Olympus SH-2 vs Sony HX50V

Its time to look a bit more in depth at the Olympus SH-2 and Sony HX50V, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by competitors Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the SH-2 (16MP) and the HX50V (20MP) is pretty close and they possess the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SH-2 was announced 23 months later than the HX50V which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting straight into a in depth comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the SH-2 grades against the HX50V when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SH-2 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-2 Gallery and Sony HX50V Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus SH-2 comes with physical measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) and the Sony HX50V has proportions of 108mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 272 grams (0.60 lbs).

Check the Olympus SH-2 and Sony HX50V in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the SH-2 and the HX50V.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the SH-2 and HX50V is 88 and 89 respectively.

Usually, it is tough to visualise the gap in sensor measurements merely by viewing a spec sheet. The graphic below should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the SH-2 and HX50V.

As you can see, the 2 cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Sony HX50V to render greater detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots far more aggressively. The more recent SH-2 will have an edge with regard to sensor technology.