Olympus E-PL6 vs Olympus SH-3: An Expert’s Deep Dive into Two Distinct Compact Cameras

When Olympus announced the E-PL6 and the Stylus SH-3 just over two years apart, they targeted very different photography niches. The E-PL6, part of Olympus’s acclaimed PEN series, is a classic entry-level mirrorless with Micro Four Thirds versatility. Meanwhile, the SH-3 is a compact superzoom designed for travelers and casual shooters craving an all-in-one pocketable solution. I’ve logged many hours with both cameras - putting them through their paces across portrait, landscape, wildlife, macro, and video tasks. My aim in this comparison is to help you understand how their fundamentally different natures translate into real-world performance, value, and user experience.

Let’s unpack the technical details, day-to-day handling, image quality, and suitability for diverse photographic genres. Along the way, I’ll share insights from my hands-on tests and help you choose which Olympus camera fits your unique photographic ambitions.

At a Glance: Size, Ergonomics, and Build Quality

Physically and ergonomically, these two cameras serve very different user preferences. The E-PL6 sports the familiar rangefinder-style mirrorless body with a compact but substantial grip. The SH-3 is a small, pocket-friendly superzoom with a fixed lens, optimized for portability rather than extensive manual control or lens swapping.

The PEN’s 111 x 64 x 38 mm frame and 325-gram weight give it a reassuring heft that feels solid without being cumbersome. Olympus’s design here is well balanced for fans of traditional manual controls, reflected in thoughtful dial placements and grip texture. The SH-3 measures 109 x 63 x 42 mm and weighs 271 grams - noticeably lighter and more compact. Its built-in zoom barrel protrudes a bit when extended but the camera easily tucks into a jacket pocket.

Build-wise, neither camera offers weather-sealing - a limitation for landscape and rigorous outdoor use. Both are predominantly plastic construction with a taste of metal for durability. They’re not robust pro-grade bodies but solid performers if handled with care.

Control Layout and Interface Nuances

User experience begins with how cameras feel in hand and respond under shutter finger pressure. Viewing the top controls of the E-PL6 and SH-3 side-by-side hints at their design intentions.

The E-PL6 impresses with an intuitive dial and button arrangement - dedicated dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation cater well to those who want manual artistry. This camera wears its enthusiast pedigree with pride: exposure modes like aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual are standard, along with a tilting touchscreen to navigate menus seamlessly.

By contrast, the SH-3 sacrifices some manual control for compactness and simplicity. It omits dedicated exposure dials and lacks aperture and shutter priority modes, yet does offer manual exposure - somewhat buried in menus. The zoom ring doubles as the primary control for focal length, naturally, and the touchscreen responds well but does not tilt.

Both cameras feature touch-enabled rear LCDs, but the E-PL6’s articulating screen adds flexibility for low or high-angle shots.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

At the heart of any camera comparison lies sensor performance - after all, sensor size and technology largely dictate image quality, noise behavior, and dynamic range.

The Olympus PEN E-PL6 employs a classic Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm with a 16MP resolution. This sensor size shines in offering a nice balance between image quality and system compactness. It outperforms smaller sensors in color depth, dynamic range, and noise control - especially at base and mid ISOs (100-800). The E-PL6 includes a low-pass anti-aliasing filter to reduce moiré artifacts, a common choice for cameras designed to prioritize smooth gradations in skin tones and landscapes.

On the other hand, the SH-3 uses a much smaller 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm), also with a 16MP count. This sensor is optimized for high sensitivity and efficient pixel readout in compact cameras. However, its physically smaller size limits dynamic range and low-light performance - noise becomes noticeable at ISO 800 and above, and color depth suffers compared to the PEN. Still, it leverages the TruePic VII processor for good color rendition and noise reduction algorithms tuned for its sensor class.

Overall, if pristine image quality, especially in challenging lighting, is your priority, the PEN’s larger Micro Four Thirds sensor has a clear advantage.

Rear LCD and Live View Experience

Today’s touchscreen LCDs also define shooting experience convenience and composition options. Here, both cameras pack 3-inch screens at 460k-dot resolution, but their features and usability differ.

The E-PL6’s tilting screen provides critical flexibility - great for macro, street photography from hip-level, or crowded events where lifting your arms may be impractical. The touchscreen supports tap-to-focus, shutter release, and menu navigation. The visible quality is crisp with good color accuracy.

The SH-3’s fixed 3-inch screen matches in resolution and touchscreen functions but cannot tilt. This limits its versatility in awkward shooting positions but reinforces the camera’s slip-in-pocket portability ethos.

Neither camera includes a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF). The E-PL6 supports an optional EVF attachment, which pros and serious enthusiasts may appreciate. For bright sunlight, live view reliance can be a challenge, especially with the SH-3 screen, which has a glossy finish that reflects.

Autofocus System and Speed

For fast-paced shooting - whether capturing sports, wildlife, or decisive street moments - autofocus (AF) capabilities are paramount.

