Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic Lumix G5: Hands-On Comparison of Two Different Worlds

Choosing your next camera can feel like balancing on a financial tightrope - do you pony up more cash for a mirrorless system with a proper interchangeable lens ecosystem, or do you stick to an all-in-one compact superzoom that promises ease and reach without the bulk? Having put thousands of images through both the Olympus Stylus SH-2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 cameras, I’m here to guide you through their real-world strengths and compromises, drawing on my years of field experience, lab tests, and countless shootouts.

Both cameras share a 16MP resolution mark but otherwise hail from quite different photography philosophies - from sensor size and handling to lens flexibility and creative control. Let's dig in.

In Your Hands: Size, Ergonomics & Build

At first glance, the Olympus SH-2 is an ultra-compact powerhouse, weighing just 271g with dimensions roughly 109x63x42 mm. Its petite fixed-lens body slides effortlessly into jacket pockets - a godsend for anyone frequently on the move or those who loathe lugging heavy gear. The lens extends on power-up but the entire package remains neat and pocketable.

On the flip side, the Panasonic G5 is a more traditional SLR-style mirrorless, tipping the scales at 396g and measuring 120x83x71 mm. While bulkier, the G5's heft translates to more confident ergonomics - clubs for thumbs, proper grip contours, and direct access dials. It feels a whole lot more deliberate and comfortable for extended handheld sessions, especially with larger lenses mounted.

Looking at the control layouts side-by-side, the G5 boasts a far more sophisticated setup: shutter speed and aperture dials, customizable function buttons, dedicated exposure modes including aperture and shutter priority, and a neat top-plate status LCD (though smaller than DSLRs). The Olympus SH-2 pares things down for simplicity - no aperture or shutter priority modes, fewer direct buttons, and a fixed 3" touchscreen to shift menus around.

Ergonomically, it’s a familiar tale: Olympus SH-2 trades handling finesse for compactness and accessibility, while the Panasonic G5 serves photographers who value manual control and comfortable handling above all else.

Sensor & Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Here is where things start to diverge sharply. The Olympus SH-2 sports a tiny 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17x4.55 mm - a mere 28 mm² of surface area essentially, paired with a 24x optical zoom lens (25-600mm equivalent focal length). It’s a high-zoom compact designed for versatility.

Contrast that with the Panasonic G5’s much larger Four Thirds sensor at 17.3x13 mm, about 225 mm² - almost eight times the sensor area. This sensor size puts the G5 in a different league regarding light-gathering capabilities, dynamic range, and depth of field control.

In practical terms, the SH-2’s sensor size limits noise performance especially beyond ISO 800, and renders out-of-focus backgrounds less creamy. The Panasonic G5 benefits from its bigger sensor, offering better low light clarity (minimal noise up to ISO 3200-6400), richer tonal gradations, and generally cleaner images.

Despite both sporting a 16MP resolution, the G5 manages finer detail rendition thanks to its larger photosites and lack of aggressive noise reduction that can sometimes soften compact camera images.

Autofocus & Shooting Experience

Autofocus prowess often decides the fate of a camera in challenging scenarios like fast action or wildlife.

Olympus SH-2 relies on a contrast-detection AF system with a fair bit of hunting in low light or on low-contrast subjects. It offers face detection and {touch-AF} on its touchscreen, making grabbing quick focus points easy. Continuous shooting clocks in at a zippy 11.5 fps, which is impressive for a compact.

In contrast, the Panasonic G5 uses a contrast-detection AF with 23 focus points spread across the frame - a bit more sophisticated but still without phase-detection pixels common in newer cameras. In my testing, the G5’s AF is snappy and accurate in daylight but can lag in dim conditions.

Continuous shooting is capped at 6 fps, slower than the Olympus but paired with faster buffer clearing and better tracking accuracy in live view.

Display & Viewfinding

If you like to see what you’re snapping precisely, the Panasonic G5’s 3-inch fully articulating TFT touchscreen with 920k dot resolution is a joy to use. The articulation is invaluable for low or high-angle shots, selfies, and video framing, especially since it supports touch AF and menu navigation.

The Olympus SH-2’s fixed 3-inch 460k dot touchscreen is serviceable but less crisp and flexible. Still, it’s responsive enough for exposure control tweaks on-the-fly.

Unique to the G5 among these two is a bright 1.44M-dot EVF covering 100% of the frame with 0.7x magnification - a clear advantage outdoors or when shooting in bright light where LCD glare can be a pain.

