Olympus SH-21 Digital Camera
The Olympus SH-21 is a 16MP 1/2.3 inch compact camera — with 1080p video and in-body stabilization. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Olympus SH-21 Digital Camera
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Camera Overview — Olympus SH-21
Key Features — Olympus SH-21
16MP 1/2.3-Inch Sensor: Captures images at up to 4608x3456 pixels, suitable for everyday photos and standard prints.
Dual Image Stabilization: Optical sensor-shift IS combined with digital IS reduces camera shake for sharper handheld shots, especially in lower light.
3.0-Inch Touchscreen LCD: 460,000-dot touch display serves as the primary shooting and menu interface in the absence of a viewfinder.
Face Detection & Subject Tracking: Contrast-detection AF with face detection and subject tracking helps keep moving subjects in focus automatically.
7fps Burst Mode: Continuous shooting at up to 7 frames per second helps capture fast-moving subjects without missing the moment.
1080p Video Recording: Records full HD video at 30fps, covering basic video needs for travel and everyday use.
Camera Specifications — Olympus SH-21
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Travel |
| Type | Point and Shoot |
| Sensor | 1/2.3 inch |
| Resolution | 16MP |
| ISO Range | 80 – 3200 |
| AF System | Contrast Detection, Face Detection AF |
| Max Photo Resolution | 4608x3456 |
| Burst Rate | 7 fps |
| Max Video Resolution | 1080p |
| Max Frame Rate | 30fps |
| Bit Depth | 8-bit |
| Video Color Profiles | Standard |
Description — Olympus SH-21
The Olympus SH-21 is a point-and-shoot compact camera centered on a 16MP 1/2.3-inch sensor with an ISO range of 80–3200. The body is built from plastic composite, measuring 105 x 59 x 31 mm and tipping the scales at just 184g — genuinely pocketable for travel or everyday use. A standout feature is the dual stabilization setup: sensor-shift IBIS combined with digital IS helps reduce motion blur from handheld shooting.
The 3.0-inch touchscreen LCD at 460,000 dots is the sole framing tool, as no viewfinder is fitted. Autofocus relies on contrast detection with face detection AF and subject tracking for versatility across different shooting scenarios. Burst shooting reaches 7fps.
Video is captured at up to 1080p at 30fps in 8-bit with a Standard color profile. Connectivity includes USB, Micro HDMI output, and support for SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. A built-in flash is present.
The LI-50B lithium-ion battery powers the camera. There is no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or weather sealing on this model.
Pros — Olympus SH-21
- ✓Sensor-shift IBIS plus digital IS offers two layers of stabilization (imageStabilization.type: Sensor-Shift (IBIS), imageStabilization.digitalIS: true)
- ✓Compact and lightweight at 184g with dimensions of 105 x 59 x 31 mm, easy to carry daily
- ✓3.0-inch touchscreen LCD at 460,000 dots provides a responsive and clear shooting interface
Cons — Olympus SH-21
- ✗No viewfinder of any kind, making outdoor shooting in bright light fully dependent on the LCD
- ✗1/2.3-inch sensor size limits dynamic range and high-ISO performance compared to larger-sensor compacts
- ✗ISO ceiling of 3200 is modest for low-light shooting
Videos — Olympus SH-21
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