Nikon Coolpix L120 vs Olympus Stylus SH-2: A Compact Superzoom Showdown

When the quest for versatility in a compact form factor calls, small sensor superzoom cameras often pop into the conversation. These pocket-friendly workhorses promise long reach, ease of use, and a wealth of features packaged for casual shooters and enthusiasts alike. But, as someone who’s logged thousands of hours behind the lens - testing everything from flagship DSLRs to budget compacts - I’ve learned that not all superzooms are created equal.

Today, we’re putting two such cameras side-by-side: the Nikon Coolpix L120, a 2011 throwback with a hearty 21x zoom, and the Olympus Stylus SH-2, a 2015 contender boasting a beefier 24x zoom and a more modern feature set. Despite their shared category and similar sensor sizes, these two cameras cater to subtly different user needs and photographic priorities.

Over the next several thousand words, I’ll walk you through their design, sensor tech, imaging capabilities, and real-world performance across multiple photography disciplines. Along the way, we’ll unpack what each camera does well, where compromises show, and ultimately, which type of shooter each one suits best. Ready? Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Build Quality

Out of the gate, size and handling set the tone for a camera’s usability. In the compact superzoom world, there’s often a trade-off between reach and pocketability.

Looking at physical dimensions and weight, the Nikon L120 tips the scales at 431 grams with a boxier, chunkier 110 x 77 x 78 mm frame. Its build feels heftier in the hand - partly because it uses four AA batteries, which add a bit of heft and convenience if you’re traveling somewhere with unreliable power.

The Olympus SH-2, in contrast, is noticeably lighter and thinner - 271 grams at 109 x 63 x 42 mm - a substantial step towards pocketability. This difference is more than cosmetic; the SH-2’s slim profile and lighter weight lend themselves well to quick shooting and portability, which street shooters and travel enthusiasts will appreciate.

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged protections - so don’t go splashing either in rainstorms or sandy beaches without a rain cover. But the feel in hand leans more “everyday portability” for the Olympus versus “comfort grip for extended shooting” for the Nikon.

Control Layout and User Interface: How Intuitive Are They?

For casual superzoom users, efficient control layout and interface simplicity matter nearly as much as image quality. Can you change your focal length, exposure, or white balance without fumbling?

The Nikon L120’s top deck keeps it basic - power, shutter, and zoom rocker dominate, with no dedicated dials for exposure compensation or manual modes (since it’s auto-only). It’s a camera designed for point-and-shoot simplicity - sometimes frustrating if you want granular control.

Olympus SH-2 raises the bar here with a more expansive control set: dedicated manual focus, exposure modes, and exposure compensation are all accessible, aligning with the TruePic VII processor’s more capable feature set. That touchscreen LCD further modernizes handling and speeds navigation, although the 460k-dot resolution is somewhat low by today’s standards.

If you want an easygoing superzoom with simple controls, Nikon’s L120 delivers. But for those who crave a bit more creative control - perhaps venturing into manual exposure or selective autofocus - the Olympus SH-2 is clearly the better choice.

Seeing the World Through a Small Sensor: Sensor Size, Tech, and Image Quality

Both cameras use the ubiquitous 1/2.3-inch sensor size, measuring roughly 6.17 x 4.55 mm, yielding a sensor area of about 28 mm² - tiny compared to APS-C or full-frame sensors. This small size inherently limits image quality potential, but processing and lens design still make a big difference.

The Nikon L120 relies on an older CCD sensor coupled with the Expeed C2 processor. CCDs are known for pleasing color rendition and low noise in their heyday but tend to fall short in dynamic range and low-light performance compared to modern CMOS sensors.

Olympus’s SH-2 switches to a 16MP BSI (backside-illuminated) CMOS sensor, a more advanced technology that collects more light per pixel. This means improved noise control, better dynamic range, and generally sharper, more detailed images.

In terms of resolution, the Olympus delivers 4608 x 3456 pixels - not a wild megapixel count but sensible for the sensor size - while the Nikon provides 4320 x 3240 pixels at 14MP.

While neither will rival cameras with larger sensors, the SH-2’s sensor and processor combo makes it a better performer in most lighting conditions.

Focusing in on Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Usability

Autofocus can make or break your shooting experience, especially when capturing moving subjects or spontaneous moments.

The Nikon L120’s 9 autofocus points operate on contrast-detection technology with basic face detection but no continuous AF or manual focus override. It’s fairly slow and can hunt in low light or busy scenes, offering limited flexibility for creative focus control.

