Olympus SH-2 vs Sony QX1

On this page, we are analyzing the Olympus SH-2 and Sony QX1, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Lens-style by competitors Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SH-2 (16MP) and the QX1 (20MP) is fairly close but the SH-2 (1/2.3") and QX1 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The SH-2 was released 7 months after the QX1 and they are of a similar age. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SH-2 being a Compact camera and the Sony QX1 being a Lens-style camera.

Before getting straight to a in depth comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the SH-2 scores vs the QX1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus SH-2 & Sony Alpha QX1. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SH-2 Gallery & Sony QX1 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus SH-2 offers outside 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 Sony QX1 has measurements of 74mm x 70mm x 53mm (2.9" x 2.8" x 2.1") with a weight of 216 grams (0.48 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SH-2 and Sony QX1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have at that time. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the SH-2 against the QX1.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the SH-2 and QX1 is 88 and 90 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes merely by viewing specs. The picture here may give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SH-2 and QX1.

All in all, both the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SH-2 because of its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field tougher and the Sony QX1 will render more detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics more aggressively. The younger SH-2 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.