Olympus E-PL1s vs Olympus SH-2

Following is a in-depth analysis of the Olympus E-PL1s vs Olympus SH-2, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both built by Olympus. There exists a substantial gap between the image resolutions of the E-PL1s (12MP) and SH-2 (16MP) and the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and SH-2 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL1s was brought out 5 years prior to the SH-2 which is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SH-2 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a short introduction of how the E-PL1s matches up versus the SH-2 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1s & Olympus Stylus SH-2. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery & Olympus SH-2 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera regularly, you should factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL1s has got physical dimensions 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 measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") along with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL1s vs Olympus SH-2 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you select at the time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the E-PL1s compared to the SH-2.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL1s and SH-2 is 86 and 88 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to envision the contrast between sensor sizes only by checking technical specs. The image underneath will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL1s and SH-2.

As you have seen, both of the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL1s featuring a bigger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus SH-2 will resolve more detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1s is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.