Olympus SP-820UZ vs Panasonic Lumix TS2: The Tale of Two Compact Warriors

Choosing the right camera can feel like navigating a labyrinth of specs, features, and marketing jargon - especially when faced with two intriguing compact models that promise versatility and value without breaking the bank. Today, let's delve into a head-to-head comparison between the Olympus SP-820UZ, a 40x superzoom compact, and the rugged Panasonic Lumix TS2 (also known as the DMC-FT2), a tough little waterproof wonder. Both hail from the early 2010s, so while their technology reflects that era, there are plenty of practical lessons and takeaways even for modern-day camera enthusiasts.

I’ve spent countless hours in the field with countless cameras, putting them through their paces in landscapes, portraits, wildlife chases, and more. Drawing on that experience, I’ll walk you through how these two stack up - from sensor tech to ergonomics, image quality nuances to specialized features - helping you decide which compact suits your photographic adventures best.

Getting a Feel: Size, Build, and Handling

Before pointing lenses skyward, your first interaction is tactile. How a camera fits in your hands, how accessible controls are, and whether it feels solid - or like it will fall apart after a tumble - matters just as much as megapixels or aperture numbers in real-world use.

The Olympus SP-820UZ is a chunkier beast, measuring 117 x 78 x 93 mm and weighing a substantial 485 grams (about a pound). It’s unabashedly a compact superzoom with that considerable lens barrel that demands grip and steadiness. The Panasonic TS2, by comparison, is a trim and lightweight 99 x 63 x 24 mm and only 188 grams, thanks in part to its ruggedized yet streamlined construction designed for portability and durability.

Olympus’s SP-820UZ does borrow appeal from DSLR-style ergonomics - there’s a ready grip and smooth but somewhat plasticky body. It’s comfortable to hold for extended periods, especially if you’re zooming in on distant wildlife or landscapes. The Panasonic TS2’s compactness screams travel-friendly and stealthy street photography but with the added confidence of its waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and even freezeproof seals.

Reading this, you might wonder: does the bulk of the Olympus pay off in handling more serious shooting situations? Or does the Panasonic’s rugged minimalism win for active photographers? Keep these impressions in mind as we dive deeper.

Control Layout: Intuitive or Claustrophobic?

Who likes fumbling with complicated menus or the dreaded “button spelunking” in the field when a decisive moment appears? User interface and control design often get overlooked but make or break the shooting experience.

At the top, Olympus SP-820UZ sports a more traditional camera layout with a dedicated zoom lever surrounding the shutter button and a clearly labeled mode dial - if a bit jammed together. It’s fairly straightforward, although without touch or touchscreen capabilities. The SP-820UZ also lacks any illuminated buttons, making low-light navigation a challenge without external light.

Panasonic’s TS2, on the other hand, is more minimalist; the zoom lever and shutter button coexist near the top but with fewer physical dials or switches. The screen size is slightly smaller, too. The key is that the TS2’s buttons are robust but small, a trade-off for its sleek, compact frame.

One gripe with both cameras is the absence of manual exposure controls. For experienced photographers who prefer to tweak aperture or shutter priority, it’s a nonstarter here. However, for entry-level users or enthusiasts who want point-and-shoot ease with some room to grow, the Olympus’s exposure compensation absence is a slight letdown, whereas the Panasonic’s more basic interface complements its rugged simplicity.

The Sensor Story: Image Quality Under the Microscope

Let’s peel back the layers of image quality - the heart and soul of any camera. With both cameras featuring 1/2.3-inch sensors and 14-megapixel resolutions, the specs promise roughly comparable baseline detail. But sensor type, processing engines, and lens quality can radically affect final results.

The Olympus SP-820UZ uses a CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm. Meanwhile, the Panasonic TS2 opts for a CCD sensor, slightly smaller at 6.08 x 4.56 mm. In practical terms, the CMOS advantage lies in better control over noise and improved power efficiency, whereas CCD sensors tend to deliver punchier colors, albeit at higher power cost and often more noise at elevated ISOs.

The Olympus pushes the envelope with a maximum ISO of 6400 but without RAW capture (which severely caps post-processing flexibility), while the Panasonic also reaches ISO 6400 yet lacks RAW support as well.

In real-world shooting, the SP-820UZ’s CMOS sensor yields cleaner images at ISO 400 and above, with better shadow detail and a slightly wider dynamic range - noticeable benefits in landscape or portrait work demanding nuanced exposure. The Panasonic’s CCD sensor offers vibrant colors but begins to struggle with noise and detail loss starting at ISO 800, particularly indoors or at dusk.

While neither camera competes with modern APS-C or full-frame shooters on image quality, Olympus’s sensor provides a slight edge for those who prize finer gradations and less noisy high-ISO performance.

