Olympus SP-810 UZ vs Panasonic ZS100

In this write-up, we are matching up the Olympus SP-810 UZ versus Panasonic ZS100, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the SP-810 UZ (14MP) and ZS100 (20MP) and the SP-810 UZ (1/2.3") and ZS100 (1") enjoy totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SP-810 UZ was introduced 5 years before the ZS100 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-810 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving through a full comparison, below is a short summation of how the SP-810 UZ grades against the ZS100 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SP-810 UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-810 UZ Gallery and Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to lug around your camera frequently, you will need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus SP-810 UZ features external dimensions of 106mm x 76mm x 74mm (4.2" x 3.0" x 2.9") having a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS100 has sizing of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

Check the Olympus SP-810 UZ versus Panasonic ZS100 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the SP-810 UZ and the ZS100.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SP-810 UZ and ZS100 is 78 and 87 respectively.

Often, it's tough to see the difference between sensor measurements only by looking at a spec sheet. The graphic here will give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-810 UZ and ZS100.

As you can see, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SP-810 UZ using its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Panasonic ZS100 will give you greater detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos far more aggressively. The older SP-810 UZ is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.