks, and everything in between. Expect honest takes with an eye to how they serve different users, from hobbyists snapping family photos to pros whitening their workflow with quick, reliable travel companions.

First Impressions: Design, Build & Handling

Looking at the Olympus VG-110 and Sony HX5 together, a few things jump out instantly. The VG-110 is the quintessential ultra-compact, thin as a credit card, and incredibly lightweight at a mere 105 grams. The Sony HX5, on the other hand, is chunkier and weighs almost double (200 grams), fitting squarely into the compact category rather than pocket-friendly ultra-compact.

Ergonomically, the HX5 offers a much more substantial grip, making it easier and steadier to hold for extended shooting, especially for those with bigger hands or when using telephoto zoom. The VG-110’s petite form results in a more delicate grip, which can be a bit fiddly for quick shooting or when you want stable shots without a tripod. If you’re a fan of cameras that don’t demand clubs for thumbs, the VG-110’s slimness might win your heart. But, for comfort and usability, especially when zooming, the HX5 gets bonus points.

Neither camera boasts weather sealing or rugged build that one might expect for the outdoors, so be cautious shooting in adverse weather either way.

The Sensor Story: Size, Resolution, and Image Quality

Delving into the guts of these two cameras reveals some interesting contrasts. Both cameras employ 1/2.3” class sensors, which means physical size is very close - Olympus VG-110’s sensor measures 6.17x4.55 mm, and Sony’s is a whisker narrower at 6.104x4.578 mm. Although their sensor areas are virtually identical, don’t expect the same output right off the bat.

• Olympus VG-110 features a 12-megapixel CCD sensor. CCDs were once the bedrock of image quality, known for pleasing color rendition but generally less efficient at high ISOs and slower in readout speeds.
• Sony HX5 houses a 10-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor, a more modern design that typically excels in low light and dynamic range, thanks to backside illumination improving light-gathering ability.

In practical terms, the Sony sensor’s BSI-CMOS architecture should yield cleaner images at higher ISOs (up to ISO 3200 native vs. 1600 max on the Olympus) and better dynamic range to preserve details in shadows and highlights, crucial for landscapes and indoor shooting. The Olympus' sensor, while higher resolution on paper, trades some sensitivity and speed.

During my side-by-side tests - shooting the same scene and comparing in subdued lighting - the HX5 delivered cleaner images with less color noise. However, under bright daylight, both produced competent results, with the Olympus showing slightly sharper details thanks to its higher pixel count.

If pinpoint pixel-peeping is your thing, VG-110 has a slight edge, but if low-light usability and balanced image quality deliver on the real-world promise, the HX5 nudges ahead.

Autofocus: Who Gets It Right Faster and Smarter?

Autofocus is where many point-and-shoot cameras struggle, particularly in tricky conditions like low light or moving subjects. Here’s how these two stack up:

• Olympus VG-110 employs contrast-detection AF with basic face detection but lacks phase detection, continuous autofocus, or advanced subject tracking. It supports single AF and some multi-area AF functions, but no continuous AF or animal eye detection.
• Sony HX5 also uses contrast-detection AF but integrates a 9-point AF system that includes center-weighted focusing and multi-area selection. It lacks face detection but does offer manual exposure modes and exposure compensation, allowing more control in challenging lighting.

While Olympus claims AF tracking, in practice it’s quite rudimentary and slow to lock on moving subjects - not surprising given the camera's class and age. The Sony HX5 autofocus was more responsive and versatile, especially in sports and wildlife scenarios, aided by faster burst shooting capabilities (10 fps continuous shooting, compared to none official on Olympus).

For portrait photographers focused on nailing sharp eyes with the least fuss, especially in indoor or dynamic settings, the Sony HX5’s AF system provides a more reliable experience. Mosaic focusing patterns and improved contrast readouts help the Sony navigate complex scenes better.

Lens Capabilities: Zoom and Macro Close-Ups

When evaluating cameras with fixed lenses, optical zoom reach and speed often define their utility more than resolution.

• Olympus VG-110 lens: 27-108 mm equivalent (4x zoom), aperture f/2.9 - 6.5, with ultra-close macro capabilities down to 1 cm (yes, one centimeter!).
• Sony HX5 lens: 25-250 mm equivalent (an impressive 10x zoom), aperture f/3.5 - 5.5, with macro focusing at 5 cm.

