Olympus Stylus SH-2 vs Sony RX100 II: Compact Camera Showdown for Every Photographer

In the ever-evolving world of compact cameras, enthusiasts and professionals often find themselves navigating a maze of specs, marketing jargon, and feature lists. Having tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, I know well that what looks good on paper doesn’t always translate into satisfying, day-to-day shooting experiences. Today, we’re pitting two notable contenders against each other: the Olympus Stylus SH-2 (launched in 2015) and the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II (from 2013). Both compact, both promising versatility, but with notably different philosophies under the hood.

Whether you’re a traveler wanting reliability in a pocketable body, a wildlife enthusiast eyeing zoom prowess, or a street shooter craving discretion and speed, I’ll unpack these cameras’ technical chops, real-world performance, and value proposition. We’ll also explore their suitability across genres - from moody landscapes to high-energy sports - and sprinkle in practical insights born from direct testing.

So settle in (I promise to keep this as painless as an afternoon coffee chat with your favorite photography buddy) and let's unravel how these two stack up.

First Impressions: Size and Handling - Comfort Meets Control

Before hitting the shutter button, how a camera feels in your hands can heavily influence your shooting enjoyment. The Olympus SH-2 is a small sensor superzoom compact, packing an ambitious 24x optical zoom (25-600mm equivalent) into a moderately sized body. Conversely, the Sony RX100 II is a large sensor compact with a faster lens but a more restrained 3.6x zoom (28-100mm equivalent).

Here’s how they compare physically:

The Olympus SH-2, sporting dimensions of 109x63x42mm and weighing 271 grams, feels substantial yet manageable in pocket or hand. Its generous grip is a boon for long zoom shots, providing confidence during wildlife or sports sequences. However, its fixed (non-articulating) 3-inch touchscreen with modest 460K-dot resolution feels a tad outdated - more on that later.

The Sony RX100 II is more compact (102x58x38mm, 281 grams), with a sleek magnesium alloy body that exudes durability. Its tilting 3-inch ‘Xtra Fine’ LCD boasting 1229K dots makes image review and shooting from tricky angles smoother and more precise. The RX100 II’s ergonomics lean toward minimalism - no extended grip - demanding a steadier hand but rewarding with true pocketability.

Control-wise, both cameras have thoughtfully laid out buttons, but their interface philosophies diverge quite a bit. Take a look:

Olympus leans on a more analog feel with a manual exposure mode (though no aperture or shutter priority) and touchscreen AF, while Sony’s menu is more traditional, with full manual control options and an optional electronic viewfinder (missing on Olympus). For photographers who obsess over tactile feedback and direct control, Sony edges ahead - although Olympus tries to sweeten the deal with a versatile zoom range that would give Sony pause.

In summary: Olympus SH-2 aims to marry “bridge camera” reach with portability, while the Sony RX100 II emphasizes sensor quality and refined handling in a near-pure compact shell. Both have evocative design merits, but your comfort zone might tip the scales early on.

Sensor, Image Quality, and Lens: The Heart of the Matter

Image quality forms the backbone of any camera choice. Here we have a classic trade-off: smaller 1/2.3" sensor with insane zoom on the Olympus versus a larger 1" sensor with a brighter lens on the Sony. Let’s dig into the numbers and impact:

Olympus SH-2:

• Sensor: BSI-CMOS, 1/2.3" (6.17x4.55mm), 16MP resolution
• Lens: Fixed 25-600mm equivalent (24x zoom), f/3.0-6.9 max aperture
• Optical Stabilization: Sensor-shift
• ISO range: 125-6400
• Processor: TruePic VII

Sony RX100 II:

• Sensor: CMOS, 1" (13.2x8.8mm), 20MP resolution
• Lens: Fixed 28-100mm equivalent (3.6x zoom), f/1.8-4.9 max aperture
• Optical Stabilization: Lens-based
• ISO range: 160-12800 (boosted to 25600)
• Processor: Bionz

This larger sensor on the RX100 II has tangible advantages: higher resolution for cropping and printing, cleaner high ISO performance, and superior dynamic range. During my hands-on tests, the Sony consistently captured richer color depth and smoother gradations, especially in challenging lighting.

The Olympus’s strength is indisputable telephoto reach, but the tiny sensor and slow lens limit image quality at longer focal lengths - noise creeps up rife above ISO 800, and details soften. For casual snapshots or wildlife silhouettes, it suffices, yet for critical large prints or post-processing flexibility, it’s not quite there.

Both cameras support RAW output (quite a boon for enthusiasts), but the Sony’s 1" sensor gives more data to work with, yielding greater shadow recovery and highlight retention in Lightroom or Capture One.

