Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic GF8

The following is a complete comparison of the Olympus SH-2 and Panasonic GF8, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SH-2 (16MP) and the GF8 (16MP) is fairly similar but the SH-2 (1/2.3") and GF8 (Four Thirds) boast different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The SH-2 was introduced 11 months earlier than the GF8 and they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SH-2 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a thorough comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the SH-2 scores versus the GF8 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SH-2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF8. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SH-2 Gallery and Panasonic GF8 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera frequently, you will want to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SH-2 features 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) while the Panasonic GF8 has dimensions of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SH-2 and Panasonic GF8 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Here is a front view scale comparison of the SH-2 against the GF8.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SH-2 and GF8 is 88 and 90 respectively.

Sometimes, it's hard to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions only by reviewing specs. The image here should give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SH-2 and GF8.

All in all, both cameras feature the identical megapixel count but different sensor dimensions. The SH-2 has the tinier sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow DOF harder. The more aged SH-2 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.