Olympus SP-620 UZ vs Panasonic Lumix GX7: A Hands-On Expert Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the perfect camera often feels like navigating a complex labyrinth of specs, features, and use-case scenarios. Today, we're diving deep into a detailed head-to-head comparison between two seemingly disparate cameras: the Olympus SP-620 UZ, a compact small-sensor superzoom aimed at casual but versatile shooting, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7, an advanced mirrorless camera designed for serious photographers seeking flexibility and high image quality.

Having spent over 15 years testing thousands of cameras across all genres - from the bustling streets to tranquil landscapes - I’ll unpack the real-world performance, technical strengths, and the practical trade-offs you can expect with each option. Whether you’re eyeing a budget-friendly bridge camera for travel or a powerful Micro Four Thirds system for professional work, this comparison will arm you with the insights to decide confidently.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Build Quality

It's always best to start with how the cameras feel in your hands - ergonomics can greatly influence your shooting experience. The Olympus SP-620 UZ is a solid compact camera with a fixed 25-525mm equivalent superzoom lens, which means it boasts an impressive 21x optical zoom in a suitcase-friendly body. Its dimensions (110 x 74 x 74 mm) and weight (435g) place it firmly in the portable category. On the other hand, the Panasonic GX7, though only slightly heavier at 402g, measures a larger 123 x 71 x 55 mm and adopts a rangefinder-style mirrorless design with interchangeable lenses.

In practical use, the Olympus’s compact block-like shape feels easy to pocket or toss into a daypack, making it ideal for those who want one versatile camera without fussing with lenses. The GX7, meanwhile, offers more pronounced grip contours and a more premium construction with a magnesium alloy body, providing better durability and weather resistance options - though without official sealing. The heft and shape of the GX7 give it a more professional feel, while the SP-620 UZ remains snackable for casual street or travel shooting.

Design and Controls: Where Intuition Meets Functionality

The control layout and interface play a pivotal role, especially when shooting in dynamic conditions. The Olympus features a relatively minimalist design with a fixed 3-inch TFT LCD screen of 230k dots resolution - functional but basic. Panasonic’s GX7 shines with a tilting 3-inch LCD panel that sports a sharp 1,040k dots, touchscreen functionality, and an integrated 2,765-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) with near 100% coverage.

What sets the GX7 apart is the combination of traditional dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and a manual command dial, paired with touchscreen AF point selection - giving you fluid manual control or effortless autofocus adjustments. The Olympus’s lack of manual focus and exposure modes limits creative expression, making it better suited for straightforward point-and-shoot usage.

Personally, when testing the GX7, I appreciated how quickly I could switch between manual-exposure shooting via the top dials or use the intuitive touchscreen to reposition focus zones dynamically. The SP-620 UZ’s simplified interface, while straightforward, quickly felt restrictive when I aimed to push creative boundaries.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

One of the most critical differences lies beneath the hood - the sensor. The Olympus employs a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with a 16MP resolution, whereas the Panasonic GX7 uses a much larger Four Thirds CMOS sensor sized 17.3 x 13 mm, also at 16MP. Though both share similar megapixels, sensor technology and size dramatically influence image quality, dynamic range, noise handling, and color depth.

In lab tests and my real-world shooting - landscapes, portraits, and low-light environments - the GX7’s larger sensor consistently delivers richer color reproduction, greater dynamic range, and significantly better noise performance at higher ISOs. The GX7 achieves a DxOmark score of 70 overall, with a notable 22.6 bits color depth and a dynamic range around 12.2 EVs, allowing for deeper shadows and more highlight recovery in post-processing. In comparison, the SP-620 UZ's small sensor limits its ability to capture fine detail and low noise beyond ISO 400, resulting in softer images with pronounced grain at higher sensitivities.

If you’re serious about image quality - whether for large prints or detailed editing - the GX7’s sensor makes a meaningful difference. The SP-620 UZ, however, offers convenience and versatility with its zoom while producing decent images if you keep ISO low and avoid pushing the files hard.

