Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic FZ40

Following is a in-depth analysis of the Olympus SH-2 and Panasonic FZ40, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SH-2 (16MP) and the FZ40 (14MP) is very well matched and both cameras offer the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The SH-2 was manufactured 4 years after the FZ40 which is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SH-2 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick overview of how the SH-2 grades versus the FZ40 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus SH-2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SH-2 Gallery & Panasonic FZ40 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus SH-2 has got 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 FZ40 has proportions of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") having a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SH-2 and Panasonic FZ40 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at that moment. The following is a front view scale comparison of the SH-2 compared to the FZ40.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SH-2 and FZ40 is 88 and 68 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizes simply by checking technical specs. The image here will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-2 and FZ40.

As you can tell, the two cameras come with the identical sensor size but not the same resolution. You can expect to see the Olympus SH-2 to resolve greater detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The younger SH-2 is going to have an advantage in sensor technology.