Olympus E-PL6 vs Olympus SH-3

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-PL6 versus Olympus SH-3, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both manufactured by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-PL6 (16MP) and the SH-3 (16MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PL6 (Four Thirds) and SH-3 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL6 was revealed 18 months earlier than the SH-3 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL6 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a short highlight of how the E-PL6 scores versus the SH-3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL6 and Olympus Stylus SH-3. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL6 Gallery and Olympus SH-3 Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL6 provides physical measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Olympus SH-3 has sizing of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL6 versus Olympus SH-3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the E-PL6 versus the SH-3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL6 and SH-3 is 88 and 88 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to see the gap between sensor measurements merely by checking technical specs. The photograph here should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL6 and SH-3.

As you can tell, both cameras offer the same exact MP albeit not the same sensor measurements. The E-PL6 features the bigger sensor which should make obtaining shallower DOF less difficult. The older E-PL6 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.