Olympus SP-610UZ vs Olympus SH-2: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Compact Superzoom Cameras

When stepping into the world of compact superzoom cameras, enthusiasts often find themselves balancing versatility, image quality, and user-friendly handling. The Olympus SP-610UZ and the Olympus SH-2 stand out as two notable entries in this category, each representing different eras of Olympus’s compact superzoom development. In this in-depth comparison, I draw upon years of camera testing expertise - including numerous field sessions and lab evaluations - to help you decide which of these cameras better suits your photographic ambitions.

Throughout this article, I’ll unpack the critical technical differences, real-world performance, and usability aspects of both cameras across various photography disciplines - from landscapes and portraits to sports and video. Whether you’re a casual shooter or a budding pro, this guide provides the insights you need to make an informed choice.

First Impressions: Design and Ergonomics in the Palm of Your Hand

Handling comfort and intuitive controls often determine how much you enjoy shooting. Starting with physical design, the Olympus SP-610UZ hails from 2011 and displays the characteristic bulk of early superzooms, largely due to its substantial zoom mechanism. Contrast this with the SH-2 from 2015, which incorporates refinement in ergonomics and a slimmer profile reflecting advances in compact camera design.

In my hands, the SP-610UZ’s heft and deeper grip give a sturdy feel, reassuring during longer shoots or in breezy outdoor conditions. However, the bulk also makes it less pocketable, which is worth considering if you prioritize portability.

The SH-2, by comparison, feels decidedly sleeker and lighter at 271g versus the SP-610UZ’s 405g. Its streamlined body and more tapered shape facilitate comfortable one-handed operation and ease of carrying on day trips or city walks.

Looking at the top control layout, the SH-2 benefits from more modern button placement and the inclusion of a touchscreen-enabled LCD - a feature absent in the SP-610UZ. The simpler, non-touch screen and fewer customization options on the SP-610UZ mean it may appeal most to users who prefer straightforward menus without the risk of accidental screen taps.

Ergonomics Overview:

Takeaway: If you prize a lighter, more travel-friendly camera with an advanced interface, the SH-2 leads here. On the other hand, the SP-610UZ’s traditional design is familiar and simple, using widely available AA batteries, making it a dependable option in remote places where charging facilities are scarce.

Sensor and Image Quality: What Does the Heart of the Camera Deliver?

At the core of any camera’s performance is the sensor and image processing engine. Both the SP-610UZ and SH-2 employ the familiar 1/2.3-inch sensor size prevalent in compact superzoom cameras. However, their sensor technologies and processing elevate their image capabilities in markedly different ways.

Olympus SP-610UZ Sensor

• 14 megapixels CCD sensor
• Maximum ISO 3200
• Sensor area: 28.07 mm²
• TruePic III image processor
• Anti-alias filter present

The SP-610UZ’s CCD sensor, typical for its 2011 era, delivers decent resolution and color rendition but lacks the sophistication found in later CMOS sensors. Its native ISO 100–3200 range is respectable for this sensor size, yet noise tends to become prevalent at ISOs above 800 in my tests.

Olympus SH-2 Sensor

• 16 megapixels BSI-CMOS sensor
• Maximum ISO 6400
• Sensor area: 28.07 mm² (same physical size)
• TruePic VII image processor
• Anti-alias filter present

The SH-2’s back-illuminated CMOS sensor fundamentally improves light-gathering efficiency. In real-world shooting, this translates to improved low-light performance, better edge-to-edge sharpness, and enhanced dynamic range compared to the SP-610UZ.

My testing methodology: I captured RAW and JPEG files (SH-2 supports RAW while SP-610UZ does not) at multiple ISO settings and lighting conditions to assess noise, dynamic range, and color accuracy. Not surprisingly, the SH-2 outperformed in retaining highlight detail and controlling noise in dim environments.

Resolution and Cropping:

The SH-2’s 16MP sensor offers roughly 4608x3456 pixels versus the SP-610UZ’s 14MP (4288x3216). This difference affords more flexibility for cropping and large-format prints.

LCD Screen and User Interface: Your Window to the Shot

Both cameras feature fixed 3-inch LCDs, with the SH-2 having a significant edge in quality and responsiveness.

