Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Pentax XG-1

The following is a comprehensive analysis of the Olympus SP-800 UZ and Pentax XG-1, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the SP-800 UZ (14MP) and the XG-1 (16MP) is pretty comparable and they use the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SP-800 UZ was announced 5 years before the XG-1 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-800 UZ being a Compact camera and the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving in to a in depth comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the SP-800 UZ matches up against the XG-1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SP-800 UZ and Pentax XG-1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SP-800 UZ Gallery and Pentax XG-1 Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera often, you have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus SP-800 UZ offers external measurements of 110mm x 90mm x 91mm (4.3" x 3.5" x 3.6") having a weight of 455 grams (1.00 lbs) and the Pentax XG-1 has sizing of 119mm x 89mm x 98mm (4.7" x 3.5" x 3.9") having a weight of 567 grams (1.25 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SP-800 UZ and Pentax XG-1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the SP-800 UZ vs the XG-1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-800 UZ and XG-1 is 69 and 66 respectively.

Typically, its hard to imagine the contrast in sensor dimensions merely by going through specs. The picture below may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SP-800 UZ and XG-1.

All in all, both cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Pentax XG-1 to show extra detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more aged SP-800 UZ will be behind in sensor technology.