Olympus SP-820UZ vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2: A Deep Dive into Compact Superzoom Cameras

Choosing the right compact camera can often feel like navigating a maze - especially when two seemingly similar models promise to bring versatility, good image quality, and ease of use in a small package. Today, we pit two such contenders against each other: the Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2. Both announced in 2012, these cameras target the enthusiast who values portability but demands more than just casual snapshots.

Having spent extensive hours shooting and analyzing these cameras across varying real-world scenarios, I aim to cut through the specs and marketing fluff. This detailed comparison will empower you, whether you’re an amateur looking for everyday snapshots or an advanced user seeking a budget-friendly travel companion.

First Impressions: Build Quality, Size & Handling

Starting with a tactile assessment is crucial since a camera’s ergonomics shape much of the photographic experience. The Olympus SP-820UZ is noticeably larger and heavier at 485 grams compared to Panasonic’s svelte 112 grams for the Lumix S2. Dimensions underscore this disparity: the Olympus measures 117x78x93 mm, trumping Panasonic’s ultra-compact 98x57x21 mm frame.

In practice, this means the SP-820UZ feels almost like a bridge camera in hand - a reassuring lump that invites stability during zoomed shots but at the cost of portability. The Lumix S2, on the other hand, slips effortlessly into a jacket pocket or purse, making it ideal for discreet shooting situations or minimalist travel setups.

Build-wise, neither camera boasts weather sealing or ruggedized protection. Both are constructed from lightweight plastics, with the Olympus exhibiting slightly better grip texture - something I appreciated during longer handheld shooting sessions, especially when zoomed in. The Panasonic’s minimalist design offers fewer tactile buttons, which reduces accidental operations but limits quick manual control.

Regarding controls, the SP-820UZ sports a more substantial body, allowing room for dedicated zoom and mode dials. I noticed a more confident feel when adjusting settings on the Olympus, while the Lumix S2’s smaller buttons require some finesse to operate comfortably - particularly for users with larger hands.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras employ 1/2.3-inch sensors, a common size in the compact segment, but with different sensor types: the Olympus uses a 14MP CMOS sensor, whereas the Panasonic opts for a 14MP CCD sensor. Although pixel count is comparable, the sensor tech difference significantly influences performance characteristics - most notably in dynamic range, noise handling, and color rendition.

Here's a side-by-side:

Resolution and Detail

From testing, the Panasonic’s 14MP sensor resolution tops out at 4320x3240 pixels, slightly higher than Olympus’s 4288x3216. That said, pixel count is just a number; the real indicator is how each sensor manages detail in real-world shooting. The CMOS sensor in the Olympus shines when it comes to capturing finer details with less noise - particularly noticeable when cropping or printing at larger sizes.

The CCD sensor of the Panasonic, while capable of delivering pleasing color saturation and smooth tonal transitions, struggles more at ISO levels beyond 400. This often manifests as early and visible grain, affecting sharpness and clarity in shadowed regions.

Dynamic Range and Noise

Dynamic range tests further highlight the Olympus's advantage here. In scenes with bright highlights and deep shadows - like sunlit landscapes or indoor windows - the SP-820UZ retains more shadow detail and resists highlight clipping better than the Lumix S2.

ISO performance is another area where CMOS sensors generally outperform CCDs. The Olympus delivers respectable noise control up to ISO 800 and usable results at ISO 1600. The Panasonic’s noise grows intrusive quickly past ISO 200, making it less reliable for low-light or night photography scenarios.

Olympus SP 820UZ front Olympus SP 820UZ screen back Panasonic S2 front Panasonic S2 screen back

Optics and Zoom Range: Versatility versus Practicality

The two cameras diverge dramatically here:

• Olympus SP-820UZ: 22-896mm equivalent zoom (40x optical zoom)
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2: 28-112mm equivalent zoom (4x optical zoom)

What this difference tells you immediately is the Olympus is built for reach - ideal for wildlife, sports, or any subject at a distance. The Panasonic’s lens, by contrast, limits its reach but offers a more standard zoom range.

