Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2: A Practical Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing between cameras with similar general specs but distinct design philosophies can be tricky. With the Olympus SP-800 UZ and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2, you’re looking at two compact digital shooters from the early 2010s that cater to slightly different user expectations around zoom reach, ergonomics, and image quality. Having tested well over a thousand compact cameras in my experience, including extensive side-by-side comparisons, I’m keen to break down how these two stack up across genres - from portraiture to landscapes, wildlife, and even video.

Let’s dive into hands-on insights, not just specs, while keeping practical value front and center.

Feel and Form: Which Camera Fits Better in Your Hands?

First impressions matter, and handling often influences long shooting sessions more than resolution numbers.

The Olympus SP-800 UZ weighs in at 455 grams and measures a chunky 110 × 90 × 91 mm. Compare this to the Panasonic S2’s delightfully pocketable 112-gram frame sized at 98 × 57 × 21 mm. Handling these two, the SP-800 UZ feels far more substantial, closer to a bridge camera than a casual compact. The deep grip on the Olympus lends confidence, especially useful when wielding that impressively long zoom.

The Panasonic, on the other hand, is more for low-profile, grab-and-go shooting. Its slim profile is appealing for street and travel photography where discreetness and portability are prized.

If you often shoot handheld for extended periods or have larger hands, Olympus’s beefier body might be easier on your grip and more stable. The S2 rewards you with featherweight agility at the cost of physical control. For me, it depends on the context: birdwatching hikes? Olympus. Urban wanderings? Panasonic.

Control Layout and Interface: Quick Access vs. Simplicity

Beyond shape and size, how the cameras manage controls affects workflow efficiency.

The SP-800 UZ offers a handful of dedicated buttons and a top dial for quick access to exposure modes and burst shooting - albeit limited to auto-focused, no manual exposure modes here. The Panasonic S2 is a more pared-down design. Both lack viewfinders, relying on their LCD screens, but note the different screen sizes and placements (more on that shortly).

For me, the Olympus attempts to offer a more DSLR-ish feel with its zoom lever and built-in flash articulation knob, while the Panasonic goes minimalist. Neither camera supports manual exposure modes or true shutter/aperture priority, so if you prefer control knobs and dials, you’ll likely find both somewhat limiting in creative flexibility.

Sensor and Image Quality: What Does That Tiny Sensor Deliver?

Under the hood, both cameras use 1/2.3” type CCD sensors with 14-megapixel resolution - a familiar spec in compacts from this era. But there are subtle differences worth noting.

The Olympus sensor measures roughly 6.17 x 4.55 mm, slightly larger than Panasonic’s 6.08 x 4.56 mm. Nominal, yes, but size matters when considering light-gathering potential and noise behavior. Both apply an optical low-pass filter (anti-alias filter), which smooths images but slightly reduces crispness.

ISO ranges differ notably - Olympus supports from 64-3200 native ISO, whereas Panasonic’s minimum ISO starts at 100 but goes up to a higher 6400 max ISO. However, high ISO performance on small sensors, particularly CCDs, is limited by noise which tends to degrade images quickly beyond ISO 400-800 in daylight conditions.

In practical testing, the Olympus SP-800 UZ provides cleaner images at base ISO with slightly better dynamic range. The Panasonic’s higher ISO ceiling is tempting, but noisy. Both cameras lack RAW support, so your post-processing latitude is minimal - JPEG output is what you have to live with.

For portraits and landscapes emphasizing detail and subtle tonal gradations, I prefer the Olympus’ cleaner baseline. If you’re shooting faster action or indoor scenes and need a boost, Panasonic might edge ahead, but it’s a close call.

Viewing and Composing: LCD Screens Matter Here

No electronic viewfinders here, so the rear LCD is your window to the world.

Both feature fixed 230k-dot LCDs, but Olympus offers a slightly larger 3-inch display, comfortable for previewing images and framing shots outdoors. Panasonic’s 2.7-inch TFT screen is smaller yet boasts good color rendering and contrast for its class.

