Olympus SP-800 UZ

Olympus SP-800 UZ
Competitors
Super zoom Super zoom
February, 2010

As well as being compared against other super zooms, the Olympus SP-800 UZ is also often compared to mirrorless, travel zooms, entry-level DSLRs and compacts. The Olympus SP-800 UZ's top rivals come from Olympus (such as the SP-810 UZ and the SZ-30MR) and Nikon (such as the Coolpix L120 and the Coolpix P100)

Competitor classes

compared toSuper zoom competitors

Generally, some of the advantages of the Olympus SP-800 UZ compared to other super zoom competitors include: it slightly higher maximum light sensitivity (3,200 ISO vs 1,600 ISO), shoots faster continuously (10 fps vs 2.5 fps), significantly higher boost light sensitivity (10,000 ISO vs none) and is slightly lighter (455 g vs 601 g).

However, on average it has a slightly narrower wide angle lens (28 mm vs 25 mm), has a slightly lower resolution screen (230k dots vs 460k dots), doesn't have image stabilization (none vs sensor shift), doesn't have a screen which flips out and has a slightly smaller sensor (1/2.3" 6.1x4.6mm vs 1/1.7" 8.8x6.6mm).

Olympus SP-810 UZ

Olympus SP-810 UZ
1 year newer
$269

Significant advantages of the SP-810 UZ (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Significantly more zoom: 36x vs 30x
  • Significantly better wide angle: 24 mm vs 28 mm
  • Image stabilization: Sensor shift vs None

Significant disadvantages of the SP-810 UZ (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Shoots significantly slower: 0.7 fps vs 10 fps
  • Significantly worse macro capability: 5 cm vs 1 cm
  • Much slower max shutter speed: 1/850 of a second vs 1/2000 of a second

common strengths of the SP-810 UZ and SP-800 UZ

  • Light weight: 413 g vs 455 g
arrow Compare the SP-810 UZ vs the SP-800 UZ

Fujifilm FinePix S4000

Fujifilm FinePix S4000
1 year newer
$215

Significant advantages of the S4000 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Significantly better wide angle: 24 mm vs 28 mm
  • Image stabilization: Sensor shift vs None
  • Can create panoramas in-camera

Significant disadvantages of the S4000 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Shoots significantly slower: 1.2 fps vs 10 fps

common strengths of the S4000 and SP-800 UZ

  • None found
arrow Compare the Fujifilm FinePix S4000 vs the Olympus SP-800 UZ

Nikon Coolpix L120

Nikon Coolpix L120
1 year newer
$180 - $218

Significant advantages of the L120 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Much higher resolution screen: 920k dots vs 230k dots
  • Image stabilization: Lens vs None
  • Significantly better wide angle: 25 mm vs 28 mm

Significant disadvantages of the L120 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Significantly less zoom: 21x vs 30x
  • Shoots significantly slower: 0.7 fps vs 10 fps

common strengths of the L120 and SP-800 UZ

  • Light weight: 406 g vs 455 g
arrow Compare the Nikon Coolpix L120 vs the Olympus SP-800 UZ

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS
7 months newer
$420

Significant advantages of the SX30 IS (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Image stabilization: Lens vs None
  • Has a flip-out screen
  • Significantly better wide angle: 24 mm vs 28 mm

Significant disadvantages of the SX30 IS (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Significantly smaller screen: 2.7" vs 3.0"
  • Larger: Professional size 123x92x108 mm vs Prosumer size 110x90x91 mm
  • Shoots significantly slower: 1.1 fps vs 10 fps

common strengths of the SX30 IS and SP-800 UZ

  • None found
arrow Compare the Canon PowerShot SX30 IS vs the Olympus SP-800 UZ

Samsung Pro815

Samsung Pro815
4 years older

Significant advantages of the Pro815 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Much larger sensor: 1/1.7" 8.8x6.6mm vs 1/2.3" 6.1x4.6mm
  • Much larger screen: 3.5" vs 3.0"
  • Significantly wider aperture: f/2.2 vs f/2.8

Significant disadvantages of the Pro815 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Much less zoom: 15x vs 30x
  • Much lower true resolution: 8 MP vs 9.8 MP
  • Much heavier: 910 g vs 455 g

common strengths of the Pro815 and SP-800 UZ

  • None found
arrow Compare the Samsung Pro815 vs the Olympus SP-800 UZ

Nikon Coolpix P100

Nikon Coolpix P100
similar age

Significant advantages of the P100 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Has a flip-out screen
  • Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 30fps
  • Image stabilization: Sensor shift vs None

Significant disadvantages of the P100 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • No boost ISO: None vs 10,000 ISO

common strengths of the P100 and SP-800 UZ

  • Fast continuous shooting: 10 fps vs 10 fps
arrow Compare the Nikon Coolpix P100 vs the Olympus SP-800 UZ

compared toMirrorless interchangeable-lens competitors

Generally, some of the advantages of the Olympus SP-800 UZ compared to mirrorless interchangeable-lens competitors include: it has a slightly larger screen (3.0" vs 2.7"), has much less shutter lag (280 ms vs 820 ms), has boost light sensitivity (10,000 ISO vs none) and has a built-in flash.

