Olympus SP-600 UZ vs Sony HX99

Its time to take a closer look at the Olympus SP-600 UZ and Sony HX99, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by competitors Olympus and Sony. There is a substantial difference among the resolutions of the SP-600 UZ (12MP) and HX99 (18MP) and the SP-600 UZ (1/2.3") and HX99 (1/2.3-inch) enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The SP-600 UZ was introduced 9 years earlier than the HX99 which is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a thorough comparison, below is a simple view of how the SP-600 UZ grades vs the HX99 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SP-600 UZ & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-600 UZ Gallery & Sony HX99 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-600 UZ enjoys outer dimensions of 110mm x 90mm x 91mm (4.3" x 3.5" x 3.6") having a weight of 455 grams (1.00 lbs) and the Sony HX99 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") along with a weight of 242 grams (0.53 lbs).

See the Olympus SP-600 UZ and Sony HX99 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you choose during that time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the SP-600 UZ compared to the HX99.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SP-600 UZ and HX99 is 69 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes only by checking out specs. The picture here might offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-600 UZ and HX99.

All in all, both the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SP-600 UZ having a bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Sony HX99 will provide extra detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged SP-600 UZ will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.