• 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 21.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.0 megapixels
  • 22.00mm - 896.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Canon 5D Mark II advantages over Olympus SP-820UZ

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.41 vs 1.44 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More dots on screen
    920k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    21.1 vs 14.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    3.9 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    75 vs 3 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Olympus SP-820UZ advantages over Canon 5D Mark II

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D3X

Canon 5D Mark II
Nikon D3X
  • $1085
  • 35mm
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • More dynamic range
Olympus SP-820UZ
Nikon D3X
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Nikon P500

Canon 5D Mark II
Nikon P500
  • $1085
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • 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 Nikon D600

Canon 5D Mark II
Nikon D600
  • $1085
  • 35mm
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $1900
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
Olympus SP-820UZ
Nikon D600
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Slow-motion videos
  • $1900
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Canon 6D

Canon 5D Mark II
Canon 6D
  • $1085
  • 35mm
  • Less shutter lag
  • More AF points
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Olympus SP-820UZ
Canon 6D
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Internal flash
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Canon SX520 HS

Canon 5D Mark II
Canon SX520 HS
  • $1085
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $420
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Internal flash
Olympus SP-820UZ
Canon SX520 HS
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 60p video
  • $420
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Longer exposure
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