Olympus SP-820UZ vs Panasonic S1R

The following is a extensive analysis of the Olympus SP-820UZ and Panasonic S1R, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference among the resolutions of the SP-820UZ (14MP) and S1R (47MP) and the SP-820UZ (1/2.3") and S1R (Full frame) possess different sensor dimensions.

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The SP-820UZ was revealed 7 years earlier than the S1R which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera and the Panasonic S1R being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief summary of how the SP-820UZ matches up against the S1R when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ and Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery and Panasonic S1R Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus SP-820UZ offers physical 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) and the Panasonic S1R has specifications of 149mm x 110mm x 97mm (5.9" x 4.3" x 3.8") and a weight of 1020 grams (2.25 lbs).

Check the Olympus SP-820UZ and Panasonic S1R in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Following is the front view scale comparison of the SP-820UZ versus the S1R.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SP-820UZ and S1R is 69 and 54 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions only by viewing technical specs. The pic underneath may give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-820UZ and S1R.

As you can tell, each of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SP-820UZ with its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Panasonic S1R will result in extra detail because of its extra 33 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots much more aggressively. The more aged SP-820UZ will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.