Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Panasonic GF5

The following is a in depth analysis of the Olympus SP-800 UZ versus Panasonic GF5, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SP-800 UZ (14MP) and the GF5 (12MP) is pretty similar but the SP-800 UZ (1/2.3") and GF5 (Four Thirds) provide totally different sensor measurements.

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The SP-800 UZ was revealed 3 years earlier than the GF5 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-800 UZ being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving into a complete comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the SP-800 UZ grades against the GF5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SP-800 UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-800 UZ Gallery and Panasonic GF5 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to travel with your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and size. 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 GF5 has specifications of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") along with a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SP-800 UZ versus Panasonic GF5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the SP-800 UZ versus the GF5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-800 UZ and GF5 is 69 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to envision the difference between sensor dimensions simply by reviewing specifications. The picture underneath might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SP-800 UZ and GF5.

To sum up, both the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SP-800 UZ using its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF harder and the Olympus SP-800 UZ will offer you greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots way more aggressively. The more aged SP-800 UZ is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.