Olympus E-PL2 Versus Olympus SH-2: A Head-to-Head Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When Olympus introduced the PEN E-PL2 back in early 2011, it represented a strong offering in the entry-level mirrorless arena - compact, modular, and built around the venerable Micro Four Thirds system. Fast forward four years to 2015, the Olympus Stylus SH-2 arrived, targeting a different niche altogether: the small sensor superzoom compact category, offering a staggering 24x zoom range in a pocketable body.

On paper, these two cameras seem almost apples and oranges - a system mirrorless interchangeable lens camera facing off against a fixed lens travel-friendly superzoom point-and-shoot. Yet, for photographers deciding between these Olympus options, or exploring whether to invest in a compact superzoom vs. a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera, the practical differences matter deeply.

I’ve spent extensive time with both cameras, running them through numerous real-world scenarios, and in this detailed comparison, I’ll unpack their core strengths, weaknesses, and suitability across all major photography use cases. I’ll also share my technical insights on important facets such as sensor performance, autofocus, handling, and more. To ground the discussion visually, I’ve included relevant images and charts highlighting critical comparisons.

Let’s dive in.

First Impressions and Handling - Size, Weight, and Ergonomics

Before pressing the shutter, the way a camera feels in hand shapes your entire shooting experience. The Olympus E-PL2 sports a rangefinder-style mirrorless body with a thoughtfully compact, yet somewhat boxy design. At 114 x 72 x 42 mm and weighing approximately 362 grams without a lens, it offers a nice balance that’s portable but feels solid and well-built in the hand.

The SH-2, on the other hand, measures 109 x 63 x 42 mm and is lighter at 271 grams. This compact body conceals its impressive 24x zoom lens and features a fixed, non-interchangeable lens system. Ergonomically, it's tailored for quick point-and-shoot usage, but the small grip and minimalistic controls don't quite provide the same physical confidence when compared with the PEN's more traditional mirrorless form factor.

The above image illustrates their relative size profiles. You’ll notice the E-PL2’s chunkier dimensions but more mature grip, contrasted with the SH-2's slimmer, pocketable silhouette.

Handling wise, the E-PL2 has dedicated dials for exposure adjustments and shutter speed - a blessing for photographers who prize tactile control over menus. The SH-2 opts largely for touchscreen-driven interfaces with fewer physical buttons, reflecting its compact compact camera lineage.

I’ve tested both in field conditions involving walking tours and fast-paced street photography. The E-PL2’s heft offers greater stability and a feeling of precision, while the SH-2 shines in scenarios demanding ultimate lightness and discretion.

Top Panel and Control Layout: Intuition Meets Functionality

Control layouts can make or break user experience, especially when shooting on the fly.

The PEN E-PL2 employs a traditional Olympus top plate with mode dials, a shutter button positioned on a slight slant, and well-spaced function buttons. This is conducive to photographers transitioning from DSLRs or those who enjoy physical feedback during adjustments.

Conversely, the SH-2's design eliminates most dedicated dials, relying on a single mode dial and a somewhat cluttered top surface given the superzoom lens barrel. Elements like zoom control rings are mechanical but combined with touchscreen-based exposure and focus settings.

In practice, the E-PL2’s familiarity suits photographers accustomed to manual exposure modes, whereas the SH-2 favors casual shooting and scenarios where ease trumps precision.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Micro Four Thirds vs. 1/2.3” Sensor

This is the crux of their fundamental difference.

The Olympus E-PL2 boasts a Four Thirds size CMOS sensor, measuring approximately 17.3 x 13 mm (about 225 mm²) and offering 12 megapixels resolution. This sensor size is significantly larger than the SH-2’s 1/2.3” BSI CMOS sensor of just 6.17 x 4.55 mm (roughly 28 mm²), which pushes 16 megapixels.

Let's unpack what that means:

1. Dynamic range and noise performance: Larger sensor area typically translates to better dynamic range and lower noise at higher ISOs. The E-PL2 scores a DxOMark overall of 55 points with commendable dynamic range (~10.2 EV) and color depth (21.4 bits). The SH-2’s sensor was not formally DxO tested, but historically, 1/2.3” sensors suffer in dynamic range and low light compared to Micro Four Thirds.

2. Resolution: While the SH-2 offers higher megapixels (16MP vs. 12MP), those extra pixels on a smaller sensor often mean smaller pixels and increased noise.

3. ISO Range: Both cameras max out at ISO 6400, but the E-PL2 performs noticeably better at elevated ISOs, retaining usable detail and less noise - critical for night or low-light shooting.

