Olympus SP-820UZ vs Panasonic GF3

In this article, we are contrasting the Olympus SP-820UZ and Panasonic GF3, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SP-820UZ (14MP) and the GF3 (12MP) is fairly close but the SP-820UZ (1/2.3") and GF3 (Four Thirds) use different sensor size.

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The SP-820UZ was revealed 13 months later than the GF3 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a short summation of how the SP-820UZ scores versus the GF3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery & Panasonic GF3 Gallery.

If you are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-820UZ provides external dimensions 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 GF3 has dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SP-820UZ and Panasonic GF3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the SP-820UZ and the GF3.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SP-820UZ and GF3 is 69 and 90 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to picture the gap in sensor measurements merely by viewing specifications. The photograph here will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-820UZ and GF3.

To sum up, both of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SP-820UZ having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Olympus SP-820UZ will render more detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics a little more aggressively. The more recent SP-820UZ should have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.