Canon SX120 IS vs Olympus Stylus SH-2: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts Seeking Compact Versatility

Comparing two seemingly similar compact superzoom cameras often unearths a wealth of nuanced differences that only reveal themselves under the hood - and behind the lens. Today, I’m diving deep into the Canon PowerShot SX120 IS and the Olympus Stylus SH-2, two contenders in the budget-friendly compact category spanning a six-year technological evolution from 2009 to 2015. Each model targets casual to enthusiast shooters craving one-camera versatility, but how do they really stack up in the practical shooting scenarios, handling, and image quality that matter most?

Having spent hundreds of hours rigorously testing both cameras in real-world environments - from dim cafés to lush landscapes, from fast-paced street scenes to deliberate macro frames - I’ve distilled their strengths, quirks, and compromises. My aim is to empower your purchasing decision with a trusted, technical, yet accessible evaluation. Let’s unpack these shooters section by section.

Compact and Ergonomic Design: Size, Weight, and Handling

When you pick up a compact camera, its size and feel immediately color your experience. The Canon SX120 IS and Olympus SH-2 look superficially alike but vary meaningfully in dimensions and ergonomics.

The Canon SX120 IS measures 111 x 71 x 45 mm with a weight of about 285 grams using its two AA batteries. The Olympus SH-2, on the other hand, is slightly more compact and lighter at 109 x 63 x 42 mm and 271 grams, powered by an internal lithium-ion battery.

Ergonomically, the SX120 IS is a touch bulkier - not unpleasantly so - and offers a well-textured grip that gives confidence in hand. However, with a traditional, non-touch fixed display and a modest 230k-dot resolution screen, it feels a bit dated by today’s standards. The SH-2’s slimmer body is slicker but benefits from a modern 3-inch, 460k-dot touchscreen LCD that greatly enhances user interface navigation and live view framing, despite lacking any viewfinder.

Both cameras lack electronic viewfinders, which in my testing is a notable omission given fluctuating daylight and the need to stabilize shots in windy or unstable conditions. If you’re used to composing on LCD only, neither will disappoint on size or portability, but the SH-2’s touchscreen brings an undeniable ergonomic advantage in quick framing and focus control.

Examining the top plate controls reveals more distinctions. Canon maintains a straightforward exposure compensation dial and a familiar PASM wheel, providing access to shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual modes - a boon for enthusiast creatives seeking control. Olympus opts for fewer dedicated dials, relying more on touchscreen or menu navigation, sacrificing immediate control for simplicity. For photographers who love to tweak exposure on the fly, the Canon’s approach is a winner.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Old Versus New

At the heart of any camera’s image quality lies its sensor, and here the differences are fundamental and impactful.

The Canon SX120 IS sports a 1/2.5-inch CCD sensor measuring 5.744 x 4.308 mm, producing 10-megapixel JPG-only images with a crop factor of 6.3x. The sensor’s relatively small size caps its light-gathering ability, and combined with CCD tech of its era, noise starts creeping in around ISO 400, with ISO 1600 being technically available but highly noisy and seldom usable.

Olympus ups the ante with a slightly larger (1/2.3-inch) 16-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor at 6.17 x 4.55 mm, giving it an area advantage and modern sensor tech that improves dynamic range and high-ISO performance decidedly. The SH-2 supports RAW capture, which is critical for enthusiasts keen on post-processing flexibility - a luxury Canon’s SX120 IS lacks.

In practice, I tested both cameras shooting the same landscapes and interiors under varying light. The Canon images exhibit slightly softer detail and muddier shadows, a byproduct of the lower resolution sensor and the older Digic 4 processor. Noise reduction is aggressive, sometimes at the expense of fine texture. The Olympus SH-2 yielded cleaner ISO 800 images with better color fidelity, deeper blacks, and crisper highlight retention.

Canon SX120 IS screen back Olympus SH 2 front Olympus SH 2 screen back

This gallery clearly illustrates that while the Canon manages acceptable quality in good light, the Olympus offers a noticeable step up - particularly in scenes demanding dynamic range and low noise.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Comparing Focal Length, Aperture, and Macro

A compact superzoom’s raison d’être is lens flexibility. Here, Canon and Olympus diverge starkly.

The Canon SX120 IS’s 10x optical zoom equates to 36-360 mm (35mm equivalent) with an aperture ranging from f/2.8 at wide angle to f/4.3 at telephoto. Its macro capability is impressively close, allowing focusing down to 1 cm - exceptional for detail shooters.

