Olympus SP-820UZ vs Panasonic FZ200

Here is a in depth review of the Olympus SP-820UZ versus Panasonic FZ200, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SP-820UZ (14MP) and the FZ200 (12MP) is fairly close and they enjoy the exact same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SP-820UZ was released 2 months later than the FZ200 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ200 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a simple summary of how the SP-820UZ grades against the FZ200 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery and Panasonic FZ200 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera frequently, you will have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus SP-820UZ comes with outside dimensions of 117mm x 78mm x 93mm (4.6" x 3.1" x 3.7") having a weight of 485 grams (1.07 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ200 has sizing of 125mm x 87mm x 110mm (4.9" x 3.4" x 4.3") and a weight of 588 grams (1.30 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SP-820UZ versus Panasonic FZ200 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the SP-820UZ against the FZ200.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-820UZ and FZ200 is 69 and 65 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to see the contrast in sensor sizing only by looking through technical specs. The graphic below may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-820UZ and FZ200.

As you can tell, both the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but not the same MP. You should anticipate the Olympus SP-820UZ to render extra detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images somewhat more aggressively.