Viewing and Composition Experience

The Olympus relies solely on its fixed LCD screen for composition, with no electronic or optical viewfinder. Combine this with its 230k-dot resolution and fixed viewing angle, and you’ll find it challenging in bright sunlight or awkward shooting positions. The GX7 counters this with its bright, high-resolution EVF boasting 0.7x magnification, alongside a swiveling LCD you can tilt for low or high-angle shots.

In my field tests, the GX7’s EVF proved indispensable for stability and framing accuracy, especially outdoors under direct light. It also delivers a live histogram and exposure previews, aiding precise manual adjustments without relying on guesswork. The touchscreen interface felt responsive and intuitive, allowing me to tap to focus and swipe through menus fluidly.

The SP-620 UZ’s limited screen and lack of EVF leave the user dependent on LCD visibility, which can feel limiting in fast-paced or variable lighting scenarios. For casual snapshots, that’s usually not a dealbreaker, but for anyone wanting control under diverse conditions, the GX7 shines.

Sample Image Showcase: Seeing Is Believing

Let’s look at some comparative samples from both cameras - the Olympus SP-620 UZ and Panasonic GX7 - covering a range of subjects and lighting conditions.

Olympus SP 620 UZ front Olympus SP 620 UZ screen back Panasonic GX7 front Panasonic GX7 screen back

Note the differences in detail rendering, color fidelity, and noise levels. The GX7 file shows richer contrast and cleaner shadows, while the Olympus file tends toward higher saturation and softer lines. The superzoom lens on the SP-620 UZ produces decent reach but with trade-offs in sharpness at the extreme telephoto end, a compromise for the snapping convenience it offers.

Performance Ratings: Quantifying the Findings

After extensive in-field testing and reviewing lab-derived metrics, here’s how these cameras stack up overall:

The Panasonic GX7 ranks higher across all key indices - image quality, autofocus speed and precision, exposure flexibility, and video performance. The SP-620 UZ occupies a lower tier, with strengths in zoom range and casual ease of use, but limited creative control and image quality.

How They Handle Different Photography Genres

Breaking these cameras down by photographic needs helps clarify who will benefit most from each.

Portrait Photography

If you care about natural-looking skin tones, smooth bokeh, and accurate eye detection autofocus, the GX7 is clearly superior. Its larger sensor and better lens selection (with many primes optimized for shallow depth of field) mean portraits pop with more depth and less noise. The 23 focus points with face detection significantly ease compositional accuracy.

The Olympus, with its fixed zoom lens and less sophisticated AF, delivers passable portraits but lacks creamy bokeh or precise eye tracking, making it better suited for environmental or snapshot portraits than studio-quality portraits.

Landscape Photography

For sprawling vistas, dynamic range and resolution are king. The GX7’s sensor captures broader tonal range and recoverable detail in highlights and shadows, allowing panoramic and HDR compositions without much strain. While the Olympus’s sensor resolution is competitive, its limited dynamic range and noise floor reduce image quality, particularly in challenging light. Also, the GX7 benefits from interchangeable weather-resistant lenses, while the SP-620 UZ has none of the rugged build or sealing.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Tracking fast action demands snappy autofocus and fast continuous shooting. The GX7 features a 5 fps burst and advanced AF with tracking modes, making it practical for casual wildlife and sports. The Olympus lacks continuous shooting capabilities and has limited AF tracking, restricting its use to static subjects or slow action scenarios.

While the SP-620 UZ’s superzoom lens allows considerable reach for distant subjects, the limitations in focusing and frame rate quickness mean you’d struggle with sharpness and timing on fast-moving creatures or athletes.

Street and Travel Photography

The Olympus’s pocketable design and all-in-one zoom lens make it appealing for travel where changing lenses isn’t feasible. It’s discreet but you’ll sacrifice control and image quality. The GX7, though bigger, offers better image quality, manual controls, and low-light performance ideal for street photography, albeit with the need to carry extra glass.

The GX7’s tilt screen and EVF enhance compositional options, while superior low-light high ISO performance means you can shoot handheld after sundown. Battery life is longer on the GX7 too - around 350 shots versus undocumented AA battery life on the SP-620 UZ, which in practice is less efficient and heavier to carry.

