Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic S5

Here is a extended comparison of the Olympus SH-2 versus Panasonic S5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Pro Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a substantial gap between the resolutions of the SH-2 (16MP) and S5 (24MP) and the SH-2 (1/2.3") and S5 (Full frame) use totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SH-2 was revealed 6 years earlier than the S5 and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SH-2 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight into a complete comparison, below is a quick view of how the SH-2 matches up against the S5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SH-2 & Panasonic Lumix DC-S5. The full galleries are available at Olympus SH-2 Gallery & Panasonic S5 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SH-2 comes with physical measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Panasonic S5 has dimensions of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") with a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs).

Check the Olympus SH-2 versus Panasonic S5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the SH-2 against the S5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SH-2 and S5 is 88 and 60 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to envision the gap between sensor sizing purely by looking at a spec sheet. The visual underneath may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-2 and S5.

Clearly, both of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SH-2 using its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Panasonic S5 will give greater detail because of its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images a little more aggressively. The older SH-2 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.