Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Panasonic GX1

Below, we will be evaluating the Olympus SP-800 UZ versus Panasonic GX1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SP-800 UZ (14MP) and the GX1 (16MP) is relatively well matched but the SP-800 UZ (1/2.3") and GX1 (Four Thirds) come with different sensor size.

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The SP-800 UZ was announced 24 months prior to the GX1 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SP-800 UZ being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GX1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight into a complete comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the SP-800 UZ scores versus the GX1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SP-800 UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SP-800 UZ Gallery and Panasonic GX1 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera, you need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-800 UZ comes with physical 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) whilst the Panasonic GX1 has dimensions of 116mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") having a weight of 318 grams (0.70 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SP-800 UZ versus Panasonic GX1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the SP-800 UZ versus the GX1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-800 UZ and GX1 is 69 and 87 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to visualize the gap between sensor sizes just by looking at technical specs. The image underneath will help give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the SP-800 UZ and GX1.

As you can tell, both cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SP-800 UZ with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Panasonic GX1 will give you greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs much more aggressively. The more aged SP-800 UZ is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.