Olympus E-PM1 vs Olympus SP-800 UZ

The following is a detailed assessment of the Olympus E-PM1 and Olympus SP-800 UZ, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both manufactured by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the SP-800 UZ (14MP) is very similar but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and SP-800 UZ (1/2.3") possess different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM1 was revealed 22 months after the SP-800 UZ making the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SP-800 UZ being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a more detailed comparison, below is a concise summation of how the E-PM1 matches up against the SP-800 UZ in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Olympus SP-800 UZ. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Olympus SP-800 UZ Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera regularly, you will want to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PM1 provides outer dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) whilst 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).

See the Olympus E-PM1 and Olympus SP-800 UZ in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select during that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the E-PM1 against the SP-800 UZ.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM1 and SP-800 UZ is 89 and 69 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions just by reviewing specs. The image here should offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM1 and SP-800 UZ.

All in all, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-PM1 having a larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field simpler and the Olympus SP-800 UZ will offer greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos a little more aggressively. The more recent E-PM1 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.