Olympus SP-820UZ vs Pentax Q
69 Imaging
37 Features
29 Overall
33
93 Imaging
35 Features
47 Overall
39
Olympus SP-820UZ vs Pentax Q Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 6400
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 22-896mm (F3.4-5.7) lens
- 485g - 117 x 78 x 93mm
- Launched August 2012
- Earlier Model is Olympus SP-820UZ
- Successor is Olympus SP-820UZ
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 125 - 6400
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax Q Mount
- 180g - 98 x 57 x 31mm
- Released June 2011
- Newer Model is Pentax Q10
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The following is a detailed review of the Olympus SP-820UZ and Pentax Q, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SP-820UZ (14MP) and the Q (12MP) is relatively comparable and both cameras boast the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhoneThe SP-820UZ was revealed 15 months after the Q which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.
Before we go into a detailed comparison, here is a quick overview of how the SP-820UZ grades versus the Q when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.
Photography Glossary Olympus SP-820UZ vs Pentax Q Gallery
Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ & Pentax Q. The full galleries are available at Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery & Pentax Q Gallery.
Reasons to pick Olympus SP-820UZ over the Pentax Q
| SP-820UZ | Q | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Released | August 2012 | June 2011 | Newer by 15 months |
Reasons to pick Pentax Q over the Olympus SP-820UZ
| Q | SP-820UZ | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus manually | More accurate focus |
Common features in the Olympus SP-820UZ and Pentax Q
| SP-820UZ | Q | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen type | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed screen | |
| Screen dimensions | 3" | 3" | Equal screen measurement | |
| Screen resolution | 460k | 460k | Exact same screen resolution | |
| Selfie screen | Neither features selfie screen | |||
| Touch screen | Neither features Touch screen |
Olympus SP-820UZ vs Pentax Q Physical Comparison
For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera regularly, you need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus SP-820UZ enjoys outside measurements of 117mm x 78mm x 93mm (4.6" x 3.1" x 3.7") along with a weight of 485 grams (1.07 lbs) and the Pentax Q has sizing of 98mm x 57mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") and a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs).
Check the Olympus SP-820UZ and Pentax Q in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you choose at that moment. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the SP-820UZ versus the Q.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SP-820UZ and Q is 69 and 93 respectively.
Olympus SP-820UZ vs Pentax Q Sensor Comparison
Often, it is very difficult to visualize the gap in sensor dimensions simply by going through technical specs. The image underneath might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-820UZ and Q.
As you have seen, both of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit different resolution. You can count on the Olympus SP-820UZ to show extra detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more modern SP-820UZ provides an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.
Olympus SP-820UZ vs Pentax Q Screen and ViewFinder
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Olympus SP-820UZ vs Pentax Q Specifications
| Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ | Pentax Q | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Brand Name | Olympus | Pentax |
| Model type | Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ | Pentax Q |
| Type | Small Sensor Superzoom | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
| Launched | 2012-08-21 | 2011-06-23 |
| Body design | Compact | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
| Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
| Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 14 megapixels | 12 megapixels |
| Anti alias filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
| Highest resolution | 4288 x 3216 | 4000 x 3000 |
| Highest native ISO | 6400 | 6400 |
| Min native ISO | 80 | 125 |
| RAW support | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Focus manually | ||
| AF touch | ||
| AF continuous | ||
| Single AF | ||
| AF tracking | ||
| AF selectice | ||
| AF center weighted | ||
| Multi area AF | ||
| Live view AF | ||
| Face detect AF | ||
| Contract detect AF | ||
| Phase detect AF | ||
| Total focus points | - | 25 |
| Cross type focus points | - | - |
| Lens | ||
| Lens mount type | fixed lens | Pentax Q |
| Lens zoom range | 22-896mm (40.7x) | - |
| Max aperture | f/3.4-5.7 | - |
| Macro focusing distance | 1cm | - |
| Total lenses | - | 8 |
| Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.8 |
| Screen | ||
| Range of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
| Display diagonal | 3 inches | 3 inches |
| Resolution of display | 460k dot | 460k dot |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch functionality | ||
| Display tech | TFT Color LCD | TFT Color LCD |
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder type | None | None |
| Features | ||
| Slowest shutter speed | 4s | 30s |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000s | 1/2000s |
| Continuous shooting speed | 2.0 frames/s | 2.0 frames/s |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Manual exposure | ||
| Exposure compensation | - | Yes |
| Custom WB | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Inbuilt flash | ||
| Flash distance | 15.00 m | 5.60 m |
| Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Trailing-curtain sync |
| Hot shoe | ||
| AEB | ||
| WB bracketing | ||
| Maximum flash sync | - | 1/2000s |
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment | ||
| Average | ||
| Spot | ||
| Partial | ||
| AF area | ||
| Center weighted | ||
| Video features | ||
| Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 120 fps), 320 x 180 (30, 240 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720p (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
| Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
| Video data format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Microphone jack | ||
| Headphone jack | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | None | None |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | None | None |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental seal | ||
| Water proofing | ||
| Dust proofing | ||
| Shock proofing | ||
| Crush proofing | ||
| Freeze proofing | ||
| Weight | 485g (1.07 lbs) | 180g (0.40 lbs) |
| Physical dimensions | 117 x 78 x 93mm (4.6" x 3.1" x 3.7") | 98 x 57 x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO All around rating | not tested | 47 |
| DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | 20.2 |
| DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | 11.1 |
| DXO Low light rating | not tested | 189 |
| Other | ||
| Battery life | - | 230 photos |
| Battery form | - | Battery Pack |
| Battery ID | - | D-LI68 |
| Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec, pet auto shutter) | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
| Time lapse recording | ||
| Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Storage slots | One | One |
| Pricing at launch | $299 | $695 |