Olympus SH-1 vs Sony A390

Here, we will be analyzing the Olympus SH-1 versus Sony A390, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SH-1 (16MP) and the A390 (14MP) is pretty comparable but the SH-1 (1/2.3") and A390 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The SH-1 was revealed 3 years later than the A390 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SH-1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A390 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go right into a in depth comparison, here is a concise summation of how the SH-1 grades against the A390 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SH-1 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A390. The full galleries are available at Olympus SH-1 Gallery and Sony A390 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera often, you're going to have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus SH-1 offers external dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) and the Sony A390 has sizing of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") and a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SH-1 versus Sony A390 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using during that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the SH-1 versus the A390.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SH-1 and A390 is 88 and 66 respectively.

Usually, it can be hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizing just by going through a spec sheet. The visual here will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SH-1 and A390.

Clearly, both of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SH-1 having a smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field trickier and the Olympus SH-1 will show more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more recent SH-1 will have an edge in sensor technology.