Olympus SP-820UZ vs Panasonic FZ35

The following is a comprehensive assessment of the Olympus SP-820UZ and Panasonic FZ35, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SP-820UZ (14MP) and the FZ35 (12MP) is pretty similar and they feature the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SP-820UZ was revealed 2 years after the FZ35 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ35 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a short summary of how the SP-820UZ grades versus the FZ35 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery and Panasonic FZ35 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera frequently, you will want to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus SP-820UZ has got external 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) while the Panasonic FZ35 has sizing of 118mm x 76mm x 89mm (4.6" x 3.0" x 3.5") accompanied by a weight of 397 grams (0.88 lbs).

See the Olympus SP-820UZ and Panasonic FZ35 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the SP-820UZ vs the FZ35.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-820UZ and FZ35 is 69 and 72 respectively.

Sometimes, its tough to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions simply by reading technical specs. The image below might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-820UZ and FZ35.

As you have seen, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different resolution. You should expect the Olympus SP-820UZ to deliver more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots far more aggressively. The newer SP-820UZ provides a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.