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Olympus SH-2

 
Olympus Stylus SH-2 front
 
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 125 - 6400
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 25-600mm (F3.0-6.9) lens
  • 271g - 109 x 63 x 42mm
  • Launched March 2015
  • Previous Model is Olympus SH-1
  • Successor is Olympus SH-3
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
88
Imaging
41
Features
51
Overall
45

Olympus SH-2 summary

Olympus SH-2 is Olympus's Small Sensor Superzoom camera first released on March of 2015. It comes with a 16 MegaPixel, BSI-CMOS 1/2.3" size sensor with a full resolution of 4608 x 3456.

Olympus brought out this camera as a way to replace the earlier Olympus SH-1 (Read Full Comparison) and afterwards launched the newer Olympus SH-3 (Read Full Comparison) to update this model.

The SH-2 is rated #50 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and over-all #512 out of 1465 for digital cameras in our collection. Please look at our Advanced camera finder to find camera results based on your custom criteria.

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The following is a graph of different factors used in the rating system.

Olympus SH-2 family

The Olympus SH-2 comes with a history of related digital cameras. Below, you can take a look at all past and current models alongside main specifications.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Olympus-Stylus-SH-3 front thumbnailOlympus SH-3
SH-2 vs SH-3
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2016
Olympus-Stylus-SH-2 front thumbnailOlympus SH-225-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2015
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Olympus-Stylus-SH-1 front thumbnailOlympus SH-1
SH-2 vs SH-1
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2014
Olympus-Stylus-SP-100 front thumbnailOlympus SP-100
SH-2 vs SP-100
24-1200mm
F2.9-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2014
Olympus-SZ-15 front thumbnailOlympus SZ-15
SH-2 vs SZ-15
23-483mm
F2.8-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Olympus-SH-50 front thumbnailOlympus SH-50
SH-2 vs SH-50
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Photography Glossary
Olympus-SZ-16-iHS front thumbnailOlympus SZ-16 iHS
SH-2 vs SZ-16 iHS
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Olympus-Stylus-SP-820UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-820UZ
SH-2 vs SP-820UZ
22-896mm
F3.4-5.7
14MP1/2.3"2012
Olympus-SZ-31MR-iHS front thumbnailOlympus SZ-31MR iHS
SH-2 vs SZ-31MR iHS
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2012
Olympus-SP-620-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-620 UZ
SH-2 vs SP-620 UZ
25-525mm
F3.1-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2012
Olympus-SZ-12 front thumbnailOlympus SZ-12
SH-2 vs SZ-12
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
14MP1/2.3"2012
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Olympus-SP-810-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-810 UZ
SH-2 vs SP-810 UZ
24-864mm
F2.9-5.7
14MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SZ-11 front thumbnailOlympus SZ-11
SH-2 vs SZ-11
25-500mm
F3.0-6.9
14MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SZ-30MR front thumbnailOlympus SZ-30MR
SH-2 vs SZ-30MR
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SZ-10 front thumbnailOlympus SZ-10
SH-2 vs SZ-10
28-504mm
F3.1-4.4
14MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SP-610UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-610UZ
SH-2 vs SP-610UZ
28-616mm
F3.3-5.7
14MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SP-800-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-800 UZ
SH-2 vs SP-800 UZ
28-840mm
F2.8-5.6
14MP1/2.3"2010
Olympus-SP-600-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-600 UZ
SH-2 vs SP-600 UZ
28-420mm
F3.5-5.4
12MP1/2.3"2010
Olympus-SP-565UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-565UZ
SH-2 vs SP-565UZ
26-520mm
F2.8-4.5
10MP1/2.3"2009
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Olympus-SP-590-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-590 UZ
SH-2 vs SP-590 UZ
26-676mm
F2.8-5.0
12MP1/2.3"2009

Olympus SH-2 Pros and Cons

Here is a shortlist of positives and negatives of the Olympus SH-2 based on criterias which are generally regarded as necessary in a camera.

delivers RAW files
flash built-in
great battery life (380 per charge)
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
includes face detect autofocus
includes HDMI port
includes tracking focus
incredible zoom range (25-600mm 24.0 x zoom)
lighter than competition in class (271g)
megapixel count good (16MP)
offers touch focus
quite wide (25mm)
screen is a good size (3 inches)
touchscreen
very long zoom (600mm)
video res high (1920 x 1080 pixels)
cannot swap lens (fixed lens mount)
cannot use external flash
display isn't selfie friendly
lack of headphone port
lack of microphone port
lack of phase detect autofocus
manual focus not available
max zoom aperture not good (f6.9)
no aperture priority mode
no moving screen
no shutter priority
screen has low resolution (460 thousand dot)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
sluggish max aperture (f3.0)
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Olympus SH-2 Sensor features

The Olympus SH-2 houses the TruePic VII processor. The dimension of the sensor on the Olympus SH-2 is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor has the ability to capture 4608 x 3456 pixels using aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. The camera boasts Image Stabilization (Sensor-shift). Sensor stabilization is preferable than digital stabilization since the latter may produce cropping.

