Canon SX720 HS vs Olympus SH-1

Below is a in depth assessment of the Canon SX720 HS and Olympus SH-1, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Canon and Olympus. There exists a huge gap between the resolutions of the SX720 HS (20.3MP) and SH-1 (16MP) but they come with the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SX720 HS was revealed 23 months later than the SH-1 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a thorough comparison, below is a concise view of how the SX720 HS matches up versus the SH-1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX720 HS and Olympus Stylus SH-1. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SX720 HS Gallery and Olympus SH-1 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera frequently, you'll need to factor in its weight and size. The Canon SX720 HS enjoys physical measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 36mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.4") and a weight of 270 grams (0.60 lbs) whilst the Olympus SH-1 has specifications of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SX720 HS and Olympus SH-1 in the latest 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 moment. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the SX720 HS compared to the SH-1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX720 HS and SH-1 is 89 and 88 respectively.

Quite often, it can be hard to envision the contrast between sensor measurements just by reading a spec sheet. The graphic underneath might give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SX720 HS and SH-1.

Clearly, the two cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Canon SX720 HS to deliver more detail because of its extra 4.3MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more recent SX720 HS will have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.