Olympus SH-1 vs Pentax Q7

Here is a detailed review of the Olympus SH-1 versus Pentax Q7, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Pentax. There is a big difference between the resolutions of the SH-1 (16MP) and Q7 (12MP) and the SH-1 (1/2.3") and Q7 (1/1.7") use different sensor size.

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The SH-1 was launched 8 months later than the Q7 and they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SH-1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a full comparison, below is a concise view of how the SH-1 matches up versus the Q7 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SH-1 and Pentax Q7. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-1 Gallery and Pentax Q7 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and size. The Olympus SH-1 offers external measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Pentax Q7 has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SH-1 versus Pentax Q7 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you use during that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the SH-1 versus the Q7.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SH-1 and Q7 is 88 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it is tough to visualize the difference between sensor sizing simply by checking a spec sheet. The graphic below will help offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SH-1 and Q7.

Clearly, both of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SH-1 because of its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF more difficult and the Olympus SH-1 will give you greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The younger SH-1 provides an edge in sensor innovation.