Olympus SH-1 vs Sony HX5

On this page, we will be contrasting the Olympus SH-1 and Sony HX5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Sony. There is a noticeable difference among the image resolutions of the SH-1 (16MP) and HX5 (10MP) and the SH-1 (1/2.3") and HX5 (1/2.4") posses totally different sensor sizing.

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The SH-1 was revealed 3 years later than the HX5 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple overview of how the SH-1 grades against the HX5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SH-1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-1 Gallery & Sony HX5 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera regularly, you have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus SH-1 enjoys physical measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") along with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) and the Sony HX5 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SH-1 and Sony HX5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the SH-1 vs the HX5.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SH-1 and HX5 is 88 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to visualise the gap in sensor measurements purely by going through a spec sheet. The graphic below may give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the SH-1 and HX5.

As you can see, both of the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SH-1 using its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Olympus SH-1 will produce extra detail because of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots more aggressively. The newer SH-1 will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.