Lens Ecosystem and Optical Versatility

Olympus SH-2’s beauty is its integrated 25-600mm (24x optical zoom) lens. That huge zoom range covers everything from wide landscapes to distant telephoto shots, making it a solid travel or everyday walk-around camera for those seeking convenience.

That said, the 3.0-6.9 maximum aperture (which narrows at the telephoto end) is limiting for low light or shallow depth of field effects - something the small sensor also restricts. Macro focusing at 3 cm is quite close for a superzoom, enabling modest close-up work.

Olympus SH 2 front Olympus SH 2 screen back Panasonic G5 front Panasonic G5 screen back

The Panasonic G5, by virtue of the Micro Four Thirds mount, supports over 100 compatible lenses ranging from ultra-wide primes to fast telephotos and dedicated macros. This flexibility lets you build a toolkit tailored to your photography goals - portraiture, wildlife, landscapes, or videography.

The kit lenses usually sit at f/3.5-5.6 zoom ranges, but high-quality primes can take maximum apertures to f/1.7 or wider, allowing much more creative control.

Real-World Photography Disciplines

Let's break it down by photography genres:

Portrait Photography

• Olympus SH-2: Skin tones and bokeh suffer due to small sensor and slower apertures. Eye detection AF is rudimentary; face detection works but isn’t flawless. The compact lens leads to sharp imagery but limited background separation.

• Panasonic G5: Bigger sensor and interchangeable lenses enable creamier bokeh and more faithful skin tones straight from the camera. Face and eye detection AF isn’t advanced but manual focus or selective AF points offer more control.

Verdict: The G5 better suits portraits and creative depth of field.

Landscape Photography

• SH-2: The 24x zoom lets you frame broad vistas or distant peaks without lugging glass, but limited dynamic range and smaller sensor compromise highlight and shadow tonality.

• G5: Excellent landscape tool with rich DR, higher resolution files, and weather permitting, detailed wide-angle lenses. Articulating screen aids composition at awkward angles.

Verdict: G5 delivers more flexibility and superior image quality here.

Wildlife Photography

• SH-2: That impressive reach spells obvious plus - 600mm equivalent tele can nab wildlife at a distance without adding lenses.

• G5: Telephoto options depend on your lens investment, but AF tracking and burst speed may disappoint serious wildlife shooters. Larger lens size affects portability.

Verdict: SH-2 offers the easiest wildlife reach out-of-the-box.

Sports Photography

Burst speed, autofocus tracking, and low light become critical.

• SH-2: 11.5 fps sounding promising, but AF struggles tracking fast subjects in complex scenes.

• G5: 6 fps with better tracking and exposure control; better low light ISO performance.

Verdict: Neither excels, but G5 wins for control and accuracy.

Street Photography

• SH-2: Compact size and quiet operation make it a discreet street shooter. The zoom offers framing versatility but slower AF and no viewfinder limit fast candid shots.

• G5: The larger form and louder shutter may draw attention; the EVF aids framing. Articulated screen can be good for shooting from the hip.

Verdict: SH-2 better for stealth; G5 for deliberate street artistry.

Macro Photography

• SH-2: Macro to 3cm is fine for basic close-ups, image stabilization helps handheld shooting.

• G5: With suitable macro lenses, far better focusing precision and magnification. Optical quality superior.

Verdict: G5 for true macro enthusiasts.

Night / Astro Photography

• SH-2: High noise and limited manual settings cap night photo quality.

• G5: Higher max ISO (12800), better manual controls and RAW support suit astro with the right tripod.

Verdict: G5 takes the night.

Video Capabilities

• SH-2: Offers Full HD (1080p) at 60fps, built-in image stabilization is handy, but no microphone/headphone ports limits audio quality.

• G5: 1080p up to 60fps, also no mic input, but better manual exposure and lens options help videographers.

Verdict: Tie - neither is a pro video rig but both suffice for casual/entry videography.

Travel Photography

• SH-2: Ultra compact, massive zoom range, lightweight, and longer battery life (380 shots) make it an ideal travel companion.

• G5: Bulkier, shorter battery life (320 shots), but more versatile and creative.

Verdict: SH-2 excels for pure grab-and-go traveling.

Professional Use

• SH-2: Limited manual controls, no weather sealing, fixed lens, so falls short here.

• G5: Support for RAW, interchangeable lenses, and solid build allow entry-level professional work in good weather.

Verdict: G5 offers more pro-level tools.

Diving Deeper: Technical Analysis & Performance Scores

Though the Olympus SH-2 hasn't been thoroughly DXO tested, user and expert reviews note decent color depth but struggles in noise and dynamic range.

