Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic ZS5

Following is a extended comparison of the Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic ZS5, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a substantial difference among the resolutions of the SH-2 (16MP) and ZS5 (12MP) but they use the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SH-2 was introduced 4 years after the ZS5 which is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the SH-2 grades against the ZS5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SH-2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SH-2 Gallery & Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus SH-2 comes with physical dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS5 has proportions of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

See the Olympus SH-2 vs Panasonic ZS5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have attached at the time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the SH-2 compared to the ZS5.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the SH-2 and ZS5 is 88 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to envision the difference in sensor sizes only by checking out technical specs. The picture underneath will help give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SH-2 and ZS5.

As you have seen, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same resolution. You can anticipate the Olympus SH-2 to show extra detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics far more aggressively. The younger SH-2 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.