Olympus SP-820UZ vs Pentax K-3 II

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Olympus SP-820UZ vs Pentax K-3 II, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. There is a significant difference between the sensor resolutions of the SP-820UZ (14MP) and K-3 II (24MP) and the SP-820UZ (1/2.3") and K-3 II (APS-C) come with totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The SP-820UZ was brought out 3 years before the K-3 II and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-3 II being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief summary of how the SP-820UZ scores versus the K-3 II with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ and Pentax K-3 II. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery and Pentax K-3 II Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera often, you will need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-820UZ has got physical measurements of 117mm x 78mm x 93mm (4.6" x 3.1" x 3.7") accompanied by a weight of 485 grams (1.07 lbs) and the Pentax K-3 II has dimensions of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") along with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Check the Olympus SP-820UZ vs Pentax K-3 II in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose at that time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the SP-820UZ versus the K-3 II.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the SP-820UZ and K-3 II is 69 and 59 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to envision the difference between sensor measurements simply by reading a spec sheet. The photograph here will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SP-820UZ and K-3 II.

Clearly, the 2 cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SP-820UZ due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Pentax K-3 II will offer extra detail having its extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older SP-820UZ is going to be behind in sensor technology.