Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic ZR1

Following is a extensive assessment of the Olympus SH-2 and Panasonic ZR1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a huge difference between the image resolutions of the SH-2 (16MP) and ZR1 (12MP) but they feature the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SH-2 was unveiled 5 years after the ZR1 which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a more detailed comparison, below is a brief summary of how the SH-2 scores versus the ZR1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SH-2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-2 Gallery and Panasonic ZR1 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera frequently, you will want to think about its weight and size. The Olympus SH-2 features external measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) and the Panasonic ZR1 has specifications of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SH-2 and Panasonic ZR1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at the time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the SH-2 vs the ZR1.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SH-2 and ZR1 is 88 and 94 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizes simply by going over a spec sheet. The pic underneath might give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-2 and ZR1.

As you can see, both cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Olympus SH-2 to deliver extra detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The fresher SH-2 should have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.