Olympus SH-3 vs Panasonic G9

Following is a in depth review of the Olympus SH-3 vs Panasonic G9, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SH-3 (16MP) and the G9 (20MP) is relatively close but the SH-3 (1/2.3") and G9 (Four Thirds) use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The SH-3 was revealed 21 months prior to the G9 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G9 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the SH-3 grades versus the G9 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SH-3 and Panasonic Lumix DC-G9. The full galleries are available at Olympus SH-3 Gallery and Panasonic G9 Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SH-3 features outer dimensions 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 Panasonic G9 has dimensions of 137mm x 97mm x 92mm (5.4" x 3.8" x 3.6") and a weight of 658 grams (1.45 lbs).

Check the Olympus SH-3 vs Panasonic G9 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the SH-3 against the G9.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the SH-3 and G9 is 88 and 62 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to visualise the difference in sensor sizes only by viewing specifications. The picture here might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SH-3 and G9.

To sum up, each of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SH-3 using its smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field trickier and the Panasonic G9 will render greater detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more aged SH-3 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.