Canon SX20 IS vs Olympus SH-1

On this page, we will be looking at the Canon SX20 IS versus Olympus SH-1, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Canon and Olympus. There exists a big gap among the sensor resolutions of the SX20 IS (12MP) and SH-1 (16MP) but both cameras provide the same sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SX20 IS was introduced 4 years earlier than the SH-1 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Canon SX20 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Olympus SH-1 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the SX20 IS matches up against the SH-1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX20 IS and Olympus Stylus SH-1. The whole galleries are viewable at Canon SX20 IS Gallery and Olympus SH-1 Gallery.

If you are looking to travel with your camera, you are going to need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX20 IS offers physical measurements of 128mm x 88mm x 87mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) whilst the Olympus SH-1 has dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Look at the Canon SX20 IS versus Olympus SH-1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing at the time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the SX20 IS vs the SH-1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX20 IS and SH-1 is 65 and 88 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to visualise the gap in sensor dimensions only by checking out specifications. The pic here might give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the SX20 IS and SH-1.

Plainly, both of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same megapixels. You should expect the Olympus SH-1 to provide greater detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more aged SX20 IS will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.