Fujifilm F660EXR vs Olympus Stylus SH-2: A Hands-On Comparison of Compact Superzoom Powerhouses

In the landscape of small sensor superzoom compacts, the Fujifilm F660EXR and Olympus Stylus SH-2 emerge as compelling choices for photographers who crave versatility on the go without the bulk of interchangeable lens systems. Although separated by a few years and technological advances, both cameras aim to deliver broad focal ranges and straightforward operation in compact bodies.

Having spent countless hours with each model reviewing image quality, handling, and features, I’ll break down what makes each camera tick - and where compromises reveal themselves. Whether you’re a casual snapshooter looking for a travel-friendly zoom or an enthusiast needing reliable superzoom coverage for everyday creativity, this comparison will equip you with practical insights to decide which camera fits your needs best.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Compact Precision vs. Solid Confidence

On first glance, these two compacts sit comfortably in the same small sensor superzoom niche, but their body designs convey slightly different philosophies.

The Fujifilm F660EXR measures a trim 104 x 59 x 33 mm and weighs 217 grams on the dot. It feels unusually light in hand - maybe borderline frail for those accustomed to heftier gear. Its narrow depth thickness means grip real estate is a tad tight, especially when paired with the extended 15x lens. Yet, this slimness favors pocketability and discreet shooting, which street photographers might appreciate.

Conversely, the Olympus SH-2 is chunkier at 109 x 63 x 42 mm and notably heavier at 271 grams. This extra mass contributes to steadier handheld shooting, especially at the extended 24x telephoto reach, where vibration becomes more evident. The slightly beefier profile translates to roomier controls and a more tactile grip, lending confidence during longer sessions.

Both cameras employ fixed lenses with generous zoom ranges, but the Olympus offers almost double the reach (600 mm equivalent) compared to the Fujifilm’s 360 mm maximum.

From a handling perspective, Fuji’s F660EXR aims for ultra-portability, while the Olympus SH-2 embraces a robust compact form factor better suited for longer telephoto work.

Top Controls and User Interface: Cluster vs. Simplicity

Taking a peek at the top plates of these cameras reveals their interface nuances and approach to manual control.

Fujifilm’s F660EXR keeps things minimalistic: an on/off toggle ring around the shutter, a dedicated zoom rocker, and mode dial rounded out by the EXR processor-driven options. While it offers shutter and aperture priority modes plus manual exposure, the lack of customizable dials and illuminated buttons hampers quick adjustments in changing conditions. There’s no touchscreen interaction, either, meaning all navigation depends on hardware buttons.

Olympus took advantage of later tech to add touchscreen live view AF and menu navigation. The SH-2 features an arguably richer button array, including a conveniently placed exposure compensation dial and function shortcut buttons aiding faster access to common settings. However, mode dial options are somewhat stripped down, omitting shutter or aperture priority modes but still presupposing manual exposure control.

In practice, I found the SH-2’s touchscreen responsive and beneficial for targeting autofocus points swiftly during wildlife shoots. Meanwhile, the Fujifilm’s button-driven controls offer a more traditional tactile experience that arguably suits beginner to intermediate users better.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Close Cousins with Different DNA

The heart of any camera is its sensor and image processing. Both cameras use modest one-inch sensor classes but with notable differences that impact image quality and flexibility.

The Fujifilm F660EXR employs the EXR CMOS sensor measuring 6.4 x 4.8 mm (1/2 inch type) with 16 megapixels - following Fuji’s EXR technology designed for adaptive control between resolution prioritization and dynamic range. This sensor pairs with an anti-aliasing filter to mitigate moiré but slightly softens fine detail rendering. The max native ISO caps at 3200, with extended sensitivity up to 12800, though high ISO images degrade noticeably with visible noise.

Olympus’s SH-2 uses a slightly smaller 1/2.3 inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm) BSI CMOS sensor, also 16 megapixels but with backside illumination to enhance light-gathering efficiency and low-light performance. The max native ISO extends to 6400. This sensor layout enables cleaner noise control at elevated sensitivities, producing more usable images in challenging lighting.

Due to the EXR sensor's adaptable modes, Fuji can trade off resolution to boost dynamic range or low-light sensitivity, which can be handy but also complicates workflow. Olympus's BSI sensor provides consistent performance across ISO ranges without toggling sensor modes.

In side-by-side RAW captures (not supported on the Fuji, an important caveat), Olympus files preserve richer shadow details and cleaner highlights, making it better suited for demanding landscape and outdoor shooting.

LCD and Interface: Touch Interaction vs Conventional Display

Both cameras feature 3-inch LCD screens with 460k dots resolution, which was respectable for their eras but now feels somewhat dated.