The E-PL6 harnesses contrast-detection AF with 35 focus points and face detection, including continuous AF tracking. While lacking phase-detection AF (still uncommon in cameras of its vintage), its AF performance in daylight is responsive and accurate, with minimal hunting. Eye detection AF also helps portrait shooters nail focus on their subjects’ eyes.

The SH-3 offers similar contrast-detection AF with face detection and touch-to-focus features, but the absence of selectable focus points means it relies on less flexible autofocus zone coverage. Interestingly, it also supports impressive continuous shooting at 11.5 fps versus the PEN’s 8 fps, making it good for casual bursts. AF speed is adequate but noticeably slower and less precise in dimmer lighting or telephoto reach due to the small sensor and lens design.

The PEN’s focus system offers a bit more control, which is vital when shooting portraits or complex wildlife scenes. SH-3 is better suited for casual snapshots requiring quick framing without fiddling with focus zones.

Lens Ecosystem – The PEN’s Strong Suit vs SH-3’s All-in-One

Lens flexibility can make or break a camera’s long-term appeal. Here, the two Olympus models diverge dramatically.

The E-PL6 supports the Micro Four Thirds mount with access to over 100 native lenses - from ultra-wide primes and fast portrait lenses to super-telephoto zooms and macro optics. This breadth is invaluable for serious photographers who want to customize their toolkit profoundly. The system’s small sensor design yields a 2x crop factor, so a 25mm prime acts like a 50mm standard lens - logical for portrait and street work.

The SH-3 is fitted with a fixed 25-600mm (24x zoom) lens with an aperture range of f/3.0-6.9. This lens covers everything from moderate wide-angle through extreme telephoto, making it a versatile walk-around camera without needing lens changes. However, optical compromises are inevitable in such superzoom lenses - corner sharpness falls off at the longest zoom, and lens speed slows significantly at telephoto. Macro focusing is decent to 3 cm, but the max aperture limits shallow depth-of-field effects.

In summary: the PEN shines for users who appreciate creative control via lens interchange, while the SH-3 targets convenience.

Burst Shooting, Shutter Speeds, and Flash

Action photographers will want to scrutinize continuous shooting speeds and shutter ranges carefully.

The Olympus PEN E-PL6 boasts respectable continuous shooting up to 8 FPS using the mechanical shutter, with shutter speeds ranging from 60 seconds to 1/4000 sec. Flash sync speeds are standard, and while it has no built-in flash, Olympus offers a small FL-LM1 external flash that pairs well for fill-in work.

The SH-3 steps the speed up with a fast continuous rate of 11.5 fps - the higher frame rate aided by its smaller sensor readout. Shutter speeds max out at 1/2000 sec, which may restrict action freezes in very bright conditions at wide apertures. The SH-3 includes a built-in flash with reported 8.3 m range at ISO 3200, but no external flash ports.

Both cameras support self-timers and time-lapse recordings, but the PEN’s longer maximum shutter speed benefits night shooting and creative long exposures.

Video Recording: Resolution, Frame Rates, and Stability

For hybrid shooters balancing stills and video, capabilities here can be decisive.

The E-PL6 records Full HD 1080p at 30 fps and offers MPEG-4 and Motion JPEG codecs. It lacks 4K video or slow-motion modes but includes sensor-based image stabilization that helps smooth handheld footage. There are no microphone or headphone jacks, which limits advanced audio input options.

The SH-3 surprises with 4K UHD video at 15 fps - a frame rate too low for smooth video but great for high-resolution still extraction. It also supports Full HD 1080p at 60 or 30 fps, providing versatility for action video. Stabilization is sensor-shift type, effective in reducing handshake. However, no external mic inputs dim its appeal for serious videographers.

Neither camera is built for professional video workflows, but the SH-3 offers more modern codec options and better frame rate flexibility.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Practical use hinges on battery endurance and convenient data transfer options.

The E-PL6 uses the BLS-5 battery, rated for approximately 360 shots per charge under CIPA standards. Although modest, it’s adequate for daily shoots with a backup battery strategy. Storage sits in one SD/SDHC/SDXC slot.

The SH-3 uses a LI-92B battery lasting around 380 shots - slightly better - but given its smaller size and fewer power draws (no EVF, fixed lens), this aligns with expectations. Storage options include SD cards and built-in memory, enhancing flexibility when cards fill.

Wireless connectivity differs: the PEN supports Eye-Fi card compatibility, facilitating wireless photo transfer through compatible memory cards. The SH-3 has built-in Wi-Fi for direct image transfers and remote control via Olympus’s app - valuable for wireless workflows.

Both provide HDMI outputs and USB 2.0 for tethered use, but no Bluetooth or NFC.

Specialized Photography Genres: How Do They Compare?

Portraits

The E-PL6’s larger sensor and face/eye detection AF give it a distinct edge capturing natural skin tones with shallow depth-of-field background blur. Its lens options include fast primes that create smooth bokeh. The SH-3’s small sensor and slower zoom lens aperture make pleasing background separation difficult.

Landscapes

Thanks to better dynamic range and higher base resolution handling, the PEN excels at landscape photography, especially with weather permitting careful handling - though it lacks official weather seals. The SH-3’s compact zoom favors casual landscapes but images often lack crispness in corners and show more noise in shadows.

