Panasonic GH5S vs Panasonic S2: A Hands-On Comparison From My Workbench

Over the past two decades, I’ve tested hundreds of cameras, from budget compacts to full-frame powerhouses. When a Panasonic Lumix GH5S and Panasonic S2 landed on my desk side-by-side, it was like comparing a seasoned pro with a teenage beginner. Both share a brand family name but couldn't be more different in design, intent, and target users.

In this detailed camera comparison, I’ll step beyond just specs and marketing fluff. Drawing from real-world experience and technical deep dives, I'll break down how these two perform in every major photography discipline and workflow aspect. My goal is to help you make an informed choice - whether you’re a video professional, enthusiast, or the thrifty cheapskate looking for a reliable pocket camera.

Let’s get rolling.

Size & Ergonomics: Handling the Beast vs. the Pocketable

At first glance, the Panasonic GH5S and Panasonic S2 couldn’t be more physically different. The GH5S rocks a substantial 660g body with solid SLR-style ergonomics designed for extended pro use. Meanwhile, the S2 tips the scales at barely 112g - light enough to slip in a jacket pocket, no bulge guaranteed.

The GH5S feels like holding a DSLR replacement. It has chunky grip clubs for your thumbs and fingers alike, plus a thoughtfully textured rubber coating. You can even shoot all day without hand cramps, an absolute must for wildlife or sports shooters. On the other hand, the S2 is a typical early-2010s fixed-lens compact. Small, slim, and somewhat plasticky - but perfect for street or travel photography where discretion and portability trump all.

From my hands-on testing sessions, the GH5S’s substantial frame gives you tactile control and confidence during fast shooting or video work. The S2 requires a delicate grip to avoid shake but rewards with near-invisible presence. So, if size and ergonomics drive you crazy, the choice is clear: beefy pro body or lightweight everyday companion.

Layout & Interface: Raw Power Meets Simplicity

Opening up the control surfaces, the GH5S feels like the cockpit of a fighter jet designed for photographers who demand instant access to settings - physical dials for shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation, and customizable buttons surround the top deck. Dual SD card slots with UHS-II support, HDMI ports, microphone and headphone jacks; this camera screams professional intent.

The S2, in contrast, offers a barebones layout, favoring simplicity for easy point-and-shoot use. It sports fewer buttons, a fixed lens ring for zoom and focus, and a basic mode dial. I appreciate how this straightforward design minimizes distraction but expect to sacrifice flexibility and speed.

Unlike the GH5S, the S2 lacks external ports like HDMI or mic inputs, cutting off professional video ambitions. But for casual users who prize simplicity and quick snaps over technical wizardry, the S2 interface hits the sweet spot.

Sensors & Image Quality: The Miles Between Four Thirds and Small Sensor

Resolution and sensor size

The GH5S features a 10MP Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3x13mm, notable for its lower megapixel count but designed for excellent low-light performance and video quality. The small pixel pitch, absence of an anti-aliasing filter, and the highly optimized Venus Engine 10 processor combine to give clean images at high ISO settings and impressive dynamic range.

The S2, by contrast, rocks a tiny 1/2.3” (6.08x4.56mm) CCD sensor with 14MP resolution. Although it has more megapixels, the smaller sensor size results in poorer noise control and dynamic range, especially in dim environments. Its sensor bottleneck limits image quality far behind the GH5S.

Image quality in practice

In my side-by-side shooting tests, the GH5S consistently delivered clean, noise-free images at ISO 3200 and even above, retaining details and natural color rendition. The lack of an anti-aliasing filter enhances sharpness, especially handy for landscape or studio work.

The S2 images, while crisp in bright daylight, struggled with shadow noise and muted colors in low light. Details softened noticeably when zooming, partly due to its fixed lens optics and sensor constraints.

For enthusiasts prioritizing technically superior still images, the GH5S’s sensor is an unbeatable advantage - especially if you shoot outdoors, portraits, or night scenes. The S2’s sensor is passable for casual snapshots but won't satisfy demanding use.

