Olympus SH-3 vs Zeiss ZX1

Let's look much closer at the Olympus SH-3 versus Zeiss ZX1, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Zeiss. There exists a noticeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the SH-3 (16MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the SH-3 (1/2.3") and ZX1 (Full frame) feature totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SH-3 was released 3 years prior to the ZX1 which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SH-3 being a Compact camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the SH-3 matches up versus the ZX1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SH-3 & Zeiss ZX1. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SH-3 Gallery & Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus SH-3 has external measurements 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 Zeiss ZX1 has sizing of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SH-3 versus Zeiss ZX1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are working with at that time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the SH-3 and the ZX1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SH-3 and ZX1 is 88 and 67 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes just by checking specs. The image here might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SH-3 and ZX1.

All in all, each of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SH-3 because of its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field more difficult and the Zeiss ZX1 will give you extra detail as a result of its extra 21MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The more aged SH-3 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.