Olympus SP-820UZ vs Panasonic GF1

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Olympus SP-820UZ vs Panasonic GF1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SP-820UZ (14MP) and the GF1 (12MP) is fairly close but the SP-820UZ (1/2.3") and GF1 (Four Thirds) feature totally different sensor sizing.

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The SP-820UZ was introduced 2 years later than the GF1 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a brief summary of how the SP-820UZ grades against the GF1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery and Panasonic GF1 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera often, you'll need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus SP-820UZ features external measurements of 117mm x 78mm x 93mm (4.6" x 3.1" x 3.7") with a weight of 485 grams (1.07 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GF1 has proportions of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") along with a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SP-820UZ vs Panasonic GF1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the SP-820UZ against the GF1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SP-820UZ and GF1 is 69 and 85 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizing purely by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-820UZ and GF1.

Clearly, both cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SP-820UZ having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more difficult and the Olympus SP-820UZ will provide you with greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images much more aggressively. The fresher SP-820UZ will have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.