Olympus SH-3 vs Ricoh GR

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Olympus SH-3 versus Ricoh GR, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Ricoh. The image resolution of the SH-3 (16MP) and the GR (16MP) is fairly well matched but the SH-3 (1/2.3") and GR (APS-C) use different sensor measurements.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The SH-3 was manufactured 2 years later than the GR and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera and the Ricoh GR being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the SH-3 matches up vs the GR in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SH-3 & Ricoh GR. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SH-3 Gallery & Ricoh GR Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera frequently, you will want to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus SH-3 has outside measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) and the Ricoh GR has specifications of 117mm x 61mm x 35mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Check the Olympus SH-3 versus Ricoh GR in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have during that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the SH-3 against the GR.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SH-3 and GR is 88 and 90 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to visualize the gap between sensor sizing only by reading through specifications. The graphic underneath should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-3 and GR.

To sum up, both of the cameras offer the same exact megapixels but different sensor sizing. The SH-3 features the tinier sensor which is going to make getting bokeh more difficult. The more recent SH-3 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.