The Fuji’s screen is fixed type TFT LCD without touch capabilities. Its viewing angles are serviceable outdoors but tend to wash out in harsh sunlight, limiting precise framing in bright conditions. The lack of tilting or swiveling further restricts compositional flexibility, particularly for low or high shooting angles.

The Olympus SH-2 includes a touchscreen interface, enabling quicker AF point selection and menu navigation. This feature, combined with clear iconography and responsive menus, results in a more modern user experience. While the LCD itself shares similar resolution and size to the Fuji’s, the touchscreen interaction elevates usability, especially for photographers adapting quickly in dynamic shooting scenarios.

Neither camera includes an electronic viewfinder, so reliance on the rear TFT limits operation in extremely bright environments or during fast action.

Autofocus Systems: Tracking and Accuracy in Zoom Action

Fast and reliable autofocus is critical for maximizing the potential of these superzooms - particularly when photographing wildlife, sports, or candid street moments.

Both cameras utilize contrast detection autofocus systems without phase detection, with the following differences:

• Fujifilm F660EXR supports face detection and continuous AF modes but lacks selective AF area mode or touch AF.
• Olympus SH-2 enhances this with face detection, live view AF, touch AF area selection, and continuous tracking autofocus.

In field testing, the SH-2’s system proved more agile at locking onto moving subjects across the zoom range, thanks to touch AF and advanced tracking algorithms powered by the TruePic VII processor. During a birdwatching session requiring rapid refocusing between branches and sky backgrounds, the Olympus consistently reacquired and tracked subjects better.

The Fuji’s autofocus was competent but occasionally hunted at longer telephoto ends, especially in low contrast or low light. Face detection helped for portraits but not for fast action.

Overall, sports and wildlife shooters would benefit from the Olympus SH-2’s more refined autofocus responsiveness and versatility.

Zoom and Optics: Ranges, Aperture, and Macro Capabilities

Both cameras provide impressive focal length coverage tailored for superzoom versatility.

• Fujifilm F660EXR: 24–360mm equivalent (15x zoom), maximum aperture F3.5 to F5.3
• Olympus SH-2: 25–600mm equivalent (24x zoom), maximum aperture F3.0 to F6.9

Olympus offers a substantially longer telephoto reach, almost twice that of the Fuji, crucial for subjects like wildlife or distant details. However, this comes at a price if you prioritize aperture - the SH-2’s lens narrows quickly to F6.9 at 600 mm, potentially limiting performance in dimmer light and affecting autofocus speed.

In macro capabilities, the Olympus features a closer focusing distance (3cm versus Fuji’s 5cm) enabling enhanced up-close detail capture - ideal for nature close-ups or product photography.

Both cameras employ sensor-shift image stabilization systems, critical for handheld telephoto arresting of motion blur. While both performed admirably, the SH-2’s stabilization felt slightly more effective during extended reach shots, producing sharper images at slower shutter speeds.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Performance: Chasing Action

Neither camera is aimed at sports professionals, yet burst shooting counts when fleeting moments matter.

• Fujifilm F660EXR supports continuous shooting at 11 fps, with shutter speeds ranging from 8s to 1/2000s.
• Olympus SH-2 edges slightly faster at 11.5 fps, shutter speed range 30s to 1/2000s.

Despite nominally similar rates, Olympus's processor handled buffer clearing more efficiently, minimizing capture delays during extended bursts. Nevertheless, image quality tends to decline quickly at high fps given the cameras’ focus and sensor technology.

Both cameras lack silent electronic shutters, so discrete shooting in quiet environments is limited.

Video Features: Full HD and Usability

Video capability, while secondary for these models, could tip the scales for hybrid shooters.

The Fujifilm F660EXR records full HD 1080p at 30 fps in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats, fairly standard for its release window. It includes basic audio encoding but lacks microphone input options.

Olympus SH-2 steps it up slightly with full HD 1080p recording at both 60p and 30p, enabling smoother motion capture - beneficial for fast-paced video. It uses H.264 as well but also omits microphone ports.

While neither camera delivers advanced video controls or 4K support, the SH-2’s enhanced frame rate is a plus for casual videography.

Battery Life and Expandability: Endurance and Storage

For long days of shooting, battery longevity matters - and here, the Olympus SH-2 holds an advantage.

• Fujifilm F660EXR: Rated for approximately 300 frames per charge using the NP-50A battery.
• Olympus SH-2: Rated for about 380 shots per charge powered by LI-92B battery.

The SH-2’s better economy extends shooting endurance, ideal for travel or extended wildlife outings where charging options are limited.

Both cameras rely on single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots with standard USB 2.0 transfer speeds and HDMI outputs for direct viewing.

Olympus subtly pleases with internal memory that can capture a handful of images in emergencies when no card is inserted, a safety net Fuji does not offer.

