Olympus SH-3 vs Sony RX100 IV

Here is a complete analysis of the Olympus SH-3 versus Sony RX100 IV, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the SH-3 (16MP) and the RX100 IV (20MP) is pretty well matched but the SH-3 (1/2.3") and RX100 IV (1") posses different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SH-3 was unveiled 9 months later than the RX100 IV and they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 IV being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving right into a detailed comparison, here is a short summary of how the SH-3 matches up vs the RX100 IV in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SH-3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SH-3 Gallery and Sony RX100 IV Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera frequently, you will want to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus SH-3 comes with physical 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) and the Sony RX100 IV has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") having a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs).

See the Olympus SH-3 versus Sony RX100 IV in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using during that time. The following is a front view size comparison of the SH-3 against the RX100 IV.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SH-3 and RX100 IV is 88 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizing merely by checking a spec sheet. The photograph below might give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SH-3 and RX100 IV.

Clearly, each of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SH-3 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh trickier and the Sony RX100 IV will resolve greater detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots way more aggressively. The fresher SH-3 should have a benefit in sensor innovation.