Olympus SP-820UZ vs Panasonic GH2

On this page, we will be comparing the Olympus SP-820UZ and Panasonic GH2, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SP-820UZ (14MP) and the GH2 (16MP) is pretty comparable but the SP-820UZ (1/2.3") and GH2 (Four Thirds) have totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The SP-820UZ was introduced 18 months later than the GH2 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight to a thorough comparison, here is a concise overview of how the SP-820UZ grades vs the GH2 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery & Panasonic GH2 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera frequently, you will have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-820UZ enjoys 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) and the Panasonic GH2 has dimensions of 124mm x 90mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 3.0") having a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs).

See the Olympus SP-820UZ and Panasonic GH2 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the SP-820UZ versus the GH2.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-820UZ and GH2 is 69 and 70 respectively.

Sometimes, it's hard to see the gap in sensor sizing merely by going through a spec sheet. The graphic here will help offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-820UZ and GH2.

Clearly, both cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SP-820UZ with its smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic GH2 will show extra detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more modern SP-820UZ will have a benefit in sensor technology.