Olympus SP-820UZ vs Panasonic G3

Below, we will be comparing the Olympus SP-820UZ versus Panasonic G3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SP-820UZ (14MP) and the G3 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the SP-820UZ (1/2.3") and G3 (Four Thirds) come with different sensor measurements.

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The SP-820UZ was released 14 months later than the G3 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a concise summary of how the SP-820UZ grades against the G3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery and Panasonic G3 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera frequently, you'll need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus SP-820UZ has physical dimensions of 117mm x 78mm x 93mm (4.6" x 3.1" x 3.7") accompanied by a weight of 485 grams (1.07 lbs) whilst the Panasonic G3 has sizing of 115mm x 84mm x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") and a weight of 336 grams (0.74 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SP-820UZ versus Panasonic G3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the SP-820UZ vs the G3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the SP-820UZ and G3 is 69 and 83 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor measurements purely by reading through technical specs. The photograph here will give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-820UZ and G3.

As you can tell, each of these cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SP-820UZ because of its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Panasonic G3 will give you extra detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The more recent SP-820UZ should have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.