Nikon 1 S2 vs Panasonic FH8

Following is a thorough analysis of the Nikon 1 S2 versus Panasonic FH8, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Nikon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the 1 S2 (14.2MP) and the FH8 (16MP) is relatively well matched but the 1 S2 (1") and FH8 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor measurements.

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The 1 S2 was introduced 2 years after the FH8 which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Nikon 1 S2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH8 being a Compact camera.

Before going into a full comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the 1 S2 scores versus the FH8 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon 1 S2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8. The whole galleries are available at Nikon 1 S2 Gallery & Panasonic FH8 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and proportions. The Nikon 1 S2 has external dimensions of 101mm x 61mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs) and the Panasonic FH8 has measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 123 grams (0.27 lbs).

See the Nikon 1 S2 versus Panasonic FH8 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you select at the time. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the 1 S2 versus the FH8.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1 S2 and FH8 is 93 and 96 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes simply by checking specs. The picture underneath may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1 S2 and FH8.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The 1 S2 having a bigger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic FH8 will give you extra detail using its extra 1.8MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs more aggressively. The younger 1 S2 is going to have a benefit in sensor technology.