• 35mm 860.4mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.0 megapixels
  • 22.00mm - 896.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon D3S 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
    ~ 8.46 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.
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    9.0 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    90 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
    102400 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Olympus SP-820UZ advantages over Nikon D3S

  • Less expensive
    $330 vs $5200 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • 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
  • Lighter weight
    485g vs 1410g
    Lighter weight
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D3X

Nikon D3S
Nikon D3X
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • More dynamic range
  • External Mic Jack
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

Nikon D3S
Nikon P500
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
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 1DX

Nikon D3S
Canon 1DX
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $5299
  • 35mm
  • External Mic Jack
  • Shoots 1080p video
Olympus SP-820UZ
Canon 1DX
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Internal flash
  • $5299
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Nikon D4

Nikon D3S
Nikon D4
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • External Mic Jack
  • Shoots 1080p video
Olympus SP-820UZ
Nikon D4
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Canon SX520 HS

Nikon D3S
Canon SX520 HS
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $420
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
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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