Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Panasonic GH2

Here, we will be evaluating the Olympus SP-800 UZ and Panasonic GH2, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SP-800 UZ (14MP) and the GH2 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the SP-800 UZ (1/2.3") and GH2 (Four Thirds) offer totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SP-800 UZ was unveiled 13 months prior to the GH2 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-800 UZ being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a short overview of how the SP-800 UZ matches up versus the GH2 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SP-800 UZ & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-800 UZ Gallery & Panasonic GH2 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to travel with your camera, you should think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-800 UZ features exterior dimensions of 110mm x 90mm x 91mm (4.3" x 3.5" x 3.6") with a weight of 455 grams (1.00 lbs) and the Panasonic GH2 has dimensions of 124mm x 90mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 3.0") having a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SP-800 UZ and Panasonic GH2 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose at that time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the SP-800 UZ against the GH2.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SP-800 UZ and GH2 is 69 and 70 respectively.

Typically, it is tough to see the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by looking at a spec sheet. The picture underneath might give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-800 UZ and GH2.

Clearly, both of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SP-800 UZ using its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field tougher and the Panasonic GH2 will resolve more detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots way more aggressively. The more aged SP-800 UZ is going to be behind in sensor technology.