The SP-610UZ's 230k-dot TFT screen shows modest brightness and limited viewing angles - a common trait in older models. The SH-2, meanwhile, presents double the resolution (460k dots), richer color depth, and touchscreen functionality, enhancing both composition and menu navigation.

The use of touchscreen AF and menu controls on the SH-2 allows faster adjustments in the field - a big plus when you need quick settings changes without fumbling with buttons.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus is critical in many shooting scenarios - especially wildlife, sports, and street photography.

• SP-610UZ: Contrast-detection AF only, 11 focus points, no face or eye detection, no continuous AF or tracking.
• SH-2: Contrast-detection AF with face detection, touch autofocus, continuous AF, AF tracking, and multiple AF modes.

The SH-2 exhibits clearly superior autofocus performance during my testing. It locks focus swiftly on subjects, maintains tracking on moving objects, and the touch AF feature enables precise focus point selection - even on moving subjects.

In contrast, the SP-610UZ's slower, single-shot AF system is better suited to static subjects or casual shooting.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

Let’s explore how these cameras handle specific photographic disciplines based on firsthand use and image sample evaluation.

Portrait Photography

Portrait work demands accurate skin tones, good bokeh, and reliable eye detection.

• SP-610UZ: Offers a fixed lens with F3.3 - 5.7 aperture; limited depth-of-field control due to small sensor and narrow maximum aperture.
• SH-2: Marginally faster F3.0 aperture at widest and more stable autofocus with face detection.

While neither delivers DSLR-grade shallow depth of field, the SH-2 facilitates better subject isolation with its improved AF and wider aperture, providing more flattering portraits. The SP-610UZ’s lack of face detection makes portraiture more hit-or-miss.

Landscape Photography

Here, resolution and dynamic range shine; weather sealing matters for field durability.

• Both cameras have similar sensor size; SH-2 edges out in resolution and dynamic range due to improved sensor technology.

• Neither has weather sealing.

The SH-2’s higher dynamic range allows better retention of details in shadows and highlights when shooting high-contrast scenes like sunrise or sunset landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

In fast-paced action, autofocus speed, continuous shooting rates, and telephoto reach dominate.

• SP-610UZ: Zoom from 28-616mm equivalent, slow continuous shooting at 1 fps, contrast AF.
• SH-2: Slightly shorter zoom range (25-600mm), faster continuous shooting at 11.5 fps, continuous autofocus with tracking.

Despite the SP-610UZ’s longer focal reach, the SH-2’s faster frame rate and superior AF tracking make it more reliable for action. The increased burst rate enhances your chances of capturing split-second moments.

Street Photography

Discretion, low light performance, and portability influence street usability.

Again, the SH-2’s smaller size, touch screen, and excellent low-light sensor give it a clear advantage here. The SP-610UZ’s bulk and slower AF hamper quick candid shooting.

Macro Photography

Close focusing distances influence macro capability, along with stabilization.

• SP-610UZ: Macro focus down to 1 cm, basic sensor-shift image stabilization.
• SH-2: Macro range at 3 cm, sensor-shift stabilization plus higher-resolution sensor.

I found that while the SP-610UZ can focus closer, the SH-2’s higher resolution and better stabilization yield sharper macro shots in handheld scenarios, despite slightly longer minimum focusing distance.

Night and Astro Photography

Here, sensor performance at high ISO and shutter speed control are key.

• SP-610UZ maxes out at ISO 3200 with more noise; shutter speed range is 4 to 1/2000 sec.
• SH-2 extends ISO up to 6400, supports longer exposures up to 30 seconds.

Photos taken under low-light conditions with the SH-2 demonstrated cleaner images and better star detail, partly thanks to improved sensor sensitivity and longer shutter options.

Video Capabilities

Video demands continuous AF, resolution, frame rates, and stabilization.

The SH-2’s 1080p 60fps video is a standout upgrade compared to the SP-610UZ’s basic 720p video. The newer video codec (H.264) enables more efficient compression and better quality footage. However, neither supports external microphones or headphone monitoring.

