Olympus SH-1 vs Sony RX10 IV

On this page, we will be evaluating the Olympus SH-1 and Sony RX10 IV, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the SH-1 (16MP) and the RX10 IV (20MP) is relatively well matched but the SH-1 (1/2.3") and RX10 IV (1") have different sensor sizes.

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The SH-1 was launched 4 years earlier than the RX10 IV and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SH-1 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX10 IV being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight to a in depth comparison, here is a concise summation of how the SH-1 scores against the RX10 IV for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SH-1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SH-1 Gallery and Sony RX10 IV Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera frequently, you have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus SH-1 enjoys external dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Sony RX10 IV has sizing of 133mm x 94mm x 145mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 5.7") along with a weight of 1095 grams (2.41 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SH-1 and Sony RX10 IV in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Following is a front view size comparison of the SH-1 and the RX10 IV.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SH-1 and RX10 IV is 88 and 52 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to picture the difference between sensor measurements merely by checking a spec sheet. The visual below should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SH-1 and RX10 IV.

Clearly, both cameras have different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SH-1 because of its tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh trickier and the Sony RX10 IV will give greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The older SH-1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.