How They Handle the Big and Small Stuff: Photography Genre Performance

Portraits: Skin Tones, Bokeh & Eye Detection

Portrait photographers using the GH5S benefit from face detection and eye autofocus with 225 focus points - a boon for pin-sharp eyes and smooth skin renderings. While the 10MP count may seem low, the large sensor area relative to the S2 and fast lenses deliver creamy bokeh that isolates subjects beautifully in shallow depth of field.

The S2’s fixed lens and small sensor lack the shallow depth control we love in portraits. Eye detection autofocus is present but single point and contrast-based, often hunting longer in tricky focusing situations. If portraits are your passion, the GH5S simply dominates here.

Landscapes: The Greater Dynamic Range Showdown

Thanks to its Four Thirds sensor and sophisticated image processor, the GH5S offers wider dynamic range and cleaner shadows than the S2. Its weather sealing means you can confidently shoot in rain or misty conditions - a huge plus for landscape shooters who don't want to play it safe.

The S2, lacking environmental sealing and modern sensor tech, is less resilient and struggles with detail preservation in shadow and highlight extremes. Its maximum resolution is higher nominally, but actual usable sharpness and tonality fall short. For serious landscape work, GH5S is a clear choice.

Wildlife & Sports: Speed, Autofocus, and Burst Performance

The GH5S is built for speed with a 12fps burst rate, contrast-detection autofocus system tuned for continuous tracking, and 225 AF points supporting face and animal recognition (though no dedicated animal eye AF). I shot birds on the wing and fast-moving runners, and the camera rarely missed focus despite using contrast AF alone.

The S2, with just 2fps burst and simpler AF, is insufficient for action or wildlife beyond stationary shots. Its slow shutter range (max 1/1600s) also limits freezing motion variety. For any photographer craving speed and tracking, the GH5S is a no-brainer.

Street Photography: Discretion and Low Light

Street shooters tend to favor small, quiet, and discrete cameras weighed down with minimal fuss. Here, the S2’s compact size and built-in optical stabilization score major points. Its built-in flash and zoom lens cover the focal lengths many street photographers find handy.

However, the S2’s lack of a viewfinder forces awkward framing in direct sunlight, and its slower AF response compared to the GH5S can cause missed moments.

The GH5S is noisier and bulkier but benefits from excellent low-light performance, an articulated touchscreen for fast composing, and silent electronic shutter mode (up to 1/16000s) that truly shines in candid scenarios. I often sneak street shots with silent shutter activated to avoid shutter noise distractions.

Both have pros and cons–choose based on your style. If you prize portability above all, the S2 is better. For low-light capability and flexibility, GH5S wins street cred.

Macro Photography: Focus Precision and Stabilization

The GH5S lacks in-body image stabilization, relying instead on lenses with O.I.S., but it supports focus bracketing and stacking - critical tools for macro shooters to increase depth of field. Its manual focus controls and articulated screen facilitate framing tiny subjects.

The S2 has optical image stabilization and a minimum focus distance of 5cm, decent for basic macro close-ups. But focus precision is less refined, and lack of focus bracketing severely limits extended DOF stacking.

In my experience, macro shooters will be far happier using the GH5S’s focused tools and output quality, provided you invest in good macro lenses.

Night & Astro Photography: ISO and Exposure Tricks

Shooting stars or nightscapes demands excellent high ISO and long exposure support. The GH5S shines here with a maximum boosted ISO of 204,800 and quiet, high-speed shutter options. It also supports manual exposure modes, custom white balance, and external intervalometers for time-lapse astro.

The S2’s limited max ISO 6400 and fixed exposure modes cramp night photography ambitions. Its max shutter speeds only stretch to 8 seconds, insufficient for many astro setups.

If night photography feeds your soul, the GH5S is built for your dark adventures.

Video Capabilities: 4K, Ports, and Stabilization

When it comes to video, the GH5S transitions from a strong photo camera to an absolute pro-level hybrid powerhouse. It records 4K DCI (4096x2160) up to 60p at 150Mbps in MOV format with H.264/H.265 compression, perfect for professional workflows. Mic and headphone jacks, clean HDMI output, and dual card slots make long shoots fuss-free.

The S2 maxes out at 720p and 30fps in Motion JPEG format with no external audio inputs and no HDMI port - a stark contrast showing its budget compact origins.

