Olympus 1 vs Olympus SP-820UZ

Here, we are analyzing the Olympus 1 and Olympus SP-820UZ, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and they are both created by Olympus. The resolution of the 1 (12MP) and the SP-820UZ (14MP) is fairly comparable but the 1 (1/1.7") and SP-820UZ (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor size.

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The 1 was announced 16 months later than the SP-820UZ making them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus 1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a full comparison, here is a quick summation of how the 1 grades versus the SP-820UZ with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus 1 & Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus 1 Gallery & Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus 1 has got outer dimensions of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") with a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) and the Olympus SP-820UZ has measurements of 117mm x 78mm x 93mm (4.6" x 3.1" x 3.7") with a weight of 485 grams (1.07 lbs).

Check the Olympus 1 and Olympus SP-820UZ in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have at that time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the 1 compared to the SP-820UZ.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the 1 and SP-820UZ is 79 and 69 respectively.

Often, it's hard to envision the gap in sensor measurements simply by going through specifications. The graphic below will provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1 and SP-820UZ.

Plainly, both of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The 1 with its larger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus SP-820UZ will show more detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images a good deal more aggressively. The more modern 1 is going to have a benefit in sensor tech.