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Canon SX30 IS vs Olympus SH-50 Comparison

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Canon SX30 IS

14 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CCD Sensor

Canon SX30 IS
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Olympus SH-50

16 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) BSI-CMOS Sensor

Olympus SH-50
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Canon SX30 IS vs Olympus SH-50 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing SX30 IS and SH-50, two Small Sensor Superzoom cameras from Canon and Olympus. Both cameras have 1/2.3" sensors but Canon SX30 IS has a 14.0 MP and Olympus SH-50 has a 16.0 MP resolution. Canon SX30 IS was introduced to market in September 2010 and Olympus SH-50 was launched in January 2013. As you can see, SX30 IS is 3 years older than SH-50. Let's see if this age difference between two cameras makes a big difference.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Canon SX30 IS and Olympus SH-50 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Canon SX30 IS Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2010-09-14
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" CCD Sensor
  • ISO 80 - 1600
  • 24-840 mm F2.7-5.8 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 2.7" Fully Articulated Screen
  • Electronic viewfinder
  • 1 fps continuous shooting
  • HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution
  • 601g. 123 x 92 x 108 mm
  • Replaced Canon PowerShot SX20 IS Compare

Olympus SH-50 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2013-01-08
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 125 - 6400
  • 25-600 mm F3.0-6.9 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3" Fixed Type Screen
  • 12 fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 269g. 112 x 63 x 42 mm

Canon SX30 IS was replaced by Canon PowerShot SX40 HS. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Canon PowerShot SX40 HS vs Canon PowerShot SX30 IS
Canon PowerShot SX40 HS vs Olympus SH-50

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Canon SX30 IS and Olympus SH-50 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Canon PowerShot SX30 IS over Olympus SH-50
LCD Screen
Fully Articulated vs Fixed Type Flexible shooting positions
External Flash Shoe
Yes vs No Better for flash photography
Viewfinder
Electronic vs None Better framing and control
Max Mech. Shutter
1/3200s vs 1/2000s faster mechanical shutter
Focal Length - Wide
24mm vs 25mm 1 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele
840mm vs 600mm 240 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
35× vs 24× more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Wide
2.70 vs 3.00 faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele
5.80 vs 6.90 faster lens at tele
Flash Coverage
6.8m vs 4.0m 2.8m longer range
Sensor Pixel Area
2.01µm2 vs 1.76µm2 14% larger pixel area
Selfie & Vlogger Friendly LCD
Yes vs No Rotate LCD for taking Selfies


Reasons to choose Olympus SH-50 over Canon PowerShot SX30 IS
Wireless Connection
Built-In vs Eye-Fi Connected Better connectivity
Touch Screen
Yes vs No Easy control of camera functions
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs No very handy for portraits
Max Sensor Resolution
16 MP vs 14 MP 14% more pixels
Max ISO
6.400 vs 1.600 300% higher Max ISO
LCD Screen Size
3" vs 2.7" 0.3 inches larger display
LCD Screen Resolution
460k dots vs 230k dots 100% higher resolution screen
Continuous Shooting
12.0fps vs 1.0fps 11 fps faster
Weight
269 g vs 601 g 332 g lighter
Max Video Resolution
1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720 Higher Resolution Video

Common Strengths of Canon PowerShot SX30 IS and Olympus SH-50
Image Stabilization
Optical vs Optical Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Built-in Flash
Yes vs Yes Useful in low-light
Manual Focusing
Yes vs Yes both have manual focusing modes
Manual Exposure
Yes vs Yes better exposure control
Focal Length - Tele
840mm vs 600mm Very good Telezoom
Common Weaknesses of Canon PowerShot SX30 IS and Olympus SH-50
RAW Support
No vs No Lower image quality
LCD Screen Resolution
230k dots vs 460k dots Low resolution screens
Environmental Sealing
No vs No not suitable for tough conditions
Max Aperture - Tele
5.80 vs 6.90 Slow lenses at tele
Canon SX30 IS vs Olympus SH-50: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Canon SX30 IS and Olympus SH-50 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Canon SX30 IS has external dimensions of 123 x 92 x 108 mm (4.84 x 3.62 x 4.25″) and weighs 601 g (1.32 lb / 21.20 oz) (including batteries). Olympus SH-50 has external dimensions of 112 x 63 x 42 mm (4.41 x 2.48 x 1.65″) and weighs 269 g (0.59 lb / 9.49 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Canon SX30 IS and Olympus SH-50. Olympus SH-50 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 11mm narrower, 29mm shorter and 66mm thinner than Canon SX30 IS.

Canon SX30 IS vs Olympus SH-50 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Canon SX30 IS and Olympus SH-50 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Olympus SH-50 is significantly lighter (332g ) than the Canon SX30 IS which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

SX30 IS
SH-50
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

SX30 IS
SH-50
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Canon PowerShot SX30 IS nor Olympus SH-50 provides any type of weather sealing in their body, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections:
Top Bridge Cameras with Weather Sealing
Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Olympus SH-50's 3" LCD screen is slightly larger than Canon SX30 IS's 2.7" screen.

