Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus SH-2

Following is a in-depth analysis of the Olympus E-PL1 and Olympus SH-2, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both sold by Olympus. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and SH-2 (16MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and SH-2 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL1 was brought out 5 years prior to the SH-2 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SH-2 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a full comparison, below is a simple view of how the E-PL1 grades versus the SH-2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Olympus Stylus SH-2. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Olympus SH-2 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL1 has got external measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Olympus SH-2 has sizing of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL1 and Olympus SH-2 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the E-PL1 versus the SH-2.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL1 and SH-2 is 86 and 88 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to see the contrast between sensor sizes just by reading a spec sheet. The pic below should offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1 and SH-2.

As you can see, both cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL1 due to its bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Olympus SH-2 will offer extra detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.