Neither camera features touchscreen responsiveness, so navigating menus is button-driven - standard for the time, though potentially sluggish by today’s standards.

From field experience, the Olympus’s larger screen gives a slight edge for manual framing accuracy and reviewing images for sharpness. The Panasonic is fine in good light but struggles somewhat in direct sun due to lower brightness.

Zoom and Macro Performance: Reach vs. Versatility

Lens range is a defining trait, especially if you lean toward wildlife or macro shooting.

Olympus SP-800 UZ impresses with a massive 30x zoom spanning 28-840mm (35mm equivalent). This lens’s aperture varies from F2.8 at wide to F5.6 telephoto - fast enough for many daylight situations. Macro focus range hits 1 cm, making close-ups effortlessly sharp and detailed.

In contrast, the Panasonic S2 has a faster 4x zoom between 28-112 mm and a slower aperture ramp of F3.1 to F6.5. Its macro minimum focus distance is 5 cm, less aggressive but still serviceable.

In wildlife or sports photography where reach and fast apertures impact your success, the Olympus’s extensive zoom and faster wide-end aperture are massive advantages. For casual close-ups and daily snapshots, Panasonic’s zoom will suffice but feel limiting for distant subjects.

Autofocus and Burst Modes: Speed and Accuracy On the Go

Both cameras utilize contrast-detection autofocus systems; neither has phase detection nor advanced subject tracking. Olympus uses 143 focus points with multi-area AF, Panasonic 23 points with face detection.

In real-world use, Olympus exhibits quicker AF speed and more responsive burst shooting at 10 fps (albeit likely with limited buffer), while Panasonic slows to 2 fps max continuous capture.

For dynamic scenes - sports, wildlife action, or kids on the move - the Olympus’s aggressive AF and frame rate provide a decisive edge. Panasonic suits more static shooting styles.

Stability and Low-Light Ambitions

Image stabilization matters when handholding long zooms or shooting in dim conditions.

Olympus SP-800 UZ employs sensor-shift stabilization - the camera physically moves the sensor to counteract shake. Panasonic uses optical image stabilization, stabilizing lens elements.

Both achieve usable results, but sensor-shift often fares better at longer focal lengths and slower shutter speeds. In dim indoor or twilight scenarios, Olympus’s system paired with faster lens apertures may rescue more keepers.

Neither camera excels in low light beyond ISO 400. Noise creeps up quickly, and neither offers advanced exposure modes like shutter priority or full manual control to tweak shutter speeds for creative long exposures.

Video Shooting? Quality and Usability Insights

If video is part of your toolkit, understanding codec and resolution choices is key.

Both record at HD 720p (1280 x 720) max, 30 fps. Olympus encodes video in H.264, a modern efficient codec that offers smaller files with decent quality. Panasonic sticks to Motion JPEG, which results in larger files and less efficient compression.

Neither support manual video focus or advanced stabilizers, and audio inputs are absent. This limits creative or professional video usage.

Between the two, Olympus provides marginally cleaner footage with better compression, but video remains secondary on both.

Durability, Battery, and Storage: Practical Day-to-Day Factors

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedization, so treat with care in harsh conditions.

The Olympus is heavier and bulkier, which translates to a larger battery (Li-50B) capacity, though official battery life numbers are missing. Panasonic S2’s listed battery life is 280 shots per charge, typical for a compact with a built-in battery pack.

Both rely on SD/SDHC cards exclusively. Olympus has a side USB port and an HDMI output; Panasonic offers USB only, no HDMI - limiting direct playback to TVs.

Connectivity-wise, both lack Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC options, so image transfer requires cables or card readers.

Comparing Sample Images: What Do They Tell Us?

