Olympus SH-1 vs Panasonic FH5

Lets look more in depth at the Olympus SH-1 versus Panasonic FH5, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SH-1 (16MP) and the FH5 (16MP) is very comparable and both cameras provide the same sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SH-1 was introduced 3 years after the FH5 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving right into a detailed comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the SH-1 matches up versus the FH5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus SH-1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-1 Gallery and Panasonic FH5 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus SH-1 offers outer measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") along with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Panasonic FH5 has proportions of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") with a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs).

Check the Olympus SH-1 versus Panasonic FH5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select during that time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the SH-1 compared to the FH5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the SH-1 and FH5 is 88 and 96 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to imagine the gap in sensor sizes purely by going through specifications. The pic below should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the SH-1 and FH5.

Plainly, each of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions and the exact same MP so you should expect comparable quality of photographs but you may want to factor the production date of the cameras into account. The fresher SH-1 provides a benefit in sensor technology.