Olympus SH-3 vs Pentax K-x

Here, we will be matching up the Olympus SH-3 versus Pentax K-x, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the SH-3 (16MP) and K-x (12MP) and the SH-3 (1/2.3") and K-x (APS-C) boast different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The SH-3 was unveiled 6 years after the K-x which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-x being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the SH-3 matches up against the K-x in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SH-3 and Pentax K-x. The full galleries are available at Olympus SH-3 Gallery and Pentax K-x Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera often, you will need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SH-3 has got physical measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Pentax K-x has dimensions of 123mm x 92mm x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") and a weight of 580 grams (1.28 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SH-3 versus Pentax K-x in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the SH-3 compared to the K-x.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SH-3 and K-x is 88 and 69 respectively.

Quite often, it is hard to picture the contrast in sensor sizes only by researching specs. The picture here might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-3 and K-x.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SH-3 with its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF harder and the Olympus SH-3 will result in more detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots way more aggressively. The newer SH-3 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.