Olympus SH-3 vs Sony HX99

Following is a thorough review of the Olympus SH-3 vs Sony HX99, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by competitors Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the SH-3 (16MP) and the HX99 (18MP) is relatively close but the SH-3 (1/2.3") and HX99 (1/2.3-inch) offer totally different sensor sizing.

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The SH-3 was unveiled 3 years prior to the HX99 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting right into a in depth comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the SH-3 matches up vs the HX99 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SH-3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-3 Gallery and Sony HX99 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SH-3 has got outer measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Sony HX99 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 242 grams (0.53 lbs).

See the Olympus SH-3 vs Sony HX99 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the SH-3 and the HX99.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SH-3 and HX99 is 88 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to envision the contrast in sensor sizes simply by researching technical specs. The image below will help offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-3 and HX99.

As you can tell, both of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SH-3 with its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Sony HX99 will render greater detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots way more aggressively. The more aged SH-3 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.