Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Panasonic FX580

The following is a thorough assessment of the Olympus SP-800 UZ and Panasonic FX580, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SP-800 UZ (14MP) and the FX580 (12MP) is pretty well matched and both cameras provide the same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SP-800 UZ was revealed 13 months after the FX580 which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going right into a full comparison, here is a quick view of how the SP-800 UZ scores against the FX580 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SP-800 UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580. The full galleries are available at Olympus SP-800 UZ Gallery and Panasonic FX580 Gallery.

When you are aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus SP-800 UZ features outer dimensions of 110mm x 90mm x 91mm (4.3" x 3.5" x 3.6") and a weight of 455 grams (1.00 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FX580 has proportions of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Check the Olympus SP-800 UZ and Panasonic FX580 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you select at that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the SP-800 UZ vs the FX580.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the SP-800 UZ and FX580 is 69 and 95 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to see the gap between sensor dimensions purely by looking at technical specs. The pic below might provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-800 UZ and FX580.

As you have seen, each of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Olympus SP-800 UZ to resolve greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The younger SP-800 UZ is going to have an edge in sensor technology.