Olympus SH-1 vs Sony HX30V

In this article, we are reviewing the Olympus SH-1 vs Sony HX30V, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SH-1 (16MP) and the HX30V (18MP) is very close and they come with the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The SH-1 was unveiled 2 years later than the HX30V and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a short overview of how the SH-1 matches up vs the HX30V when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus SH-1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-1 Gallery and Sony HX30V Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera, you are going to need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SH-1 comes with exterior measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) whilst the Sony HX30V has dimensions of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SH-1 vs Sony HX30V in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the SH-1 against the HX30V.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the SH-1 and HX30V is 88 and 90 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to visualize the gap in sensor measurements purely by viewing specs. The photograph underneath will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-1 and HX30V.

All in all, the two cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but different megapixels. You should expect to see the Sony HX30V to render greater detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics far more aggressively. The more modern SH-1 should have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.