Olympus SH-3 vs Sony A9

On this page, we will be matching up the Olympus SH-3 vs Sony A9, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Sony. There is a significant difference among the sensor resolutions of the SH-3 (16MP) and A9 (24MP) and the SH-3 (1/2.3") and A9 (Full frame) offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The SH-3 was revealed 14 months before the A9 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera and the Sony A9 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the SH-3 scores versus the A9 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SH-3 and Sony Alpha A9. The full galleries are available at Olympus SH-3 Gallery and Sony A9 Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera, you will have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus SH-3 enjoys physical 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 A9 has sizing of 127mm x 96mm x 63mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.5") and a weight of 673 grams (1.48 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SH-3 vs Sony A9 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the SH-3 compared to the A9.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the SH-3 and A9 is 88 and 65 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to visualise the difference in sensor measurements just by going through specifications. The graphic here might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SH-3 and A9.

Plainly, both the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SH-3 using its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging and the Sony A9 will produce extra detail because of its extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures more aggressively. The older SH-3 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.