However, on average it records lower quality movies (720p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 30fps), has a slightly lower resolution screen (230k dots vs 920k dots), doesn't have image stabilization (none vs sensor shift), takes slightly lower resolution photos (9.8 MP vs 14 MP) and slightly lower maximum light sensitivity (3,200 ISO vs 12,800 ISO).

Olympus PEN E-PL1

Olympus PEN E-PL1
similar age
$255 - $279 14-42mm lens

Significant advantages of the PEN E-PL1 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Image stabilization: Sensor shift vs None
  • Shoots RAW
  • Has interchangeable lenses

Significant disadvantages of the PEN E-PL1 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Much smaller screen: 2.7" vs 3.0"
  • Much more shutter lag: 820 ms vs 280 ms

common strengths of the PEN E-PL1 and SP-800 UZ

  • Inexpensive: $254.99 vs $378.81
  • Each has a built-in flash
arrow Compare the PEN E-PL1 vs the SP-800 UZ

Sony Alpha NEX-5

Sony Alpha NEX-5
3 months newer
$569 18-55mm lens

Significant advantages of the NEX-5 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Much higher resolution screen: 920k dots vs 230k dots
  • Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 30fps
  • Shoots RAW

Significant disadvantages of the NEX-5 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Significantly more shutter lag: 441 ms vs 280 ms
  • No built-in flash

common strengths of the NEX-5 and SP-800 UZ

  • Inexpensive: $569.00 vs $378.81
arrow Compare the Sony Alpha NEX-5 vs the Olympus SP-800 UZ

Olympus PEN E-PM1

Olympus PEN E-PM1
1 year newer
$500 14-42mm lens

Significant advantages of the E-PM1 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 60fps vs 720p @ 30fps
  • Image stabilization: Sensor shift vs None
  • Shoots RAW

Significant disadvantages of the E-PM1 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • No built-in flash

common strengths of the E-PM1 and SP-800 UZ

  • Inexpensive: $499.99 vs $378.81
arrow Compare the PEN E-PM1 vs the SP-800 UZ

compared toTravel zoom competitors

Generally, some of the advantages of the Olympus SP-800 UZ compared to travel zoom competitors include: it has much more zoom (30x vs 18x), has a slightly wider aperture (f/2.8 vs f/3.3), shoots faster continuously (10 fps vs 2.3 fps), slightly closer macro focusing (1 cm vs 3 cm) and slightly higher boost light sensitivity (10,000 ISO vs 6,400 ISO).

However, on average it has a slightly narrower wide angle lens (28 mm vs 25 mm), doesn't have a built-in GPS, records lower quality movies (720p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 30fps), has a significantly lower resolution screen (230k dots vs 920k dots) and is much larger (prosumer size 110x90x91 mm vs compact 104x63x33 mm).

Olympus SZ-30MR

Olympus SZ-30MR
1 year newer
$355 - $471

Significant advantages of the SZ-30MR (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Significantly better wide angle: 25 mm vs 28 mm
  • Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 30fps
  • Much smaller: Mid size 106x69x40 mm vs Prosumer size 110x90x91 mm

Significant disadvantages of the SZ-30MR (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Less zoom: 24x vs 30x

common strengths of the SZ-30MR and SP-800 UZ

  • Great zoom: 24x vs 30x
  • Wide aperture: f/3.0 vs f/2.8
arrow Compare the SZ-30MR vs the SP-800 UZ

Olympus SZ10

Olympus SZ-10
1 year newer
$228

Significant advantages of the SZ10 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Much smaller: Mid size 105x67x37 mm vs Prosumer size 110x90x91 mm
  • Image stabilization: Sensor shift vs None
  • Takes 3D photos

Significant disadvantages of the SZ10 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Much less zoom: 18x vs 30x
  • Shoots significantly slower: 0.9 fps vs 10 fps

common strengths of the SZ10 and SP-800 UZ

  • Good macro capabilities: 1 cm vs 1 cm
arrow Compare the SZ10 vs the SP-800 UZ

Sony Cybershot DSC-HX9v

Sony Cybershot DSC-HX9v
1 year newer
$319 - $329

Significant advantages of the DSC-HX9v (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Has a GPS
  • Significantly better wide angle: 24 mm vs 28 mm
  • Much higher resolution screen: 921k dots vs 230k dots

