• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.2 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 500.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 600.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Sony HX30V advantages over Olympus SH-1

  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Higher-res screen
    307k vs 154k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Olympus SH-1 advantages over Sony HX30V

  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • More telephoto lens reach
    600 mm vs 500 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.5 fps vs 10.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    16 vs 10 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

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
  • 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 Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony HX30V

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus SH-1
Olympus SH-1
All SH-1 Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Solid build; Fast autofocus; Excellent zoom range and functionality; Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS; Useful creative effects modes.

  • Image quality not as good as predecessor; No electronic viewfinder; Confusing menu system and user manual.

  • Read our Sony HX30V Express Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSC-HX9V

Sony HX30V
Sony DSC-HX9V
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Fast startup
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony HX30V vs Sony DSC-HX9V

Olympus SH-1
Sony DSC-HX9V
  • $349
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus

Compare Olympus SH-1 vs Sony DSC-HX9V

Compared to Sony HX10V

Sony HX30V
Sony HX10V
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony HX30V vs Sony HX10V

Olympus SH-1
Sony HX10V
  • $349
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Higher-res screen

Compare Olympus SH-1 vs Sony HX10V

Compared to Sony HX20V

Sony HX30V
Sony HX20V
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $326
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compare Sony HX30V vs Sony HX20V

Olympus SH-1
Sony HX20V
  • $349
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $326
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus

Compare Olympus SH-1 vs Sony HX20V

Compared to Olympus SH-50

Sony HX30V
Olympus SH-50
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen

Compare Sony HX30V vs Olympus SH-50

Olympus SH-1
Olympus SH-50
  • $349
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Olympus SH-1 vs Olympus SH-50

Compared to Olympus SH-2

Sony HX30V
Olympus SH-2
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus
  • $499
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • RAW file ability

Compare Sony HX30V vs Olympus SH-2

Olympus SH-1
Olympus SH-2
  • $349
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $499
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability

Compare Olympus SH-1 vs Olympus SH-2

Compare Other Cameras?