Nikon L20 vs Panasonic GF2

In this article, we will be contrasting the Nikon L20 and Panasonic GF2, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Nikon and Panasonic. The resolution of the L20 (10MP) and the GF2 (12MP) is pretty close but the L20 (1/2.3") and GF2 (Four Thirds) use different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The L20 was revealed 3 years earlier than the GF2 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Nikon L20 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting through a full comparison, below is a concise summation of how the L20 matches up against the GF2 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix L20 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon L20 Gallery and Panasonic GF2 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you will need to think about its weight and size. The Nikon L20 provides outer dimensions of 97mm x 61mm x 29mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 135 grams (0.30 lbs) and the Panasonic GF2 has specifications of 113mm x 68mm x 33mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.3") with a weight of 310 grams (0.68 lbs).

Examine the Nikon L20 and Panasonic GF2 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the L20 against the GF2.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the L20 and GF2 is 94 and 88 respectively.

Usually, it can be hard to picture the gap in sensor sizing merely by researching technical specs. The visual below will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the L20 and GF2.

As you can tell, both the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The L20 with its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Panasonic GF2 will provide you with greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs far more aggressively. The older L20 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.