Olympus SP-810 UZ vs Panasonic XS1

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Olympus SP-810 UZ and Panasonic XS1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SP-810 UZ (14MP) and the XS1 (16MP) is very well matched and they enjoy the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SP-810 UZ was manufactured 17 months before the XS1 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-810 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic XS1 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a in depth comparison, below is a quick summation of how the SP-810 UZ matches up versus the XS1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SP-810 UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-810 UZ Gallery and Panasonic XS1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry around your camera frequently, you need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus SP-810 UZ features outside dimensions of 106mm x 76mm x 74mm (4.2" x 3.0" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) and the Panasonic XS1 has specifications of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") and a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SP-810 UZ and Panasonic XS1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the SP-810 UZ and the XS1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the SP-810 UZ and XS1 is 78 and 97 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to picture the contrast between sensor sizes purely by reading through technical specs. The picture underneath should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-810 UZ and XS1.

As you can tell, both the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but different megapixels. You should expect to see the Panasonic XS1 to give extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop pics far more aggressively. The more aged SP-810 UZ is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.