Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic LF1

The following is a extended comparison of the Olympus SH-2 and Panasonic LF1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap between the image resolutions of the SH-2 (16MP) and LF1 (12MP) and the SH-2 (1/2.3") and LF1 (1/1.7") feature totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The SH-2 was manufactured 16 months after the LF1 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving through a in-depth comparison, below is a concise summation of how the SH-2 grades vs the LF1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SH-2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-2 Gallery and Panasonic LF1 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to travel with your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SH-2 provides outside measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Panasonic LF1 has dimensions of 103mm x 62mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SH-2 and Panasonic LF1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the SH-2 against the LF1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SH-2 and LF1 is 88 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to envision the difference between sensor dimensions merely by looking at specifications. The picture below might offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the SH-2 and LF1.

Plainly, both of those cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SH-2 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Olympus SH-2 will give extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures far more aggressively. The fresher SH-2 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.