Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic FZ1000

Below is a thorough analysis of the Olympus SH-2 versus Panasonic FZ1000, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Large Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SH-2 (16MP) and the FZ1000 (20MP) is very similar but the SH-2 (1/2.3") and FZ1000 (1") use totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SH-2 was manufactured 10 months later than the FZ1000 so they are both of a similar age. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SH-2 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ1000 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving in to a in depth comparison, below is a quick view of how the SH-2 grades vs the FZ1000 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus SH-2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SH-2 Gallery & Panasonic FZ1000 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus SH-2 enjoys outer measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ1000 has measurements of 137mm x 99mm x 131mm (5.4" x 3.9" x 5.2") having a weight of 831 grams (1.83 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SH-2 versus Panasonic FZ1000 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have at the time. Following is the front view size comparison of the SH-2 against the FZ1000.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the SH-2 and FZ1000 is 88 and 55 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to see the difference between sensor measurements simply by going over specs. The photograph here may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-2 and FZ1000.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SH-2 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Panasonic FZ1000 will deliver more detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop pics much more aggressively. The more modern SH-2 is going to have a benefit in sensor innovation.