Olympus Stylus SH-3 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90: A Thorough Comparison for Serious Compact Camera Buyers

Choosing the right compact camera can be deceptively challenging. Both the Olympus Stylus SH-3 (SH-3) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90 (FX90) come from respected manufacturers with solid track records, yet they aim at slightly different niches. Having tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, we understand that specs only tell part of the story. Let's break down every critical aspect of these cameras so you can decide which matches your photography style and budget.

Understanding the Cameras at a Glance

Before diving deep, here’s a quick specs head-to-head:

From the outset, the SH-3 offers an extreme telephoto reach and higher resolution, while the FX90 targets users wanting sharper optics and a bright wide angle. Let’s explore what these numbers mean for you.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Sensor type is foundational to image quality. The SH-3 uses a BSI-CMOS sensor - this is a back-side illuminated structure allowing improved low-light sensitivity and dynamic range over traditional CCD sensors like the FX90’s.

• Olympus SH-3 (BSI-CMOS, 16MP):

  • Higher resolution (16MP vs 12MP).
  • Better signal-to-noise ratio, especially above ISO 800.
  • More efficient power consumption.
  • Supports RAW capture, which means greater flexibility in post-processing.

• Panasonic FX90 (CCD, 12MP):

  • Slightly larger pixel size due to fewer pixels, which may help mid-ISO noise.
  • No RAW support, locking you into JPEG workflow.
  • Older sensor tech prone to more noise in high ISO - noticeable beyond ISO 400.

The sensor area difference is minimal (28.07 mm² Olympus vs 27.72 mm² Panasonic), but the SH-3's newer CMOS design gives it an edge in real-world usability, especially in challenging light.

Real-world impact: The SH-3 holds up better in dim interiors and night scenes, with cleaner images and more detail retained. The FX90 performs adequately in bright, well-lit conditions but shows more noise and softening after ISO 400.

Lens and Zoom: A World of Reach vs Brightness

Lens specs often dictate the type of photography you can pursue.

• Olympus SH-3:

  • 25-600mm equivalent zoom (24× optical zoom).
  • Aperture f/3.0-6.9 - moderate brightness at wide, quite slow toward the telephoto end.
  • 3 cm macro focusing distance.
  • This towering zoom range makes it a powerhouse for wildlife and sports with reach far beyond typical compacts.

• Panasonic FX90:

  • 24-120mm equivalent zoom (5× optical zoom).
  • Faster aperture f/2.5-5.9 - better in low light, especially at the wide end.
  • 3 cm macro focusing distance.
  • Great walk-around lens for landscapes, street, and portraits with bright wide-angle capability.

The choice here hinges on your shooting priorities: Do you need extreme telephoto? GO Olympus SH-3. Want brighter lens with less zoom but sharper optics? Panasonic FX90.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking Your Action

For moving subjects, autofocus (AF) speed and accuracy are critical.

The SH-3 features a more sophisticated AF system that includes face tracking and multi-area select, enabling responsive focus on moving subjects. The 11.5 fps burst rate lets you capture fast action sequences.

The FX90’s 23-point AF array is respectable but lacks advanced tracking, and 4 fps burst speed limits fast-action capabilities.

Who wins here? The SH-3 is clearly the better choice for wildlife and sports photography thanks to responsive AF and faster frame rates.

Design, Controls, and Ergonomics

Handling and user interface directly impact shooting enjoyment and efficiency.

• Olympus SH-3:

  • Larger-than-average for a compact (109 x 63 x 42 mm; 271 g).
  • Fixed 3.0" touchscreen with 460k dots.
  • Buttons and dials well spaced, dedicated manual exposure controls.
  • No electronic viewfinder.
  • Good grip and balanced feel for telephoto handling.

• Panasonic FX90:

  • Smaller and lighter (102 x 56 x 22 mm; 149 g).
  • 3.0" touchscreen TFT LCD, 460k dots.
  • Minimal buttons, no manual exposure mode.
  • No electronic viewfinder.
  • Ultra-portable, pocket friendly.

Ergonomics verdict: The SH-3 offers more direct control and a grippier body suited to longer lenses and active shooting. The FX90 prioritizes portability and ease for casual use.

Image Stabilization: Keeping the Shots Sharp

• SH-3: Sensor-shift stabilization (likely 5-axis), very effective for handheld telephoto or macro shooting.
• FX90: Optical image stabilization in-lens, helpful but less versatile than sensor-shift.

In practice, the SH-3’s stabilization excels when shooting at 600mm equivalent, helping reduce blur markedly, while the FX90 does best at moderate zoom ranges.

Video Performance: Flexibility for Creators

If video is part of your creative toolbox, here’s how they compare:

The 4K on SH-3 is limited to 15 frames per second - a bit choppy for most use cases - but the presence of UHD is a future-proof feature. For smooth full HD, both do 60 fps well.

The FX90 offers AVCHD for better compression and 60p Full HD. Neither supports microphone inputs, limiting audio options.

Practical takeaway: For casual video or travel vlogs, FX90 delivers stable full HD. SH-3 has potential for higher resolution but frame rate limitations make it less ideal for motion video.

