Olympus E-500 vs Olympus SH-1

Lets take a more detailed look at the Olympus E-500 versus Olympus SH-1, former is a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are sold by Olympus. There exists a considerable gap between the resolutions of the E-500 (8MP) and SH-1 (16MP) and the E-500 (Four Thirds) and SH-1 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-500 was revealed 9 years before the SH-1 which is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-500 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus SH-1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a concise view of how the E-500 matches up versus the SH-1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-500 & Olympus Stylus SH-1. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-500 Gallery & Olympus SH-1 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry around your camera often, you will need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-500 enjoys outside dimensions of 130mm x 95mm x 66mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.6") with a weight of 479 grams (1.06 lbs) and the Olympus SH-1 has sizing of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") along with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-500 versus Olympus SH-1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the E-500 vs the SH-1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-500 and SH-1 is 70 and 88 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to envision the gap between sensor sizes merely by reading through a spec sheet. The image below might give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-500 and SH-1.

Clearly, both cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-500 having a bigger sensor will make achieving bokeh easier and the Olympus SH-1 will give you more detail because of its extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures way more aggressively. The more aged E-500 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.