Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2: A Deep-Dive Comparison for Serious Shutterbugs

When perusing the camera market back in early 2010, two very different beasts caught my eye - the Olympus SP-800 UZ, a compact small-sensor superzoom lugging an enormous 30x zoom, and Panasonic’s more ambitious Lumix DMC-G2, an entry-level mirrorless offering from the nascent Micro Four Thirds system. Both debuted in the same year, but serve wildly contrasting photographic ambitions and disciplines. Nearly a decade and a half later, it’s fascinating to dissect how these cameras stack up and remain relevant for certain types of photography aficionados or collectors today.

Having personally put each through its paces - from the sharpness in macro shots to chasing wildlife in suboptimal light - I’ll share nuanced insights into real-world performance, technical specs, and usability that marketing sheets often gloss over. So, whether you’re seeking a travel-friendly superzoom or a beginner-intermediate mirrorless system, this is your go-to comparative guide.

Size and Handling: Pocketable Convenience or Proper Grip?

At first glance, the Olympus SP-800 UZ and the Panasonic G2 could not appear more different. The Olympus is a compact superzoom camera with fixed lens, designed for casual shooters who want massive reach without switching glass; it weighs in at 455 grams and measures roughly 110 x 90 x 91 mm. The Panasonic G2, on the other hand, sports an SLR-style mirrorless body at 428 grams but is bulkier laterally (124 x 84 x 74 mm).

The Olympus’s boxy yet comfortable compact housing makes it an easy carry for travelers who prize zoom range over everything - no need for lens swaps. The rigid 28-840 mm (30x equivalent) lens bulks it a bit but it remains pocketable for large jacket or cargo pants. However, its fixed screen and lack of a viewfinder means you’ll mostly shoot from waist or arm’s length - a classic point-and-shoot approach.

In contrast, the Panasonic G2 is obviously designed with enthusiast shooters in mind, balancing portability with usability. Its body shape and handgrip lend it a more “grown-up” feel that mirrors DSLR ergonomics. Plus, it has a fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen LCD for composition at weird angles - ideal for street photography or macro shots on the go.

If size is your top priority, Olympus nudges ahead for true pocket convenience; if handling and grip are vital - especially for longer shoots - the Panasonic’s design is a clear winner.

Controls and Interface: Which Buttons Feel Right?

Ergonomics is a lot more than shape - it’s how controls are arranged and feel under the finger during a shoot. The Olympus SP-800 UZ’s top layout is minimalist: a mode dial, zoom lever, and shutter button dominate. There’s no manual exposure control - no aperture or shutter priority modes. If you enjoy fully automatic or scene preset shooting, this simplicity works; otherwise, it feels limiting.

The Panasonic G2, contrastingly, offers dials for shutter and aperture priority, full manual exposure, ISO control, and exposure compensation - all eagerly responsive. The touchscreen interface is vibrant and logically mapped, supporting touch focus and menu navigation with the flourish of modern cameras. Having tested both, the Panasonic’s user interface is a breath of fresh air and more in line with what serious enthusiasts demand.

That said, the Olympus isn’t designed to overwhelm beginners, who may find the Panasonic’s buttons initially intimidating. But for me - long familiar with manual controls - the G2’s robust, tactile buttons and dials clearly provide more creative freedom.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensor vs. Four Thirds

Here’s where the designs diverge dramatically: Olympus SP-800 UZ employs a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor, 14 megapixels, with dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm, while the Panasonic G2 boasts a much larger Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm at 12 megapixels.

The difference in sensor size - approximately eight times the surface area for photon collection - translates into substantial image quality disparities. Larger sensors inherently capture more light per pixel (even at slightly lower resolution), yielding superior dynamic range, better low-light capability, and richer color depth.

Practically, SP-800 UZ images show noticeably more noise at ISO 400 and beyond; shadow recovery is limited, and highlights clip quickly. The Panasonic fares far better, pushing usable ISO to 1600, with cleaner shadows and excellent color rendition. Olympus’s CCD sensor also struggles with noise patterning, while the G2’s CMOS sensor features more modern noise reduction algorithms courtesy of the Venus Engine HD II processor.

For landscapes and portraits where image quality is paramount, the Panasonic’s sensor advantage is undeniable - you get more latitude in post-processing with cleaner files.

Live View and LCDs: Articulation and Touchscreen Make the Difference

Both cameras feature a 3-inch screen, but their design philosophy couldn't be more different. The Olympus SP-800 UZ’s 230k-dot fixed screen is reflective and occasionally frustrating under harsh outdoor lighting, and its static position limits creative shooting angles.

In contrast, Panasonic’s G2 sports a fully articulated touchscreen boasting a sharp 460k-dot resolution with excellent color accuracy and brightness. This articulation proved invaluable when shooting low-to-the-ground macro subjects or composing street scenes from unusual perspectives without peering over crowds.

The touchscreen interface of the G2 also allows direct AF point selection - a major efficiency boost during handheld shooting and especially helpful for portraiture where precise focusing on eyes is critical.