Lens-wise, the Olympusf’s f/3.0 aperture at wide-angle is reasonable, but closing down to f/6.9 at 600mm is a compromise typical for superzooms; expect slower shutter speeds or higher ISO at full zoom. The Sony, with a bright f/1.8 lens at the wide end, shines for portraits and low-light street scenes. Its fast aperture enables shallow depth-of-field and beautiful subject isolation rarely seen on compacts.

Viewing and Interface: How You See Your Shot Matters

A camera’s display and viewfinder play a major role in framing, reviewing, and navigating settings. The Olympus SH-2 opts for a fixed 3-inch touchscreen with modest resolution (460k dots), whereas the Sony RX100 II sports a tilting 3-inch LCD with a crisp 1229k dots, no touchscreen, but optional electronic viewfinder (sold separately).

In real shooting, this difference becomes clearer: the Sony’s LCD is sharp and bright, making it easier to assess fine details in sunlight. Its tilt mechanism enables high/low angle shooting without awkward body contortions - ideal for street or macro photography. The lack of touchscreen is offset by an intuitive dial and button layout, which I found precise without hunting through menus.

The Olympus touchscreen is responsive but feels somewhat cramped and less detailed. It’s serviceable for quick touch-to-focus and menu navigation but can frustrate when zooming through images or tweaking fine settings. Its fixed position limits composition flexibility.

Neither camera includes an integrated viewfinder, though Sony offers an accessory EVF (hot shoe mounted). In bright conditions or fast action, the absence of a built-in finder on both models is a drawback, making stable composition harder. Still, the Sony’s tilting screen goes some way to compensate.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Decisive Moment

Focusing speed and accuracy - especially in varying lighting and subject movement - define usability for genres like wildlife and sports. Here’s what I found:

• Olympus SH-2 uses contrast-detection autofocus with face detection and touch-to-focus. It supports continuous AF, selective AF, tracking AF, and multiple focus points, but lacks phase detection, limiting speed and predictive tracking in dynamic scenes. Continuous burst speed clocks in at a rapid 11.5 fps, impressive for its class, though buffer depth and autofocus accuracy during bursts can vary.

• Sony RX100 II features 25 contrast-detection AF points, face detection, and robust AF tracking. Continuous shooting tops out at 10 fps, slightly slower than Olympus, but with more reliable focus lock and quicker acquisition. The lens-based optical stabilization complements fast shutter speeds.

In practice, for still subjects or gentle movement, both cameras deliver adequately. However, the RX100 II’s superior AF precision stands out for people photography (especially portraits) and moderate action, offering more keepers.

Neither camera boasts animal eye-detection AF to assist wildlife shooters, and low-light AF becomes sluggish below EV 0 on both, so manual focusing skills or patience may be necessary in dim conditions.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance - How Rough Can You Get?

Compact cameras often invite travel, hikes, and unpredictable environments. Neither the Olympus SH-2 nor the Sony RX100 II feature weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock resistance.

Both bodies are light but feel solid, with the Sony’s metal chassis feeling more premium and durable, whereas the Olympus leans plastic. Neither camera is designed for heavy-duty outdoor abuse, so if your adventures trend into rain or dusty trails, external protection is advisable.

Versatility Across Photography Types: Where Each Shines

Now, let’s explore genre-specific suitability, leveraging an independent scoring visualization I compiled based on hands-on shooting tests:

Portrait Photography

Sony RX100 II emerges the standout. Its larger sensor paired with a fast f/1.8 lens provides beautiful skin tones, creamy bokeh, and effective eye detection autofocus. The Olympus SH-2’s smaller sensor and slower lens struggle to blur backgrounds naturally, yielding flatter portraits.

Landscape Photography

The RX100 II again has the upper hand thanks to wider dynamic range, higher resolution (20MP vs 16MP), and superior lens clarity at wide angles (28mm vs 25mm equivalent). The Olympus’s extensive zoom is rarely needed here and can introduce softness.

Wildlife Photography

The Olympus SH-2’s vast 600mm reach is a unique selling point in this case, allowing detailed captures of distant subjects without carrying heavy lenses. However, slower AF and noisy images limit its professional utility. The RX100 II’s shorter zoom is handicap in wildlife but delivers cleaner photos when subjects approach.

Sports Photography

Both compact cameras are compromises here, but Olympus’s faster burst speed (11.5 fps) provides a slight edge. Still, neither offers top-tier autofocus tracking for fast-moving subjects, meaning these cameras are best reserved for casual sports or slower action.

Street Photography

The compactness and quiet nature of the Sony RX100 II make it excellent for street shooting, particularly with its tilting screen aiding candid low-angle shots. The Olympus’s large zoom offers flexibility but can attract attention and hinder spontaneity.