If you hunt wildlife or distant subjects, Sony's 10x zoom stands out as a major advantage, providing telephoto reach that the Olympus can’t touch. The price you pay is a smaller maximum aperture at the long end (f/5.5), common in compact zoom lenses but something to consider for low-light telephoto shots.

However, Olympus shines brilliantly in the macro department thanks to its 1 cm focusing capability. This means you can get extremely close to subjects, perfect for detail-oriented work like flower textures, small insects, and artistic macro shots without needing add-on accessories or external lenses.

So for macro enthusiasts, the Olympus gives significant creative freedom; for versatile zoom shooters needing telephoto punch, the Sony wins hands-down.

Display and Interface: Your Window to the World

Both cameras feature fixed LCD screens, no touch functionality here (remember we’re looking at 2010–2011 tech). The Olympus VG-110 sports a 2.7-inch TFT LCD with 230k dot resolution; the Sony HX5 has a slightly larger 3-inch screen at the same dot count. Screen size and resolution aren’t jaw-dropping by today’s standards but sufficient for framing and reviewing shots under decent lighting conditions.

Sony's 3-inch screen offers a bit more real estate for piecing together compositions and navigating menus. The Olympus’s interface is pared down - you sacrifice manual exposure modes entirely, limiting creative control.

Sony’s interface, while still compact and simple, supports manual exposure and exposure compensation, a welcome addition for users wanting more than full-auto. Olympus focuses on straightforward point-and-shoot simplicity, perfect for cheapskates or camera rookies.

Low-Light and High ISO Performance: Pushing the Limits

Low-light capability is a crucial factor for many photographers. Based on sensor technology, maximum ISO values, and image stabilization routines, here’s where things stand:

• Olympus VG-110 caps ISO sensitivity at 1600 with no image stabilization onboard; thus, handheld low-light shots are challenging and often blurry unless you crank the ISO and accept noise.
• Sony HX5 supports up to ISO 3200 and includes optical image stabilization (called SteadyShot), which dramatically improves handheld shooting in dark environments by counteracting camera shake.

Trust me, during dimly lit indoor parties or evening street shoots, the HX5’s SteadyShot and higher ISO ceiling translate into more usable images, reducing the need for flash and preserving ambiance.

Moreover, Sony’s smoother noise reduction algorithms deliver cleaner photos in challenging scenarios compared with Olympus’s noisier images at equivalent ISOs.

For street and night photographers looking to capture mood without typical digital grain, HX5 is the wiser choice here.

Video Capabilities: Who Rolls Better Footage?

Video footage is a common consideration for many camera buyers, so let's compare these cameras’ moving image talents:

• Olympus VG-110 offers basic video capture capped at 640x480 resolution (VGA) at 30fps max - clearly limited, with no HD options, no stereo sound, and no external mic port.
• Sony HX5 steps up far beyond that, supporting Full HD 1080p at 60fps, 1440x1080 and 720p options, with AVCHD format and built-in GPS imprinting. It also has HDMI output for direct connection to TVs or monitors.

Sony’s video quality is markedly superior and flexible, suitable for casual home movies, web clips, and even better-looking travel logs without carrying a dedicated camcorder.

Olympus is stuck in the pre-HD era here - fine for quick clips but won’t satisfy anyone wanting crisp, shareable video.

Battery Life and Storage: Keeping You Shooting Longer

Battery life is often overlooked but critical in the field.

• Olympus VG-110 uses the LI-70B rechargeable battery delivering roughly 170 shots per charge, which is quite limited.
• Sony HX5’s NP-BG1 model battery capacity isn’t listed explicitly here, but based on my testing and typical ratings, expect closer to 300-350 shots per charge.

The bigger battery life advantage for the Sony means less battery swapping and fewer mid-shoot interruptions.

For storage, both utilize SD/SDHC cards (Sony also supports Memory Stick Duo and internal storage options), providing easy expandability.

Connectivity and Extras: Modern Conveniences Absent

Neither camera offers advanced wireless connectivity, NFC, or Bluetooth - in fairness, these are older models from times when Wi-Fi on cameras was rare. USB 2.0 connectivity is available on both but no direct smartphone coupling.

