Olympus SH-1 vs Sony RX100

Below, we are evaluating the Olympus SH-1 vs Sony RX100, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the SH-1 (16MP) and the RX100 (20MP) is fairly comparable but the SH-1 (1/2.3") and RX100 (1") possess different sensor sizes.

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The SH-1 was revealed 20 months later than the RX100 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SH-1 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the SH-1 scores against the RX100 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SH-1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SH-1 Gallery and Sony RX100 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera often, you're going to have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus SH-1 has got outer measurements 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 RX100 has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") having a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SH-1 vs Sony RX100 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilising during that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the SH-1 compared to the RX100.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SH-1 and RX100 is 88 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to visualize the difference in sensor sizing simply by checking out a spec sheet. The visual below will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-1 and RX100.

Clearly, both of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SH-1 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Sony RX100 will show extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The more modern SH-1 should have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.