Olympus SP-820UZ vs Panasonic GH3

Below, we will be comparing the Olympus SP-820UZ and Panasonic GH3, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SP-820UZ (14MP) and the GH3 (16MP) is pretty comparable but the SP-820UZ (1/2.3") and GH3 (Four Thirds) use totally different sensor size.

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The SP-820UZ was brought out at a similar time to the GH3 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the SP-820UZ matches up vs the GH3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery and Panasonic GH3 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus SP-820UZ features outer dimensions of 117mm x 78mm x 93mm (4.6" x 3.1" x 3.7") with a weight of 485 grams (1.07 lbs) while the Panasonic GH3 has specifications of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") having a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SP-820UZ and Panasonic GH3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the SP-820UZ and the GH3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the SP-820UZ and GH3 is 69 and 66 respectively.

In many cases, it can be tough to envision the difference in sensor sizes merely by seeing specifications. The picture underneath might give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-820UZ and GH3.

To sum up, the two cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SP-820UZ due to its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Panasonic GH3 will show more detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively.