Olympus SP-820UZ vs Panasonic LF1

Following is a detailed comparison of the Olympus SP-820UZ vs Panasonic LF1, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SP-820UZ (14MP) and the LF1 (12MP) is relatively similar but the SP-820UZ (1/2.3") and LF1 (1/1.7") enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The SP-820UZ was announced 15 months prior to the LF1 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a brief summation of how the SP-820UZ matches up vs the LF1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery & Panasonic LF1 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry around your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SP-820UZ offers outside measurements of 117mm x 78mm x 93mm (4.6" x 3.1" x 3.7") and a weight of 485 grams (1.07 lbs) while the Panasonic LF1 has sizing of 103mm x 62mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SP-820UZ vs Panasonic LF1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the SP-820UZ vs the LF1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-820UZ and LF1 is 69 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to visualize the gap between sensor sizes only by reviewing a spec sheet. The image below may provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SP-820UZ and LF1.

Clearly, the 2 cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SP-820UZ using its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Olympus SP-820UZ will deliver more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots far more aggressively. The more aged SP-820UZ is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.