Olympus SH-1 vs Olympus VH-515

Below, we will be matching up the Olympus SH-1 and Olympus VH-515, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are created by Olympus. There is a big difference among the image resolutions of the SH-1 (16MP) and VH-515 (12MP) but they use the exact same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SH-1 was revealed 20 months later than the VH-515 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a quick summation of how the SH-1 matches up vs the VH-515 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SH-1 and Olympus VH-515. The full galleries are available at Olympus SH-1 Gallery and Olympus VH-515 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera frequently, you should take into account its weight and size. The Olympus SH-1 features exterior measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) whilst the Olympus VH-515 has specifications of 102mm x 60mm x 21mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 0.8") with a weight of 152 grams (0.34 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SH-1 and Olympus VH-515 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose during that time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the SH-1 versus the VH-515.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SH-1 and VH-515 is 88 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to visualize the gap in sensor measurements purely by viewing specs. The photograph below should provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-1 and VH-515.

All in all, both cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit different resolution. You should count on the Olympus SH-1 to result in more detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The younger SH-1 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.