Significant disadvantages of the DSC-HX9v (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Much less zoom: 16x vs 30x
  • Narrower aperture: f/3.3 vs f/2.8
  • No boost ISO: None vs 10,000 ISO

common strengths of the DSC-HX9v and SP-800 UZ

  • Fast continuous shooting: 10 fps vs 10 fps
arrow Compare the Sony Cybershot DSC-HX9v vs the Olympus SP-800 UZ

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7
similar age
$361

Significant advantages of the DMC-ZS7 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Has a GPS
  • Significantly better wide angle: 25 mm vs 28 mm
  • Image stabilization: Lens vs None

Significant disadvantages of the DMC-ZS7 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Much less zoom: 12x vs 30x
  • Narrower aperture: f/3.3 vs f/2.8
  • Shoots significantly slower: 2.3 fps vs 10 fps

common strengths of the DMC-ZS7 and SP-800 UZ

  • None found
arrow Compare the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 vs the Olympus SP-800 UZ

Olympus SZ-31MR

Olympus SZ-31MR iHS
2 years newer
$394 - $482

Significant advantages of the SZ-31MR (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Much higher resolution screen: 920k dots vs 230k dots
  • Significantly better wide angle: 25 mm vs 28 mm
  • Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 30fps

Significant disadvantages of the SZ-31MR (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Less zoom: 24x vs 30x

common strengths of the SZ-31MR and SP-800 UZ

  • Great zoom: 24x vs 30x
  • Wide aperture: f/3.0 vs f/2.8
  • Fast continuous shooting: 10 fps vs 10 fps
arrow Compare the SZ-31MR vs the SP-800 UZ

Fujifilm Finepix F600 EXR

Fujifilm Finepix F600 EXR
1 year newer
$209 - $300

Significant advantages of the F600 EXR (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Has a GPS
  • Significantly better wide angle: 24 mm vs 28 mm
  • Much smaller: Compact 104x63x33 mm vs Prosumer size 110x90x91 mm

Significant disadvantages of the F600 EXR (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Much less zoom: 15x vs 30x
  • Significantly narrower aperture: f/3.5 vs f/2.8
  • Significantly worse macro capability: 5 cm vs 1 cm

common strengths of the F600 EXR and SP-800 UZ

  • Very good boost ISO: 12,800 ISO vs 10,000 ISO
arrow Compare the Fujifilm Finepix F600 EXR vs the Olympus SP-800 UZ

compared toEntry-level DSLR competitors

Generally, some of the advantages of the Olympus SP-800 UZ compared to entry-level DSLR competitors include: it shoots faster continuously (10 fps vs 4 fps) and is slightly lighter (455 g vs 622 g).

However, on average it records lower quality movies (720p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 60fps), has a much lower resolution screen (230k dots vs 1,040k dots), doesn't have image stabilization (none vs sensor shift), takes much lower resolution photos (9.8 MP vs 24 MP) and slightly lower maximum light sensitivity (3,200 ISO vs 16,000 ISO).

Nikon D5100

Nikon D5100
1 year newer
$500 - $597 (body only)
$600 - $697 18-55mm lens

Significant advantages of the D5100 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Much larger sensor: APS-C 23.6x15.6mm vs 1/2.3" 6.1x4.6mm
  • Has a viewfinder: Pentamirror vs None
  • Faster autofocus: Phase detection vs Contrast detection

Significant disadvantages of the D5100 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Shoots much slower: 4 fps vs 10 fps

common strengths of the D5100 and SP-800 UZ

  • Larger than average screens: 3.0" vs 3.0"
  • Fairly small: Prosumer size 127x96x78 mm vs Prosumer size 110x90x91 mm
  • Inexpensive: $499.99 vs $378.81
arrow Compare the Nikon D5100 vs the Olympus SP-800 UZ

Canon Rebel T2i

Canon EOS Rebel T2i
similar age
$544 - $949 (body only)
$649 - $867 18-55mm lens

Significant advantages of the T2i (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Much larger sensor: APS-C 22.3x14.9mm vs 1/2.3" 6.1x4.6mm
  • Has a viewfinder: Pentamirror vs None
  • Much higher resolution screen: 1,040k dots vs 230k dots

Significant disadvantages of the T2i (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Shoots much slower: 3.7 fps vs 10 fps

common strengths of the T2i and SP-800 UZ

  • Larger than average screens: 3.0" vs 3.0"
  • Fairly small: Prosumer size 129x98x62 mm vs Prosumer size 110x90x91 mm
  • Inexpensive: $544.00 vs $378.81
arrow Compare the Canon EOS Rebel T2i vs the Olympus SP-800 UZ

