Olympus SH-50 vs Sony H55

Here, we will be evaluating the Olympus SH-50 and Sony H55, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SH-50 (16MP) and the H55 (14MP) is relatively close and both cameras posses the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SH-50 was revealed 2 years after the H55 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before delving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a quick summary of how the SH-50 matches up against the H55 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SH-50 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H55. The full galleries are available at Olympus SH-50 Gallery and Sony H55 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera, you need to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus SH-50 comes with outside dimensions of 112mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Sony H55 has specifications of 103mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SH-50 and Sony H55 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using during that time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the SH-50 against the H55.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SH-50 and H55 is 88 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to envision the contrast in sensor sizes simply by viewing specs. The image here may give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SH-50 and H55.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit not the same resolution. You should count on the Olympus SH-50 to render more detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs way more aggressively. The more recent SH-50 will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.