Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Panasonic SZ8

Below is a in depth analysis of the Olympus SP-800 UZ and Panasonic SZ8, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SP-800 UZ (14MP) and the SZ8 (16MP) is pretty well matched and both cameras offer the same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SP-800 UZ was unveiled 4 years earlier than the SZ8 and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief overview of how the SP-800 UZ grades versus the SZ8 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SP-800 UZ & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-800 UZ Gallery & Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera, you have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus SP-800 UZ provides outside measurements of 110mm x 90mm x 91mm (4.3" x 3.5" x 3.6") along with a weight of 455 grams (1.00 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ8 has specifications of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SP-800 UZ and Panasonic SZ8 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the SP-800 UZ vs the SZ8.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the SP-800 UZ and SZ8 is 69 and 94 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to see the contrast between sensor measurements merely by looking at specs. The visual here might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SP-800 UZ and SZ8.

All in all, both the cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same resolution. You can expect the Panasonic SZ8 to give you more detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The older SP-800 UZ is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.