Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Ricoh GR

Here, we are looking at the Olympus SP-800 UZ and Ricoh GR, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Ricoh. The sensor resolution of the SP-800 UZ (14MP) and the GR (16MP) is fairly close but the SP-800 UZ (1/2.3") and GR (APS-C) boast totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SP-800 UZ was revealed 4 years before the GR which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-800 UZ being a Compact camera and the Ricoh GR being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a complete comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the SP-800 UZ matches up vs the GR for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SP-800 UZ & Ricoh GR. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-800 UZ Gallery & Ricoh GR Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-800 UZ has got exterior 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 Ricoh GR has measurements of 117mm x 61mm x 35mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.4") and a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SP-800 UZ and Ricoh GR in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the SP-800 UZ compared to the GR.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-800 UZ and GR is 69 and 90 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to envision the difference in sensor dimensions purely by viewing technical specs. The image here will provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-800 UZ and GR.

As you have seen, both the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SP-800 UZ with its smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh trickier and the Ricoh GR will provide you with extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The more aged SP-800 UZ will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.