Olympus SH-3 vs Sony A230

Let's take a more detailed look at the Olympus SH-3 versus Sony A230, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Olympus and Sony. There exists a significant gap among the resolutions of the SH-3 (16MP) and A230 (10MP) and the SH-3 (1/2.3") and A230 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SH-3 was introduced 6 years later than the A230 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera and the Sony A230 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise view of how the SH-3 matches up versus the A230 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SH-3 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SH-3 Gallery and Sony A230 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus SH-3 provides exterior dimensions 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 Sony A230 has specifications of 128mm x 97mm x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") along with a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SH-3 versus Sony A230 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you use at the time. Following is the front view size comparison of the SH-3 compared to the A230.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SH-3 and A230 is 88 and 69 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to imagine the gap in sensor sizing only by seeing a spec sheet. The graphic underneath may give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SH-3 and A230.

As you can see, the two cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SH-3 with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Olympus SH-3 will produce more detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more recent SH-3 provides an edge in sensor innovation.