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The BSI-CMOS sensor boasts 16MP and gives a native ISO range of 125 to 6400. RAW format is saved which means that the user has more room to maneuver in post.

The picture underneath displays the SH-2's sensor size when compared to other common sizes. The SH-2 sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.8 and is showcased in green.

Olympus Stylus SH-2 sensor size Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images

To get a sense of different aspect ratios, you should refer to the visual below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Olympus SH-2 dimensions

Olympus SH-2 weighs around 0.60 lb (271 gr / 9.56 oz) and the dimensions of the camera is 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7"). The weight of average Small Sensor Superzoom camera is 387 gr and the Olympus SH-2 is less heavy as compared to various competitors.

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Down below is a shot of the Olympus SH-2 with a softdrink to help you have a sense of its size.

Olympus Stylus SH-2 dimensions scale

The top view under will show the button arrangement on the SH-2.

Olympus Stylus SH-2 topview buttons dials

Olympus SH-2 Lens features

The SH-2 provides a fixed lens offering a focal range of 25-600mm making it a 24.0 x zoom which is perfect and will make it easier to zoom all the way in.

At it's widest 25mm, it will have an aperture of f3.0 which will be fairly sluggish and not very good in low light circumstances and you might struggle to capture good bokeh. You could also need to boost your ISO producing noisy photographs. At the long end, 600mm is amazing zoom and comes at f6.9 which is fairly slow and you will have to use slow shutter speeds.

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Olympus SH-2 Connectivity

The SH-2 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • Wireless Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Digital cameras that incorporate NFC and Bluetooth connectivity can be used wirelessly with smartphones. You are able to transfer pictures and at times alter camera settings without connecting directly with the camera.

Several apps also allow a Liveview and release the shutter when you are not near the camera. If the camera contains a HDMI out, it can be attached to an external screen. Virtually all cameras enable you to recharge the battery pack through the USB socket.

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Olympus SH-2 Video features

The highest possible video resolution on the Olympus SH-2 is 1920 x 1080 and it can record in H.264 format. 1080p resolution is an excellent balance between quality vs file size but 1080p isn't going to leave you with much room to downsample. The body does not offer a mic and headphone jack which means you get absolutely no control over your audio. It is perhaps a better idea to order an alternative model should you want decent audio in your video clips.

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Olympus SH-2 Weather Sealing

Olympus SH-2 does not have environment sealing so wet conditions could ruin the camera.

Olympus SH-2 Display and Viewfinder

The Olympus SH-2 comes with a 3 inch fixed display having a resolution of 460 thousand dots.

Additionally the display is touch friendly which means that you will be able to shift focus points plus adjust settings using your fingertips.

Olympus Stylus SH-2 screen and viewfinder Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The View Finder specifications regarding Olympus SH-2 are as follows:

  • ViewFinder None

Viewfinders are rather handy during sunny outdoor situations which can easily make the camera display washed out and difficult to view.

Olympus SH-2 Shutter features

Olympus SH-2 has the ability to shoot continuously at 11.5 frames per second. The highest shutter speed is 1/2000s.

Photography Glossary

Olympus SH-2 Flash and Hot shoe features

Olympus SH-2 boasts just in-built flash lacking external flash support.

Olympus SH-2 Autofocus features

Olympus SH-2 boasts only Contrast Detect AF and does not have Phase Detect AF. Phase Detection focusing is more snappier & precise as compared to Contrast Detect focusing. The camera comes with Face detect which is useful for portraits.

Olympus SH-2 has touch to focus. You can use your fingers to adjust focus points. It also boasts Tracking AF for moving things. Olympus SH-2 lacks manual focus. Manual focus option can be good during low light occasions or you require more accurate focusing control.

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Olympus SH-2 Battery life

The battery life (LI-92B) on the Olympus SH-2 is made to last for 380 pictures according to the CIPA standards which is higher than average when compared to its class. The average Small Sensor Superzoom camera battery life is 316. Fujifilm HS35EXR comes with the best (600) battery life within this range of cameras.

