• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 600.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Olympus SH-2 advantages over Olympus PEN-F

  • Slower slow-motion
    240 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Lighter weight
    271g vs 434g
    Lighter weight
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.5 fps vs 10.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Olympus PEN-F advantages over Olympus SH-2

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.36 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Higher-res screen
    346k vs 154k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    20.3 vs 16.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    43 vs 16 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus SH-2

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus PEN-F

Review Excerpt

  • Highest resolution Olympus 4/3" camera yet; Excellent image quality for its class; Very good dynamic range; Fast autofocus; Fast burst speeds; Lots of fun creative filter options; Built-in EVF, Wi-Fi.

  • Expensive; No weather sealing; Mediocre battery life; No 4K video; No mic or headphone jacks.

The Competition

Compared to Olympus SH-50

Olympus SH-2
Olympus SH-50
  • $499
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • RAW file ability
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
Olympus PEN-F
Olympus SH-50
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Internal flash

Compared to Canon SX700 HS

Olympus SH-2
Canon SX700 HS
  • $499
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • NFC
  • More telephoto lens reach
Olympus PEN-F
Canon SX700 HS
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • NFC

Compared to Olympus SH-1

Olympus SH-2
Olympus SH-1
  • $499
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • $349
  • 1/2.3 inch
Olympus PEN-F
Olympus SH-1
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $349
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Internal flash

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Olympus SH-2
Panasonic GX85
  • $499
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Slow-motion videos
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Olympus PEN-F
Panasonic GX85
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video

Compared to Olympus E-PL8

Olympus SH-2
Olympus E-PL8
  • $499
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Olympus PEN-F
Olympus E-PL8
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
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