Olympus SP-820UZ vs Pentax K-1

In this article, we are evaluating the Olympus SP-820UZ vs Pentax K-1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the SP-820UZ (14MP) and K-1 (36MP) and the SP-820UZ (1/2.3") and K-1 (Full frame) enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SP-820UZ was revealed 4 years earlier than the K-1 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the SP-820UZ grades versus the K-1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ and Pentax K-1. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery and Pentax K-1 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus SP-820UZ provides exterior dimensions of 117mm x 78mm x 93mm (4.6" x 3.1" x 3.7") with a weight of 485 grams (1.07 lbs) and the Pentax K-1 has specifications of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SP-820UZ vs Pentax K-1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the SP-820UZ against the K-1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the SP-820UZ and K-1 is 69 and 55 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to envision the difference in sensor sizing purely by viewing specifications. The photograph below may provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-820UZ and K-1.

To sum up, both of those cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SP-820UZ having a smaller sensor will make getting shallow depth of field harder and the Pentax K-1 will render greater detail because of its extra 22MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images a little more aggressively. The older SP-820UZ will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.