Olympus SP-820UZ vs Sony RX10

Following is a extensive comparison of the Olympus SP-820UZ and Sony RX10, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Sony. There is a big difference among the resolutions of the SP-820UZ (14MP) and RX10 (20MP) and the SP-820UZ (1/2.3") and RX10 (1") provide different sensor sizing.

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The SP-820UZ was launched 19 months before the RX10 making them a generation away from each other. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera and the Sony RX10 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summation of how the SP-820UZ matches up against the RX10 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery and Sony RX10 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera frequently, you will need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-820UZ offers outside dimensions of 117mm x 78mm x 93mm (4.6" x 3.1" x 3.7") accompanied by a weight of 485 grams (1.07 lbs) and the Sony RX10 has measurements of 129mm x 88mm x 102mm (5.1" x 3.5" x 4.0") accompanied by a weight of 813 grams (1.79 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SP-820UZ and Sony RX10 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the SP-820UZ against the RX10.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the SP-820UZ and RX10 is 69 and 58 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to visualize the gap in sensor sizes just by checking out specs. The image underneath may give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-820UZ and RX10.

All in all, the 2 cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SP-820UZ due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF tougher and the Sony RX10 will provide greater detail utilizing its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The more aged SP-820UZ will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.