Nikon S31 vs Olympus SH-2

Here is a detailed assessment of the Nikon S31 versus Olympus SH-2, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Nikon and Olympus. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the S31 (10MP) and SH-2 (16MP) and the S31 (1/2.9") and SH-2 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor measurements.

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The S31 was introduced 20 months prior to the SH-2 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the S31 grades versus the SH-2 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix S31 and Olympus Stylus SH-2. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon S31 Gallery and Olympus SH-2 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera regularly, you should think about its weight and dimensions. The Nikon S31 enjoys outer measurements of 105mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.1" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) whilst the Olympus SH-2 has dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Check the Nikon S31 versus Olympus SH-2 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are working with at the time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the S31 against the SH-2.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the S31 and SH-2 is 90 and 88 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing merely by researching technical specs. The graphic here might provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the S31 and SH-2.

As you can tell, both cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The S31 with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF more challenging and the Olympus SH-2 will render more detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older S31 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.