Olympus SP-820UZ vs Panasonic FZ1000

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Olympus SP-820UZ versus Panasonic FZ1000, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizable difference between the resolutions of the SP-820UZ (14MP) and FZ1000 (20MP) and the SP-820UZ (1/2.3") and FZ1000 (1") feature totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SP-820UZ was brought out 22 months before the FZ1000 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ1000 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a short summation of how the SP-820UZ scores versus the FZ1000 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery & Panasonic FZ1000 Gallery.

For those who are going to travel with your camera frequently, you should factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-820UZ has external measurements of 117mm x 78mm x 93mm (4.6" x 3.1" x 3.7") having a weight of 485 grams (1.07 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ1000 has dimensions of 137mm x 99mm x 131mm (5.4" x 3.9" x 5.2") accompanied by a weight of 831 grams (1.83 lbs).

Check the Olympus SP-820UZ versus Panasonic FZ1000 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you choose during that time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the SP-820UZ against the FZ1000.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SP-820UZ and FZ1000 is 69 and 55 respectively.

Usually, its tough to visualise the gap between sensor dimensions merely by reviewing technical specs. The picture here might give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SP-820UZ and FZ1000.

As you have seen, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SP-820UZ due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field trickier and the Panasonic FZ1000 will offer more detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more aged SP-820UZ is going to be behind in sensor innovation.