Nikon L820 vs Olympus SH-3

Below is a in-depth review of the Nikon L820 versus Olympus SH-3, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by brands Nikon and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the L820 (16MP) and the SH-3 (16MP) is fairly similar and they come with the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The L820 was released 4 years earlier than the SH-3 and that is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Nikon L820 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a detailed comparison, below is a concise summary of how the L820 matches up versus the SH-3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix L820 & Olympus Stylus SH-3. The complete galleries are provided at Nikon L820 Gallery & Olympus SH-3 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to lug around your camera, you'll need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Nikon L820 offers external measurements of 111mm x 76mm x 85mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 3.3") and a weight of 470 grams (1.04 lbs) while the Olympus SH-3 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).

See the Nikon L820 versus Olympus SH-3 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the L820 against the SH-3.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the L820 and SH-3 is 72 and 88 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to visualise the gap between sensor measurements merely by reviewing specs. The graphic below should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the L820 and SH-3.

All in all, each of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing and the same exact MP and you can expect similar quality of files though you might want to take the age of the products into consideration. The older L820 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.