Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

The following is a extended overview of the Olympus SP-800 UZ versus Olympus XZ-2 iHS, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both sold by Olympus. The image resolution of the SP-800 UZ (14MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) is very close but the SP-800 UZ (1/2.3") and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") provide totally different sensor size.

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The SP-800 UZ was introduced 3 years earlier than the XZ-2 iHS which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go into a more detailed comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the SP-800 UZ scores against the XZ-2 iHS when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SP-800 UZ & Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SP-800 UZ Gallery & Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-800 UZ comes with physical dimensions of 110mm x 90mm x 91mm (4.3" x 3.5" x 3.6") with a weight of 455 grams (1.00 lbs) whilst the Olympus XZ-2 iHS has measurements of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") along with a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SP-800 UZ versus Olympus XZ-2 iHS in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you use at the time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the SP-800 UZ vs the XZ-2 iHS.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SP-800 UZ and XZ-2 iHS is 69 and 85 respectively.

Generally, its hard to envision the gap in sensor dimensions just by viewing a spec sheet. The picture here might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-800 UZ and XZ-2 iHS.

As you can see, both cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SP-800 UZ having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field tougher and the Olympus SP-800 UZ will render greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images more aggressively. The more aged SP-800 UZ will be behind with regard to sensor technology.