Olympus SP-820UZ vs Panasonic FZ2500

Here, we will be analyzing the Olympus SP-820UZ vs Panasonic FZ2500, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a crucial difference among the image resolutions of the SP-820UZ (14MP) and FZ2500 (20MP) and the SP-820UZ (1/2.3") and FZ2500 (1") offer different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The SP-820UZ was announced 5 years before the FZ2500 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ2500 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight to a thorough comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the SP-820UZ scores versus the FZ2500 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery and Panasonic FZ2500 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera, you'll have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-820UZ has got physical dimensions of 117mm x 78mm x 93mm (4.6" x 3.1" x 3.7") and a weight of 485 grams (1.07 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ2500 has dimensions of 138mm x 102mm x 135mm (5.4" x 4.0" x 5.3") accompanied by a weight of 915 grams (2.02 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SP-820UZ vs Panasonic FZ2500 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the SP-820UZ vs the FZ2500.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the SP-820UZ and FZ2500 is 69 and 53 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to imagine the gap in sensor sizing purely by seeing technical specs. The photograph here should offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-820UZ and FZ2500.

As you can tell, the two cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SP-820UZ using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Panasonic FZ2500 will provide more detail with its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots way more aggressively. The older SP-820UZ will be behind in sensor innovation.