Olympus SH-2 vs Pentax Q-S1

Below, we will be analyzing the Olympus SH-2 vs Pentax Q-S1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference among the image resolutions of the SH-2 (16MP) and Q-S1 (12MP) and the SH-2 (1/2.3") and Q-S1 (1/1.7") come with totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SH-2 was brought out 8 months later than the Q-S1 so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SH-2 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q-S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a detailed comparison, below is a simple summation of how the SH-2 grades versus the Q-S1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SH-2 and Pentax Q-S1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-2 Gallery and Pentax Q-S1 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera, you're going to have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus SH-2 provides physical 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 Q-S1 has sizing of 105mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 203 grams (0.45 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SH-2 vs Pentax Q-S1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the SH-2 against the Q-S1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the SH-2 and Q-S1 is 88 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it can be hard to envision the gap in sensor sizing just by viewing specs. The visual here might provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SH-2 and Q-S1.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SH-2 featuring a smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more challenging and the Olympus SH-2 will provide you with greater detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The newer SH-2 will have an edge with regard to sensor technology.