Olympus E-PL9 vs Olympus SH-2

Let's examine more closely at the Olympus E-PL9 and Olympus SH-2, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are built by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the SH-2 (16MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and SH-2 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL9 was brought out 2 years later than the SH-2 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SH-2 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the E-PL9 matches up vs the SH-2 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL9 and Olympus Stylus SH-2. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery and Olympus SH-2 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL9 has got external dimensions of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") with a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) while the Olympus SH-2 has specifications of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL9 and Olympus SH-2 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing at the time. The following is the front view size comparison of the E-PL9 against the SH-2.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL9 and SH-2 is 85 and 88 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizing simply by reading through technical specs. The photograph here should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL9 and SH-2.

As you have seen, both of these cameras have got the exact same resolution albeit different sensor sizing. The E-PL9 uses the bigger sensor which is going to make obtaining shallower DOF simpler. The fresher E-PL9 provides an advantage with regard to sensor technology.