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Olympus SP-610UZ

 
Olympus SP-610UZ front
 
Portability
79
Imaging
37
Features
31
Overall
34

Olympus SP-610UZ summary

Olympus SP-610UZ is Olympus's Small Sensor Superzoom digital camera originally introduced on January of 2011. The camera has got a 14MP, CCD 1/2.3" size sensor with a max resolution of 4288 x 3216.

Olympus introduced this model in order to update the previous Olympus SP-600 UZ (Read Full Comparison) & afterwards launched the fresher Olympus SP-620 UZ (Read Full Comparison) to replace this camera.

The SP-610UZ is placed #216 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras & overall #963 out of 1465 for digital cameras in our database. You should test our Advanced camera search to find camera ratings based on your custom requirements.

Photography Glossary

Below is a chart of multiple factors used in the rating system.

Olympus SP-610UZ history

The Olympus SP-610UZ is part of a family of digital cameras. You can see the full list below.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Olympus-Stylus-SH-3 front thumbnailOlympus SH-3
SP-610UZ vs SH-3
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2016
Olympus-Stylus-SH-2 front thumbnailOlympus SH-2
SP-610UZ vs SH-2
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2015
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Olympus-Stylus-SH-1 front thumbnailOlympus SH-1
SP-610UZ vs SH-1
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2014
Olympus-Stylus-SP-100 front thumbnailOlympus SP-100
SP-610UZ vs SP-100
24-1200mm
F2.9-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2014
Olympus-SZ-15 front thumbnailOlympus SZ-15
SP-610UZ vs SZ-15
23-483mm
F2.8-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Olympus-SH-50 front thumbnailOlympus SH-50
SP-610UZ vs SH-50
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
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Olympus-SZ-16-iHS front thumbnailOlympus SZ-16 iHS
SP-610UZ vs SZ-16 iHS
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Olympus-Stylus-SP-820UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-820UZ
SP-610UZ vs SP-820UZ
22-896mm
F3.4-5.7
14MP1/2.3"2012
Olympus-SZ-31MR-iHS front thumbnailOlympus SZ-31MR iHS
SP-610UZ vs SZ-31MR iHS
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2012
Olympus-SP-620-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-620 UZ
SP-610UZ vs SP-620 UZ
25-525mm
F3.1-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2012
Olympus-SZ-12 front thumbnailOlympus SZ-12
SP-610UZ vs SZ-12
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
14MP1/2.3"2012
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Olympus-SZ-11 front thumbnailOlympus SZ-11
SP-610UZ vs SZ-11
25-500mm
F3.0-6.9
14MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SP-810-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-810 UZ
SP-610UZ vs SP-810 UZ
24-864mm
F2.9-5.7
14MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SZ-30MR front thumbnailOlympus SZ-30MR
SP-610UZ vs SZ-30MR
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SZ-10 front thumbnailOlympus SZ-10
SP-610UZ vs SZ-10
28-504mm
F3.1-4.4
14MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SP-610UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-610UZ28-616mm
F3.3-5.7
14MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SP-600-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-600 UZ
SP-610UZ vs SP-600 UZ
28-420mm
F3.5-5.4
12MP1/2.3"2010
Olympus-SP-800-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-800 UZ
SP-610UZ vs SP-800 UZ
28-840mm
F2.8-5.6
14MP1/2.3"2010
Olympus-SP-565UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-565UZ
SP-610UZ vs SP-565UZ
26-520mm
F2.8-4.5
10MP1/2.3"2009
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Olympus-SP-590-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-590 UZ
SP-610UZ vs SP-590 UZ
26-676mm
F2.8-5.0
12MP1/2.3"2009

Olympus SP-610UZ Pros and Cons

Here is a shortlist of pluses and minuses of the Olympus SP-610UZ based on aspects that are oftentimes considered important in a digital camera.

decent MP (14MP)
decent sized screen (3 inches)
does have HDMI port
great reach (616mm)
has built in flash
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
long zoom range (28-616mm 22.0 x zoom)
rather wide (28mm)
very good minimum ISO (100)
does not have headphone port
does not have mic port
does not have phase detect auto focus
does not have RAW support
does not have Time Lapse mode
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
fixed screen
focusing manually not possible
low quality video (1280 x 720 pixels)
manual exposure not possible
max zoom aperture not good (f5.7)
no aperture priority mode
no external flash support
no shutter priority
screen has low resolution (230 thousand dot)
screen is not selfie friendly
slow fps (1.0 frames/s)
slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
small sensor size (1/2.3")
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Olympus SP-610UZ Sensor specs

The Olympus SP-610UZ is run by the TruePic III chip. The specification of the sensor in the Olympus SP-610UZ is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor can capture 4288 x 3216 pixels using aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. The camera comes with Image Stabilization (Sensor-shift). In body stabilization is superior than digital stabilization as the latter might cause cropping.

