• 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 90.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 600.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Panasonic LX7 advantages over Olympus SH-2

  • Larger sensor
    1/1.7 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.92 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/1.4 vs f/3.0
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • More dots on screen
    920k vs 461k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Longer exposure
    250 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Olympus SH-2 advantages over Panasonic LX7

  • Less expensive
    $400 vs $500 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Slower slow-motion
    240 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More telephoto lens reach
    600 mm vs 90 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic LX7

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus SH-2

Review Excerpt

  • Fast lens; Sharp lens; Rock-solid image stabilization; Fast autofocus and shutter lag; Level gauge.

  • Sluggish startup; Battery life lower; Switches can change accidentally; Slow buffer clearing.

The Competition

Compared to Samsung EX2F

Panasonic LX7
Samsung EX2F
  • $297
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More dots on screen
  • $479
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • In-camera panoramas
Olympus SH-2
Samsung EX2F
  • $499
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $479
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion

Compared to Leica D-LUX 6

Panasonic LX7
Leica D-LUX 6
  • $297
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • $1600
  • 1/1.7 inch
Olympus SH-2
Leica D-LUX 6
  • $499
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Touchscreen
  • $1600
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Olympus SH-50

Panasonic LX7
Olympus SH-50
  • $297
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion
Olympus SH-2
Olympus SH-50
  • $499
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • RAW file ability
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compared to Olympus SH-1

Panasonic LX7
Olympus SH-1
  • $297
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $349
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion
Olympus SH-2
Olympus SH-1
  • $499
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • $349
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compared to Panasonic LX10

Panasonic LX7
Panasonic LX10
  • $297
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $548
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Olympus SH-2
Panasonic LX10
  • $499
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $548
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
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