Olympus SP-820UZ vs Panasonic GF7

Here, we will be contrasting the Olympus SP-820UZ and Panasonic GF7, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SP-820UZ (14MP) and the GF7 (16MP) is pretty close but the SP-820UZ (1/2.3") and GF7 (Four Thirds) offer different sensor size.

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The SP-820UZ was unveiled 3 years earlier than the GF7 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a concise summation of how the SP-820UZ scores versus the GF7 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF7. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery & Panasonic GF7 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera, you should take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-820UZ has outer dimensions of 117mm x 78mm x 93mm (4.6" x 3.1" x 3.7") having a weight of 485 grams (1.07 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GF7 has dimensions of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SP-820UZ and Panasonic GF7 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the SP-820UZ vs the GF7.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-820UZ and GF7 is 69 and 90 respectively.

Quite often, its tough to picture the difference in sensor measurements only by researching a spec sheet. The visual underneath might provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-820UZ and GF7.

Clearly, both cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SP-820UZ using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh trickier and the Panasonic GF7 will render greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older SP-820UZ will be behind in sensor innovation.