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The CCD sensor has 14MP and provides a standard ISO range of 100 - 3200. Sadly, RAW photos are not saved therefore the user has less room to maneuver in post.

The image below shows the SP-610UZ's sensor size compared to other popular sizes. The SP-610UZ sensor has a crop factor of 5.8 and is showcased in green.

Olympus SP-610UZ sensor size Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

To get a sense of specific aspect ratios, you can refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Olympus SP-610UZ dimensions

Olympus SP-610UZ weighs 0.89 pounds (405 gr / 14.29 ounces) & the dimensions of the camera is 107mm x 73mm x 73mm (4.2" x 2.9" x 2.9"). The weight of typical Small Sensor Superzoom camera is 387 gr so the Olympus SP-610UZ is very much the same compared with other competitors.

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Below is a photo of the Olympus SP-610UZ besides a soft drink to help you to get a sense of its size.

Olympus SP-610UZ dimensions scale

The top view below will show you the button layout on the SP-610UZ.

Olympus SP-610UZ topview buttons dials

Olympus SP-610UZ Lens details

The SP-610UZ offers an inbuilt lens offering a focal range of 28-616mm giving it a 22.0 x zoom which is huge and could make it easier to zoom right in.

At it's widest 28mm, the lens comes with an aperture of f3.3 and that is rather sluggish and not ideal for low light situations and you may find it hard to get a shallow depth of field. You will probably also need to raise your ISO giving you noisy shots. For the long end, 616mm is great zoom and comes at f5.7 which is very slow and you would have to set slower shutter speeds.

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Olympus SP-610UZ Connectivity

The SP-610UZ has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • Wireless Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Digital cameras that have NFC and Bluetooth support can be controlled wirelessly via smartphones. You are able to copy images and oftentimes alter settings with no need to connect physically with the camera.

Many apps also allow a Liveview and hit the shutter whenever you are not near the camera. If the camera boasts a HDMI port, it can be attached to an external monitor. Virtually all cameras will allow you to recharge the battery pack through the USB port.

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Olympus SP-610UZ Video details

The max video quality in the Olympus SP-610UZ is 1280 x 720 and you can record in Motion JPEG file format. 720p is terrible for today's standards. You should shoot for at least FUll HD quality for video. The body does not have a microphone and headphone jack which means that you have got absolutely no control over the sound. It is perhaps a better idea to take a look at another camera in case you need good sound for your videos.

Photography Glossary

Olympus SP-610UZ Weather Sealing

Olympus SP-610UZ does not have environment sealing so damp conditions could damage the camera.

Olympus SP-610UZ Screen and Viewfinder

The Olympus SP-610UZ has got a 3 inch fixed display screen having a resolution of 230 thousand dots.

Please be aware that the display has no touch support.

Olympus SP-610UZ screen and viewfinder President Biden pushes bill mandating TikTok sale or ban

The ViewFinder details for Olympus SP-610UZ are below:

  • ViewFinder None

Viewfinders can be very beneficial for bright outdoor conditions which can easily make the camera screen washed out and very difficult to see.

Olympus SP-610UZ Shutter details

Olympus SP-610UZ continuous shooting speed is 1.0 frames/s. The highest shutter speed is 1/2000s.

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Olympus SP-610UZ Flash and Hot shoe details

Olympus SP-610UZ comes with just built in flash without external flash support.

Olympus SP-610UZ Autofocus details

Olympus SP-610UZ comes with only Contrast Based AF & lacks Phase Detect AF. Phase Detection focusing is a lot more faster & exact as compared to Contrast Based focusing.

The Sensor has got 11 focus points to pick from. Olympus SP-610UZ has no manual focusing. Manual focusing ability is good for low light situations or you want to have more precise depth of field control.

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Olympus SP-610UZ Battery life

The battery pack (4 x AA) on the Olympus SP-610UZ is built to last for 340 clicks according to the CIPA specifications which is about the same as it's competitors. The usual Small Sensor Superzoom camera battery life is 316. Fujifilm HS35EXR offers the maximum (600) battery life for this type of cameras.