In practical shooting, landscapes and portraits benefit from the E-PL2’s larger sensor with richer tonality and cleaner shadow detail. The SH-2 excels for casual daylight shooting and travel snapshots but introduces more noise and less dynamic range once light dims.

LCD and Interface Usability: Viewing Your Shots

Both cameras feature a 3-inch, 460k-dot LCD screen. The E-PL2’s screen is a fixed HyperCrystal LCD with an anti-reflective coating, providing decent outdoor visibility for its era. The SH-2 offers a fixed touchscreen interface, a more modern convenience adding tap-to-focus and touch-menu navigation - useful for quick adjustments.

From long experience reviewing cameras, the E-PL2’s view, while crisp, lacks the responsiveness and intuitiveness of a touchscreen. The SH-2’s touchscreen feels fresher and more versatile, though in bright sunlight both suffer due to fixed screens and lack of EVF.

Neither camera offers an integrated electronic viewfinder, though the E-PL2 supports an optional EVF attachment.

Autofocus Capabilities: Speed, Accuracy, and Face Detection

The E-PL2 uses a contrast-detection autofocus system with 11 focus points, including face detection and continuous AF modes. During testing, it performed adequately for static subjects and moderate action, though sluggish compared to today’s mirrorless AF standards.

The SH-2 uses a contrast-detection AF system as well but lacks a sophisticated phase-detect array. It supports touch AF and face detection but does not include animal eye detection.

The SH-2 impresses with faster burst shooting at 11.5 fps, eclipsing the E-PL2’s modest 3 fps shooting speed - advantageous for capturing fleeting moments in wildlife or sports when paired with its superzoom capabilities.

For wildlife and sports, the E-PL2 struggles to keep fast moving subjects sharp due to AF speed. The SH-2’s higher fps helps but its contrast AF system still struggles with precision in complex conditions.

Lens Ecosystem: Fixed Zoom vs. Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lenses

The E-PL2 benefits from the robust Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem, now encompassing over 100 lenses from Olympus and third-party makers. This range spans ultra-wide, super-telephoto, macro, primes, zooms, and specialty optics.

The SH-2 uses a fixed 25-600 mm equivalent f/3.0-6.9 zoom lens. This incredible 24x optical zoom breadth is a marvel of engineering in a compact body but inevitably comes with optical compromises: variable maximum aperture, distortion at extremes, and limited low-light capacity.

For photographers willing to customize their setup, the E-PL2’s ecosystem enables shooting versatility across genres - from portrait bokeh to macro fine detail to professional-grade telephoto wildlife rigs.

In contrast, the SH-2’s built-in zoom suits travel and casual photography where lens changes aren’t feasible or desired.

Burst and Performance: Frame Rates and Responsiveness

Burst shooting is particularly relevant to sports, wildlife, and fast action.

The SH-2 clearly leads with an 11.5 fps burst rate, allowing sequences to capture decisive moments more effectively. The E-PL2’s 3 fps is serviceable for basic action but inadequate for serious sports photography.

However, buffer depth and responsiveness matter too. The SH-2’s buffer fills quickly with Full HD video running alongside, which can cause brief delays. The E-PL2 offers more consistent performance for single still images.

Video Capabilities: Resolution, Formats, and Stabilization

The E-PL2 delivers HD video at 720p and VGA resolutions using Motion JPEG format. The options are rudimentary by today's standards, with no Full HD or 4K recording and no microphone input.

The SH-2 upgrades video capability to Full HD 1080p at 60p and 30p encoding in H.264 format. This translates to smoother, sharper video files fit for casual sharing or light video work.

Regarding stabilization, both cameras employ sensor-based stabilization, with the SH-2 using sensor-shift IS. In field tests, both effectively reduce handshake blur, but the SH-2’s newer system performs better especially at longer zoom lengths, critical for stills and video.

Battery Life and Storage: Shooting Day Considerations

The SH-2 also extends usage with approximately 380 shots per charge vs. the E-PL2’s 280. This makes a tangible difference when traveling or shooting extended sessions.

Both use proprietary battery packs (BLS-5 for the E-PL2 and LI-92B for the SH-2) and have single SD card slots supporting modern SDXC cards. The SH-2 includes internal memory storage as a backup option.

Wireless and Connectivity Features

By 2015 standards, the SH-2 incorporates built-in wireless connectivity (Olympus did not specify Wi-Fi or proprietary standards), improving image transfer and remote control options to smartphones. Neither camera has Bluetooth or NFC.

Both possess USB 2.0 and mini HDMI ports, facilitating file transfer and external display connection.

Durability and Weather Sealing

Neither camera is weather sealed or ruggedized. Both lack dustproof, shockproof, crushproof, or freezeproof ratings. For outdoor use, care must be taken in challenging environments.

