Canon SX1 IS vs Olympus SP-800 UZ

On this page, we will be looking at the Canon SX1 IS versus Olympus SP-800 UZ, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Canon and Olympus. There exists a significant gap between the image resolutions of the SX1 IS (10MP) and SP-800 UZ (14MP) but both cameras boast the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SX1 IS was introduced 10 months before the SP-800 UZ and they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Canon SX1 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Olympus SP-800 UZ being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple summary of how the SX1 IS grades against the SP-800 UZ when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX1 IS and Olympus SP-800 UZ. The whole galleries are viewable at Canon SX1 IS Gallery and Olympus SP-800 UZ Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera often, you will have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX1 IS comes with outside measurements of 128mm x 88mm x 88mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.5") with a weight of 615 grams (1.36 lbs) and the Olympus SP-800 UZ has dimensions of 110mm x 90mm x 91mm (4.3" x 3.5" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 455 grams (1.00 lbs).

Check the Canon SX1 IS versus Olympus SP-800 UZ in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the SX1 IS against the SP-800 UZ.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX1 IS and SP-800 UZ is 64 and 69 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to envision the contrast between sensor sizing simply by checking technical specs. The photograph below might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SX1 IS and SP-800 UZ.

As you have seen, each of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same megapixels. You should count on the Olympus SP-800 UZ to give you extra detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs more aggressively. The older SX1 IS is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.