Olympus E-M1 vs Olympus SH-1

Following is a comprehensive analysis of the Olympus E-M1 vs Olympus SH-1, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are manufactured by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the SH-1 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and SH-1 (1/2.3") provide different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-M1 was introduced 5 months earlier than the SH-1 and they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SH-1 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a quick view of how the E-M1 grades versus the SH-1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Olympus Stylus SH-1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 Gallery and Olympus SH-1 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry around your camera often, you will need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-M1 enjoys physical measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") having a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) and the Olympus SH-1 has measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-M1 vs Olympus SH-1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing during that time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the E-M1 vs the SH-1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-M1 and SH-1 is 71 and 88 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes purely by seeing specs. The picture here might give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-M1 and SH-1.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras come with the identical megapixel count albeit different sensor sizes. The E-M1 features the bigger sensor which will make obtaining shallower depth of field less difficult.