In-Field Versatility Across Photography Genres

Let’s take a deep dive into how these cameras fit various photography disciplines:

Portrait Photography

E-PL2’s larger sensor delivers superior skin tone rendition, depth of field control for creamy bokeh, and more accurate face detection AF modes. Using fast prime lenses, this camera establishes a credible entry point for portrait enthusiasts.

The SH-2’s fixed lens at f/3.0-6.9 provides limited background separation. Face detection AF works well for snapshots but cannot compete with dedicated portrait lenses.

Landscape Photography

The E-PL2's larger sensor ensures better dynamic range, crucial for capturing the full tonal breadth in skies and shadows. Interchangeable wide-angle lenses enhance composition flexibility.

The SH-2’s compact zoom is convenient for travel landscapes but limited by sensor noise in shadows and less sharpness at extreme zooms.

Wildlife and Sports

Here, the SH-2 shines with its 24x zoom and 11.5 fps burst capability - letting you capture distant subjects without changing lenses. However, AF speed and tracking precision are average, limiting action capture detail.

The E-PL2’s Micro Four Thirds telephoto lenses can go further optically but require carrying extra gear and struggle with AF tracking speed on fast action.

Street Photography

For discrete walking, the SH-2's compact size and quiet operation weigh heavily in its favor. Its zoom flexibility is useful but slightly bulky compared to ultra-compact cameras.

The E-PL2 feels more deliberate, slightly more conspicuous but offers better manual control for creative street portraits and detailed scenes.

Macro Photography

The E-PL2 can exploit specialized macro lenses with fine focus increments and focus-bracketing assisted shooting (where supported) for superior close-ups.

The SH-2 provides 3 cm macro focusing but with limited magnification and control, best suited for casual macro shots.

Night and Astrophotography

The E-PL2's larger sensor, higher ISO handling, and slower max shutter of 60 seconds make it capable of controlled night and star shooting with a stable tripod.

The SH-2 maxes out at 30 seconds shutter and higher noise at elevated ISOs restricts astrophotography quality.

Video Work

Casual videographers benefit from the SH-2’s Full HD 60p video, enabling smooth motion capture. The touchscreen aids focus pull and frame adjustments.

The E-PL2’s video capability is dated with only 720p HD capture, limiting modern usability.

Travel Photography

If maximum versatility in one camera is the goal, SH-2’s fixed 25-600mm lens is hard to beat. It packs a significant focal range in a pocketable device with decent battery life for long days out.

E-PL2 involves more planning - carrying lenses and spares adds bulk but rewards with superior image quality and creative control.

Professional Applications

Professionals would find limitations in both for serious work: the E-PL2 has no weather sealing and modest AF; the SH-2 lacks RAW flexibility tracking and generally lower image fidelity.

However, both do support RAW capture enabling downstream editing.

Summary of Objective Ratings and Comparative Scores

To round off, here’s a high-level overview of testing scores and genre-specific performance benchmarks I compiled - the numbers tell part of the story, but real-world experience fills in the rest.

From these, you can see the E-PL2’s strong points in image quality, with the SH-2 shining in handling superzoom and burst rates.

Sample images from both cameras illustrate practical output differences:

Olympus E PL2 front Olympus E PL2 screen back Olympus SH 2 front Olympus SH 2 screen back

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Olympus PEN E-PL2 if:

• You prioritize image quality, better low-light performance and dynamic range.
• You want manual controls and the flexibility of interchangeable lenses.
• You're interested in portrait, landscape, or macro photography requiring superior sensor capability.
• You’re willing to carry lenses and accept some extra weight for photographic versatility.

Choose the Olympus Stylus SH-2 if:

• You need a lightweight, all-in-one travel zoom camera with a huge focal range.
• You value burst speed and convenient touchscreen controls.
• Your photography is casual - landscapes, travel snapshots, street - without the need for professional-level image quality.
• You want Full HD video and easier point-and-shoot usability.

Closing Reflection

Comparing these two cameras side-by-side is like contrasting two venerable Olympus design philosophies: modular mirrorless sophistication versus compact superzoom convenience. Both serve discrete photography needs admirably, yet cater to different user expertise and desired workflow.

If I were packing for a photo trip to the Grand Canyon with mixed photographic goals, I’d lean toward the E-PL2 for its image quality and lens versatility. For a lightweight city break or spontaneous wildlife watching where packing light is king, the SH-2 becomes an attractive companion.

Understanding their core differences allows photographers both new and seasoned to make informed choices aligning with creative priorities and shooting conditions.

I hope this detailed comparison equips you to assess where Olympus’s offerings fit into your photographic aspirations. Happy shooting!