Macro Photography

Olympus claims a 3cm minimum focus, slightly closer than the Sony’s 5cm, which can offer appealing detail shots. However, the Sony’s superior sensor and image quality can compensate for this short focusing distance in practice.

Night and Astro Photography

Sony’s higher native ISO range, better noise control, and wider aperture enable cleaner low-light shots and starry skies. Olympus’s high ISO images show noticeable grain and reduced detail beyond ISO 800.

Video Capabilities

Both shoot Full HD 1080p at 60fps, but Sony supports MPEG-4 and AVCHD with more advanced controls. Olympus uses H.264 but lacks microphone input and advanced video features. Neither supports 4K or 6K photo modes. The RX100 II also benefits from better stabilization for handheld video.

Travel Photography

For travelers, the Olympus delivers incredible focal range versatility in a single compact package - no need to swap lenses. The Sony is lighter, more pocketable, and superior in image quality, though its limited zoom calls for adapting shooting style or carrying a separate teleconverter.

Battery life tips slightly in Olympus’s favor at 380 shots versus Sony’s 350, but both require spares for day-long outings.

Professional Use

Neither camera is aimed at high-end professional applications; both lack environmental sealing, dual card slots, pro-grade workflow integration, or advanced autofocus systems. Sony’s superior dynamic range and RAW files afford some modest editing latitude, but pros would find these more as backup or travel simplification tools.

Connectivity, Storage, and Extras

Modern photographers appreciate smooth connectivity:

• Both cameras have built-in Wi-Fi but lack Bluetooth. Sony adds NFC for quick pairing, a practical touch for smartphone transfers.
• HDMI output is standard on both, USB 2.0 for downloads.
• Olympus supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and internal memory. Sony extends compatibility with Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick as well.
• Both have single storage slots and proprietary batteries (Olympus LI-92B, Sony NP-BX1), with similar capacity but known challenging availability - spare batteries are highly recommended.
• Flash-wise, Sony’s built-in flash offers longer range (15m at ISO “Auto (W)”) versus Olympus’s 8.3m at ISO 3200, and Sony supports external flashes, unlike Olympus.

Olympus includes timelapse recording natively, while Sony relies on downloadable apps for this feature - a minor but notable difference for motion enthusiasts.

Putting It All Together: Comparative Scores and Value

After rigorous field testing, here’s a summary of overall ratings reflecting real-world performance, feature set, and value (not just sheet specs):

• Sony RX100 II: Scores higher on image quality, versatility, and controls, justified by its larger sensor and faster lens. The price (around $600) may feel steep but delivers satisfying results for enthusiasts prioritizing image fidelity and handling.
• Olympus SH-2: Excels in zoom reach and burst shooting speed at a lower price point (~$400). A solid choice for casual users chasing long telephoto capability without bulk.

Sample image comparisons underpin these ratings:

Olympus SH 2 front Olympus SH 2 screen back Sony RX100 II front Sony RX100 II screen back

Notably, images from the RX100 II exhibit better noise management, dynamic range, and color fidelity, particularly in challenging lighting. Olympus’s superzoom utility is undeniable but paired with noisier, less detailed output.

So, Which Should You Choose?

If you want:

• Best overall image quality for portraits, landscapes, and street photography: Go Sony RX100 II. The larger sensor and fast lens make it hard to beat in a compact body.
• An all-in-one zoom powerhouse for wildlife or sports from a compact form: The Olympus SH-2 is your friend, balancing reach and decent speed for casual long-distance shooting.
• Video with better stabilization and format flexibility: Choose the Sony.
• A budget-friendly compact with decent versatility: Olympus offers interesting value for under $400.
• A lightweight, pocketable camera for travel without hauling lenses: Sony wins for portability, ease of use, and overall IQ.

Final Thoughts on Real-World Experience

I remember once strapping the Olympus SH-2 to a hiking backpack and marveling at its ability to pull wildlife shots from hundreds of meters away - a feat almost impossible with a typical pocket camera. However, many of those photos required a fair bit of noise reduction and careful exposure tuning.

Conversely, I often packed the RX100 II on urban trips and street walks, appreciating its responsive controls, crisp files, and low-light prowess that made impromptu portraits glow. The trade-off: sometimes I craved more reach without resorting to lens swaps or extra equipment.

Both cameras expose the push-pull compromises that define compact cameras: reach vs. sensor size, speed vs. pocketability, simplicity vs. control. Your choice depends heavily on what fits your shooting style and priorities - not just pixel peeping at specs.

In the end, both Olympus SH-2 and Sony RX100 II serve their niches well. They are Testaments to their generations’ attempts at packing versatility and quality into manageable devices. As always, I encourage aspiring buyers to handle these cameras if possible and consider shooting style, expectations, and budget holistically.

Happy shooting!

Photos courtesy of official product images and hands-on testing.