Olympus SH-2 vs Olympus XZ-1

On this page, we are evaluating the Olympus SH-2 versus Olympus XZ-1, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are offered by Olympus. There is a sizable difference between the sensor resolutions of the SH-2 (16MP) and XZ-1 (10MP) and the SH-2 (1/2.3") and XZ-1 (1/1.63") have totally different sensor size.

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The SH-2 was released 4 years after the XZ-1 which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the SH-2 matches up versus the XZ-1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus SH-2 & Olympus XZ-1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-2 Gallery & Olympus XZ-1 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera often, you need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SH-2 offers physical dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) whilst the Olympus XZ-1 has dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SH-2 versus Olympus XZ-1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you choose during that time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the SH-2 versus the XZ-1.

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

Oftentimes, it is very hard to envision the contrast between sensor sizes simply by reading a spec sheet. The pic underneath may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SH-2 and XZ-1.

Clearly, each of the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SH-2 due to its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF harder and the Olympus SH-2 will offer greater detail as a result of its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos more aggressively. The fresher SH-2 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.