Olympus SP-820UZ vs Panasonic GH4

In this article, we are contrasting the Olympus SP-820UZ versus Panasonic GH4, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Pro Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SP-820UZ (14MP) and the GH4 (16MP) is fairly comparable but the SP-820UZ (1/2.3") and GH4 (Four Thirds) possess different sensor measurements.

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The SP-820UZ was unveiled 17 months before the GH4 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH4 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a brief summation of how the SP-820UZ matches up vs the GH4 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery and Panasonic GH4 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus SP-820UZ provides 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) while the Panasonic GH4 has specifications of 133mm x 93mm x 84mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.3") having a weight of 560 grams (1.23 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SP-820UZ versus Panasonic GH4 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select at that time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the SP-820UZ vs the GH4.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-820UZ and GH4 is 69 and 66 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to visualize the gap in sensor measurements only by checking out a spec sheet. The photograph here should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-820UZ and GH4.

Clearly, both of those cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SP-820UZ using its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Panasonic GH4 will provide more detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images a little more aggressively. The older SP-820UZ will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.