Olympus SH-2 ups the ante by including a hybrid AF system featuring contrast detection paired with advanced face detection and selective AF area modes. Notably, it supports continuous autofocus and touch-to-focus on its LCD, improving tracking and framing accuracy during bursts or moving subjects.

This translates to more confidence when shooting casual wildlife, street scenes, or children - and fewer missed shots due to sluggish focus.

Zoom Range and Optics: How Far Can You Reach?

Long focal length capability is a hallmark of superzooms, but zoom range alone isn’t everything. Aperture, sharpness, and stabilization all matter.

The Nikon L120 provides a 25-525 mm equivalent zoom - a robust 21x range - with an aperture from f/3.1 at wide angle narrowing to f/5.8 at maximum telephoto. This relatively fast aperture on the wide end helps with indoor and lower light shooting. Built-in sensor-shift stabilization aids steady shots at the long end.

Olympus SH-2 boasts an even more ambitious 25-600 mm equivalent zoom (24x) with an aperture spanning f/3.0 to f/6.9. While slightly slower at the telephoto end, the longer reach is appealing. Olympus applies sensor-shift stabilization as well, which coupled with in-camera digital features can smooth out handheld shots.

Be mindful, however, that image sharpness and artifacts often degrade toward the longest zoom ranges in compact cameras. Use these extended focal lengths judiciously.

The Rear Display and Viewfinder: Framing and Reviewing Your Shots

Neither camera includes an electronic or optical viewfinder - a typical omission in this category - but their rear screen design and quality affect usability outdoors.

The L120 sports a 3-inch, 921k-dot fixed TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating, making it bright and usable under sunlight. Its fixed position can sometimes hinder shooting from awkward angles.

Olympus SH-2 matches the screen size at 3 inches but has a lower resolution of 460k dots and is fixed (non-articulated), though the touchscreen adds interactivity. The lower resolution renders preview sharpness somewhat less detailed, but touch focus and menu navigation compensate.

For photographers who favor composing with the naked eye or through an external monitor, these LCDs suffice, but neither is stellar for harsh conditions or nuanced manual focusing.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speed: Capturing Fast Action

If you enjoy shooting sports, wildlife, or spontaneous moments, burst speed and shutter range become critical.

Nikon’s L120 struggles here, with a paltry 1 fps continuous shooting speed, and shutter speeds from a slow 4 seconds to a max of 1/4000 seconds. This limitation means you won’t freeze rapid motion well or capture quick sequences.

Olympus’s SH-2 shines with 11.5 fps burst shooting at full resolution - a standout feature within this compact superzoom tier - and shutter speeds ranging between 30 s and 1/2000 s. The longer maximum exposure and faster frame rate offer more creative freedom for things like low-light handheld and action photography.

The Video Scoop: Moving Pictures on the Fly

Both models record video, but the formats, resolutions, and frame rates vary considerably.

Nikon L120 records at a modest 720p HD resolution, maxing out at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format. MJPEG files tend to be large and less efficient, meaning limited recording times and larger storage footprint.

Olympus SH-2 offers full HD 1080p recording at both 60 and 30 fps in H.264 compression, yielding higher quality footage in a more compact file. Though it lacks external mic input, which pros may bemoan, it remains respectable for casual video shooters craving better-than-basic HD.

Neither camera supports 4K, 6K photo modes, or advanced cinematic features - understandable for their era and class.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long and How Much?

Powering the Nikon L120 are four AA batteries - which can be alkaline, NiMH, or lithium - often a blessing for travelers who can find replacements anywhere, but at the cost of extra weight.

The Olympus SH-2 swaps in a proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion battery (LI-92B), lighter and rated for about 380 shots per charge, slightly edging out the Nikon’s stated 330 shutter count.

Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, with no dual slots or internal memory save for SH-2. The Olympus also offers internal memory as a backup, helpful for emergencies.

Unexpectedly, Olympus includes wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi), a big plus for instant sharing in an always-connected world - something very absent on Nikon’s L120.

Subject-Specific Performance: What These Cameras Do Best (and Worst)

We’ve covered specifications, but how do these cameras perform across different photography genres? I tested them across a spectrum - portraiture, landscapes, wildlife, sports, street, macro, night, and video - using DSLR-grade assessment techniques adapted for compact cameras.

Nikon L120 front Nikon L120 screen back Olympus SH 2 front Olympus SH 2 screen back

Portrait Photography

Skin tone reproduction on the Nikon L120 showed pleasing warmth with CCD’s gentle color science, but its limited autofocus flexibility and slower processing sometimes resulted in missed focus on eyes. The Olympus SH-2's faster AF and manual exposure modes make it more reliable here, though colors can tend slightly cooler - easily corrected in post.

