Olympus E-400 vs Olympus SH-50

Lets look more closely at the Olympus E-400 and Olympus SH-50, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both built by Olympus. There exists a significant gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-400 (10MP) and SH-50 (16MP) and the E-400 (Four Thirds) and SH-50 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor size.

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The E-400 was revealed 7 years earlier than the SH-50 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-400 being a Compact SLR camera and the Olympus SH-50 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the E-400 scores against the SH-50 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-400 and Olympus SH-50. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-400 Gallery and Olympus SH-50 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-400 provides outer measurements of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") and a weight of 435 grams (0.96 lbs) whilst the Olympus SH-50 has sizing of 112mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.7") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-400 and Olympus SH-50 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have during that time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the E-400 and the SH-50.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-400 and SH-50 is 77 and 88 respectively.

Typically, it can be difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizing just by looking at technical specs. The photograph here may give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-400 and SH-50.

As you have seen, both cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-400 with its bigger sensor will make shooting bokeh simpler and the Olympus SH-50 will give more detail because of its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older E-400 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.