• 1/2.35 inch 27.3mm2
  • 8.0 megapixels
  • 36.00mm - 180.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.5 inch 24.7mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • 38.00mm - 380.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Olympus 840 advantages over Sony DSC-H20

  • Larger sensor
    1/2.35 inch vs 1/2.5 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.86 vs 1.58 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Thinner
    24 mm vs 47 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    130g vs 285g
    Lighter weight

Sony DSC-H20 advantages over Olympus 840

  • More telephoto lens reach
    380 mm vs 180 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • More pixels
    10.1 vs 8.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    1.8 fps vs 1.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 6 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSC-W150

Olympus 840
Sony DSC-W150
  • $173
  • 1/2.35 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $163
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Manual focus
Sony DSC-H20
Sony DSC-W150
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More pixels
  • $163
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Sony DSC-H10

Olympus 840
Sony DSC-H10
  • $173
  • 1/2.35 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Less expensive
  • $300
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer exposure
Sony DSC-H20
Sony DSC-H10
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • More pixels
  • $300
  • 1/2.5 inch

Compared to Pentax V20

Olympus 840
Pentax V20
  • $173
  • 1/2.35 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $203
  • 1/2.35 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Sony DSC-H20
Pentax V20
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $203
  • 1/2.35 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Olympus FE-370

Olympus 840
Olympus FE-370
  • $173
  • 1/2.35 inch
  • $136
  • 1/2.35 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Higher extended ISO
Sony DSC-H20
Olympus FE-370
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $136
  • 1/2.35 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Canon SX130 IS

Olympus 840
Canon SX130 IS
  • $173
  • 1/2.35 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Thinner
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
Sony DSC-H20
Canon SX130 IS
  • $279
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less shutter lag
  • Longer exposure
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Longer stills battery life
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