Olympus SH-1 vs Panasonic FZ100

Below is a comprehensive assessment of the Olympus SH-1 versus Panasonic FZ100, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SH-1 (16MP) and the FZ100 (14MP) is relatively similar and both cameras posses the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SH-1 was unveiled 3 years later than the FZ100 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SH-1 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a brief summation of how the SH-1 scores vs the FZ100 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SH-1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SH-1 Gallery & Panasonic FZ100 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SH-1 offers outer measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ100 has measurements of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") and a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs).

See the Olympus SH-1 versus Panasonic FZ100 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you select at the time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the SH-1 versus the FZ100.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SH-1 and FZ100 is 88 and 67 respectively.

Typically, its tough to picture the gap between sensor measurements only by reading a spec sheet. The photograph below might offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-1 and FZ100.

As you can see, both cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit different resolution. You can count on the Olympus SH-1 to offer you greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more recent SH-1 provides an advantage with regard to sensor technology.