Nikon P520 vs Olympus SH-1

Below is a detailed assessment of the Nikon P520 and Olympus SH-1, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by rivals Nikon and Olympus. The sensor resolution of the P520 (18MP) and the SH-1 (16MP) is fairly similar and both cameras have the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The P520 was released 14 months earlier than the SH-1 making them a generation apart from one another. The two cameras have different body design with the Nikon P520 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Olympus SH-1 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a thorough comparison, here is a short highlight of how the P520 grades versus the SH-1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix P520 and Olympus Stylus SH-1. The complete galleries are available at Nikon P520 Gallery and Olympus SH-1 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and size. The Nikon P520 comes with physical measurements of 125mm x 84mm x 102mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 4.0") and a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs) and the Olympus SH-1 has specifications of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

See the Nikon P520 and Olympus SH-1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is a front view size comparison of the P520 and the SH-1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the P520 and SH-1 is 66 and 88 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to visualize the gap between sensor measurements just by reviewing a spec sheet. The graphic below might give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the P520 and SH-1.

As you can see, the 2 cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but different resolution. You should anticipate the Nikon P520 to deliver extra detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images more aggressively. The older P520 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.