Olympus SH-3 vs YI M1

Following is a extensive assessment of the Olympus SH-3 and YI M1, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and YI. The resolution of the SH-3 (16MP) and the M1 (20MP) is fairly comparable but the SH-3 (1/2.3") and M1 (Four Thirds) use different sensor sizing.

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The SH-3 was brought out 7 months prior to the M1 and they are of a similar age. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera and the YI M1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a complete comparison, below is a short summary of how the SH-3 grades vs the M1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SH-3 & YI M1. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SH-3 Gallery & YI M1 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry around your camera often, you will need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus SH-3 has exterior dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) and the YI M1 has proportions of 114mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.5" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 350 grams (0.77 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SH-3 and YI M1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the SH-3 versus the M1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SH-3 and M1 is 88 and 87 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to visualize the gap in sensor sizes just by seeing a spec sheet. The image underneath should offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SH-3 and M1.

As you can see, the 2 cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SH-3 because of its smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh tougher and the YI M1 will provide more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics a little more aggressively. The more aged SH-3 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.