Olympus SH-50 vs Sony HX80

Here is a comprehensive assessment of the Olympus SH-50 and Sony HX80, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the SH-50 (16MP) and the HX80 (18MP) is pretty close and both cameras boast the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SH-50 was unveiled 4 years prior to the HX80 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before getting right into a in depth comparison, here is a simple summary of how the SH-50 grades versus the HX80 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SH-50 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80. The full galleries are available at Olympus SH-50 Gallery & Sony HX80 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera often, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus SH-50 enjoys physical measurements of 112mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Sony HX80 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") having a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SH-50 and Sony HX80 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the SH-50 vs the HX80.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the SH-50 and HX80 is 88 and 91 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing simply by viewing a spec sheet. The graphic here will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the SH-50 and HX80.

Clearly, both of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit different resolution. You can expect the Sony HX80 to provide you with more detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The older SH-50 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.