Olympus E-PM1 vs Olympus SH-2

Here is a extensive assessment of the Olympus E-PM1 versus Olympus SH-2, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are built by Olympus. There is a substantial difference between the resolutions of the E-PM1 (12MP) and SH-2 (16MP) and the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and SH-2 (1/2.3") provide different sensor size.

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The E-PM1 was brought out 4 years prior to the SH-2 and that is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus SH-2 being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick summation of how the E-PM1 grades against the SH-2 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Olympus Stylus SH-2. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Olympus SH-2 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera often, you have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PM1 comes with external dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Olympus SH-2 has dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PM1 versus Olympus SH-2 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are employing during that time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the E-PM1 vs the SH-2.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-PM1 and SH-2 is 89 and 88 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to visualize the gap between sensor sizing simply by reading through specifications. The photograph here may provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM1 and SH-2.

Plainly, both of those cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PM1 due to its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Olympus SH-2 will give you extra detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older E-PM1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.