Below is a list of Small Sensor Superzoom cameras that have the highest battery life:

Olympus SH-2 for different kinds of photography

The following chart displays a outline of the Olympus SH-2 for different kinds of photography. To understand more, have a look at the specific section underneath.

Olympus SH-2 Portrait photography highlights

The Olympus SH-2 receives a points tally of 44 which is horrible, and means the camera is not acceptable to use for portrait photos. Photographing portraits leans greatly towards sensor resolution, RAW support and ability to work with external lighting.

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MP count good (16 megapixels)
has face detect autofocus
delivers RAW formats
no manual focus
no external flash support
small sensor (1/2.3")

Street photography with Olympus SH-2

Coming in at a nice rating of 70, the Olympus SH-2 is a fine fit to buy for street photography. A decent street photography camera provides a perfect balance of picture quality and portability.

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has image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
delivers RAW formats
supports focus via touch
lighter than competition (271 grams)
no moving screen
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")

Olympus SH-2 Sports photography highlights

A average sports photography points total of 51 suggests the Olympus SH-2 is relatively acceptable for taking photos of sports. A camera really should have great autofocus plus fast shutter speeds for sports photography.

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long zoom range (25-600mm 24.0 x zoom)
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
good MP (16 megapixels)
features tracking focus
great battery pack (380 CIPA)
lack of shutter priority mode
very small sensor (1/2.3")
has no phase detect auto focus

Olympus SH-2 Travel photography features

Weight is really critical when buying a travel camera. Overall, the Olympus SH-2 gets a very good 74 as a travel camera which is a respectable pick to take with you on your vacations.

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better than average battery life (380 CIPA)
lighter than average (271 grams)
includes focus via touch
decent megapixels (16MP)
built-in flash
rather wide (25mm)
very long reach (600mm)
does not feature selfie friendly screen
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.0)

Olympus SH-2 Landscape photography info

For those who are looking to purchase a digital camera for landscape photos, the most important factor is going to be image quality. The Olympus SH-2 and it's moderate grade of 55 as a landscape camera is relatively adequate within the current marketplace.

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really wide (25mm)
screen is a decent size (3 inches)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
decent megapixels (16MP)
supports RAW files
great battery pack (380 shots)
focusing manually not possible
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.0)
sensor is small (1/2.3")

Olympus SH-2 Vlogging factors

A vlogging camera should posses a moving display, mic input and preferably IBIS. Taking all things in to account, the Olympus SH-2 is not acceptable as a vlog camera as it delivers a horrible rating of 35.

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really wide (25mm)
built-in touchscreen
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
comes with face detection focusing
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 pxls)
lighter than competition (271 grams)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.0)
screen is not selfie friendly
no external microphone support

Olympus SH-2 Alternatives

If you are looking for replacements to the SH-2, below is a collection of the top placed cameras that fall within the class of Small Sensor Superzoom.

The graph here shows you an overview of the SH-2 versus it's highest ranked competitors suggested earlier.

Following are several cameras you may see as alternative options. To read a comprehensive comparison, just click on the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Brand
Olympus
Model
Olympus Stylus SH-2
Category
Small Sensor Superzoom
Launched
2015-03-11
Body design
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
BSI-CMOS
Processor
TruePic VII
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor measurements
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
16 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Max resolution
4608 x 3456
RAW data
Max native ISO
6400
Minimum native ISO
125
Autofocusing
Focus manually
AF touch
AF continuous
Single AF
AF tracking
AF selectice
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detect AF
Contract detect AF
Phase detect AF
Lens
Lens mount
fixed lens
Lens focal range
25-600mm (24.0x)
Max aperture
f/3.0-6.9
Macro focus distance
3cm
Focal length multiplier
5.8
Screen
Display type
Fixed Type
Display size
3 inches
Display resolution
460 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type
None
DXO scores
DXO Overall score
not tested
DXO Color Depth score
not tested
DXO Dynamic range score
not tested
DXO Low light score
not tested
Features
Minimum shutter speed
30 seconds
Fastest shutter speed
1/2000 seconds
Continuous shutter speed
11.5 frames per sec
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Exposure compensation
Yes
Set WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range
8.30 m (at ISO 3200)
Flash modes
Auto, redeye reduction, fill-in, off
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported video resolutions
1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Max video resolution
1920x1080
Video file format
H.264
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless
Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
271 grams (0.60 lb)
Physical dimensions
109 x 63 x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7")
Other
Battery life
380 photographs
Style of battery
Battery Pack
Battery model
LI-92B
Self timer
Yes (2 or 12 sec, custom)
Time lapse recording
Storage media
SD, SDHC, SDXC, Internal Memory
Storage slots
Single
Pricing at release
$399