Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic ZS40

Let's look a little more in depth at the Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic ZS40, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SH-2 (16MP) and the ZS40 (18MP) is fairly close and they possess the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SH-2 was manufactured 15 months later than the ZS40 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting in to a thorough comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the SH-2 grades vs the ZS40 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SH-2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SH-2 Gallery and Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera, you'll need to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus SH-2 offers outer dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS40 has measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic ZS40 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose at that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the SH-2 and the ZS40.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the SH-2 and ZS40 is 88 and 90 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be tough to visualize the difference in sensor sizing only by looking through technical specs. The photograph below might offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SH-2 and ZS40.

As you have seen, both cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different resolution. You should anticipate the Panasonic ZS40 to provide you with more detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The more recent SH-2 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.