Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Panasonic G3

Here is a detailed analysis of the Olympus SP-800 UZ versus Panasonic G3, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SP-800 UZ (14MP) and the G3 (16MP) is very well matched but the SP-800 UZ (1/2.3") and G3 (Four Thirds) enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The SP-800 UZ was introduced 17 months prior to the G3 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SP-800 UZ being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple summation of how the SP-800 UZ scores versus the G3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SP-800 UZ & Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SP-800 UZ Gallery & Panasonic G3 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera often, you should factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SP-800 UZ enjoys physical dimensions of 110mm x 90mm x 91mm (4.3" x 3.5" x 3.6") having a weight of 455 grams (1.00 lbs) whilst the Panasonic G3 has sizing of 115mm x 84mm x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") with a weight of 336 grams (0.74 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SP-800 UZ versus Panasonic G3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose at that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the SP-800 UZ compared to the G3.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the SP-800 UZ and G3 is 69 and 83 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing purely by checking specifications. The photograph underneath will give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-800 UZ and G3.

Plainly, the two cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SP-800 UZ using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field tougher and the Panasonic G3 will give you extra detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images much more aggressively. The older SP-800 UZ is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.