Olympus SH-3 vs Sony QX1

Below is a detailed comparison of the Olympus SH-3 and Sony QX1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Lens-style by brands Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the SH-3 (16MP) and the QX1 (20MP) is pretty close but the SH-3 (1/2.3") and QX1 (APS-C) boast different sensor measurements.

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The SH-3 was announced 18 months later than the QX1 which makes them a generation apart from one another. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera and the Sony QX1 being a Lens-style camera.

Before getting straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief summary of how the SH-3 matches up against the QX1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SH-3 & Sony Alpha QX1. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SH-3 Gallery & Sony QX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to factor in 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) whilst the Sony QX1 has measurements of 74mm x 70mm x 53mm (2.9" x 2.8" x 2.1") and a weight of 216 grams (0.48 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SH-3 and Sony QX1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the SH-3 vs the QX1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SH-3 and QX1 is 88 and 90 respectively.

Sometimes, it's tough to imagine the difference in sensor measurements only by viewing specs. The photograph below might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-3 and QX1.

All in all, both of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SH-3 having a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Sony QX1 will render greater detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more recent SH-3 provides a benefit in sensor tech.