Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic GX7

Below is a complete analysis of the Olympus SH-2 and Panasonic GX7, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SH-2 (16MP) and the GX7 (16MP) is fairly close but the SH-2 (1/2.3") and GX7 (Four Thirds) boast different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The SH-2 was manufactured 17 months later than the GX7 making them a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SH-2 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GX7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a complete comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the SH-2 grades against the GX7 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SH-2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus SH-2 Gallery and Panasonic GX7 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SH-2 comes with outside dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") along with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GX7 has dimensions of 123mm x 71mm x 55mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 2.2") with a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SH-2 and Panasonic GX7 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the SH-2 versus the GX7.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SH-2 and GX7 is 88 and 81 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to picture the difference in sensor measurements only by looking through specs. The graphic underneath might give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SH-2 and GX7.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras provide the same megapixels but different sensor measurements. The SH-2 has the smaller sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow depth of field trickier. The younger SH-2 should have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.