Both offer decent bokeh effects at the long end but expect compact superzoom lenses to yield busy background blur compared to fast primes.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range limitations are expected from 1/2.3” sensors, but Olympus’s BSI CMOS did provide subtle improvements in recovering shadow detail in RAW files (SH-2 supports RAW, Nikon does not). The Nikon’s wider aperture at the wide end helped in lower light, but Olympus’s higher resolution helps rendering fine landscape details better.

Neither camera offers weather sealing - a drawback if hiking or shooting in harsh conditions.

Wildlife Photography

The SH-2's rapid burst rates and selective autofocus give it clear advantages for capturing moving animals. The longer 600mm reach is also a boon. The L120, with its 1 fps burst and slower AF, feels sluggish and less reliable in tricky wildlife scenarios.

Sports Photography

Similarly, Olympus leads with its continuous AF and shooting speed, freezing action well where the Nikon can only dream of keeping up.

Street Photography

Here, the smaller, lighter Olympus body wins hands down. The L120’s bulk makes it less discreet, and slower handling can frustrate quick street shots.

Macro Photography

The L120 offers an impressive 1cm macro focusing range, slightly better than Olympus SH-2’s 3cm minimum. Combined with stabilization, Nikon can yield detailed close-ups. However, the Olympus's touch AF and selective focusing assist can tip the balance for precise focusing.

Night and Astro Photography

Both struggle in very low light due to sensor size, but Olympus’s higher ISO sensitivity and longer shutter speeds help. Neither is ideal for serious astrophotography, but handheld night snaps favor Olympus.

Video Capabilities

Olympus’s 1080p at 60fps is more versatile, with better compression and flow for casual video shooters.

Travel Photography

The SH-2’s compact form, lighter weight, longer zoom, and wireless features shine here. Nikon’s AA batteries can be a perk for remote areas but come with a weight penalty.

Professional Work

Limited by sensor size and file formats - Nikon lacks RAW support entirely - neither is a strong choice for professional imaging, but Olympus’s RAW files can sometimes supplement workflows in a pinch.

Overall Performance: Scores and Ratings

After exhaustive testing under controlled conditions and fieldwork, here are the consolidated performance ratings for each camera.

Olympus SH-2 ranks higher for overall performance, responsiveness, and versatility. The Nikon L120 scores respectably for basic photography and macro capability but falls short for advanced features and speed.

Genre-Specific Strengths and Tradeoffs

Synthesizing the details:

• Portraits: Olympus SH-2 for focus precision and manual controls.
• Landscapes: SH-2 wins for resolution and dynamic range.
• Wildlife & Sports: Olympus by miles due to burst speed and AF.
• Street: Olympus - more portable and discreet.
• Macro: Nikon edge on close focusing.
• Night/Astro: Slight edge Olympus.
• Video: Olympus for HD quality and frame rates.
• Travel: Olympus for compactness and connectivity.
• Professional Work: Neither ideal; Olympus’s RAW is a bonus.

Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Nikon Coolpix L120 if:

• You're after simple point-and-shoot ease with strong zoom and great macro capabilities without fuss.
• You prefer AA batteries for easy replacement in remote trips.
• Your budget is tighter, and you don't need advanced features like RAW or fast shooting.
• You mostly shoot landscapes or portraits in good light and want a rugged feel (weighty handling).

Choose the Olympus Stylus SH-2 if:

• You want a compact superzoom with better autofocus, faster burst shooting, and advanced photographic controls.
• You value wireless connectivity, touchscreen interaction, and manual exposure modes.
• You’re interested in shooting sports, wildlife, street, or casual video with decent HD quality.
• Portability and extended zoom range (25-600 mm) are a priority.
• You want RAW support and are willing to invest a bit more.

Final Thoughts

While both cameras reflect their era’s technology and design philosophy, the Olympus SH-2’s combination of modern features, smarter processing, and speedy autofocus gives it a definitive edge in most practical use cases. The Nikon L120 remains a charming alternative for enthusiasts seeking simplicity and solid macro in a classic compact style.

For photography enthusiasts juggling budgets and diverse needs, the choice boils down to how much you want to flex your creative muscles versus shoot straightforward images - because in the world of superzooms, versatility and speed come at a price, but Olympus’s SH-2 offers more bang for your buck if you can stretch your wallet just a little further.

I hope this deep dive helps you make an informed choice - and whichever you pick, I recommend pairing either with a decent tripod and the patience to experiment. After all, even a superzoom compact can surprise you in the right hands.

Happy shooting!

For an easy-to-reference visual summary of sample images and further comparison details, scroll back up and enjoy the galleries and charts embedded throughout.