Autofocus Systems Head-to-Head: Speed, Accuracy, and Flexibility

Autofocus performance is often the Achilles' heel of compact superzooms, and the Olympus SP-800 UZ is no exception. It features a contrast-detection AF system with 143 selectable points but lacks phase detection tech due to its compact design. This leads to slower focus acquisition in low light and challenges with moving subjects.

I found it serviceable for static subjects in good light but occasionally frustrating in wildlife or sports use; AF lag and hunting were common under tricky contrast or motion.

The Panasonic G2 stepped up considerably: Its contrast-detection system is augmented with advanced algorithms running on its Venus Engine HD II, featuring face detection and continuous AF modes. The system is notably snappy, reliable, and precise, especially when paired with Micro Four Thirds lenses optimized for fast aperture and quiet motors.

While it doesn’t rival DSLR-level phase detect performance (still a few years away for mirrorless in 2010), the G2's autofocus kept up well for street photography, portraits, and indoor events. Continuous AF tracking was a blessing during children’s sports or family gatherings.

Zoom and Lens Ecosystem: Fixed Superzoom or Interchangeable Glass?

This one’s a clear philosophical divide and depends on your photographic aims.

The Olympus SP-800 UZ’s hallmark is its insane 30x optical zoom - 28-840mm equivalent - built into a fixed lens. For casual shooting or travel when packing light matters, you get everything from wide landscapes to distant birds without changing lenses. Plus, image stabilization (sensor-shift type) is built-in to tame handheld shake at super-telephoto settings.

That said, the small sensor and fixed aperture range (f/2.8-5.6) limit low-light and creative depth-of-field control. If you’re after creamy bokeh or shallow depth for portraits, this superzoom isn’t your camera.

The Panasonic G2 relies on a Micro Four Thirds mount system with access to over 100 lenses - from primes with blazing apertures to high-quality zooms. This flexibility allows creative control for a variety of genres: from wide-angle landscapes to telephoto wildlife. However, the G2 itself lacks in-body image stabilization, putting the onus on lens IS or a tripod for long-exposures.

Personally, I loved matching the G2 with fast primes for portraits and macro, then switching to Panasonic’s Lumix zooms for travel or sport. The lens ecosystem alone makes the G2 a far more versatile investment despite higher initial cost and size.

Shutter and Exposure Controls: Creative Modes and Flexibility

To the disappointment of manual shooters, Olympus SP-800 UZ lacks shutter and aperture priority modes or manual exposure. The user is confined to program auto with limited exposure compensation control - fine for the casual point-and-shoot, but frustrating when shooting challenging lighting or artistic effects.

Panasonic G2 shines here with full PASM (program, aperture, shutter, manual) modes and exposure compensation. The shutter speeds range from 60 seconds to 1/4000s, allowing everything from long exposure astrophotography to frozen action sports.

I stress-tested both in mixed lighting: The Olympus often felt helpless under tricky shadows and highlights, while the G2 offered reliable exposure control that let me exploit its broader dynamic range.

Burst Shooting and Continuous AF: Chasing Fast Action

Sport and wildlife photographers rely heavily on frame rate and autofocus tracking.

Olympus claims a 10 fps burst - seemingly impressive on paper - but this is in a compressed JPEG-only mode that quickly chokes after a few frames. Autofocus remains single-shot, further limiting usability in rapid sequences.

Conversely, Panasonic’s G2 delivers a more modest 3 fps burst but with continuous AF and live tracking, making the shots it does take more likely to be in focus. JPEG and RAW files record seamlessly to SD cards.

On real shoots, I found the Olympus’s burst overrated for action photography; the Panasonic’s slower but smarter continuous AF made for more keepers.

Video Capabilities: HD, Audio, and Practical Usability

Both cameras offer HD video at 1280 x 720 30 fps, not cutting edge by today’s 4K standards but respectable in 2010.

Olympus records video in H.264 format but has no microphone input or headphone out, limiting external audio control and monitoring. Coupled with lack of manual focus during video, it’s a basic, point-and-shoot experience.

Panasonic’s G2 includes microphone input for external mics - huge for quality audio - though lacks a headphone jack. Its video modes support AVCHD Lite and MJPEG, offering better compression options. The fully articulated touchscreen aids focusing, and touch AF in video is a welcome touch.

For casual video, both suffice, but Panasonic’s system better suits hybrid shooters wanting more control and quality.

Olympus SP 800 UZ front Olympus SP 800 UZ screen back Panasonic G2 front Panasonic G2 screen back

Real-World Image Examples: Sharpness, Color, and Bokeh

Looking at side-by-side samples, the Olympus’s superzoom excels at capturing distant subjects but suffers softness and fringing at the telephoto end. Color saturation appears somewhat muted, and the limited sensor dynamic range clips highlight or dark shadows quickly.

Panasonic’s images retain finer detail, richer color fidelity, and broader dynamic range - evident in skies and shadow textures. Portraits benefit from face detection and smoother bokeh thanks to larger sensor and faster lenses. Macro shots from G2 lenses reveal much sharper detail, thanks to superior optics and sensor performance.

