Olympus 1s vs Olympus SP-820UZ

On this page, we will be contrasting the Olympus 1s vs Olympus SP-820UZ, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and both of them are built by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the 1s (12MP) and the SP-820UZ (14MP) is relatively close but the 1s (1/1.7") and SP-820UZ (1/2.3") boast different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The 1s was manufactured 2 years after the SP-820UZ which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus 1s being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a short highlight of how the 1s grades vs the SP-820UZ with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus 1s and Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus 1s Gallery and Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus 1s has got exterior 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 dimensions of 117mm x 78mm x 93mm (4.6" x 3.1" x 3.7") along with a weight of 485 grams (1.07 lbs).

Compare the Olympus 1s vs Olympus SP-820UZ in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using at that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the 1s and the SP-820UZ.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 1s and SP-820UZ is 79 and 69 respectively.

Sometimes, it is tough to imagine the gap in sensor sizes purely by looking through technical specs. The pic here will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the 1s and SP-820UZ.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The 1s featuring a bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF easier and the Olympus SP-820UZ will result in greater detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The newer 1s should have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.