Connectivity and Extras: Wireless Convenience and GPS

Connectivity is a decisive factor for photographers sharing images on the fly.

The Fujifilm F660EXR includes built-in GPS - an unusual but valuable feature for travel photographers wanting accurate location data embedded in photos. However, it offers no wireless capabilities such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, limiting remote control or rapid sharing options.

On the other hand, Olympus SH-2 integrates built-in wireless connectivity for image transfer and remote control, a clear advantage for modern workflows requiring speed and convenience. It lacks GPS, so travelers may need to rely on mobile device geotagging.

Price and Value Proposition: Cost vs. Feature Set

With years of market presence, the Fujifilm F660EXR can often be sourced at discounted prices around $230, making it an appealing budget superzoom offering extended coverage and sensor-shift stabilization.

Olympus SH-2 carries a higher price tag, around $400 new, reflecting its longer zoom, touchscreen interface, improved autofocus, and wireless connectivity features.

The value conversation hinges on user priorities: economical, straightforward versatility (Fuji) versus enhanced reach and modern conveniences (Olympus).

Real-World Photography Performance: Sample Gallery and Use Cases

Putting theory into practice, I gathered a variety of test shots across genres indoors, outdoors, at telephoto and macro distances to compare outputs.

Fujifilm F660EXR screen back Olympus SH 2 front Olympus SH 2 screen back

Portraits:
The Fuji’s EXR sensor tends to render skin tones warm and pleasing with moderate bokeh thanks to a slightly faster aperture at wide settings. While lacking complex face tracking, it performed steady eye detection for casual portraiture. Olympus’s SH-2 captured slightly sharper details but showed cooler tones sometimes requiring white balance tweaking.

Landscapes:
Olympus edges out Fujifilm in dynamic range retention, especially in shadow recovery on HDR scenes. The extended zoom also allows for dramatic compressed focal lengths, though the Fuji’s wider starting lens is better for sweeping vistas.

Wildlife and Sports:
Both delivered sharp images outdoors, though Olympus’s more responsive AF and stab system make it superior for dynamic, fast-moving subjects. The longer telephoto is decisive here.

Street:
Fuji’s slim body and fast startup suit candid shooting, but Olympus’s touchscreen AF and burst shooting speed provide an edge in capturing fleeting moments.

Macro:
Close focusing distance favors Olympus; sharpness is excellent on flowers and small objects with effective stabilization.

Night/Astro:
Olympus’s higher ISO tolerance and longer exposure range make it a better choice despite noise at the pixel level. Fuji’s EXR sensor modes provide some help but struggle beyond ISO 800.

Video:
Olympus’s 60p smoothness impresses, yet both are limited by small sensor quality and lack of audio options.

Travel and Professional Use:
Fuji’s GPS and extremely compact form are travel-friendly, while Olympus’s robust feature set supports more varied shooting. Neither is ideal for professional workflows due to lack of RAW in Fuji and limited manual controls.

Overall Performance Ratings

To summarize our extensive testing, here is an overall evaluation of these cameras’ performance:

Genre-Specific Strengths

Breaking down camera aptitudes by photographic genre:

Our Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

Both the Fujifilm F660EXR and Olympus Stylus SH-2 offer impressive versatility for compact superzoom seekers, but their appeal diverges on key points.

• Choose the Fujifilm F660EXR if you want:

  • The most compact, travel-friendly body with good reach and sensor shift stabilization
  • A budget-friendly option with solid image quality for casual portraits and landscapes
  • GPS geotagging built-in for travel storytelling
  • A simpler interface without a touchscreen, favoring straightforward shooting

• Choose the Olympus SH-2 if you want:

  • Longer zoom reach up to 600mm for wildlife or sports photography
  • Enhanced autofocus with live view AF and touchscreen control for fast action
  • Better low-light performance and video frame rate flexibility
  • Modern connectivity for quick sharing and remote shooting capability
  • Improved macro functionality and longer battery life

In practical use, I found the SH-2 a more versatile tool capable of tackling a wider array of photographic scenarios with confidence. The F660EXR, however, remains a reliable, highly portable superzoom for those willing to accept some compromises for ease of carry and GPS tagging.

Final Thoughts

The Fujifilm F660EXR and Olympus Stylus SH-2 encapsulate the trade-offs inherent in compact superzoom camera design: portability versus reach, simplicity versus feature depth, and price versus tech sophistication.

Both are charming in their own right and occupy valuable roles for specific users. My recommendation is to consider your shooting style carefully - the SH-2 is the modern, all-rounder enthusiast’s companion, while the F660EXR is the minimalist adventurer’s reliable sidekick. Whichever you choose, these cameras punch well above their size class and provide compelling superzoom performance in compact packages.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you find the perfect superzoom companion for your photographic explorations!