Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Panasonic GF1

In this write-up, we are comparing the Olympus SP-800 UZ and Panasonic GF1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SP-800 UZ (14MP) and the GF1 (12MP) is fairly similar but the SP-800 UZ (1/2.3") and GF1 (Four Thirds) possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SP-800 UZ was unveiled 4 months after the GF1 so they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-800 UZ being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a short introduction of how the SP-800 UZ scores vs the GF1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SP-800 UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. The full galleries are available at Olympus SP-800 UZ Gallery and Panasonic GF1 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus SP-800 UZ has got outer measurements of 110mm x 90mm x 91mm (4.3" x 3.5" x 3.6") and a weight of 455 grams (1.00 lbs) and the Panasonic GF1 has proportions of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") along with a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SP-800 UZ and Panasonic GF1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached at that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the SP-800 UZ compared to the GF1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-800 UZ and GF1 is 69 and 85 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to see the gap between sensor dimensions only by going over a spec sheet. The picture underneath will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-800 UZ and GF1.

Clearly, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SP-800 UZ with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more difficult and the Olympus SP-800 UZ will offer you more detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images far more aggressively.