Olympus E-PL1s vs Olympus SP-820UZ

Here, we are looking at the Olympus E-PL1s vs Olympus SP-820UZ, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are built by Olympus. The resolution of the E-PL1s (12MP) and the SP-820UZ (14MP) is very similar but the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and SP-820UZ (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL1s was unveiled 21 months earlier than the SP-820UZ making them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a simple summation of how the E-PL1s scores vs the SP-820UZ for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL1s and Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery and Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera often, you should consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1s has got exterior measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Olympus SP-820UZ has dimensions of 117mm x 78mm x 93mm (4.6" x 3.1" x 3.7") with a weight of 485 grams (1.07 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL1s vs Olympus SP-820UZ in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the E-PL1s versus the SP-820UZ.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1s and SP-820UZ is 86 and 69 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to envision the contrast between sensor sizing simply by going over a spec sheet. The visual here should give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1s and SP-820UZ.

Clearly, both of those cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1s having a larger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Olympus SP-820UZ will offer extra detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images a good deal more aggressively. The older E-PL1s is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.