Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Panasonic GH2

On this page, we will be comparing the Olympus SP-590 UZ and Panasonic GH2, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap among the image resolutions of the SP-590 UZ (12MP) and GH2 (16MP) and the SP-590 UZ (1/2.3") and GH2 (Four Thirds) have different sensor dimensions.

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The SP-590 UZ was released 3 years earlier than the GH2 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a full comparison, here is a brief summary of how the SP-590 UZ grades against the GH2 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SP-590 UZ and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery and Panasonic GH2 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus SP-590 UZ offers outside measurements of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") along with a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) and the Panasonic GH2 has specifications of 124mm x 90mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs).

Check the Olympus SP-590 UZ and Panasonic GH2 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the SP-590 UZ against the GH2.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-590 UZ and GH2 is 72 and 70 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing just by looking through specifications. The photograph below might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SP-590 UZ and GH2.

Plainly, both cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SP-590 UZ featuring a smaller sensor is going to make getting bokeh more challenging and the Panasonic GH2 will render more detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older SP-590 UZ will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.