Olympus SP-820UZ vs Pentax XG-1

Here, we are contrasting the Olympus SP-820UZ versus Pentax XG-1, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SP-820UZ (14MP) and the XG-1 (16MP) is very similar and both cameras have the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SP-820UZ was announced 23 months before the XG-1 making them a generation apart from one another. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera and the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the SP-820UZ matches up versus the XG-1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ & Pentax XG-1. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery & Pentax XG-1 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-820UZ comes with physical dimensions 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 XG-1 has measurements of 119mm x 89mm x 98mm (4.7" x 3.5" x 3.9") accompanied by a weight of 567 grams (1.25 lbs).

Check the Olympus SP-820UZ versus Pentax XG-1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the SP-820UZ compared to the XG-1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-820UZ and XG-1 is 69 and 66 respectively.

Normally, its difficult to see the gap between sensor sizing just by reviewing specifications. The photograph underneath may give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-820UZ and XG-1.

Plainly, both of those cameras feature the identical sensor size but not the same resolution. You can expect to see the Pentax XG-1 to offer you greater detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics way more aggressively. The older SP-820UZ is going to be behind in sensor tech.