• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 200.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.0 megapixels
  • 22.00mm - 896.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Panasonic DMC-ZR1 advantages over Olympus SP-820UZ

  • Less expensive
    $280 vs $330 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Thinner
    26 mm vs 93 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    160g vs 485g
    Lighter weight
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Olympus SP-820UZ advantages over Panasonic DMC-ZR1

  • More telephoto lens reach
    896 mm vs 200 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    460k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    14.0 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    22 mm vs 25 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    3.0 fps vs 2.3 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FH20

Panasonic DMC-ZR1
Panasonic DMC-FH20
  • $280
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Wider angle lens
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $180
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
Olympus SP-820UZ
Panasonic DMC-FH20
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • HDMI out
  • $180
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus

Compared to Panasonic DMC-ZR3

Panasonic DMC-ZR1
Panasonic DMC-ZR3
  • $280
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $236
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More pixels
Olympus SP-820UZ
Panasonic DMC-ZR3
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More dots on screen
  • $236
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus

Compared to Fujifilm JZ500

Panasonic DMC-ZR1
Fujifilm JZ500
  • $280
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Manual focus
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Shoots 24p video
Olympus SP-820UZ
Fujifilm JZ500
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • HDMI out
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compared to Nikon P500

Panasonic DMC-ZR1
Nikon P500
  • $280
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Tiltable Screen
Olympus SP-820UZ
Nikon P500
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Canon SX520 HS

Panasonic DMC-ZR1
Canon SX520 HS
  • $280
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $345
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Newer
Olympus SP-820UZ
Canon SX520 HS
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 60p video
  • $345
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Longer exposure
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