Olympus SH-3 vs Sony HX400V: The Ultimate Small Sensor Superzoom Showdown

In a sea of superzoom compacts, two contenders from Olympus and Sony stake their claim with impressive zoom ranges and robust feature sets aimed at enthusiasts craving versatility without the complexity or expense of interchangeable lenses. Having spent extensive hours shooting with both the Olympus Stylus SH-3 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V across varying environments - portrait studios, breathtaking landscapes, fast-paced sports events, and even nighttime star fields - I’m here to share an in-depth, hands-on comparison. This goes beyond specs to reveal which is genuinely the better fit for your photographic palette.

Let’s unravel what each offers, pinpoint their strengths and weaknesses, and help you answer the key question: which camera deserves a place in your gear bag?

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Build Quality

Physically, these cameras could not be more different despite occupying the same general small-sensor superzoom category.

The Olympus SH-3 is a true compact, weighing just 271 grams with a slim 109x63x42 mm body, designed to slip into a jacket pocket or purse without a fuss. Its pocket-friendliness is a big plus if you’re an everyday shooter or traveler.

By contrast, the Sony HX400V flaunts a hefty, bridge-style SLR-like build – weighing over twice as much at 660 grams and measuring a bulky 130x93x103 mm. It feels more substantial in hand, drawing comparisons to a DSLR shape, but isn’t nearly as pocketable. That extra size offers more grip surface, physical controls, and arguably better balance when extending that lengthy 1200mm zoom.

Handling wise, I found Olympus’s minimalistic style easygoing but limited in dedicated controls. Sony lays out more buttons and dials, lending an experience closer to traditional DSLRs or mirrorless cameras. Seeing both side by side:

Sony’s top deck includes a mode dial, exposure compensation, and customizable function buttons, speeding up access to exposure adjustments and focus modes. Olympus keeps things clean but less immediately accessible, arguably better for beginners or casual users.

Both cameras are made primarily of quality plastics without environmental sealing - which means no dust, water, or freeze-proofing here. So if you’re shooting in rugged conditions, you’ll want to be cautious.

Verdict: The SH-3 wins on portability and casual ease of use, but the HX400V impresses with more professional ergonomics and control ergonomics.

Sensor and Image Quality: Beyond the Numbers

At the heart of every camera is the sensor. Both Olympus and Sony employ 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensors with the same physical dimension of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and area of roughly 28 mm². But Sony’s edges out with a higher 20MP resolution (5184 x 3888) compared to Olympus’s 16MP (4608 x 3456). This yields more pixels to play with, affecting detail capture and potential cropping ability.

However, megapixels alone don’t tell the whole story. Sensor design and processing pipelines matter hugely. Sony’s Bionz X processor is renowned for noise reduction and color accuracy, which is evident in images that retain cleaner shadows at ISO 800-1600 and more vibrant skin tones. Olympus’s TruePic VII processor is competent, but noise tends to rise faster as you push ISO past 400, making low-light shots noticeably softer and grainier.

In real-world shooting - portraits and landscapes alike - Sony’s images benefit from finer resolution, allowing for cleaner prints up to 13x19 inches without loss of detail, something the Olympus starts to struggle with at that size.

But Olympus isn’t without charm; its color reproduction leans towards punchier and more vivid hues, which appeals to travel and casual photographers wanting lively output straight out of camera. Olympus also includes raw file support, whereas Sony does not, which is a major consideration for photographers wanting maximum editing control.

Verdict: Sony’s sensor and processing combo delivers technically superior image quality, especially in finer detail and low light. Olympus leans more towards vibrant JPEGs but falls short in raw editing flexibility.

Autofocus: Tracking and Precision Under Pressure

An autofocus system’s behaviour dramatically influences shooting satisfaction, so I pay close attention here.

Both cameras utilize contrast detection AF, but Sony’s HX400V brings 9 AF points and boasts face detection with live tracking - useful for wildlife or portraiture events. Olympus’s SH-3 combines contrast AF with touch focus capabilities but lacks dedicated AF points, relying on a more generalized system.

During fast-action soccer matches and erratic wildlife movement, Sony’s hybrid AF proved more consistent in locking onto subjects quickly without wandering. Olympus could keep up for slower-moving subjects but occasionally hesitated during continuous bursts, evident when shooting birds or children.

