Canon SX1 IS vs Olympus SH-1

Following is a comprehensive review of the Canon SX1 IS vs Olympus SH-1, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Canon and Olympus. There is a significant difference among the sensor resolutions of the SX1 IS (10MP) and SH-1 (16MP) but both cameras posses the identical sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SX1 IS was manufactured 6 years earlier than the SH-1 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX1 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Olympus SH-1 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the SX1 IS grades versus the SH-1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX1 IS and Olympus Stylus SH-1. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon SX1 IS Gallery and Olympus SH-1 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera frequently, you will want to factor in its weight and measurements. The Canon SX1 IS comes with outside dimensions of 128mm x 88mm x 88mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.5") accompanied by a weight of 615 grams (1.36 lbs) whilst the Olympus SH-1 has proportions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Check the Canon SX1 IS vs Olympus SH-1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose at that time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the SX1 IS vs the SH-1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the SX1 IS and SH-1 is 64 and 88 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to picture the gap in sensor sizes purely by looking through a spec sheet. The picture below will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SX1 IS and SH-1.

As you can see, each of the cameras feature the identical sensor size but different resolution. You should expect to see the Olympus SH-1 to render more detail due to its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos way more aggressively. The more aged SX1 IS will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.