Olympus SH-2 vs Pentax 645Z

In this article, we are contrasting the Olympus SH-2 vs Pentax 645Z, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Pro DSLR by companies Olympus and Pentax. There exists a crucial gap among the sensor resolutions of the SH-2 (16MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the SH-2 (1/2.3") and 645Z (Medium format) use totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The SH-2 was introduced 11 months after the 645Z and they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SH-2 being a Compact camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before getting in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a short introduction of how the SH-2 scores versus the 645Z with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SH-2 and Pentax 645Z. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SH-2 Gallery and Pentax 645Z Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus SH-2 has external dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) whilst the Pentax 645Z has proportions of 156mm x 117mm x 123mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.8") with a weight of 1550 grams (3.42 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SH-2 vs Pentax 645Z in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the SH-2 versus the 645Z.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SH-2 and 645Z is 88 and 49 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to see the difference in sensor sizes only by looking through technical specs. The pic here might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SH-2 and 645Z.

As you have seen, each of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SH-2 with its smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh more difficult and the Pentax 645Z will provide you with extra detail using its extra 35 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The younger SH-2 will have an advantage in sensor tech.