Olympus SP-100 vs Sony H20

The following is a detailed analysis of the Olympus SP-100 versus Sony H20, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Sony. There is a significant difference among the sensor resolutions of the SP-100 (16MP) and H20 (10MP) but they possess the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SP-100 was launched 4 years after the H20 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony H20 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the SP-100 scores versus the H20 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SP-100 Gallery and Sony H20 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera, you need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-100 has physical measurements of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") having a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) and the Sony H20 has dimensions of 107mm x 69mm x 47mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.9") with a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs).

See the Olympus SP-100 versus Sony H20 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the SP-100 vs the H20.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SP-100 and H20 is 63 and 87 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to imagine the difference in sensor dimensions only by going through technical specs. The picture underneath will give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-100 and H20.

As you can tell, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different MP. You should expect the Olympus SP-100 to produce more detail utilizing its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures far more aggressively. The fresher SP-100 provides an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.