Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Sony HX9V

The following is a thorough analysis of the Olympus SP-800 UZ and Sony HX9V, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SP-800 UZ (14MP) and the HX9V (16MP) is pretty close and both cameras posses the same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SP-800 UZ was unveiled 17 months prior to the HX9V which makes them a generation away from one another. Both cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving right into a complete comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the SP-800 UZ scores against the HX9V when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SP-800 UZ and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-800 UZ Gallery and Sony HX9V Gallery.

If you are going to travel with your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus SP-800 UZ provides outer dimensions of 110mm x 90mm x 91mm (4.3" x 3.5" x 3.6") and a weight of 455 grams (1.00 lbs) and the Sony HX9V has sizing of 105mm x 59mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SP-800 UZ and Sony HX9V in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the SP-800 UZ and the HX9V.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-800 UZ and HX9V is 69 and 91 respectively.

Typically, its difficult to see the difference in sensor dimensions just by looking through a spec sheet. The image below might provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-800 UZ and HX9V.

As you can see, both of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Sony HX9V to provide you with greater detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more aged SP-800 UZ will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.