Olympus SH-1 vs Panasonic XS1

Lets look more closely at the Olympus SH-1 and Panasonic XS1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SH-1 (16MP) and the XS1 (16MP) is very similar and both cameras boast the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SH-1 was released 15 months after the XS1 making them a generation away from one another. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple view of how the SH-1 grades against the XS1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus SH-1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SH-1 Gallery and Panasonic XS1 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus SH-1 offers outer dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) and the Panasonic XS1 has proportions of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") having a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SH-1 and Panasonic XS1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at that moment. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the SH-1 compared to the XS1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SH-1 and XS1 is 88 and 97 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to imagine the difference between sensor sizes just by going over specs. The pic below will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SH-1 and XS1.

All in all, both of those cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the identical MP therefore you should expect similar quality of images though you have to take the production date of the products into consideration. The fresher SH-1 should have an advantage in sensor innovation.