Olympus SH-3 vs Panasonic S1

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Olympus SH-3 and Panasonic S1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a huge difference between the sensor resolutions of the SH-3 (16MP) and S1 (24MP) and the SH-3 (1/2.3") and S1 (Full frame) come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The SH-3 was brought out 4 years prior to the S1 which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic S1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting in to a more detailed comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the SH-3 matches up against the S1 with respect 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-S1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SH-3 Gallery and Panasonic S1 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera often, you have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SH-3 enjoys physical dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S1 has sizing of 149mm x 110mm x 97mm (5.9" x 4.3" x 3.8") and a weight of 1021 grams (2.25 lbs).

Check the Olympus SH-3 and Panasonic S1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have at that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the SH-3 and the S1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the SH-3 and S1 is 88 and 54 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes only by reading through specifications. The picture here should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SH-3 and S1.

To sum up, both of those cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SH-3 featuring a tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic S1 will give you greater detail having its extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more aged SH-3 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.