Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Pentax Q-S1

Here, we are evaluating the Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Pentax Q-S1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SP-800 UZ (14MP) and the Q-S1 (12MP) is fairly comparable but the SP-800 UZ (1/2.3") and Q-S1 (1/1.7") provide different sensor size.

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The SP-800 UZ was released 5 years before the Q-S1 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-800 UZ being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a in depth comparison, here is a short introduction of how the SP-800 UZ matches up versus the Q-S1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SP-800 UZ & Pentax Q-S1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-800 UZ Gallery & Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera often, you'll need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-800 UZ enjoys 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 Pentax Q-S1 has measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

See the Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Pentax Q-S1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have at the time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the SP-800 UZ against the Q-S1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-800 UZ and Q-S1 is 69 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it can be tough to visualize the difference in sensor sizing merely by seeing specs. The visual below will give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-800 UZ and Q-S1.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SP-800 UZ featuring a smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh harder and the Olympus SP-800 UZ will show more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop pics way more aggressively. The older SP-800 UZ will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.