Nikon S640 vs Panasonic GH4

The following is a extended overview of the Nikon S640 versus Panasonic GH4, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Pro Mirrorless by companies Nikon and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference between the image resolutions of the S640 (12MP) and GH4 (16MP) and the S640 (1/2.3") and GH4 (Four Thirds) come with totally different sensor size.

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The S640 was revealed 5 years earlier than the GH4 which is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Nikon S640 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH4 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight into a detailed comparison, below is a brief overview of how the S640 scores against the GH4 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix S640 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4. The full galleries are provided at Nikon S640 Gallery & Panasonic GH4 Gallery.

When you are looking to travel with your camera frequently, you'll have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Nikon S640 provides exterior measurements of 91mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.6" x 2.2" x 0.8") with a weight of 130 grams (0.29 lbs) while the Panasonic GH4 has measurements of 133mm x 93mm x 84mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.3") with a weight of 560 grams (1.23 lbs).

Check the Nikon S640 versus Panasonic GH4 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Below is the front view size comparison of the S640 and the GH4.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the S640 and GH4 is 96 and 66 respectively.

In many cases, it can be difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions just by reading specifications. The picture underneath will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the S640 and GH4.

To sum up, both cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The S640 using its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more difficult and the Panasonic GH4 will deliver greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The more aged S640 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.