Kodak Z990 vs Olympus SH-1

Following is a complete review of the Kodak Z990 and Olympus SH-1, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by brands Kodak and Olympus. There exists a big gap between the image resolutions of the Z990 (12MP) and SH-1 (16MP) but both cameras posses the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The Z990 was announced 4 years earlier than the SH-1 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Kodak Z990 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Olympus SH-1 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief summation of how the Z990 scores against the SH-1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Kodak EasyShare Z990 and Olympus Stylus SH-1. The whole galleries are viewable at Kodak Z990 Gallery and Olympus SH-1 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera often, you have to factor its weight and proportions. The Kodak Z990 enjoys exterior dimensions of 124mm x 91mm x 105mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 4.1") along with a weight of 445 grams (0.98 lbs) whilst the Olympus SH-1 has measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") along with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Take a look at the Kodak Z990 and Olympus SH-1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilising at that time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the Z990 vs the SH-1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the Z990 and SH-1 is 68 and 88 respectively.

More often than not, its hard to visualize the difference between sensor sizes merely by reading technical specs. The pic below may provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the Z990 and SH-1.

As you can tell, both of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different resolution. You should expect the Olympus SH-1 to deliver extra detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures more aggressively. The more aged Z990 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.