Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus SH-1

In this article, we are looking at the Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus SH-1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are built by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the SH-1 (16MP) is fairly comparable but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and SH-1 (1/2.3") possess different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL5 was revealed 18 months earlier than the SH-1 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SH-1 being a Compact camera.

Before delving through a complete comparison, below is a short summation of how the E-PL5 matches up against the SH-1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Olympus Stylus SH-1. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Olympus SH-1 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL5 offers outside measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Olympus SH-1 has dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus SH-1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you select at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL5 and the SH-1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL5 and SH-1 is 88 and 88 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to imagine the difference in sensor sizing merely by seeing specs. The visual underneath might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL5 and SH-1.

All in all, both of these cameras offer the same exact megapixels but different sensor sizing. The E-PL5 features the larger sensor which should make achieving shallower DOF less difficult. The older E-PL5 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.