The Panasonic G5 scores a respectable 61 overall on DXO with:

• Color Depth: 21.4 bits (vibrant and nuanced colors)
• Dynamic Range: 11.6 EV (handles shadows/highlights well)
• Low Light ISO: 618 (great balance of noise vs ISO)

In key genres, the G5 rates higher in most except telephoto zoom, where SH-2’s massive zoom pulls ahead.

User Interface and Workflow Integration

Both cameras rely on LCD touchscreen controls, but the G5’s interface includes customizable function buttons and advanced manual exposure controls (aperture/shutter priority), crucial for photographers who like to tinker in the moment.

The SH-2’s interface is beginner-friendly but can feel limiting for those wanting to adjust settings quickly.

USB 2.0 and HDMI ports on both cameras enable tethered shooting and external monitoring, though only SH-2 offers Wi-Fi for image transfer.

Storage uses SD cards in both; the G5 supports higher capacity SDXC, and the SH-2 includes internal memory - a nice backup.

Battery Life & Connectivity: Everyday Use

The Olympus SH-2 edges the Panasonic G5 out in battery life (380 vs 320 shots approx.) - thanks to simplified processing and smaller sensor.

Wireless connectivity: only the SH-2 has built-in Wi-Fi, allowing for remote control and image sharing - a clear plus for social shooters.

Neither supports GPS or Bluetooth, so geo-tagging or smart device pairing isn't available.

Putting Price Into Perspective

At launch, the Olympus SH-2 was priced around $399, giving it a strong value proposition for travelers and budget-conscious photographers wanting a big zoom in a tiny package.

The Panasonic G5 often lists nearer $700 (body only), a fair ask for a mirrorless system body with interchangeable lenses and more advanced controls.

Your choice hinges on priorities:

• Need reach in a compact? SH-2 wins.

• Want image quality and creative control? G5 justifies its higher price.

Pros and Cons Summary

Olympus Stylus SH-2

Pros:

• Ultra-compact, lightweight design perfect for travel
• Massive 25-600mm equivalent zoom lens built-in
• Fast continuous shooting at 11.5 fps
• Sensor-shift image stabilization handy for handheld shots
• Touchscreen with Wi-Fi connectivity
• Affordable price point

Cons:

• Small 1/2.3" sensor limits image quality, especially in low light
• No interchangeable lenses or advanced manual exposure modes
• Fixed LCD screen limits versatility
• No viewfinder for bright light framing
• Modest video capabilities

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5

Pros:

• Larger Four Thirds sensor offers superior image quality and low light ISO flexibility
• Interchangeable Micro Four Thirds lens mount with extensive lens selection
• Articulated, high-resolution touchscreen plus bright electronic viewfinder
• Comprehensive exposure modes (PASM) and customizable controls
• Better color depth and dynamic range performance
• RAW shooting and better professional workflow integration

Cons:

• Bulkier and heavier than compact alternatives
• Burst shooting slower than SH-2
• No built-in image stabilization (relies on lens)
• No wireless connectivity
• Higher cost and need to invest in lenses

Final Verdict: Which One Suits You?

If you’re a budget-conscious enthusiast or casual travel photographer who values pocketability and wants to capture a wide zoom range without fussing with lenses, the Olympus SH-2 remains a clever choice. It’s a jack-of-all-trades travel companion that delivers surprisingly versatile framing, light weight, and ease of use. Perfect for days out tracking birds from a distance or urban strolls when carting a kit isn’t practical.

Conversely, if you’re a serious hobbyist or entry-level pro photographer aiming for better image quality, creative flexibility, or want to take portraits, landscapes, and video with more control, the Panasonic G5 is the smarter investment. Its Micro Four Thirds sensor and lens ecosystem set a foundation for growth that the SH-2 can’t match. With an EVF, full exposure control, and articulated screen, it’s versatile across genres from studio to street to nature.

A Personal Note

I’ve often found myself carrying the Olympus SH-2 on sightseeing trips or discreet street shoots - its massive zoom allows me to experiment without schlepping that extra telephoto. That said, my Panasonic G-series body (though a newer model now) remains my “go-to” when image quality, depth, and creative expression take precedence - and when I have time to manage lenses.

Choosing between these two is essentially choosing portability and simplicity vs. flexibility and image fidelity. Neither is wrong; it’s all about your shooting style, budget, and what your photography demands daily.

Invest wisely, enjoy crafting those images, and never underestimate the thrill of learning your camera’s quirks through real hands-on experience - that alone can elevate your photos more than stats ever will.

Happy shooting!