Olympus SP-820UZ vs Sony HX99

On this page, we will be matching up the Olympus SP-820UZ versus Sony HX99, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by brands Olympus and Sony. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the SP-820UZ (14MP) and HX99 (18MP) and the SP-820UZ (1/2.3") and HX99 (1/2.3-inch) offer different sensor dimensions.

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The SP-820UZ was introduced 7 years prior to the HX99 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving straight to a full comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the SP-820UZ grades versus the HX99 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery and Sony HX99 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera often, you should factor in its weight and size. The Olympus SP-820UZ has outside 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) while the Sony HX99 has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 242 grams (0.53 lbs).

See the Olympus SP-820UZ versus Sony HX99 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached during that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the SP-820UZ against the HX99.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SP-820UZ and HX99 is 69 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to picture the difference in sensor sizing purely by seeing specifications. The photograph below will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-820UZ and HX99.

Plainly, the 2 cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SP-820UZ using its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Sony HX99 will show greater detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The older SP-820UZ will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.