Lens Speed and Aperture

The Olympus lens has a maximum aperture of f/3.4 at the wide end, narrowing to f/5.7 at full telephoto. The Panasonic lens opens at f/3.1 before closing to f/6.5. While only marginally faster wide-open on Panasonic’s side, the Olympus maintains a brighter aperture through the zoom’s extended range, which somewhat aids in lower light and faster shutter speeds at long focal lengths.

Macro Focusing

Interestingly, the Olympus focuses down to an exceptional 1 cm in macro mode, allowing very close shots with impressive detail. The Panasonic’s macro range starts at 5 cm, which is less intimate but still suitable for casual close-ups.

Image Stabilization

Here is a telling functional difference: only the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 has optical image stabilization, which proved indispensable, especially at slower shutter speeds or hand-held indoor shooting. The Olympus SP-820UZ lacks any form of stabilization, making it prone to motion blur at long zooms unless supported by a tripod.

I find this tradeoff significant - 40x zoom without stabilization demands fast shutter speeds or support gear, limiting Olympus’s practical use for handheld telephoto work despite its impressive specs.

Autofocus and Shooting Experience: Snappiness and Accuracy

Autofocus systems often dictate a camera’s usability in fast action or erratic shooting environments.

• Olympus SP-820UZ uses contrast-detection autofocus with face detection but lacks continuous autofocus and tracking.
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 has a contrast-detection AF as well, with both face detection and selective AF area control across 23 detected points.

Speed and Reliability in Varied Scenarios

During testing, the Panasonic delivered slightly quicker AF lock times on average, aided by greater AF points and center-weighted focus. This proved important in street and portrait sessions, where I needed to react swiftly to changing compositions.

Olympus’s AF, while reliable in daylight or controlled lighting, occasionally struggled with moving subjects and poor light, sometimes hunting noticeably before lock. The absence of AF tracking or continuous AF further ratchets down its effectiveness in dynamic scenarios like sports.

Video Capabilities: Which Fits Casual Filmmakers?

Video mode on compact cameras from this era generally was secondary, but differences still matter when integrating multimedia workflows.

• Olympus: 1080p Full HD recording at 30 fps (H.264 codec)
• Panasonic: 720p HD at 30 fps (Motion JPEG codec)

The Olympus’s Full HD capability is a decisive advantage for anyone wanting decent quality video output along with photos. The choice of H.264 compression also results in more efficient file sizes and less artifacting.

The Panasonic’s maximum HD resolution is 1280x720p, offering moderate quality that looks okay on small screens but lacks the punch needed for serious projects.

Neither has microphone or headphone ports, limiting audio control - standard for cameras in this budget range. Neither offers in-body stabilization for video, but Panasonic’s optical stabilization somewhat improves handheld video steadiness.

User Interface and Screen Quality: Handling and Composition Aids

Screens and controls influence shooting comfort and creative confidence.

• Olympus SP-820UZ sports a 3-inch, 460k-dot LCD, fixed non-touch TFT type.
• Panasonic Lumix S2 offers a smaller 2.7-inch, 230k-dot LCD.

The higher resolution and slightly larger display on the Olympus permit easier framing and menu navigation. An important benefit when zoomed in tight or when reviewing images in detail. The Panasonic’s display feels cramped and less crisp, complicating manual adjustments and image assessment on the go.

Both cameras lack touch capabilities and electronic viewfinders, requiring reliance on the LCD in daylight - where both struggle with visibility but Olympus fares better thanks to higher brightness.

Battery and Storage: Ready When You Are?

The SP-820UZ’s unspecified battery life leaves a question mark, but reported real-world usage suggests it lasts moderately through typical day outings. The Lumix S2 declares a 280-shot battery rating, sufficient for casual or daylong use.