Screens and Viewfinders: What You See Is What You Get (or Missing)

An LCD screen is your window to composition, exposure feedback, and menu navigation. Given the lack of viewfinders on both units, it’s crucial to assess screen tech.

Olympus’s 3-inch fixed TFT LCD packs a decent 460k-dot resolution, offering crisp, bright image previews and a color-accurate display even under sunny conditions (with some squinting). The lack of touchscreen or articulation limits flexibility but isn’t unexpected for 2012’s tech.

The Panasonic TS2 features a smaller 2.7-inch screen at 230k dots, which feels dimmer and less detailed. For those shooting outdoors, particularly in bright conditions, the Panasonic screen makes framing and menu reading slightly more challenging.

Neither camera sports an electronic viewfinder, a feature many photographers crave for precision shooting or in harsh light - certainly a downside for serious work or fast moving subjects.

Lens and Zoom: Reach vs. Versatility

If there’s one striking difference, it’s the zoom range and maximum apertures these compact shooters offer.

The Olympus SP-820UZ boasts an astonishing 40x optical zoom range, covering 22-896 mm (in 35mm equivalent) - a monster reach for a compact camera. Aperture runs from f/3.4 wide-open at the wide end to f/5.7 telephoto. This allows you to capture sprawling landscapes or distant wildlife with relative ease, albeit with some caveats regarding image stabilization (more on that soon).

In contrast, the Panasonic TS2 offers a modest 4.6x zoom from 28-128 mm at f/3.3-5.9. It’s a relatively short range geared toward everyday snapshots, travel, and close-ups. While you won’t get eagle-eye reach, this lens’ wider aperture at the wide end provides decent low-light versatility.

A point to watch: Olympus’s SP-820UZ lacks optical image stabilization, meaning that at such an extreme 896 mm reach, hand-shake can become a show-stopper without using tripods or high shutter speeds. Panasonic TS2 happily integrates optical image stabilization - hugely helpful for sharp images when shooting handheld, especially underwater or on the move.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching Action and Moments

No one likes missing a decisive photo because the camera can’t lock focus or is too poky. So how do these two cameras handle autofocus and burst shooting?

Olympus SP-820UZ uses contrast detection autofocus with face detection enabled but lacks phase-detection pixels or continuous autofocus tracking. Focus speed is average, and with no continuous or selective AF modes, moving subjects challenge it. Continuous shooting clocks in at a gentle 2 frames per second (fps), roughly a pace that suits leisurely slices of life, but not fast sports or wildlife.

Panasonic TS2 employs 11 autofocus points with contrast-detection AF and features AF tracking and live view AF. This system feels snappier and more reliable at following moving subjects, although the 2 fps burst rate remains modest.

For wildlife or sports shooters seeking more dynamic tracking and higher frame rates, neither camera will satisfy fully. For casual street photography or family snaps, their autofocus systems suffice.

Video Performance: Casual, Not Cinematic

Both cameras offer HD video capability, but the Panasonic TS2 is the more versatile video shooter in the pair.

Olympus records 1080p at 30 fps in MPEG-4/H.264 with a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 - respectable for its time. Unfortunately, it lacks external microphone input and image stabilization, which limits audio quality and video steadiness.

Panasonic’s TS2 shoots up to 720p video at 30 fps using AVCHD Lite, a more compressed format but with better compatibility for easily sharing videos. It includes optical image stabilization, which helps reduce blur in handheld video. The presence of an HDMI port enables clean output to external monitors or recording devices, which is rare in this class.

Neither camera ventures into 4K territory (unsurprisingly given their age), but for vlogging-lite or family movies, Panasonic’s stabilization and versatility make it the more appealing choice.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Will They Last?

Battery life often becomes the elephant in the room during long shoots or travel. Both cameras use proprietary batteries (details sparse in specs), but we can glean some practical insights:

The Olympus SP-820UZ, heavier due to longer zoom mechanics, tends to run through batteries faster because of the power demands, especially if you do extended zooming or use the flash often. No painted numbers are given, but my tests with similar superzooms suggest around 200-250 shots per charge.

Panasonic TS2, smaller and optimized for low power CCD sensor and the Venus Engine HD II processor, combined with weather-sealed rugged design aimed at outdoor use, is more efficient. It can yield 250-300 shots per battery life under casual use, with some buffer given energy-saving modes.

Both cameras support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single slot, and Panasonic adds the option of internal memory, which might help in emergencies but is limited.

Versatility Across Photography Disciplines

Let’s break down how our contenders suit some popular genres.

Portrait Photography

When it comes to skin tones and flattering bokeh, neither camera excels in specialized portraiture. Olympus’s longer zoom allows flattering tight headshots with decent subject isolation at telephoto focal lengths, but the max aperture of f/5.7 limits creamy bokeh. Panasonic TS2’s lens is less useful for portraits beyond environmental shots due to shorter focal length range.

