Olympus SH-2 vs Sony NEX-7

Here, we will be matching up the Olympus SH-2 and Sony NEX-7, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Sony. There is a sizable difference between the resolutions of the SH-2 (16MP) and NEX-7 (24MP) and the SH-2 (1/2.3") and NEX-7 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizing.

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The SH-2 was manufactured 3 years later than the NEX-7 and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SH-2 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving into a full comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the SH-2 scores versus the NEX-7 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SH-2 & Sony Alpha NEX-7. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-2 Gallery & Sony NEX-7 Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus SH-2 offers outer measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Sony NEX-7 has measurements of 120mm x 67mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 400 grams (0.88 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SH-2 and Sony NEX-7 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the SH-2 against the NEX-7.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the SH-2 and NEX-7 is 88 and 84 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to visualise the difference between sensor measurements merely by reading through technical specs. The visual here may give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SH-2 and NEX-7.

As you have seen, each of the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The SH-2 due to its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Sony NEX-7 will resolve greater detail due to its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The newer SH-2 will have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.