Nikon P500 vs Olympus SH-1

In this write-up, we are analyzing the Nikon P500 vs Olympus SH-1, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by companies Nikon and Olympus. There exists a considerable gap between the resolutions of the P500 (12MP) and SH-1 (16MP) but they feature the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The P500 was released 4 years prior to the SH-1 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Nikon P500 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Olympus SH-1 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a full comparison, below is a short summation of how the P500 matches up versus the SH-1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix P500 & Olympus Stylus SH-1. The complete galleries are available at Nikon P500 Gallery & Olympus SH-1 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Nikon P500 features exterior measurements of 116mm x 84mm x 103mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 4.1") accompanied by a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs) and the Olympus SH-1 has measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Look at the Nikon P500 vs Olympus SH-1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are employing during that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the P500 vs the SH-1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the P500 and SH-1 is 67 and 88 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing merely by going over specs. The photograph underneath might provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the P500 and SH-1.

All in all, both the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but different MP. You can expect to see the Olympus SH-1 to offer you extra detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos far more aggressively. The older P500 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.