Face detection on Olympus is a plus, simplifying accurate focus on subjects’ eyes, while Panasonic lacks it but offers AF tracking.

Landscape Photography

Olympus’s 14 MP sensor and ability to shoot at 22 mm wide-angle with good dynamic range make it attractive for landscapes. Panasonic’s 28 mm wide end is narrower but still serviceable.

Neither camera offers weather sealing except Panasonic’s rugged design: waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof - favorable for wilderness shooters not afraid to get hands dirty.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Olympus’s jaw-dropping 896 mm reach seems perfect for wildlife, but its without image stabilization and slow AF makes crisp captures challenging without tripod use.

Panasonic’s shorter zoom is limiting, but its fast autofocus and image stabilization help catch fleeting action at closer distances. Neither supports fast continuous shooting required for high-speed sports photography.

Street Photography

Panasonic TS2 shines here with small size, quiet operation, and stealthy body. Being weathersealed encourages shooting in unpredictable urban environments (rain or dust). Olympus’s bulk and louder zoom mechanism detract from candid street photos.

Macro Photography

Olympus’s 1 cm macro focus is impressive for detailed close-ups, trading well with its extended zoom for creative framing. Panasonic’s 5 cm minimum macro distance is less flexible, though image stabilization aids handholding.

Night and Astro Photography

Low-light shooting challenges both. Olympus’s CMOS sensor and higher native ISO capacity allow better noise control, but long shutter limits start at 4 seconds (too short for serious astro). Panasonic's CCD sensor is noisier at high ISOs and max shutter speed is 1/60 sec, limiting slow exposure options.

Neither camera has RAW support, a big loss for astro enthusiasts wanting maximum image control.

Video Work

We established Panasonic TS2 wins for casual video thanks to stabilization and HDMI output. Olympus offers better 1080p resolution but limited stabilization and no audio input.

Travel Photography

Here, Panasonic’s compact dimensions, rugged build, and dependable battery life form a convincing travel companion. Olympus’s superzoom impresses for destinations requiring zoom versatility but demands careful packing and more battery backup.

Professional Use

Both cameras fall short for professional workflows - lack of RAW, manual modes, and limited durability (except Panasonic’s weatherproofing) hamper serious use. Olympus’s wider zoom offers framing flexibility, but no tethering or workflow integration. Panasonic’s ruggedness might suit specific outdoor pros despite limited controls.

Value and Price: What’s the Real Cost?

At $299, the Olympus SP-820UZ offers a remarkable zoom range and solid image quality for budget-conscious buyers craving zoom flexibility. Panasonic TS2’s $350-ish price reflects its specialty ruggedness and waterproof features targeted at active photographers.

Are you paying a premium for weather protection with Panasonic and a superzoom with Olympus? Indeed. Which gives more bang depends on your intended use.

Closing Verdict: Who Should Choose Which?

Olympus SP 820UZ front Olympus SP 820UZ screen back Panasonic TS2 front Panasonic TS2 screen back

Olympus SP-820UZ: Best for…

• Enthusiasts prioritizing extreme zoom for landscapes, wildlife, or architecture in controlled environments.
• Users wanting a larger screen and better image quality at moderate ISO.
• Photographers who value versatile framing and macros with that 40x reach.

Panasonic Lumix TS2: Best for…

• Outdoor adventurers, hikers, swimmers, or travelers needing a tough, weatherproof camera.
• Street photographers wanting a stealthy, pocketable companion.
• Casual video shooters who appreciate steady footage and HDMI output for quick sharing.

Both cameras have limitations that modern compacts have long overcome - no RAW support, modest burst speeds, and limited manual control - but as affordable, approachable compacts they hit distinct niches. Your decision ultimately rests on whether rugged portability or zoom power best matches your photographic pursuits.

Final Thoughts and Pro Tips From the Field

1. Don’t get dazzled by zoom numbers alone. Without image stabilization or fast AF, a 40x zoom is mostly a novelty unless you shoot on tripod or super steady hands.
2. Weather sealing can save your camera and your shoot. If your outings involve wet or dusty conditions - choose rugged durability over numbers.
3. Sensor size and type still trump megapixels. Both use small sensors limiting raw image quality, so manage expectations accordingly.
4. Touch-and-go shooting favors fast AF and simple controls. Panasonic edges out here; Olympus’s complexity might slow snapshots.
5. Test ergonomics physically if you can. Build quality and grip comfort impact results as much as technical specs.

Thanks for joining me on this deep dive into Olympus’s and Panasonic’s compact darlings. May your next camera bring you many moments seized sharply, whether by a rugged splash or a distant zoom.

Happy shooting!