Olympus SH-3 vs Pentax Q-S1

In this article, we will be analyzing the Olympus SH-3 vs Pentax Q-S1, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There is a substantial difference among the sensor resolutions of the SH-3 (16MP) and Q-S1 (12MP) and the SH-3 (1/2.3") and Q-S1 (1/1.7") come with different sensor sizing.

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The SH-3 was revealed 19 months after the Q-S1 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a brief summation of how the SH-3 grades vs the Q-S1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SH-3 & Pentax Q-S1. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-3 Gallery & Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

When you are going to travel with your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus SH-3 enjoys physical measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Pentax Q-S1 has measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SH-3 vs Pentax Q-S1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the SH-3 versus the Q-S1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SH-3 and Q-S1 is 88 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to imagine the difference in sensor dimensions purely by researching specifications. The pic underneath may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SH-3 and Q-S1.

Plainly, both of those cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SH-3 with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field harder and the Olympus SH-3 will render greater detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more modern SH-3 should have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.