Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Panasonic GF7

On this page, we will be looking at the Olympus SP-800 UZ and Panasonic GF7, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SP-800 UZ (14MP) and the GF7 (16MP) is pretty similar but the SP-800 UZ (1/2.3") and GF7 (Four Thirds) posses different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SP-800 UZ was introduced 6 years prior to the GF7 which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-800 UZ being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight to a thorough comparison, here is a brief summary of how the SP-800 UZ grades vs the GF7 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SP-800 UZ & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF7. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-800 UZ Gallery & Panasonic GF7 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera frequently, you need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus SP-800 UZ offers external dimensions of 110mm x 90mm x 91mm (4.3" x 3.5" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 455 grams (1.00 lbs) while the Panasonic GF7 has proportions of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check the Olympus SP-800 UZ and Panasonic GF7 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are working with at that time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the SP-800 UZ versus the GF7.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SP-800 UZ and GF7 is 69 and 90 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes simply by reviewing a spec sheet. The image here may give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-800 UZ and GF7.

Clearly, both of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SP-800 UZ having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Panasonic GF7 will offer you more detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots more aggressively. The more aged SP-800 UZ is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.