Olympus SH-3 vs Sony HX20V

Below, we will be comparing the Olympus SH-3 and Sony HX20V, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by competitors Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SH-3 (16MP) and the HX20V (18MP) is pretty close and they use the exact same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SH-3 was revealed 3 years later than the HX20V and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving in to a in depth comparison, below is a brief summation of how the SH-3 scores against the HX20V in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SH-3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-3 Gallery & Sony HX20V Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus SH-3 provides outside measurements 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 HX20V has measurements of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") along with a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SH-3 and Sony HX20V in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you use at that time. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the SH-3 and the HX20V.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SH-3 and HX20V is 88 and 90 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to picture the gap in sensor measurements just by researching technical specs. The photograph here may offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-3 and HX20V.

As you can tell, both the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit different resolution. You can expect the Sony HX20V to provide you with more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more modern SH-3 should have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.