Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Olympus SH-3

Lets take a more detailed look at the Olympus SP-800 UZ and Olympus SH-3, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras and they are both manufactured by Olympus. The image resolution of the SP-800 UZ (14MP) and the SH-3 (16MP) is pretty well matched and both cameras have the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SP-800 UZ was introduced 7 years before the SH-3 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going straight to a complete comparison, here is a quick summation of how the SP-800 UZ matches up vs the SH-3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SP-800 UZ and Olympus Stylus SH-3. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SP-800 UZ Gallery and Olympus SH-3 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry around your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus SP-800 UZ offers outside dimensions of 110mm x 90mm x 91mm (4.3" x 3.5" x 3.6") having a weight of 455 grams (1.00 lbs) while the Olympus SH-3 has specifications of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SP-800 UZ and Olympus SH-3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have during that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the SP-800 UZ vs the SH-3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-800 UZ and SH-3 is 69 and 88 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to picture the contrast between sensor sizes merely by looking at a spec sheet. The pic here will provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-800 UZ and SH-3.

Clearly, the two cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different MP. You should expect the Olympus SH-3 to resolve more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots more aggressively. The more aged SP-800 UZ is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.