Macro and Night/Astro Photography

Neither camera is specialized for macro, but the Olympus’s 1 cm minimum focus distance is impressive for casual close-ups. However, the sensor limitations cap image quality. The GX7, paired with dedicated macro lenses, will outperform in detail and color fidelity.

For night and astrophotography, the GX7’s CMOS sensor and high ISO capabilities, combined with manual exposure controls, give it a clear advantage, enabling longer exposures and cleaner images. The Olympus’s limited ISO range and sensor noise make it a less suitable choice in these demanding areas.

Video Capabilities

If video matters to you, the GX7 supports up to 1080p at 60 fps with AVCHD and MP4 formats, along with sensor-based image stabilization and a microphone input (though no headphone jack). The SP-620 UZ maxes out at 720p and lacks advanced exposure controls for video. The GX7’s touchscreen focus control and articulating screen further enhance its video usability.

Technical Insights: Autofocus and Stabilization In-Depth

The GX7 uses a contrast-detection autofocus system with 23 focus points, including face detection and continuous AF tracking. Tests confirm precise and responsive focusing in variable lighting. While the Olympus SP-620 UZ also employs contrast detection, it’s limited to single-shot AF with no continuous AF or manual focus, restricting flexibility in dynamic scenes.

Sensor-shift image stabilization on both cameras helps reduce blur. However, Panasonic’s implementation in the GX7 is notably more effective, particularly when combined with stabilized lenses, delivering sharper handheld images in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

An enormous advantage of the Panasonic GX7 is the Micro Four Thirds mount that supports over 100 lenses - from ultra-wide primes to pro-level telephotos. This vast ecosystem allows photographers to tailor their kit: fast apertures for portraiture, super-zooms for wildlife, and compact optics for travel.

The Olympus’s fixed lens, while versatile, imposes a one-size-fits-all compromise on image quality and creative flexibility.

Connectivity, Storage, and Power

The GX7 leads with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for seamless image transfers and remote shooting via smartphones. Battery life rated at approximately 350 shots per charge is generous for mirrorless systems.

Conversely, the Olympus interfaces via USB 2.0 and HDMI, including Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless transfer but lacks NFC or built-in Wi-Fi. It runs on four AA batteries, which may be convenient for some but less efficient and adds weight.

Price-to-Performance Considerations

At an MSRP of around $200, the Olympus SP-620 UZ is priced attractively for beginner enthusiasts or casual shooters seeking an all-in-one compact superzoom. The Panasonic GX7’s price at approximately $1,000 positions it as a serious tool for dedicated amateurs and professionals who value image quality, versatility, and expandability.

Your budget and priorities will dictate the choice:

• If you want simplicity, portability, and reach without fuss, and prioritize zoom range over image quality, the Olympus is a solid pick.

• If uncompromising image quality, manual control, and future-proofing with interchangeable lenses matter most, the GX7 will reward your investment.

Wrapping Up: Which Camera Wins, and For Whom?

Both cameras reflect their respective design philosophies: the Olympus SP-620 UZ emphasizes convenience and accessibility, while the Panasonic GX7 champions creative control and image fidelity.

Here’s a concise summary:

My Final Take and Recommendations

If you’re a casual traveler, beginner photographer, or need an affordable travel companion with long zoom reach, the Olympus SP-620 UZ is a compelling option for straightforward photography and light family use.

If you’re an enthusiast or professional craving a compact, versatile, and high-performance mirrorless system for portraits, landscapes, street, or video work, the Panasonic GX7 offers all the key tools you’ll need with room to grow your lens collection and creative skills.

In my experience, the GX7 represents a pivotal step up in image quality and flexibility, turning great photos into stunning ones, especially when paired with suitable lenses and a bit of care. I often recommend it as an affordable stepping stone into the micro four thirds ecosystem while still holding its own beside pricier full-frame rivals.

Choosing between these cameras ultimately comes down to priorities and budget. No shame in grabbing the superzoom for casual fun - but if your sights are set on lasting quality and creative control, the GX7 is the wiser, more future-proof investment.

Thank you for joining me for this detailed comparison. I hope my hands-on insights help you feel confident in your next camera upgrade!

Happy shooting!

• [Expert Photographer]