Sony does include built-in GPS, a handy feature for travel photographers who want automatic geotagging without carrying extra devices.

Olympus VG-110 lacks this, sticking to the basics. No HDMI on Olympus but Sony offers this useful video output port.

Genre-Specific Performance: Who Shines for What?

Let’s break down strengths and weaknesses across popular photography disciplines, integrating both tech specs and personal field testing:

Portrait Photography

• Olympus VG-110: Nice detail thanks to 12 MP, very close macro focusing enables creative skin texture shots. However, no manual exposure control and slower AF can frustrate portraits, especially with moving children or pets.
• Sony HX5: Offers manual modes, exposure compensation, and superior image stabilization, helpful indoors. The 9-point AF system locks in reasonably well but lacks face detection. Slightly lower resolution means less detail but steadier action capture.

Verdict: Sony is more versatile and user-friendly for quick portraits; Olympus’s macro could appeal creatively.

Landscape Photography

• Sony HX5 wins for dynamic range and better low-light capabilities, also including GPS tagging for organization and travel journals.
• Olympus VG-110 offers higher resolution for large prints but limited dynamic range and no weather sealing - use with care outdoors.

Verdict: Sony is more reliable in varied conditions; Olympus can produce crisp daylight landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Olympus has no continuous or burst shooting; autofocus is basic and slow.
• Sony boasts 10 fps burst - excellent for fleeting moments - and longer zoom to reach distant subjects.

Verdict: Sony is clearly the better wildlife or sports compact.

Street Photography

Both are discreet given their size. Sony’s bigger body is less pocketable, but better low-light makes it more suitable for urban nights. Olympus fits ultra-compact needs but struggles in dim streets.

Macro Photography

Olympus VG-110 is the champ here due to its 1 cm macro focus. Sony can’t compete.

Night/Astro Photography

Sony’s higher ISO and stabilization make the HX5 more usable in low light. Neither is an astro specialist, but Sony goes further.

Video

Sony is HD-capable, has smooth frame rates, and HDMI out. Olympus is a VGA relic, far behind.

Travel

Sony’s GPS, longer zoom, optical stabilization, and better battery life make it a superior travel partner despite larger size. Olympus’s portability might attract minimalists.

Professional Work

Neither camera offers RAW support or high-end files needed for professional workflows. Sony’s more manual options do lend some creative control; Olympus is very basic.

Putting It All Together: Pros and Cons

Where Should Your Hard-Earned Money Go?

If you budget tight and crave a no-fuss ultraportable with surprisingly close macro capability, the Olympus VG-110 is a neat little gadget that delivers basic images with reasonable quality for casual shooters and creative close-ups.

But if you want versatility - better zoom, superior low-light shots, Full HD videos, and manual exposure controls - you’ll appreciate putting about twice that budget toward the Sony Cyber-shot HX5. Its improved autofocus responsiveness, image stabilization, and broader zoom make it a great compact choice for travel, street, and everyday shooting where light and distance matter.

Final Thoughts: Which One Wins in 2024?

Neither camera competes with modern mirrorless or smartphone cameras today, but if you stumble upon these for a steal or seek budget-friendly backups for casual use:

• Choose Olympus VG-110 if you prize ultra-compact size, want amazing macro reach, or prefer a simple point-and-shoot for snapshots.
• Choose Sony HX5 if your focus is on zoom versatility, video quality, low-light portability with stabilization, and smoother continuous shooting - especially for action or travel.

Olympus VG 110 front Olympus VG 110 screen back Sony HX5 front Sony HX5 screen back

The crucial point is knowing your priorities. For square-peg portrait or macro-focused shooting in controlled light, Olympus keeps its charm. But the Sony’s more balanced feature set and raw usability edge outweigh the extra weight and price for most users.

All things considered, the Sony Cyber-shot HX5 emerges as the wiser investment for enthusiasts hungry for performance beyond the baseline snapshot. The Olympus VG-110 remains a fun, lightweight sidekick when size and simplicity rule your preference list.

If you’re after a camera that best handles the demands of contemporary photography across multiple genres without breaking the bank, the HX5 is my pick. For the cheapskate with close-up dreams and a finger on simple snaps, Olympus’s petite shooter still has a place in your camera bag.

Happy shooting - may your next frame be your best yet!