Olympus SP-820UZ vs Pentax P70

On this page, we will be matching up the Olympus SP-820UZ versus Pentax P70, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Ultracompact by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SP-820UZ (14MP) and the P70 (12MP) is pretty well matched and both cameras offer the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SP-820UZ was unveiled 3 years later than the P70 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera and the Pentax P70 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving right into a complete comparison, here is a concise overview of how the SP-820UZ scores vs the P70 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ and Pentax Optio P70. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery and Pentax P70 Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to consider its weight and size. The Olympus SP-820UZ features exterior measurements of 117mm x 78mm x 93mm (4.6" x 3.1" x 3.7") with a weight of 485 grams (1.07 lbs) whilst the Pentax P70 has specifications of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") with a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs).

Check the Olympus SP-820UZ versus Pentax P70 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the SP-820UZ versus the P70.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the SP-820UZ and P70 is 69 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to visualise the gap between sensor measurements just by looking at technical specs. The visual here may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SP-820UZ and P70.

As you have seen, the two cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Olympus SP-820UZ to resolve greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures more aggressively. The more recent SP-820UZ will have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.