On the other hand, Canon SX30 IS sports a Fully Articulated screen which you can change the angle and position of the screen almost freely, making it possible to shoot from waist or over the head levels, and especially very useful for shooting selfies and video. On the other hand, Olympus SH-50 has a fixed type screen which provides almost no flexibility in shooting positions compared to SX30 IS.
Canon SX30 IS vs Olympus SH-50: Sensor Comparison

Canon SX30 IS has a 14.0MP 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Digic 4 processor. On the other hand, Olympus SH-50 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features TruePic VI processor.

Below you can see the SX30 IS and SH-50 sensor size comparison.

Canon SX30 IS vs Olympus SH-50 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Canon SX30 IS and Olympus SH-50 Cameras


Canon SX30 IS and Olympus SH-50 have sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since Canon SX30 IS has 14% larger pixel area compared to Olympus SH-50, it has potential to collect more light on pixel level hence have less noise in low light / High ISO images.

Canon SX30 IS vs Olympus SH-50 Lens Specs Comparison

Canon SX30 IS features a 24-840 mm F2.7-5.8 35× zoom lens whereas Olympus SH-50 features a 25-600 mm F3.0-6.9 24× zoom lens.

Canon SX30 IS has 1mm wider coverage than the Olympus SH-50. At f2.70, it is also faster at widest end. On the tele end, Canon SX30 IS has 240mm longer reach than the Olympus SH-50. At f5.80, it is also faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

DSLR-Like Cameras

SX30 IS
SH-50
Widest - Samsung WB2200F
Average
Telezoom

Compact Cameras

SX30 IS
SH-50
Longest - Nikon P1000
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

SX30 IS
SH-50
Fastest - Olympus 1
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

SX30 IS
SH-50
Fastest - Sony RX10 III
Average
What types of Photography are Canon SX30 IS and Olympus SH-50 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Canon SX30 IS and Olympus SH-50 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Canon SX30 IS for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE

Olympus SH-50 for Portrait Photography

POOR
Image Stabilization
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details
Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Canon SX30 IS for Street Photography

GOOD

Olympus SH-50 for Street Photography

GOOD
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
Fully Articulated LCD Screen
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.70
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Medium sized Body
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details
Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
Read the details

Canon SX30 IS for Sports Photography

AVERAGE

Olympus SH-50 for Sports Photography

POOR
Image Stabilization
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
840 mm Tele Lens
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Average Max shutter speed: 1/3200s
No RAW shooting capability
Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
Environmental Sealings
9 Focus Points
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.80
Read the details
Image Stabilization
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 12.0fps
Wireless Connection
600 mm Tele Lens
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Focus Points
Slow Lens at Tele: f6.90
Read the details

Canon SX30 IS for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Olympus SH-50 for Daily Photography

GOOD
35.0X Optical Zoom
Medium size Body
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
601g
Body Thickness 108mm
Read the details
Compact Body
269g
24.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Body Thickness 42mm
Read the details

Canon SX30 IS for Landscape Photography

POOR

Olympus SH-50 for Landscape Photography

POOR
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Canon SX30 IS vs Olympus SH-50: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Canon SX30 IS and Olympus SH-50, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Canon SX30 IS and Olympus SH-50 scores compare:

Canon SX30 IS
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #69 out of 113 in SLR-like (bridge) cameras
Ranked #626 out of 1220 in all Cameras
Olympus SH-50
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #99 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #566 out of 1220 in all Cameras

Olympus SH-50 is the clear winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Canon SX30 IS in all criteria.
It has better general image quality, more features, more compact body and offers more value for the money

Canon SX30 IS
Canon SX30 IS
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Olympus SH-50
Olympus SH-50
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Olympus SH-50 vs Canon SX30 IS Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Canon PowerShot SX30 IS Olympus SH-50
Brand Canon Olympus
Announced 2010-09-14 2013-01-08
Body Type SLR-like (bridge) Compact
Sensor
Type CCD BSI-CMOS
Size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm 6.17 x 4.55 mm
Area 28.07mm2 28.07mm2
Megapixels 14 megapixels 16 megapixels
Max Resolution 4320 x 3240 4608 x 3456
Max Native Light sensitivity 1,600 ISO 6,400 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 80 ISO 125 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points 9 n/a
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 24-840 mm (35×) 25-600 mm (24×)
Max Aperture F2.7-5.8 F3.0-6.9
Macro Focus Range 0cm 5cm
Screen
Type Fully Articulated Fixed type
Size 2.7" 3"
Resolution 230k dots 460k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Electronic None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/3200s 1/2000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization Optical Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 6.80 m 4.00 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 1.0 fps 12.0 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 1280 x 720 1920 x 1080
Video Formats Motion JPEG MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity Eye-Fi Connected Built-In
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 601g 269g
Dimensions 123 x 92 x 108mm 112 x 63 x 42mm
Battery Life n/a n/a
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
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