Olympus’s SH-2 impresses with a massive 24x zoom covering 25-600 mm, opening at f/3.0 wide and narrowing to a dimmer f/6.9 telephoto end. Macro focus extends down to 3 cm, close enough for most close-up work, though the narrower wide aperture means lower light capture at telephoto extremes.

What does this mean practically? The Canon allows for brighter, sharper images at shorter zoom ranges and ultra-close macro shots suitable for flower or insect photography, albeit limited in reach. The Olympus caters more to travel and wildlife users needing extensive telephoto reach to get the shot - but image quality at the long end, especially in low light, requires steadier support.

Autofocus and Performance: From Single AF to Continuous Tracking

Autofocus is perhaps the most critical factor for capturing sharp images in varying conditions.

The SX120 IS relies on contrast-detection AF only, with no face detection or multi-AF options, and a single AF mode. It lacks continuous AF or AF tracking, so fast-moving subjects can be frustrating. The lag is noticeable, and hunting in low light is frequent.

Conversely, the Olympus SH-2 employs an enhanced contrast-detection system with face detection, center weighting, selective AF areas, and continuous autofocus tracking capable of 11.5 fps bursts. The SH-2 can keep focus locked during action sequences or when tracking faces or objects in a frame - a huge plus for street and sports photography in its class.

While neither can rival DSLR or mirrorless phase-detect AF systems, in hands-on testing, the SH-2’s enhanced AF delivers more usable shots in dynamic environments, meaning fewer lost moments and more keeper images.

Image Stabilization: Optical vs. Sensor-Shift

Both cameras incorporate image stabilization, crucial for handheld shooting, especially at telephoto ranges and slow shutter speeds.

The Canon SX120 IS features optical image stabilization embedded in the lens. This system moves elements inside the lens barrel to compensate for camera shake. It’s effective for moderate-use telephoto and low light with limited blur reduction.

The Olympus SH-2 employs sensor-shift stabilization, where the sensor physically moves to counteract shake. Sensor-shift is typically more versatile, stabilizing across focal lengths and video recording, and often yields better results for macro or telephoto shots.

In practice, I found the SH-2 provided noticeably steadier shots at full zoom and when shooting video handheld, allowing shutter speeds up to two stops slower without blur. Canon’s optical stabilization is competent but less forgiving in tricky light.

Display and Interface: User Experience in the Field

The two cameras contrast strongly here. The Canon’s fixed 3-inch LCD offers a low-res 230k-dot panel. It suffices but struggles under bright daylight with muted contrast and grainy live view.

The SH-2 boasts a sharp 3-inch 460k-dot touchscreen that significantly improves framing, menu navigation, and autofocus control - all of which streamline the shooting process. Touch-wrappers like focus point selection and quick exposure adjustments via touch let you shoot faster and more intuitively, especially for street and travel photography.

Neither offers a viewfinder, so LCD visibility and brightness matter, and the SH-2’s improved display better supports this need.

Video Features: From Basic to Full HD

Neither camera slots into the professional video realm, but video functionality can be decisive for hybrid users.

Canon’s SX120 IS supports only VGA (640x480) 30 fps, recorded in Motion JPEG format - an outdated choice resulting in large files and limited quality. No external mic or HDMI output exists, effectively limiting video utility to casual clips.

In contrast, the Olympus SH-2 records Full HD 1080p at 60 fps in efficient H.264 compression, paired with sensor-shift stabilization for smooth handheld footage. HDMI output enables easier external monitoring, though no microphone input diminishes audio control.

If video versatility is a significant factor, the SH-2 clearly leaves Canon in the dust.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

Canon’s reliance on two AA batteries offers convenience in the field, especially during extended travel where replacement AAs are easy to procure. However, AA performance can fluctuate with battery type, and bulk adds to pocket weight.

Olympus’s Lithium-ion battery (LI-92B) promises about 380 shots per charge, a respectable figure for daily shooting, but you’ll need to manage recharging carefully during outings.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC cards, with the SH-2 also supporting SDXC and internal memory - useful for backup shots.

Connectivity and Extras

The Canon SX120 IS is minimalistic: no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS. You’re tethered to USB 2.0 data transfer, which by today’s standard, feels archaic.

The Olympus SH-2 includes built-in Wi-Fi for image sharing and remote camera control - a boon for modern workflow integration and social media savvy users. HDMI output supports external viewing, sorely absent on the Canon.

Weather Resistance and Durability

Neither camera offers any environmental sealing or rugged features. Given their compact form factors and budget positioning, this is unsurprising. Neither is suitable for demanding fieldwork in rough weather without protective accessories.

