Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic FZ80

Below is a comprehensive review of the Olympus SH-2 and Panasonic FZ80, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SH-2 (16MP) and the FZ80 (18MP) is relatively well matched and both cameras have the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SH-2 was launched 22 months earlier than the FZ80 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SH-2 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ80 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the SH-2 matches up vs the FZ80 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SH-2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-2 Gallery and Panasonic FZ80 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera often, you should consider its weight and size. The Olympus SH-2 enjoys external 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 FZ80 has specifications of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") with a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SH-2 and Panasonic FZ80 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have at that time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the SH-2 vs the FZ80.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SH-2 and FZ80 is 88 and 63 respectively.

Normally, its hard to visualize the gap between sensor measurements simply by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic here might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SH-2 and FZ80.

Clearly, both the cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit different megapixels. You should count on the Panasonic FZ80 to give extra detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs way more aggressively. The older SH-2 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.