Olympus SH-3 vs Olympus XZ-1

In this article, we are analyzing the Olympus SH-3 and Olympus XZ-1, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are designed by Olympus. There exists a considerable gap among the sensor resolutions of the SH-3 (16MP) and XZ-1 (10MP) and the SH-3 (1/2.3") and XZ-1 (1/1.63") use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SH-3 was revealed 5 years after the XZ-1 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving straight into a full comparison, below is a simple summation of how the SH-3 matches up against the XZ-1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus SH-3 & Olympus XZ-1. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-3 Gallery & Olympus XZ-1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera regularly, you'll need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SH-3 has 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) whilst the Olympus XZ-1 has measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SH-3 and Olympus XZ-1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you use at that moment. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the SH-3 vs the XZ-1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SH-3 and XZ-1 is 88 and 88 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to envision the difference in sensor dimensions merely by viewing technical specs. The picture here might offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the SH-3 and XZ-1.

As you have seen, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SH-3 using its smaller sensor will make getting bokeh more difficult and the Olympus SH-3 will provide you with extra detail because of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The younger SH-3 will have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.