For casual vacation shots where reaching far matters, Olympus still shines; for artistic portraits, landscapes, or nuanced control, Panasonic wins hands down.

Battery Life and Storage: Power on the Go

The Olympus SP-800 UZ uses Olympus Li-50B lithium-ion battery but official battery life figures are not stated (typical for compact cameras). Anecdotally, moderate shooting yields about 250–300 shots, which may be limiting during long excursions without spares.

Panasonic G2 ships with a proprietary battery pack rated around 360 shots - solid for mirrorless cameras of its generation. Plus, it supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards offering more flexibility for storage. Olympus’s limited internal memory and single SD/SDHC slot suffice but lack SDXC support.

For extended trips, carrying extra Panasonic batteries is advisable, but overall, G2 offers more solid power management.

Overall Performance: Scores, Strengths, and Weaknesses Summarized

Evaluated from a professional standpoint, the Panasonic G2’s larger sensor, manual controls, articulated touchscreen, and lens ecosystem edge out significantly over the Olympus SP-800 UZ. Metrics show DxOMark scores favoring the G2 in color depth, dynamic range, and low-light ISO capability.

That said, Olympus offers extraordinarily convenient focal length flexibility in an affordable package below $300 - attractive for casual shooters needing zoom reach without micromanaging settings.

If performance scores and creative versatility matter more, Panasonic earns the nod; if budget and zoom length dominate your checklist, Olympus remains a viable choice.

How Each Handles Major Photography Genres

• Portraits: Panasonic’s large sensor, face detection AF, and fast lenses deliver excellent skin tones and creamy bokeh. Olympus struggles with background separation and skin smoothness.

• Landscape: Panasonic’s higher dynamic range and manual exposure tools benefit landscapes. Olympus’s smaller sensor and limited highlight recovery hamper detailed vistas.

• Wildlife: Olympus’s monstrous 30x zoom beats G2’s typical lenses reach-wise, but slower AF and noisy images limit quality. Panasonic paired with telephoto MFT lenses produces cleaner snaps but at higher cost and reduced zoom length.

• Sports: Panasonic’s continuous AF and manual modes make it better suited; Olympus attempts fast bursts but without sustained tracking.

• Street: Panasonic’s compact mirrorless form with articulated touchscreen excels. Olympus’s fixed screen and slower AF limit candid shooting.

• Macro: Panasonic’s interchangeable macro lenses, combined with articulated screen and touch focusing, dominate Olympus’s fixed lens macro mode.

• Night/Astro: Four Thirds sensor and longer exposures on Panasonic enable better low-light results.

• Video: Panasonic offers superior audio options and formats at HD with better manual focus.

• Travel: Olympus wins on sheer zoom versatility and pocketability; Panasonic trades bulk for versatility.

• Professional Work: Panasonic supports RAW, advanced exposure modes, superior quality files, and lens choice favored by professionals; Olympus lacks RAW and manual controls.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Pick Which Camera?

In my extensive hands-on testing of thousands of cameras, what stands out here is that these two cameras serve fundamentally different missions.

• Choose the Olympus SP-800 UZ if:

  • You want an affordable, superzoom-capable compact that’s easy to carry.
  • Automatic modes and zoom length are your top priorities.
  • You mostly shoot daylight travel and casual snapshots without post-processing.
  • You prefer simplicity over complexity.

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix G2 if:

  • You seek an entry-level mirrorless system with room to grow.
  • Manual exposure and creative control matter to you.
  • Image quality, autofocus performance, and lens ecosystem are priorities.
  • You want a versatile camera that serves multiple genres.
  • Video with quality sound input is important.

In 2024 terms, both feel somewhat dated but remain interesting reference points in camera evolution. The Olympus represents the zenith of fixed superzooms from that era while the Panasonic G2 paved the way for the mirrorless revolution now ubiquitous in photography.

Behind the Lens: What I Learned Testing These Cameras

Aside from specs and scores, every shoot taught me one thing - no camera is perfect, and choice boils down to your unique photography style and priorities. Compact superzooms like Olympus SP-800 UZ provide unparalleled reach in a shoebox body but sacrifice image fidelity and creative control. The Panasonic G2’s introduction brought with it the promise of DSLR-like control in a smaller footprint, which I found to be a game-changer for those ready to step beyond point-and-shoot limitations.

Both cameras require patience and adaptation: the Olympus for accepting its automation limits but enjoying extreme zoom convenience; the Panasonic for embracing manual controls and lens-changing but gaining artistic empowerment.

Whichever side you lean toward, understanding these trade-offs is key to a happy camera purchase.

Summary Table: Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2

In the end, both cameras tell compelling stories about the photographic landscape circa 2010 - Olympus championing reachable superzoom convenience and Panasonic pushing the boundaries of mirrorless creativity. Your choice depends on whether you crave simplicity or versatility, zoom length, or sensor quality. As always, I recommend hands-on trials to feel which suits best - specs guide decisions, but comfort and vision unlock your best work.

Happy shooting!