Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic ZS80

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic ZS80, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SH-2 (16MP) and the ZS80 (20MP) is relatively well matched and they come with the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SH-2 was unveiled 3 years earlier than the ZS80 which is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving straight into a full comparison, below is a simple summation of how the SH-2 matches up against the ZS80 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SH-2 & Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-2 Gallery & Panasonic ZS80 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry around your camera often, you will want to think about its weight and size. The Olympus SH-2 provides physical dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS80 has specifications of 112mm x 69mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 327 grams (0.72 lbs).

Check the Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic ZS80 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the SH-2 and the ZS80.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the SH-2 and ZS80 is 88 and 86 respectively.

Often, it is hard to envision the gap between sensor sizes simply by reading through technical specs. The image below might give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SH-2 and ZS80.

As you have seen, both cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You can count on the Panasonic ZS80 to give you more detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged SH-2 is going to be behind in sensor tech.