Olympus E-M1 vs Olympus SH-3

The following is a in-depth comparison of the Olympus E-M1 versus Olympus SH-3, former is a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are manufactured by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the SH-3 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and SH-3 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-M1 was revealed 3 years earlier than the SH-3 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a thorough comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the E-M1 matches up versus the SH-3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M1 & Olympus Stylus SH-3. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-M1 Gallery & Olympus SH-3 Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera regularly, you need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-M1 comes with exterior dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") with a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) whilst the Olympus SH-3 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).

Take a look at the Olympus E-M1 versus Olympus SH-3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the E-M1 compared to the SH-3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-M1 and SH-3 is 71 and 88 respectively.

Typically, it is tough to see the difference in sensor dimensions purely by seeing technical specs. The pic underneath may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-M1 and SH-3.

As you have seen, each of these cameras have the same megapixels albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The E-M1 comes with the bigger sensor which will make achieving shallower DOF easier. The more aged E-M1 will be behind in sensor tech.