Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic G5

Here is a detailed assessment of the Olympus SH-2 and Panasonic G5, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SH-2 (16MP) and the G5 (16MP) is very similar but the SH-2 (1/2.3") and G5 (Four Thirds) feature different sensor measurements.

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The SH-2 was released 2 years later than the G5 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SH-2 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple summation of how the SH-2 matches up versus the G5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus SH-2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SH-2 Gallery and Panasonic G5 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus SH-2 offers exterior measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) whilst the Panasonic G5 has proportions of 120mm x 83mm x 71mm (4.7" x 3.3" x 2.8") having a weight of 396 grams (0.87 lbs).

See the Olympus SH-2 and Panasonic G5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use at that time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the SH-2 compared to the G5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SH-2 and G5 is 88 and 74 respectively.

Quite often, its difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reading specifications. The visual underneath will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-2 and G5.

To sum up, both cameras have got the exact same megapixel count but different sensor sizing. The SH-2 comes with the tinier sensor which is going to make obtaining bokeh trickier. The more modern SH-2 provides an edge in sensor innovation.