Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Panasonic LZ20

Here is a extended analysis of the Olympus SP-800 UZ versus Panasonic LZ20, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SP-800 UZ (14MP) and the LZ20 (16MP) is very similar and both cameras offer the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SP-800 UZ was revealed 3 years earlier than the LZ20 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-800 UZ being a Compact camera and the Panasonic LZ20 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a brief summation of how the SP-800 UZ matches up versus the LZ20 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SP-800 UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20. The full galleries are available at Olympus SP-800 UZ Gallery and Panasonic LZ20 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera often, you will want to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus SP-800 UZ has outside dimensions of 110mm x 90mm x 91mm (4.3" x 3.5" x 3.6") with a weight of 455 grams (1.00 lbs) while the Panasonic LZ20 has specifications of 120mm x 76mm x 80mm (4.7" x 3.0" x 3.1") accompanied by a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Check the Olympus SP-800 UZ versus Panasonic LZ20 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you choose at that moment. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the SP-800 UZ vs the LZ20.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-800 UZ and LZ20 is 69 and 71 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to see the gap between sensor sizing purely by reading specs. The visual below may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-800 UZ and LZ20.

All in all, each of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions but not the same megapixels. You should expect to see the Panasonic LZ20 to deliver greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images a bit more aggressively. The older SP-800 UZ is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.