Olympus SH-50 vs Pentax S1

Following is a in-depth assessment of the Olympus SH-50 versus Pentax S1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SH-50 (16MP) and the S1 (14MP) is relatively close and both cameras posses the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SH-50 was introduced 23 months after the S1 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief view of how the SH-50 grades against the S1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SH-50 and Pentax Optio S1. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SH-50 Gallery and Pentax S1 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera, you are going to need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SH-50 features external measurements of 112mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Pentax S1 has measurements of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SH-50 versus Pentax S1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the SH-50 compared to the S1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SH-50 and S1 is 88 and 93 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to visualise the difference in sensor sizes purely by looking through specifications. The picture below may give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-50 and S1.

Plainly, the 2 cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same megapixels. You should count on the Olympus SH-50 to result in greater detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more modern SH-50 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor technology.