Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic GF8

Following is a comprehensive analysis of the Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic GF8, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a significant gap between the resolutions of the SP-590 UZ (12MP) and GF8 (16MP) and the SP-590 UZ (1/2.3") and GF8 (Four Thirds) have different sensor sizes.

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The SP-590 UZ was unveiled 8 years earlier than the GF8 which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GF8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a brief summary of how the SP-590 UZ matches up vs the GF8 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SP-590 UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF8. The full galleries are available at Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery and Panasonic GF8 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry around your camera often, you will need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-590 UZ has got external measurements of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) and the Panasonic GF8 has dimensions of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") with a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic GF8 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the SP-590 UZ against the GF8.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-590 UZ and GF8 is 72 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, its hard to imagine the difference between sensor sizes just by going over specs. The picture underneath might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-590 UZ and GF8.

All in all, each of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SP-590 UZ using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF tougher and the Panasonic GF8 will offer you more detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The more aged SP-590 UZ is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.