Olympus SH-50 vs Sony HX7V

In this article, we will be reviewing the Olympus SH-50 and Sony HX7V, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SH-50 (16MP) and the HX7V (16MP) is pretty comparable and they possess the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SH-50 was revealed 18 months after the HX7V which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise overview of how the SH-50 scores vs the HX7V in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SH-50 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX7V. The full galleries are available at Olympus SH-50 Gallery and Sony HX7V Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry around your camera frequently, you are going to need to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus SH-50 enjoys outer dimensions of 112mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Sony HX7V has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SH-50 and Sony HX7V in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose at that time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the SH-50 and the HX7V.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SH-50 and HX7V is 88 and 92 respectively.

Usually, its hard to envision the gap in sensor sizes just by going through technical specs. The image below may provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SH-50 and HX7V.

As you can tell, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing and the same exact resolution and you should expect comparable quality of files although you have to factor the production date of the cameras into account. The younger SH-50 is going to have an advantage in sensor innovation.