Olympus E-PM1 vs Olympus SP-820UZ

Lets look closer at the Olympus E-PM1 vs Olympus SP-820UZ, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are manufactured by Olympus. The resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the SP-820UZ (14MP) is pretty close but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and SP-820UZ (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizes.

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

The E-PM1 was revealed 9 months prior to the SP-820UZ which means that they are of a similar generation. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summary of how the E-PM1 grades versus the SP-820UZ when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera often, you need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-PM1 offers external measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Olympus SP-820UZ has specifications of 117mm x 78mm x 93mm (4.6" x 3.1" x 3.7") and a weight of 485 grams (1.07 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PM1 vs Olympus SP-820UZ in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the E-PM1 and the SP-820UZ.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM1 and SP-820UZ is 89 and 69 respectively.

Often, it's hard to envision the difference in sensor dimensions purely by viewing specs. The image below should give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM1 and SP-820UZ.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-PM1 having a bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Olympus SP-820UZ will render greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more aged E-PM1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.