Fujifilm S8500 vs Panasonic GH2

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Fujifilm S8500 and Panasonic GH2, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by competitors FujiFilm and Panasonic. The image resolution of the Fujifilm S8500 (16MP) and the GH2 (16MP) is pretty similar but the Fujifilm S8500 (1/2.3") and GH2 (Four Thirds) feature totally different sensor measurements.

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The Fujifilm S8500 was introduced 22 months after the GH2 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both cameras offer different body type with the Fujifilm S8500 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a short summary of how the Fujifilm S8500 scores vs the GH2 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Fujifilm FinePix S8500 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2. The whole galleries are available at Fujifilm S8500 Gallery and Panasonic GH2 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Fujifilm S8500 comes with outer dimensions of 123mm x 87mm x 116mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 4.6") along with a weight of 670 grams (1.48 lbs) while the Panasonic GH2 has proportions of 124mm x 90mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 3.0") and a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs).

Look at the Fujifilm S8500 and Panasonic GH2 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at that time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the Fujifilm S8500 versus the GH2.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the Fujifilm S8500 and GH2 is 61 and 70 respectively.

In many cases, it can be hard to see the difference between sensor sizes purely by reading specs. The picture below may give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the Fujifilm S8500 and GH2.

All in all, the 2 cameras enjoy the same exact resolution albeit not the same sensor sizes. The Fujifilm S8500 includes the tinier sensor which will make getting shallower depth of field more challenging. The more recent Fujifilm S8500 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.