Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic FP1

In this article, we will be reviewing the Olympus SH-2 and Panasonic FP1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Ultracompact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a crucial difference among the image resolutions of the SH-2 (16MP) and FP1 (12MP) but they use the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SH-2 was announced 5 years later than the FP1 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SH-2 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving through a in depth comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the SH-2 matches up against the FP1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SH-2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SH-2 Gallery and Panasonic FP1 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera, you'll need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus SH-2 provides physical dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") along with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FP1 has sizing of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") with a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SH-2 and Panasonic FP1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select at the time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the SH-2 vs the FP1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the SH-2 and FP1 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Usually, its hard to imagine the gap in sensor measurements simply by going through technical specs. The visual underneath will offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SH-2 and FP1.

As you have seen, both of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different resolution. You should expect the Olympus SH-2 to produce more detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The newer SH-2 should have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.