Olympus SP-565UZ vs Canon A3100 IS Comparison

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Olympus SP-565UZ

10 MP | 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) CCD Sensor

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Canon A3100 IS

12 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CCD Sensor

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Olympus SP-565UZ

Canon A3100 IS

Olympus SP-565UZ

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Canon A3100 IS

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Olympus SP-565UZ vs Canon A3100 IS Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing SP-565UZ and A3100 IS, two Compact cameras from Olympus and Canon. Olympus SP-565UZ is a Small Sensor Superzoom class camera and Canon PowerShot A3100 IS is a Small Sensor Compact class camera.

Olympus SP-565UZ was introduced to the market in January 2009 and Canon A3100 IS was launched in January 2010. There is 12 months difference between SP-565UZ and A3100 IS so we don't expect to see a huge technology difference between these two cameras but it would still give an advantage to younger A3100 IS, especially in sensor tech.

Here is a brief look at the main features of the Olympus SP-565UZ and Canon A3100 IS before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Olympus SP-565UZ Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2009-01-15

10MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor

ISO 64 - 6400

26-520 mm F2.8-4.5 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

2.50" Fixed Type Screen

Electronic viewfinder

1.0fps continuous shooting

- 640 x 480 video resolution

413g. 116 x 84 x 81 mm

Canon A3100 IS Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2010-01-05

12MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor

ISO 100 - 1600

35-140 mm F2.7-5.6 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

2.70" Fixed Type Screen

1.0fps continuous shooting

- 640 x 480 video resolution

165g. 97 x 58 x 28 mm

Let's read on in the following sections in order to better understand in detail how the Olympus SP-565UZ and Canon A3100 IS compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Reasons to choose Olympus SP-565UZ over Canon PowerShot A3100 IS

Internal Storage	48 MB vs None	Extra built-in storage
External Flash Shoe	Yes vs No	Better for flash photography
Viewfinder	Electronic vs None	Better framing and control under bright light
RAW Support	Yes vs No	Better image quality
Max Native ISO	6.400 vs 1.600	300% higher Max Native ISO
Number of Focus Points	143 vs 9	134 more focus points
Max Mech. Shutter	1/2000s vs 1/1600s	faster mechanical shutter
Manual Exposure	Yes vs No	better exposure control
Focal Length - Wide	26mm vs 35mm	9 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele	520mm vs 140mm	380 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom	20.0x vs 4.0x	more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Tele	4.50 vs 5.60	faster lens at tele
Flash Coverage	6.4m vs 3.0m	3.4m longer range

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Reasons to choose Canon PowerShot A3100 IS over Olympus SP-565UZ

Sensor Resolution	12 MP vs 10 MP	19% more pixels
LCD Screen Size	2.7" vs 2.5"	0.2 inches larger display
Weight	165 g vs 413 g	248 g lighter
Max Aperture - Wide	2.70 vs 2.80	faster lens at wide

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Common Strengths of Olympus SP-565UZ and Canon PowerShot A3100 IS

Image Stabilization	Optical vs Optical	Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Built-in Flash	Yes vs Yes	Useful in low-light

Common Weaknesses of Olympus SP-565UZ and Canon PowerShot A3100 IS

Fixed Screen	Fixed Type vs Fixed Type	Screen tilts or Flips out independently, perfect for both stills and video
LCD Screen Size	2.50" vs 2.70"	Small display
LCD Screen Resolution	230k dots vs 230k dots	Low resolution screens
Continuous Shooting	1.0fps vs 1.0fps	Slow shooting speeds
Environmental Sealing	No vs No	not suitable for tough conditions
AE Bracketing	No vs No	Not good for multi-exposure HDR

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Olympus SP-565UZ vs Canon A3100 IS: Physical Specs and Body Features Comparison

Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, we are going to illustrate the Olympus SP-565UZ and Canon A3100 IS side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Olympus SP-565UZ has external dimensions of 116 x 84 x 81 mm (4.57 x 3.31 x 3.19″) and weighs 413 g (0.91 lb / 14.57 oz) (including batteries). Canon A3100 IS has external dimensions of 97 x 58 x 28 mm (3.82 x 2.28 x 1.1″) and weighs 165 g (0.36 lb / 5.82 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Olympus SP-565UZ and the Canon A3100 IS. Canon A3100 IS is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 19mm narrower, 26mm shorter and 53mm thinner than Olympus SP-565UZ.

Comparison image of the Olympus SP-565UZ and the Canon A3100 IS Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of the Olympus SP-565UZ and Canon A3100 IS.

Comparison image of the Olympus SP-565UZ and the Canon A3100 IS Size and Weight - Back View

Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Canon A3100 IS is significantly lighter (248g ) than the Olympus SP-565UZ which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

SP-565UZ

A3100 IS

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

SP-565UZ

A3100 IS

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither the Olympus SP-565UZ nor Canon PowerShot A3100 IS provides any type of weather sealing in their bodies, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections:
Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Canon A3100 IS's 2.70" LCD screen is slightly larger than Olympus SP-565UZ's 2.5" screen.

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.

Olympus SP-565UZ vs Canon A3100 IS: Sensor Comparison

Olympus SP-565UZ has a 10.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor . On the other hand, Canon A3100 IS has a 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor .

