Olympus SH-3 vs Panasonic GH5

Following is a comprehensive analysis of the Olympus SH-3 versus Panasonic GH5, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SH-3 (16MP) and the GH5 (20MP) is pretty close but the SH-3 (1/2.3") and GH5 (Four Thirds) provide different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The SH-3 was manufactured 11 months before the GH5 which means that they are of a similar age. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the SH-3 scores against the GH5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SH-3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH5. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-3 Gallery & Panasonic GH5 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus SH-3 features exterior measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") along with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GH5 has specifications of 139mm x 98mm x 87mm (5.5" x 3.9" x 3.4") with a weight of 725 grams (1.60 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SH-3 versus Panasonic GH5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the SH-3 vs the GH5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SH-3 and GH5 is 88 and 59 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes purely by looking through technical specs. The pic underneath should give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-3 and GH5.

As you have seen, each of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SH-3 due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Panasonic GH5 will provide you with greater detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more aged SH-3 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.