Olympus E-3 vs Olympus SH-2

Here is a in depth comparison of the Olympus E-3 vs Olympus SH-2, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are offered by Olympus. There exists a noticeable gap among the image resolutions of the E-3 (10MP) and SH-2 (16MP) and the E-3 (Four Thirds) and SH-2 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-3 was announced 8 years before the SH-2 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus SH-2 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the E-3 grades against the SH-2 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-3 & Olympus Stylus SH-2. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-3 Gallery & Olympus SH-2 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-3 comes with exterior measurements of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") and a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) and the Olympus SH-2 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).

Check out the Olympus E-3 vs Olympus SH-2 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you select at that moment. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the E-3 vs the SH-2.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-3 and SH-2 is 56 and 88 respectively.

More often than not, it can be tough to envision the contrast in sensor sizing just by going through a spec sheet. The graphic below should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-3 and SH-2.

Clearly, the 2 cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-3 having a bigger sensor will make shooting bokeh easier and the Olympus SH-2 will show more detail with its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The older E-3 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.