Below you can see the SP-565UZ and A3100 IS sensor size comparison.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Olympus SP-565UZ and Canon A3100 IS Cameras

Olympus SP-565UZ and Canon A3100 IS have almost the same sensor size, so neither of them has any significant advantage over the other in terms of providing control over depth of field when used with the same focal length and aperture.

Sensor size sets the circle of confusion, so it drives how much depth of field each of these bodies gives you at a given aperture. You can calculate it exactly for the Olympus SP-565UZ or the Canon A3100 IS, including hyperfocal distance.

Olympus SP-565UZ vs Canon A3100 IS Lens Specs Comparison

Olympus SP-565UZ features a 26-520 mm F2.8-4.5 20× zoom lens whereas Canon A3100 IS features a 35-140 mm F2.7-5.6 4× zoom lens.

Olympus SP-565UZ has 9mm wider coverage than the Canon A3100 IS. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f2.70, Canon A3100 IS is faster at widest end. On the tele end, Olympus SP-565UZ has 380mm longer reach than the Canon A3100 IS. At f4.50, it is also faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

SP-565UZ

A3100 IS

Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

SP-565UZ

A3100 IS

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

SP-565UZ

A3100 IS

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

SP-565UZ

A3100 IS

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

What types of Photography are Olympus SP-565UZ and Canon A3100 IS Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Olympus SP-565UZ and Canon A3100 IS for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Olympus SP-565UZ for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE

Canon A3100 IS for Portrait Photography

POOR

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
Very Low Resolution Sensor: 10.0MP
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Image Stabilization
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Olympus SP-565UZ for Street Photography

GOOD

Canon A3100 IS for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
26 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
Read the details

Image Stabilization
Small Body
Live-view
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.70
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
35 mm - Poor Wide Angle Coverage
Read the details

Olympus SP-565UZ for Sports Photography

AVERAGE

Canon A3100 IS for Sports Photography

POOR

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
143 Focus Points
520 mm Tele Lens
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Image Stabilization
140 mm Tele Lens
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Slow Max shutter speed: 1/1600s
9 Focus Points
Read the details

Olympus SP-565UZ for Daily Photography

GOOD

Canon A3100 IS for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

RAW shooting capability
Compact Body
20.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
413g
Body Thickness 81mm
Read the details

Compact Body
165g
4.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Olympus SP-565UZ for Landscape Photography

POOR

Canon A3100 IS for Landscape Photography

POOR

RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
26 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
Very Low Resolution Sensor: 10.0MP
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
35 mm - Poor Wide Angle Coverage
Read the details

Olympus SP-565UZ vs Canon A3100 IS: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision regarding which camera best suits your needs and budget. However, if you're curious about how we rated the Olympus SP-565UZ and the Canon A3100 IS, below you'll find their scores across five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 69 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Olympus SP-565UZ and Canon A3100 IS scores compare:

Olympus SP-565UZ

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #132 out of 488 in Compact cameras
Ranked #702 out of 1384 in all Cameras

Canon A3100 IS

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #427 out of 488 in Compact cameras
Ranked #1253 out of 1384 in all Cameras

Olympus SP-565UZ is the overall winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Canon A3100 IS in all criteria except one: Portability. Canon A3100 IS is significantly smaller than Olympus SP-565UZ. If small size and light body is a big priority for you, choose Canon A3100 IS. Otherwise, Olympus SP-565UZ is the better camera overall.

Olympus SP-565UZ

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Canon A3100 IS

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Check price at B&H PHOTO

General	Olympus SP-565UZ	Canon PowerShot A3100 IS
Brand	Olympus	Canon
Announced	2009-01-15	2010-01-05
Body Type	Compact	Compact
Sensor
Type	CCD	CCD
Size	1/2.3-inch	1/2.3-inch
Dimensions	6.08 x 4.56 mm	6.17 x 4.55 mm
Area	27.72mm²	28.07mm²
Megapixels	10 megapixels	12 megapixels
Max Resolution	3648 x 2736	4000 x 3000
Max Native Light sensitivity	6,400 ISO	1,600 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity	64 ISO	100 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	143	9
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	26-520 mm (20×)	35-140 mm (4×)
Max Aperture	F2.8-4.5	F2.7-5.6
Macro Focus Range	1cm	3cm
Screen
Type	Fixed type	Fixed type
Size	2.50"	2.70"
Resolution	230k dots	230k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	Electronic	None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter	1/2000s	1/1600s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Built-in Image Stabilization	Optical	Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	6.40 m (ISO 200)	3.00 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting	1.0 fps	1.0 fps
Multi-Segment Metering
Average Metering
Spot Metering
Partial Metering
AF-Area Metering
Center Weighted Metering
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution	640 x 480	640 x 480
Video Formats	n/a	Motion JPEG
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	None	None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight	413g	165g
Dimensions	116 x 84 x 81mm	97 x 58 x 28mm
Battery Life	n/a	n/a
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None	None
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score	30	not tested
DxO Color Depth	18.7	not tested
DxO Dynamic Range	10.1	not tested
DxO Low Light ISO	68	not tested
	Report a correction	Report a correction

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