Wildlife and Sports

The SH-3’s impressive 25-600mm zoom and faster 11.5 fps burst make it an approachable wildlife or distant sports shooter for beginners, but AF can struggle in low light. The PEN can attach longer MFT telephoto lenses for superior optical quality and offers more refined AF tracking for sports, though at a lower burst rate.

Street Photography

Thanks to its discreet form, tilting touchscreen, and excellent image quality, the PEN is a better fit for thoughtful street artists. The SH-3’s zoom gives framing flexibility but the bulkier length extended can attract attention.

Macro Photography

The PEN benefits from interchangeable macro lenses and sensor-based stabilization for tight close-ups. The SH-3 offers 3cm macro focusing but with compromises in sharpness and bokeh.

Night and Astrophotography

Long exposures and low noise give the PEN an undeniable advantage in night and astro photography - key given its 60-second shutter option and higher ISO latitude. Both cameras lack specialized astro modes.

Video

The SH-3 is preferable for casual video shooters craving 4K still extraction and Full HD at high frame rates. The PEN can produce beautiful stabilized Full HD footage but is more limited.

Travel and General Use

Both cameras can serve as travel companions, but the SH-3’s zoom lens and compactness edge out for grab-and-go flexibility. The PEN offers creative flexibility through lenses and better low-light imaging.

Professional Work

While neither camera is designed as a professional workhorse, the PEN’s RAW support, file format flexibility, and system expandability make it a more credible choice for serious amateur or prosumer use.

Sample Images: Real-World Quality Comparison

To truly grasp the distinctions, let’s review sample gallery shots taken with each camera under similar conditions.

Olympus E PL6 front Olympus E PL6 screen back Olympus SH 3 front Olympus SH 3 screen back

The PEN’s portraits display smoother transitions in skin tones and creamy backgrounds. Landscape shots reveal solid dynamic range and detail retention. SH-3 images look punchy but occasionally soft at long zoom, with less tonal nuance.

Overall Performance Breakdown

Pulling together all aspects of sensor performance, autofocus, shooting speed, video, and usability, here’s our consolidated assessment.

The PEN’s strengths cluster around image quality, sensor size advantages, and creative control. The SH-3 shines in portability, zoom range, and burst speed.

Genre-Specific Performance Ratings

How do their strengths manifest across photographic disciplines? Our expert reviewers scored each camera accordingly:

• Portraits, landscape, night, macro: E-PL6 leads
• Wildlife, sports, travel zoom: SH-3 slightly ahead
• Video: SH-3 favored for resolution and frame rates

Final Thoughts: Which Olympus Suits You Best?

The Olympus PEN E-PL6 emerges as the superior choice for enthusiasts and aspiring photographers who value image quality, manual control, and a vast lens ecosystem. If you enjoy crafting portraits with beautiful bokeh, hunting dynamic landscapes, or dabbling in macro and night photography, the PEN delivers flexibility and reliability unmatched by the SH-3. Its ergonomic rangefinder style appeals to those who prefer an engaging, hands-on approach to exposure settings and focusing.

On the other hand, the Olympus Stylus SH-3 excels as an affordable, versatile travel and everyday camera for users who prioritize convenience, an extensive zoom range, and quick burst shooting. If you want an all-in-one pocket camera that can cover a wide variety of scenarios without worrying about lens changes or complicated controls, the SH-3 is a compelling option. It’s especially attractive for casual photographers aiming to capture wildlife from a distance or fast-moving street scenes with minimal setup.

Budget-wise, the PEN E-PL6’s typical pricing around $300 offers excellent value for image quality and flexibility. Meanwhile, the SH-3’s higher price (~$580) reflects its zoom capabilities and newer processing engine but comes with compromises in sensor size and manual control.

Recommendations Based on Your Photography Preferences:

• Portrait and Creative Manual Control Enthusiasts: Olympus PEN E-PL6
• Travelers Who Prefer Compact, Long-Zoom Superzooms: Olympus Stylus SH-3
• Landscape and Night Shooters on a Budget: Olympus PEN E-PL6
• Casual Wildlife and Sports Photography at Leisure: Olympus Stylus SH-3
• Video Shooters Needing Full HD 60p Input: Olympus Stylus SH-3
• Street Photographers Desiring Discretion with Quality: Olympus PEN E-PL6

Both cameras carve out unique appeal niches, and reflecting on your shooting style will guide the best choice.

In the ever-diverse Olympus lineup, the E-PL6 and SH-3 represent two distinct philosophies - mirrorless, sensor-focused creative freedom versus compact, ready-to-shoot versatility with giant zoom reach. My extensive hands-on experience highlights that thoughtful buyers can confidently select either model depending on photographic aims without compromise in quality for their chosen usage.

If you favor long-term system growth, image quality, and manual immersion, choose the PEN. If you want pocket portability and all-in-one ease, choose the SH-3. Either way, Olympus delivers intelligently engineered models catering to varied photographic journeys.

Happy shooting!