Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic FZ2500

On this page, we are reviewing the Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic FZ2500, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SH-2 (16MP) and the FZ2500 (20MP) is fairly comparable but the SH-2 (1/2.3") and FZ2500 (1") posses different sensor measurements.

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The SH-2 was introduced 18 months earlier than the FZ2500 making them a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SH-2 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ2500 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick view of how the SH-2 scores vs the FZ2500 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SH-2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SH-2 Gallery and Panasonic FZ2500 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus SH-2 offers exterior dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ2500 has proportions of 138mm x 102mm x 135mm (5.4" x 4.0" x 5.3") and a weight of 915 grams (2.02 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic FZ2500 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at that moment. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the SH-2 versus the FZ2500.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SH-2 and FZ2500 is 88 and 53 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to visualize the difference in sensor sizes only by seeing specs. The picture below should provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SH-2 and FZ2500.

All in all, both of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SH-2 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic FZ2500 will show extra detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more aged SH-2 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.