Olympus SH-1 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

On this page, we will be matching up the Olympus SH-1 versus Olympus XZ-2 iHS, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are offered by Olympus. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the SH-1 (16MP) and XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the SH-1 (1/2.3") and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") provide different sensor sizes.

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The SH-1 was revealed 16 months later than the XZ-2 iHS which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go into a full comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the SH-1 grades vs the XZ-2 iHS when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SH-1 and Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-1 Gallery and Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera often, you will want to think about its weight and size. The Olympus SH-1 enjoys outside measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") along with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Olympus XZ-2 iHS has specifications of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") and a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs).

Check the Olympus SH-1 versus Olympus XZ-2 iHS in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use at the time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the SH-1 compared to the XZ-2 iHS.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SH-1 and XZ-2 iHS is 88 and 85 respectively.

Generally, its hard to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing merely by going through technical specs. The visual below will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-1 and XZ-2 iHS.

As you have seen, both the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The SH-1 with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Olympus SH-1 will provide greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs more aggressively. The newer SH-1 provides an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.