Olympus SH-3 vs Sony A7R IV

Here, we are reviewing the Olympus SH-3 and Sony A7R IV, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Pro Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Sony. There is a considerable difference between the resolutions of the SH-3 (16MP) and A7R IV (61MP) and the SH-3 (1/2.3") and A7R IV (Full frame) boast different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The SH-3 was announced 4 years prior to the A7R IV and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera and the Sony A7R IV being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the SH-3 grades versus the A7R IV for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SH-3 & Sony Alpha A7R IV. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-3 Gallery & Sony A7R IV Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus SH-3 comes with external 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 Sony A7R IV has measurements of 129mm x 96mm x 78mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 3.1") accompanied by a weight of 665 grams (1.47 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SH-3 and Sony A7R IV in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have attached at the time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the SH-3 against the A7R IV.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the SH-3 and A7R IV is 88 and 62 respectively.

In many cases, it's hard to picture the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reviewing technical specs. The photograph here should offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SH-3 and A7R IV.

As you have seen, the two cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SH-3 with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh more difficult and the Sony A7R IV will offer you more detail with its extra 45MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The older SH-3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.