Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic G3

Here, we will be reviewing the Olympus SH-2 versus Panasonic G3, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SH-2 (16MP) and the G3 (16MP) is relatively similar but the SH-2 (1/2.3") and G3 (Four Thirds) boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The SH-2 was brought out 3 years later than the G3 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SH-2 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a detailed comparison, here is a quick view of how the SH-2 scores versus the G3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SH-2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SH-2 Gallery & Panasonic G3 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SH-2 has 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) while the Panasonic G3 has dimensions of 115mm x 84mm x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") and a weight of 336 grams (0.74 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SH-2 versus Panasonic G3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the SH-2 against the G3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SH-2 and G3 is 88 and 83 respectively.

Quite often, its difficult to visualise the gap between sensor measurements merely by reviewing specifications. The graphic below might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SH-2 and G3.

To sum up, each of the cameras come with the identical megapixels albeit not the same sensor measurements. The SH-2 features the tinier sensor which is going to make getting shallower DOF harder. The fresher SH-2 will have an advantage in sensor tech.