Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Panasonic GH4

Below, we are analyzing the Olympus SP-800 UZ versus Panasonic GH4, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Pro Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SP-800 UZ (14MP) and the GH4 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the SP-800 UZ (1/2.3") and GH4 (Four Thirds) possess different sensor measurements.

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The SP-800 UZ was introduced 5 years before the GH4 which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SP-800 UZ being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH4 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight into a detailed comparison, below is a simple view of how the SP-800 UZ scores versus the GH4 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SP-800 UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SP-800 UZ Gallery and Panasonic GH4 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera often, you need to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus SP-800 UZ has outer measurements of 110mm x 90mm x 91mm (4.3" x 3.5" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 455 grams (1.00 lbs) and the Panasonic GH4 has proportions of 133mm x 93mm x 84mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 560 grams (1.23 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SP-800 UZ versus Panasonic GH4 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using at that time. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the SP-800 UZ against the GH4.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-800 UZ and GH4 is 69 and 66 respectively.

Typically, it can be difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes only by looking at a spec sheet. The image here will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-800 UZ and GH4.

Clearly, the 2 cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SP-800 UZ using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Panasonic GH4 will give greater detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The more aged SP-800 UZ is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.