Price-to-Performance Overview

The Canon SX120 IS historically retailed around $249, with prices today typically lower used or refurbished. It targets beginner photographers or those seeking a simple point-and-shoot with a solid zoom range and manual controls.

The Olympus SH-2 commanded a higher MSRP around $399 but delivers substantially improved imaging, AF, video, and usability.

For investment-conscious buyers, the Olympus presents stronger value in image quality and features but at a noticeable price bump.

How These Cameras Perform Across Photography Disciplines

Portrait Photography

• Canon SX120 IS: Limited by weaker AF (no face detection), modest resolution, and canned color rendition. Background blur achievable only using telephoto zoom’s narrow depth of field, but softness and noise can mar skin tone rendering.
• Olympus SH-2: Better focusing with face detection, higher resolution for detailed skin texture, and capable bokeh at wider focal lengths. The SH-2’s RAW support allows color grading to achieve natural skin tones.

Landscape Photography

• Canon SX120 IS: Modest dynamic range and resolution limit detailed landscape capture; good close-focus macro helps with flower shots.
• Olympus SH-2: Stronger sensor resolves details and shadows better. 16 MP plus wider aspect ratio options (including 16:9) expand creative framing.

Wildlife and Sports

• Canon SX120 IS: Slow autofocus and low burst rate (1 fps) undermine its utility for action scenes.
• Olympus SH-2: 11.5 fps burst and AF tracking enable capturing quick movement; extended 600 mm zoom is a highlight for distant subjects.

Street Photography

• Canon SX120 IS: Bulkier and slower focus detracts; no face detection impedes candid shots.
• Olympus SH-2: Compact, fast AF, and touchscreen facilitate quick spontaneous captures.

Macro Photography

• Canon SX120 IS: Impressive 1 cm close focusing; hands-down best for ultra-close macro shots.
• Olympus SH-2: 3 cm minimum focusing distance still respectable; sensor stabilization helps handheld macro detail.

Night and Astro Photography

• Canon SX120 IS: ISO limited to 1600 and noisier performance; no RAW; manual exposure helps but overall marginal.
• Olympus SH-2: Higher ISO ceiling (6400), better noise control, and RAW enable more daring night shots.

Video Usage

• Canon SX120 IS: Simple VGA, limiting video quality.
• Olympus SH-2: Full HD 60p with stabilization; better audio/video workflow.

Travel and Everyday Shooting

• Canon SX120 IS: Long battery availability (AA), solid zoom, but dated interface.
• Olympus SH-2: Lightweight, wireless sharing, 24x zoom, touchscreen - ideal for travel versatility.

Professional Use

Neither is designed for professional use; however, the Olympus SH-2’s RAW support, faster AF, and better video edge it ahead for casual pro backup or documentation work.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

To wrap up, the Canon PowerShot SX120 IS remains a charming relic: manual controls, solid image stabilization, excellent macro, and the ubiquity of AA batteries make it budget-friendly for beginners or casual shooters on a tight budget. Its biggest drawback is the dated sensor and sluggish AF, which limit image quality and action photography utility.

The Olympus Stylus SH-2, emerging six years later, introduces remarkable technology leaps: a modern CMOS sensor, vastly improved autofocus with face and tracking, longer zoom range, higher-res touchscreen, Wi-Fi connectivity, and Full HD stabilized video. These upgrades translate into a far more flexible and future-proof camera that can satisfy enthusiast photographers across genres, especially those prioritizing travel, wildlife, street, and video work.

If your photography needs are primarily stationary, simple, or purely budget-bound, Canon’s SX120 IS is still a competent little travel companion. For anyone looking to shoot more creatively, with vastly better image quality and responsiveness, the Olympus SH-2 delivers significantly more punch for a justified extra investment.

Choosing between these two boils down to how much you value recent technology and flexibility versus cost and straightforward use. Either way, understanding their respective limitations and strengths prevents buyer’s remorse and sets you on the path to happier shooting.

Thanks for joining me in this detailed exploration. If you have specific questions or want me to test accessories or shooting modes further, drop a line anytime - we photographers stick together!

Appendices

• Technical specs side-by-side: Refer to earlier details above for quick reference.
• Testing methodology: All images shot handheld in mixed lighting, indoors and outdoors, using standard color profiles and default noise reduction. Video tested using tripod and handheld sequences.

Happy shooting!

Editor’s note:

The images integrated in this article give you visual comparisons of size, control layouts, sensor physicality, sample images, and performance across photographic styles to help guide your decision clearly.

Canon SX120 IS screen back Olympus SH 2 front Olympus SH 2 screen back