Storage for both is via SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with Panasonic also offering internal storage, albeit limited and usually a backup measure. USB 2.0 is the available connection option for both, suitable for basic file transfers but lacking more modern wireless convenience.

Genre-Specific Performance and Use Case Analysis

Let’s ground these specifications with practical application insights, across key photographic disciplines.

Portrait Photography

For portraiture, skin tone rendering, bokeh quality, and eye detection matter.

• The Olympus’s longer zoom and macro focus options can capture tight headshots or creative details, but without image stabilization or advanced AF tracking, capturing sharp portraits in low light or action is tricky.
• Panasonic’s native optical stabilization and faster AF system improve capture rates of sharp portraits, particularly in varied light. However, its limited zoom range restricts flexibility, and the slower lens corners impact bokeh quality compared to higher-end cameras.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution take priority here.

• The Olympus produces sharper images with better shadow detail on landscapes owing to its CMOS sensor.
• Panasonic’s colors are vibrant but suffer from noise in shadow areas under challenging light.
• Neither camera is weather-sealed, limiting outdoor landscape adventures. Yet, Olympus’s larger form factor allows steadier tripod mounting than Panasonic’s razor-thin body.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

High shutter speeds, autofocus, and zoom come to the fore.

• Olympus dominates here with its 40x zoom; however, the lack of image stabilization and modest 2fps continuous shooting dampens enthusiasm.
• Panasonic’s limited zoom and slower shutter ceiling hinder wildlife action, although optical IS marginally helps handheld stability.

Street and Travel Photography

Portability and discretion are valuable.

• Panasonic’s lightweight body and subtle aesthetics make it an excellent street camera for spontaneous moments.
• Olympus feels bulkier but offers more framing creativity via zoom. Battery life and ease of use lean toward the Panasonic for casual travel photography.

Macro Photography

Olympus’s 1 cm macro capability opens creative doors smaller than the Panasonic’s 5 cm limit, making it a clear choice for close-up enthusiasts.

Night and Astro Photography

ISO performance is king here.

• Olympus’s CMOS sensor enables handheld night shots with better noise control.
• Panasonic’s noisy CCD sensor limits low-light usability, requiring tripods or flash for clean exposures.

Price Considerations and Value Proposition

• Olympus SP-820UZ: Approx. $299 at launch
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2: Approx. $109 at launch

Looking purely through price-performance lenses, the Panasonic Lumix S2 offers remarkable value for beginners or budget-conscious buyers prioritizing portability and ease of use. However, sacrifices in zoom reach, image quality, and video resolution are significant.

The Olympus SP-820UZ asks nearly triple the price but justifies it through extended zoom, better sensor tech, higher resolution video, and superior display. For photographers who need zoom versatility and better low-light imaging in a compact camera, the SP-820UZ is the more flexible tool despite its bulk.

Lens Ecosystem and Future-proofing

Both cameras feature fixed, non-interchangeable lenses, typical in superzoom compacts of this era, limiting growth potential if your ambition expands. Investing in either is best seen as purchasing a complete, self-contained solution rather than a platform.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Choosing between these two cameras boils down to your priorities.

In practical hands-on testing, I was impressed by the Olympus’s all-around capabilities but also frustrated by the lack of image stabilization - a curious omission for a 40x zoom camera that dampens potential performance. Panasonic shines as a pocketable, stabilized companion, albeit hampered by its limited zoom and older CCD sensor.

For casual shooters prioritizing compactness and stability, the Panasonic is a smart choice. Serious enthusiasts craving reach, image quality, and video functionality will find the Olympus a more capable, if heavier, alternative worth the premium.

Summary Table of Key Specs

With these insights, you can confidently match each camera’s strengths - and shortcomings - to your photographic ambitions. If you’re still undecided or need further tailored advice, I’m happy to help clarify your priorities and suggest options that fit your workflow.

Happy shooting!