Olympus SP-820UZ vs Sony A290

On this page, we are comparing the Olympus SP-820UZ vs Sony A290, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the SP-820UZ (14MP) and the A290 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the SP-820UZ (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) offer different sensor measurements.

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The SP-820UZ was released 2 years later than the A290 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a simple view of how the SP-820UZ grades vs the A290 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-820UZ enjoys physical 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 Sony A290 has measurements of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") and a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SP-820UZ vs Sony A290 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilising at that moment. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the SP-820UZ compared to the A290.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the SP-820UZ and A290 is 69 and 66 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to imagine the difference in sensor measurements merely by seeing a spec sheet. The visual below will provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-820UZ and A290.

As you can see, both of those cameras provide the same resolution but different sensor measurements. The SP-820UZ has got the smaller sensor which will make achieving bokeh trickier. The more recent SP-820UZ should have an edge with regard to sensor technology.