Olympus SH-3 vs Panasonic L1

Here, we are matching up the Olympus SH-3 vs Panasonic L1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a huge gap between the resolutions of the SH-3 (16MP) and L1 (7MP) and the SH-3 (1/2.3") and L1 (Four Thirds) provide totally different sensor measurements.

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The SH-3 was announced 8 years later than the L1 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic L1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short view of how the SH-3 grades vs the L1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus SH-3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-3 Gallery and Panasonic L1 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus SH-3 has outside 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 L1 has specifications of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") with a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SH-3 vs Panasonic L1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing at that moment. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the SH-3 against the L1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SH-3 and L1 is 88 and 65 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing purely by going over technical specs. The photograph below will give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SH-3 and L1.

As you can tell, both of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SH-3 with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF harder and the Olympus SH-3 will offer you more detail with its extra 9 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop pics way more aggressively. The fresher SH-3 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.