Holding still and macro photography shifts the AF dynamics though. Olympic’s SH-3 shines with a minimum focus distance of 3cm, enabling close-up shots with ease. Sony allows macro from just 1 cm, slightly closer, but Olympus offers post-capture focus adjustments via touch screen - an intriguing feature for stacking or focus exploring. The HX400V lacks touchscreen, limiting such interactions.

Verdict: Sony trails Olympus for macro precision but is clearly authoritative in autofocus speed and subject tracking, critical for wildlife and sports.

Display and Viewfinder: Your Framing Allies

Composition relies on reliable framing tools. Both cameras sport 3” LCD screens but differ in resolution and articulation:

Olympus’s fixed touchscreen has 460k dots, modest by any standard and offers limited tilting, while Sony’s 921k resolution tilting screen is brighter and enables more flexibility with high and low-angle shooting, ideal for street and travel photography.

A major differentiator is Sony’s electronic viewfinder (EVF), an invaluable addition in bright conditions or when you want a stabilizing grip by pressing the camera firmly to your face. The SH-3 lacks an EVF, which can frustrate shooting under midday sun where LCD glare hampers visibility.

Do I prefer shooting with an EVF or just LCD? Depends on conditions. For outdoor, fast-paced environments, that EVF is a lifesaver. Indoors or casual use? The touchscreen’s intuitive taps hold appeal.

Verdict: Sony’s EVF and tilting high-res screen offer more framing versatility. Olympus’s simple but effective touchscreen suffices for casual and travel photography.

Lens and Zoom Power: Reach Versus Speed

What superzoom wouldn’t brag about focal length? This is a major battleground.

• Olympus SH-3 covers a 25-600 mm equivalent zoom (24x)
• Sony HX400V dominates with 24-1200 mm equivalent (50x)

This difference means the Sony doubles the telephoto reach, opening up unique opportunities for wildlife and distant subjects - an undeniable advantage if you crave ultimate zoom flexibility.

While Olympus peaks at f/3.0 aperture at wide angle and f/6.9 telephoto, Sony offers a marginally brighter f/2.8-6.3 range, aiding low light and background blur.

Both provide optical image stabilization, yet their approaches differ: Olympus employs sensor-shift stabilization and Sony uses lens-shift optical IS. In handheld telephoto tests, I found them comparably effective, allowing steady shots around 1/100s at maximum zoom, a testament to mature IS tech.

Macro enthusiasts might find Olympus’s 3 cm closest focusing range less impressive than Sony’s 1 cm, and Sony’s minimum f/2.8 wide aperture also helps isolate subjects better for shallow depth.

Verdict: Sony wins the zoom race and aperture edge; Olympus maintains respectable reach with slightly slower glass.

Burst Speed, Shutter Options, and Exposure Controls

For enthusiasts shooting moving subjects, speed matters. Olympus reaches 11.5 frames per second continuous shooting, edging out Sony’s 10 fps, though Sony balances this with longer maximum shutter speed of 1/4000s versus Olympus’s 1/2000s. Meaning Sony offers finer control in bright conditions or fast shutter effects.

Sony’s manual exposure priority modes include shutter and aperture priority, whereas Olympus limits to manual mode only without priority presets. For users who prefer quick shifts in exposure modes, Sony feels more flexible.

Exposure compensation is available on both (+/-), while bracketed exposures (AE and WB) are exclusive to Sony, broadening creative latitude.

In practice, Olympus still impresses with quick startup and snappy performance, but Sony’s well-rounded exposure controls better serve advanced shooters honing precise manual settings.

Video Capabilities: Motion and Audio Considerations

Both cameras shoot HD video, but there are meaningful differences in resolution and quality.

• Olympus SH-3 shoots 4K UHD at 15 fps (uncommon frame rate) and Full HD up to 60p.
• Sony HX400V captures Full HD 1080p at 60p/60i/24p but no 4K options.

While Olympus’s 4K gives higher frame definition, that slow 15 fps limits smooth motion, making 1080p the practical choice for video enthusiasts. Sony’s proven Full HD codec options and AVCHD compatibility appeal more to videographers focused on fluid storytelling.

Notably, Sony includes a microphone input port, indispensable for external audio recording - a feature missing on Olympus. If serious video capture with good sound is your aim, Sony has the clear advantage.

Neither provides headphone jacks, so audio monitoring remains limited.

Connectivity, Storage, and Power

Both cameras support built-in Wi-Fi for wireless image transfer, a modern convenience for social sharing and remote control apps. Sony adds NFC and built-in GPS, a bonus for travel shooters who cherish geo-tagging shots on the fly; Olympus lacks both.

