Olympus E-M1 vs Olympus SP-800 UZ

Below, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-M1 vs Olympus SP-800 UZ, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are produced by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the SP-800 UZ (14MP) is relatively well matched but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and SP-800 UZ (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-M1 was brought out 3 years later than the SP-800 UZ and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SP-800 UZ being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a in depth comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the E-M1 scores against the SP-800 UZ when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Olympus SP-800 UZ. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-M1 Gallery and Olympus SP-800 UZ Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera, you will have to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-M1 enjoys exterior dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") with a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) and the Olympus SP-800 UZ has proportions of 110mm x 90mm x 91mm (4.3" x 3.5" x 3.6") along with a weight of 455 grams (1.00 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-M1 vs Olympus SP-800 UZ in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you use at that moment. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the E-M1 compared to the SP-800 UZ.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the E-M1 and SP-800 UZ is 71 and 69 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to see the contrast between sensor measurements just by checking a spec sheet. The visual underneath may give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-M1 and SP-800 UZ.

Clearly, each of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-M1 featuring a bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF easier and the Olympus E-M1 will give you extra detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more modern E-M1 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.