Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic GH2

Below is a detailed assessment of the Olympus SH-2 versus Panasonic GH2, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SH-2 (16MP) and the GH2 (16MP) is relatively close but the SH-2 (1/2.3") and GH2 (Four Thirds) offer different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SH-2 was brought out 4 years later than the GH2 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus SH-2 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving into a thorough comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the SH-2 grades versus the GH2 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SH-2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SH-2 Gallery and Panasonic GH2 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus SH-2 comes with external 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 GH2 has specifications of 124mm x 90mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 3.0") having a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SH-2 versus Panasonic GH2 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the SH-2 against the GH2.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SH-2 and GH2 is 88 and 70 respectively.

More often than not, its tough to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements only by looking through specifications. The graphic below will help provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the SH-2 and GH2.

Plainly, the 2 cameras have the same megapixels albeit different sensor measurements. The SH-2 features the smaller sensor which should make obtaining shallower DOF more challenging. The more modern SH-2 provides an edge when it comes to sensor technology.