Olympus SH-3 vs Sony RX100

In this article, we are looking at the Olympus SH-3 vs Sony RX100, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SH-3 (16MP) and the RX100 (20MP) is very close but the SH-3 (1/2.3") and RX100 (1") possess different sensor dimensions.

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The SH-3 was manufactured 3 years later than the RX100 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise summation of how the SH-3 matches up versus the RX100 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus SH-3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-3 Gallery and Sony RX100 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera, you're going to have to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus SH-3 enjoys exterior dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") along with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) whilst the Sony RX100 has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SH-3 vs Sony RX100 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the SH-3 compared to the RX100.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SH-3 and RX100 is 88 and 91 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing just by looking through specs. The visual underneath should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the SH-3 and RX100.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SH-3 because of its smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh trickier and the Sony RX100 will result in greater detail due to its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images a little more aggressively. The newer SH-3 provides an edge in sensor technology.