Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic GX1

Here is a thorough analysis of the Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic GX1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SH-2 (16MP) and the GX1 (16MP) is pretty close but the SH-2 (1/2.3") and GX1 (Four Thirds) use totally different sensor measurements.

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The SH-2 was launched 3 years later than the GX1 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SH-2 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GX1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving through a full comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the SH-2 scores versus the GX1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SH-2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SH-2 Gallery & Panasonic GX1 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera, you'll need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SH-2 has outer measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) and the Panasonic GX1 has dimensions of 116mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 318 grams (0.70 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic GX1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the SH-2 against the GX1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SH-2 and GX1 is 88 and 87 respectively.

More often than not, it's hard to envision the difference in sensor sizing merely by looking through specs. The graphic below will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SH-2 and GX1.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact megapixel count albeit not the same sensor sizing. The SH-2 provides the smaller sensor which should make getting shallow DOF harder. The more modern SH-2 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.