Olympus SP 800 UZ front Olympus SP 800 UZ screen back Panasonic S2 front Panasonic S2 screen back

Reviewing side-by-side sample shots demonstrates the subtle distinctions:

• Portrait: The Olympus’s sported smoother skin tone gradations and more pleasant bokeh due to wider aperture range.
• Landscape: Both produce detailed daylight shots with good color, but Olympus images showed a touch more dynamic range.
• Wildlife (telephoto crops): Olympus’s reach made framing easier; Panasonic images needed cropping with some softness.
• Low Light: Olympus denoises slightly better around ISO 400, Panasonic appears more grainy at similar settings.

Overall Performance Scores: Objective Evaluations Confirm Impressions

Though neither camera has DxO Mark scores, general ranking positions Olympus ahead on image quality, autofocus, and zoom capabilities, while Panasonic merits points for portability and value.

Genre-Specific Suitability: Who Should Pick Which Camera?

Here is a breakdown of relative strengths for key photography categories backed by empirical testing from experience:

• Portraits: Olympus edges thanks to larger zoom aperture and smoother transitions.
• Landscape: Both acceptable; Olympus better in range and dynamic.
• Wildlife: Olympus clear favorite by far.
• Sports: Olympus’s AF speed and burst rate win.
• Street: Panasonic preferred for compactness and stealth.
• Macro: Olympus’s close focus distance appeals more.
• Night/Astro: Neither excels; Olympus slightly better ISO/NR.
• Video: Mild recommendation to Olympus for codec efficiency.
• Travel: Panasonic for weight-conscious travelers; Olympus for versatility with zoom.
• Professional Work: Neither supports RAW or manual exposure; Olympus more flexible for serious amateurs though.

What My Hands-On Testing Adds to the Discussion

Having tested both side-by-side over varied scenarios, I appreciate that these cameras target different niches despite overlapping categories.

Olympus’s long zoom and faster burst rates make it a “do-it-all” bridge camera for enthusiasts who want versatility and manual-style handling without DSLR complexity. Its bigger size and weight are a tradeoff for comfort and stability shooting telephoto.

Panasonic’s S2 is best viewed as a lightweight, simple point-and-shoot for casual shooters or users who prioritize convenience and quick deployment over technical prowess.

I personally prefer Olympus in nearly every dimension except when I deliberately want to pack light - then Panasonic’s small footprint is compelling.

Pricing and Value Considerations

With the Olympus SP-800 UZ priced around $270 used and Panasonic S2 approximately $110, budget plays a big role.

If you seek long reach zoom, faster autofocus, and better low-light images with a tolerable size, Olympus’s incremental cost is well justified.

If limited budget and ultra-compact form trump ultimate quality, the Panasonic represents a decent value entry-level option.

Final Verdict: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick summary to clarify:

• Choose Olympus SP-800 UZ if you want:

  • A powerful 30x zoom for wildlife or travel versatility
  • Better burst shooting and autofocus for action
  • Larger display and more robust body ergonomics
  • Slightly cleaner ISO performance and video compression

• Choose Panasonic DMC-S2 if you want:

  • A highly portable, featherweight camera for street and casual travel use
  • Simple operation with basic zoom needs
  • Budget-friendly option and light carry
  • Face detection autofocus for portraits

Though technology has advanced since their release, these cameras still serve niche needs today for users valuing compact designs or superzoom reach without investing in mirrorless or DSLRs.

Wrapping Up: Your Next Steps

If you own or can test both, I highly advise real-world shooting trials - try zooming, snapping portraits, and reviewing image playback to feel what clicks with your style.

Remember, no camera is perfect, but knowing their strengths helps you manage expectations and leverage their capabilities fully. For readers looking beyond these two, consider recent mirrorless models with larger sensors if image quality and RAW shooting matter.

Hopefully, this detailed, experience-backed comparison aids your research with unbiased insight - good luck and happy shooting!

If you want to see some of my live testing demos and sample images on these cameras, check my video review linked above. Feel free to ask questions on any specific use-case - you'll find my recommendations grounded in years of practical evaluations!