Sony SLT A65

Sony SLT-A65
1 year newer
$898 (body only)
$998 18-55mm lens

Significant advantages of the SLT A65 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Much larger sensor: APS-C 23.5x15.6mm vs 1/2.3" 6.1x4.6mm
  • Much higher true resolution: 24 MP vs 9.8 MP
  • Faster autofocus: Phase detection vs Contrast detection

Significant disadvantages of the SLT A65 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Larger: Professional size 132x97x81 mm vs Prosumer size 110x90x91 mm
  • Significantly heavier: 622 g vs 455 g

common strengths of the SLT A65 and SP-800 UZ

  • Larger than average screens: 3.0" vs 3.0"
  • Very fast continuous shooting: 10 fps vs 10 fps
arrow Compare the Sony SLT-A65 vs the Olympus SP-800 UZ

compared toCompact competitors

Generally, some of the advantages of the Olympus SP-800 UZ compared to compact competitors include: it has a slightly wider aperture (f/2.8 vs f/3.3), has way more more zoom (30x vs 4x), records lower quality movies (720p @ 30fps vs 480p @ 30fps), has a slightly wider wide angle lens (28 mm vs 32 mm) and has a significantly larger screen (3.0" vs 2.5").

However, on average it has a slightly lower resolution screen (230k dots vs 920k dots), is much larger (prosumer size 110x90x91 mm vs compact 90x58x25 mm), doesn't have image stabilization (none vs sensor shift, digital), is thicker (3.6" vs 0.9") and is much heavier (455 g vs 165 g).

Olympus Stylus 820

Olympus Stylus 820
2 years older

Significant advantages of the Stylus 820 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Much smaller: Compact 96x56x24 mm vs Prosumer size 110x90x91 mm
  • Much thinner: 0.9" vs 3.6"
  • Much lighter: 165 g vs 455 g

Significant disadvantages of the Stylus 820 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Much less zoom: 5x vs 30x
  • Much worse wide angle: 36 mm vs 28 mm
  • Much lower true resolution: 8.1 MP vs 9.8 MP

common strengths of the Stylus 820 and SP-800 UZ

  • Good macro capabilities: 3 cm vs 1 cm
arrow Compare the Stylus 820 vs the SP-800 UZ

Olympus Tough TG-810

Olympus Tough TG-810
1 year newer
$429 - $445

Significant advantages of the TG-810 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Much smaller: Compact 100x65x26 mm vs Prosumer size 110x90x91 mm
  • Much thinner: 1" vs 3.6"
  • Much higher resolution screen: 920k dots vs 230k dots

Significant disadvantages of the TG-810 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Much less zoom: 5x vs 30x
  • Much narrower aperture: f/3.9 vs f/2.8
  • Shoots significantly slower: 0.7 fps vs 10 fps

common strengths of the TG-810 and SP-800 UZ

  • Good macro capabilities: 3 cm vs 1 cm
arrow Compare the Tough TG-810 vs the SP-800 UZ

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W120

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W120
2 years older

Significant advantages of the DSC-W120 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Much smaller: Super compact 88x57x23 mm vs Prosumer size 110x90x91 mm
  • Much thinner: 0.9" vs 3.6"
  • Image stabilization: Lens vs None

Significant disadvantages of the DSC-W120 (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Much less zoom: 4x vs 30x
  • Much lower true resolution: 7.1 MP vs 9.8 MP
  • Much smaller screen: 2.5" vs 3.0"

common strengths of the DSC-W120 and SP-800 UZ

  • Wide aperture: f/2.8 vs f/2.8
arrow Compare the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W120 vs the Olympus SP-800 UZ

Canon PowerShot SD800 IS

Canon PowerShot SD800 IS
3 years older

Significant advantages of the SD800 IS (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Much smaller: Compact 90x58x25 mm vs Prosumer size 110x90x91 mm
  • Much thinner: 1" vs 3.6"
  • Image stabilization: Lens vs None

Significant disadvantages of the SD800 IS (vs the SP-800 UZ)

  • Much less zoom: 3.8x vs 30x
  • Much lower true resolution: 7.1 MP vs 9.8 MP
  • Much smaller screen: 2.5" vs 3.0"

common strengths of the SD800 IS and SP-800 UZ

  • Wide aperture: f/2.8 vs f/2.8
  • Good macro capabilities: 3 cm vs 1 cm
arrow Compare the Canon PowerShot SD800 IS vs the Olympus SP-800 UZ