Olympus SP-820UZ vs Sony QX30

Below is a in-depth analysis of the Olympus SP-820UZ and Sony QX30, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Lens-style by competitors Olympus and Sony. There is a significant difference between the sensor resolutions of the SP-820UZ (14MP) and QX30 (20MP) but both cameras offer the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SP-820UZ was announced 24 months prior to the QX30 which makes them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera and the Sony QX30 being a Lens-style camera.

Before delving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the SP-820UZ grades against the QX30 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX30. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery and Sony QX30 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-820UZ features outer dimensions of 117mm x 78mm x 93mm (4.6" x 3.1" x 3.7") and a weight of 485 grams (1.07 lbs) whilst the Sony QX30 has dimensions of 68mm x 65mm x 58mm (2.7" x 2.6" x 2.3") accompanied by a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

Check the Olympus SP-820UZ and Sony QX30 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the SP-820UZ compared to the QX30.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the SP-820UZ and QX30 is 69 and 91 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to envision the gap between sensor measurements simply by reading through specifications. The graphic underneath will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-820UZ and QX30.

To sum up, the two cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit not the same megapixels. You should expect the Sony QX30 to resolve greater detail with its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The older SP-820UZ is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.