Olympus E-M1 vs Olympus SP-820UZ

Its time to look a bit more in depth at the Olympus E-M1 versus Olympus SP-820UZ, former being a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are offered by Olympus. The resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the SP-820UZ (14MP) is relatively comparable but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and SP-820UZ (1/2.3") posses different sensor sizing.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The E-M1 was introduced 15 months later than the SP-820UZ which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a in-depth comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the E-M1 matches up versus the SP-820UZ for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M1 & Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 Gallery & Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera regularly, you have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-M1 offers external measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") along with a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) while the Olympus SP-820UZ has proportions of 117mm x 78mm x 93mm (4.6" x 3.1" x 3.7") and a weight of 485 grams (1.07 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-M1 versus Olympus SP-820UZ in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at that moment. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the E-M1 against the SP-820UZ.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-M1 and SP-820UZ is 71 and 69 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to imagine the gap in sensor measurements just by seeing specifications. The visual underneath may provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-M1 and SP-820UZ.

Plainly, the two cameras have different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-M1 with its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Olympus E-M1 will provide greater detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The fresher E-M1 provides a benefit with regard to sensor technology.