Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus SH-1

Its time to look a bit more closely at the Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus SH-1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are offered by Olympus. There is a noticeable difference between the resolutions of the E-P3 (12MP) and SH-1 (16MP) and the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and SH-1 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-P3 was launched 3 years before the SH-1 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SH-1 being a Compact camera.

Before getting through a more detailed comparison, below is a simple summation of how the E-P3 grades versus the SH-1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P3 & Olympus Stylus SH-1. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-P3 Gallery & Olympus SH-1 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-P3 offers physical measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") having a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) while the Olympus SH-1 has dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus SH-1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the E-P3 vs the SH-1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-P3 and SH-1 is 86 and 88 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing merely by checking technical specs. The visual underneath might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P3 and SH-1.

As you can tell, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-P3 due to its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF simpler and the Olympus SH-1 will give greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The older E-P3 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.