Olympus SH-3 vs Sony RX100 II

In this article, we will be analyzing the Olympus SH-3 vs Sony RX100 II, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the SH-3 (16MP) and the RX100 II (20MP) is relatively comparable but the SH-3 (1/2.3") and RX100 II (1") use different sensor sizing.

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The SH-3 was brought out 2 years after the RX100 II which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 II being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple summation of how the SH-3 scores against the RX100 II with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SH-3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SH-3 Gallery and Sony RX100 II Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera frequently, you will need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SH-3 features external measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) and the Sony RX100 II has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 38mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 281 grams (0.62 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SH-3 vs Sony RX100 II in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have during that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the SH-3 vs the RX100 II.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SH-3 and RX100 II is 88 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to picture the difference in sensor dimensions only by checking out a spec sheet. The image underneath may offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-3 and RX100 II.

As you can see, the two cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The SH-3 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Sony RX100 II will show greater detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more recent SH-3 should have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.