Travel Photography

The portable SH-2 - with excellent battery life (380 shots) and a lightweight body - outshines the SP-610UZ for travel. The SP-610UZ’s AA batteries, although useful where charging is unavailable, add bulk and weight, impacting portability.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, dustproof, or waterproof features, limiting their use in harsh weather. The SP-610UZ’s rugged body feels more robust but is heavier.

Lens and Zoom Range: How Far Can You Go?

The SP-610UZ’s extreme telephoto reach provides versatility for distant wildlife and sports shots but at the cost of aperture speed at long focal lengths. The SH-2 offers a marginally wider wide-angle and faster aperture at 25mm, beneficial for landscapes and low-light.

Connectivity and Storage: Staying Connected and Organized

• SP-610UZ: Eye-Fi card compatibility enables wireless image transfer but no built-in WiFi or Bluetooth.
• SH-2: Built-in WiFi connectivity for instant sharing and remote camera control.

Both support SD, SDHC, and SDXC card formats with single slots. The SH-2 additionally features internal memory - a useful fallback.

Battery Life and Power Options

• SP-610UZ uses 4x AA batteries; rated 340 shots per charge (varies with battery type).
• SH-2 uses proprietary lithium battery with 380 shots per charge.

The SP-610UZ’s reliance on AA cells ensures you can stock pile replacements easily; however, the SH-2’s rechargeable battery offers efficiency and lighter pack weight. If you travel to remote areas where power is scarce, AA may still be advantageous.

Price-to-Performance: What’s the Best Value Today?

As of writing, the SP-610UZ prices around $298, while the SH-2 is roughly $399.

Given the SH-2’s significant ergonomic improvements, better sensor, faster autofocus, higher-resolution video, and more versatile shooting modes, it justifies its premium. The SP-610UZ, meanwhile, offers excellent value for entry-level users needing a simpler, budget-friendly superzoom, especially if AA battery compatibility is important.

Real-World Image Samples: See the Difference for Yourself

Side-by-side sample images from both cameras highlight their typical output quality.

Olympus SP 610UZ front Olympus SP 610UZ screen back Olympus SH 2 front Olympus SH 2 screen back

Notice the SH-2’s improved sharpness, color fidelity, and noise control especially in challenging lighting, while the SP-610UZ photos appear softer with notable noise in shadows and high ISO photos.

Overall Performance Scores

After thorough testing across technical metrics and user experience, here’s how each camera stacks up on a 100-point scale.

The SH-2 scores consistently higher in image quality, autofocus, video, and portability, while the SP-610UZ leads marginally in battery versatility.

How They Fair Across Photographic Genres

Breaking down their strengths for specific photography types:

• Portrait: SH-2 dominant (face detection, aperture)
• Landscape: SH-2 leads (resolution, dynamic range)
• Wildlife: Mixed (SP-610UZ longer zoom, SH-2 better AF/burst)
• Sports: SH-2 better (continuous AF, frame rate)
• Street: SH-2 preferred (size, responsiveness)
• Macro: Tie (different pros on focusing and stabilization)
• Night/Astro: SH-2 superior (ISO, exposure)
• Video: SH-2 clear winner (1080p 60fps)
• Travel: SH-2 more convenient (portable, battery)
• Professional: SH-2 better for workflow (RAW support)

Summary: Which Olympus Superzoom Fits Your Needs?

My Recommendation:

• If you want a camera for casual use, easy maintenance, and extensive zoom range, particularly in scenarios where charging might be a limitation, the SP-610UZ remains a worthy, budget-friendly choice.
• For photographers aiming for better image quality, faster performance, advanced video, and more creative flexibility in a pocket-friendly package, the SH-2 is the clear winner.

Why You Can Trust This Review

Over the past 15 years, I’ve tested thousands of cameras through rigorous lab procedures - measuring resolution charts, dynamic range, autofocus performance - and field testing under varied conditions: from sunny beaches to dimly lit events and fast-paced sports. This comparison has been crafted from hands-on use, lab data, and scrutiny of real-world image quality to present a balanced and practical guide to these two Olympus superzoom models.

I encourage you to weigh these insights with your shooting style and preferences. Both cameras have their place, but your best choice depends on what you value most: simplicity and zoom reach, or modern performance and image quality.

Happy shooting - and may your next camera bring you plenty of memorable moments!