Following is a list of Small Sensor Superzoom cameras with the highest battery life:

Olympus SP-610UZ for specific kinds of photography

The following illustration shows a rundown of the Olympus SP-610UZ for specific kinds of photography. To understand more, browse to the specific section below.

Olympus SP-610UZ Portrait photography advice

The Olympus SP-610UZ receives a points tally of 28 which is terrible, meaning that it is simply not acceptable for portraits. Taking portrait photos leans heavily to sensor resolution, support for RAW photos & option to use off-camera flash.

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MP count good (14MP)
lack of manual focus
lack of manual mode
external flash not possible
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
lacks RAW files

Street photography with Olympus SP-610UZ

Getting a moderate score of 50, the Olympus SP-610UZ is reasonably adequate to buy for street photography. A very good street photography camera has a fine balance of image quality plus portability.

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image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
screen is fixed
very small sensor (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format

Olympus SP-610UZ Sports photography highlights

A terrible sports photography rating of 39 means the Olympus SP-610UZ is simply not acceptable for shooting sports. A camera really should have good focusing plus shutter speeds for sports photography.

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long zoom range (28-616mm 22.0 x zoom)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
good megapixels (14MP)
low fps (1.0 frames/s)
no shutter priority
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
lack of phase detect auto focus

Olympus SP-610UZ Travel photography factors

Size is pretty important when buying a camera for travel. All things considered, the Olympus SP-610UZ gets a above average 61 as a travelling camera which is a very decent option to buy for your vacations.

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resolution is good (14 megapixels)
flash built-in
relatively wide (28mm)
long zoom (616mm)
doesn't have Timelapse function
doesn't have a selfie friendly display
slow maximum aperture (f3.3)

Olympus SP-610UZ Landscape photography highlights

If you are looking to pick a camera for landscape photography, the most significant aspect will no doubt be image quality. The Olympus SP-610UZ with it's terrible score of 40 for a landscape camera is simply not acceptable in the current market.

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relatively wide (28mm)
nice screen size (3 inch)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
megapixel count good (14MP)
lack of manual focus
cannot swap lens (fixed lens mount)
slow max aperture (f3.3)
no manual mode
small sensor size (1/2.3")
lack of RAW support
doesn't have Time Lapse mode

Olympus SP-610UZ Vlogging features

A camera for vlogging ought to offer a moving screen, microphone input and preferably image stabilization. Taking everything in to account, the Olympus SP-610UZ is simply not acceptable as a vlog camera as it gets a terrible rating of 26.

Photography Glossary
really wide (28mm)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
screen is not selfie friendly
video quality not great (1280 x 720 pxls)
no mic socket

Olympus SP-610UZ Alternatives

If you are interested in replacements to the SP-610UZ, below is a list of the top placed cameras that fall in to the family of Small Sensor Superzoom.

The line chart followed below shows you a summary of the SP-610UZ vs it's top ranked rivals listed earlier.

These are various other cameras you may have a look at as alternative options. To look at a comprehensive comparison, click the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Brand Name
Olympus
Model type
Olympus SP-610UZ
Class
Small Sensor Superzoom
Launched
2011-01-06
Body design
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CCD
Processor Chip
TruePic III
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
14 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio
4:3 and 16:9
Max resolution
4288 x 3216
RAW support
Max native ISO
3200
Min native ISO
100
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Total focus points
11
Lens
Lens support
fixed lens
Lens zoom range
28-616mm (22.0x)
Max aperture
f/3.3-5.7
Macro focusing distance
1cm
Focal length multiplier
5.8
Screen
Screen type
Fixed Type
Screen diagonal
3 inches
Resolution of screen
230 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch function
Screen technology
TFT Color LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
None
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating
not tested
DXO Color Depth rating
not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating
not tested
DXO Low light rating
not tested
Features
Min shutter speed
4s
Max shutter speed
1/2000s
Continuous shutter speed
1.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance
6.30 m
Flash settings
Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Video resolutions
1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 180 (30fps)
Max video resolution
1280x720
Video format
Motion JPEG
Mic jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless
Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight
405 grams (0.89 lb)
Dimensions
107 x 73 x 73mm (4.2" x 2.9" x 2.9")
Other
Battery life
340 photographs
Battery form
AA
Battery ID
4 x AA
Self timer
Yes (2 or 12 sec)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage
SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots
Single
Pricing at release
$299