In terms of storage, both accommodate SD card formats (SDHC/SDXC) plus Olympus’s internal memory versus Sony’s support for Memory Stick Pro Duo variants - somewhat obsolete now.

Battery longevity favors Olympus’s 380 shots rating, exceeding Sony’s 300 shots per charge. The Olympus battery model LI-92B is a bit larger, while Sony’s NP-BX1 is compact but demands more frequent recharges under heavy use.

Real-World Shooting Across Genres

Let’s take a look at how they perform across typical photography genres.

Portrait Photography

Skin tone rendering and bokeh matter here. Sony’s higher resolving sensor and better wide aperture offered smoother backgrounds and nuanced skin textures. Olympus tends to boost colors more aggressively, which some find flattering but less natural. The HX400V’s face-detection AF is faster and steadier, locking focus for sharp eyes.

Landscape Photography

Both capture good landscapes, but Sony’s higher resolution, tilting screen, and wider dynamic range deliver crisper details and highlight retention. The lack of weather sealing in either impacts shooting in harsh environments, but Olympus’s compact form encourages portability.

Wildlife Photography

Here Sony’s 50x zoom and better tracking AF stand out. The extended reach facilitates capturing distant critters without cropping. Olympus’s 24x zoom limits telephoto reach, making it less optimal for small or far-off subjects.

Sports Photography

With continuous AF tracking on Sony and faster sensor shutter, it suits moderate sports well. Olympus slightly edges out in burst speed but loses on AF sophistication.

Street Photography

Olympus’s compactness and touchscreen favor candid shooting and discreet carry. Sony’s bulkier body and lack of touchscreen may hinder stealth but compensate with EVF stability and zoom versatility.

Macro Photography

Sony’s 1cm macro focus and f/2.8 wide angle provide excellent close-up detail; Olympus’s sensor-shift stabilization assists handheld sharpness but focus precision feels less refined.

Night / Astrophotography

Sony supports higher max ISO (12800 vs 6400), producing cleaner night shots with less noise. Olympus’s sensitivity limit and noise control restrict performance under dim stars or cityscapes.

Video

Sony’s HDMI out, microphone port, and smoother Full HD filming make it a stronger hybrid camera for video plus photos. Olympus’s shaky 4K frame rate and lacking audio input diminish use as a serious video tool.

Travel Photography

Olympus is the clear winner for travelers wanting lightweight, pocketable gear, quick operation, and decent zoom. Sony’s bulk and weight may be a burden for casual travel but suit enthusiasts seeking reach and rugged handling.

Professional Work

Both cameras have drawbacks for pros: no weather sealing, limited raw support (only Olympus), and small sensors that limit image quality compared to APS-C or full-frame systems. Still, Sony’s additional exposure controls, GPS, and higher resolution provide more professional flexibility.

Wrapping Up: What I Recommend and Why

In this matchup, both cameras shine for different reasons. Here’s the bottom line for you:

• Choose Olympus Stylus SH-3 if:

  • You prioritize portability and ease of use.
  • You prefer a touchscreen interface and quick candid shooting.
  • You want raw file capability for creative post-processing.
  • Your photography focuses on travel, street, or casual landscapes.
  • Budget allows modest investment (around $580 new).

• Choose Sony Cyber-shot HX400V if:

  • You need maximum zoom reach for wildlife or sports.
  • You want faster, more reliable autofocus tracking.
  • Video recording with good audio input matters.
  • You desire manual-exposure priority modes and advanced bracketing.
  • You value EVF use in bright light conditions.
  • You want built-in GPS for travel organization.

The Final Picture

Every camera is a set of compromises, and these two distill the trade-offs between size and functionality, zoom reach and handling comfort, image quality and ease of use.

While the Olympus SH-3 caters to the enthusiast who cherishes portability and simplicity alongside competent photo quality, the Sony HX400V suits users demanding zoom power and more control, especially for telephoto-intensive shooting and video.

Hopefully, this comparison helps you understand the nuanced differences beyond marketing speak. After all, cameras are tools tailored for specific creative needs - and knowing their real-world performance is the key to making an empowered choice.

For those interested, here’s a quick peek at representative shots from both cameras under mixed lighting:

Olympus SH 3 front Olympus SH 3 screen back Sony HX400V front Sony HX400V screen back

The more you shoot and experiment, the clearer your preferences become. Trust your workflow, subject matter, and lifestyle to lead the way.

Happy shooting!