Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus SH-1

The following is a in depth review of the Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus SH-1, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both designed by Olympus. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the E-P1 (12MP) and SH-1 (16MP) and the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and SH-1 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-P1 was released 5 years earlier than the SH-1 which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SH-1 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a detailed comparison, here is a brief summary of how the E-P1 grades against the SH-1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P1 and Olympus Stylus SH-1. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-P1 Gallery and Olympus SH-1 Gallery.

When you are intending to travel with your camera, you'll need to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P1 offers outside measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") along with a weight of 355 grams (0.78 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).

Contrast the Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus SH-1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-P1 vs the SH-1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the E-P1 and SH-1 is 86 and 88 respectively.

Usually, it is very hard to see the difference between sensor dimensions merely by reading specs. The image below will give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P1 and SH-1.

All in all, both of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-P1 because of its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus SH-1 will offer extra detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-P1 is going to be behind in sensor technology.