Olympus SH-3 vs Olympus TG-820 iHS

In this write-up, we will be contrasting the Olympus SH-3 versus Olympus TG-820 iHS, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Waterproof and both of them are created by Olympus. There is a sizable difference between the image resolutions of the SH-3 (16MP) and TG-820 iHS (12MP) but they feature the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SH-3 was introduced 4 years after the TG-820 iHS which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting in to a full comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the SH-3 matches up versus the TG-820 iHS with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SH-3 & Olympus TG-820 iHS. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SH-3 Gallery & Olympus TG-820 iHS Gallery.

When you are planning to travel with your camera often, you're going to have to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus SH-3 provides outer measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) whilst the Olympus TG-820 iHS has specifications of 101mm x 65mm x 26mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SH-3 versus Olympus TG-820 iHS in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are using at the time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the SH-3 against the TG-820 iHS.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the SH-3 and TG-820 iHS is 88 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it is very tough to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions only by going over technical specs. The pic here should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the SH-3 and TG-820 iHS.

As you have seen, both cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different resolution. You can expect the Olympus SH-3 to offer extra detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The more recent SH-3 provides an edge with regard to sensor innovation.