Battery Life and Storage

• Olympus SH-3: 380 shots per charge (CIPA standard), uses proprietary LI-92B battery, single SD card slot.
• Panasonic FX90: 200 shots per charge, no battery model specified, single SD slot.

The SH-3 offers nearly double the battery life, an asset for long shooting days especially without backup power.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedization such as shockproof or freeze-proof features. This limits use for challenging environments.

Comprehensive Performance Summary

Both cameras find themselves in different territories performance-wise:

• Olympus SH-3 scores higher for zoom reach, burst rate, autofocus sophistication, battery life, and video versatility.
• Panasonic FX90 excels in lens brightness on the wide end, compactness, and tactile simplicity.

Photography Genre-Specific Analysis

Let’s break down suitability per use case:

Portrait Photography

• Olympus SH-3:

  • Good skin tone rendering thanks to newer sensor.
  • Decent bokeh achievable at 600 mm but aperture limits depth-of-field control.
  • Effective face detection AF enhances eye capture precision.

• Panasonic FX90:

  • Slightly brighter wide aperture helps in low light portraits.
  • No face detection AF, less confident focus on eyes.
  • Built-in JPEG with no RAW limits editing latitude.

Recommendation: SH-3 better for portraits demanding accuracy and editing flexibility.

Landscape Photography

• SH-3:

  • High resolution and better dynamic range.
  • 25mm wide end is reasonable but not ultra-wide.
  • No weather sealing limits outdoor adventure use.

• FX90:

  • Brighter 24mm wide angle aids composition.
  • Lower resolution and Dynamic Range.
  • Slimmer body easier to carry but less impactful landscape shots.

Recommendation: SH-3 is more capable but neither rivals dedicated landscape cameras.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

• SH-3:
  • 600 mm zoom is a game-changer.
  • Fast burst rate (11.5 fps) and wide AF modes.
• FX90:
  • Limited 120 mm zoom and slower AF make it unfit.

Recommendation: SH-3 is the clear pick for enthusiasts on wildlife or sports photography who want reach and speed.

Street Photography

• FX90:
  • Small, lightweight, unobtrusive.
  • Faster aperture works for dimmer cityscapes.
• SH-3:
  • Larger, more obtrusive; telephoto zoom less useful in street.

Recommendation: FX90 is preferable for street photographers wanting discretion and portability.

Macro Photography

Both cameras focus to 3 cm - fine for casual macro shots.

• SH-3’s stabilization helps hand-held macro shots.
• FX90’s bright aperture aids lower light macro.

Night and Astro Photography

• SH-3’s BSI-CMOS with higher ISO capabilities and RAW support offers better results in low light.
• FX90’s older CCD sensor lags in noise control.

Travel Photography

• SH-3’s size and zoom versatility suit varied shooting needs.
• FX90’s light weight and compactness great for minimalists.

Professional Work

Neither camera targets professional workflows but SH-3’s RAW and better exposure control help serious amateurs.

Connectivity and Extras

Both include:

• Built-in wireless (Wi-Fi), no Bluetooth or NFC.
• USB 2.0 and HDMI ports.
• No microphone or headphone jacks.

The SH-3 supports time-lapse while FX90 does not.

Price-to-Performance Value

Sample Images: Seeing Is Believing

Olympus SH 3 front Olympus SH 3 screen back Panasonic FX90 front Panasonic FX90 screen back

Our tests with both cameras under daylight, low light, and zoom show:

• SH-3’s images display more crisp detail at telephoto reach.
• FX90 images are vibrant and sharper wide-angle but soften when zoomed in.

Recommendations Based on Your Needs

• Go with Olympus Stylus SH-3 if:

  • You want extreme telephoto reach for wildlife or sports.
  • You value RAW compatibility and image editing flexibility.
  • You need a longer battery life for travel.
  • You want better video at 4K resolution.
  • You prefer more advanced manual controls.

• Choose Panasonic Lumix FX90 if:

  • You want a highly pocketable, lightweight camera.
  • Your budget is tight but you still want solid image quality.
  • You prioritize bright wide-angle lens for street or landscape.
  • Ease of use and basic shooting modes are enough.
  • Occasional video in smooth full HD is desired.

Final Thoughts: What’s the Right Fit?

Both cameras offer compelling benefits in the small-sensor compact realm but serve different user profiles. The Olympus SH-3 targets enthusiasts who want versatility and power in one package, especially for telephoto-centric photography. Conversely, the Panasonic FX90 is a sensible compact for casual shooters and travelers who favor portability and simplicity.

We advise you to check hands-on if possible. Consider what genres you photograph most and which features matter - zoom, image quality, video, or pocketability. Accessories like extra batteries, memory cards, and protective cases can enhance your experience with either camera.

Photography is personal. Your camera should empower your creativity - not limit it. Both these cameras can start or sustain a rewarding journey into imaging - pick the one that inspires your vision.

Ready to explore more? Dive into hands-on trials, sample your favorite shooting scenarios, and find the right partner for your photographic adventures.