Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus SH-3

Let's look a bit more closely at the Olympus E-PL1 versus Olympus SH-3, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are offered by Olympus. There exists a substantial gap between the resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and SH-3 (16MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and SH-3 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1 was introduced 6 years prior to the SH-3 and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a short introduction of how the E-PL1 matches up vs the SH-3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Olympus Stylus SH-3. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Olympus SH-3 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1 offers physical measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Olympus SH-3 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).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL1 versus Olympus SH-3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you use at that moment. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PL1 against the SH-3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and SH-3 is 86 and 88 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to envision the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reviewing specifications. The visual underneath should provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1 and SH-3.

Plainly, each of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1 having a bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Olympus SH-3 will deliver greater detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older E-PL1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.