Surprisingly, the GH5S doesn’t have in-body stabilization, but it supports lens O.I.S. and electronic stabilization effectively. The S2 has built-in optical stabilization but of a less capable vintage.

As an avid video shooter, I regard the GH5S as the worthy upgrade for creators, and the S2 as a modest entry point.

Travel Photography: Size vs. Versatility and Battery Life

Travel photographers often juggle portability, battery endurance, and versatility. The S2 impresses with its compactness and internal storage options - but a mere 280 shots per charge is limiting.

The GH5S delivers 440 shots per battery and fully articulates its screen for tricky travel angles, plus weather sealing for unpredictable climates. Though bigger, its dual card slots ease risk, and micro four-thirds lens ecosystem (with 107 lenses) lets you tailor focal ranges from ultra-wide to super-telephoto on the same body.

For extended trips with professional demands, GH5S is a robust companion. But if you’re a light traveler wanting point-and-shoot simplicity, the S2 might suffice.

Professional Work: Reliability, File Formats, and Workflow

The GH5S is built from the ground up for professionals: RAW support, dual UHS-II SD card slots, weather sealing, and rugged build. USB 3.1 connectivity enables fast tethering, and professional codec options integrate seamlessly into post-production pipelines.

Sadly, the S2’s compact design and feature set - non-RAW shooting, low-res screen, minimal connectivity - mean it remains a casual companion rather than a professional tool.

In my years photographing commercial assignments, cameras like the GH5S ensure reliability and workflow fluidity that an older compact like the S2 simply cannot replicate.

Digging Into Technical Details: Processing, Autofocus, and Connectivity

• Processor: GH5S uses the advanced Venus Engine 10, delivering speedy image processing, high frame rates, and noise reduction. S2’s processor is unspecified, reflecting its older generation and simpler design.
• Autofocus System: GH5S reliance on 225 contrast-detect points and improved face detection yields swift, accurate AF, especially outdoors and in video. S2 sticks to 23 contrast AF points and center-weighted focus, good for daylight but slow elsewhere.
• Build & Sealing: GH5S environmental sealing guards against dust and moisture; S2 offers no weather protection.
• Lens Ecosystem: GH5S enjoys access to 107 micro four thirds lenses covering extensive focal ranges, apertures, and specialties. The S2 has a fixed zoom lens covering 28–112mm equivalent - limiting but simplified.
• Battery & Storage: GH5S’s larger batteries and dual cards system beats S2’s single slot and smaller battery capacity.
• Connectivity: GH5S sports built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, USB 3.1, HDMI, mic/headphone jacks. S2 has none of these - only USB 2.0 for data transfer.

User Experience: LCD Screens and Viewfinders In Practice

The GH5S’s fully articulated 3.2" touchscreen with 1.62M dots rivals professional cameras in clarity and flexibility. This makes it invaluable on location or shooting awkward angles.

The S2 has a fixed 2.7" TFT LCD with 230k pixels - noticeably dated with lower brightness and no touch responsiveness.

Neither feature a EVF on the S2, while GH5S boasts a 3.68M-dot electronic viewfinder with 0.76x magnification, perfect for bright-light composition.

Sample Image Gallery: Real-World Results From Both Cameras

Panasonic GH5S front Panasonic GH5S screen back Panasonic S2 front Panasonic S2 screen back

Looking at these samples side-by-side confirms expectations: the GH5S delivers cleaner shadows, richer color hues, and sharper details, especially in challenging lighting. The S2’s images tend to be flatter, noisier, but still serviceable for casual sharing and snapshots.

Scores and Summary of Overall Camera Performance

Unsurprisingly, in an objective rating across sensor quality, speed, usability, and features, the GH5S dominates. The S2 scores modestly, reflecting its beginner/compact nature but commendable ease of use for novices.

Genre-Specific Performance Analysis: Which Excels Where?

• Portrait: GH5S - better autofocus, skin tone rendition, bokeh
• Landscape: GH5S - weather sealing, dynamic range, sharpness
• Wildlife: GH5S - burst rate, AF tracking, lens reach
• Sports: GH5S - AF accuracy, frame rate, low-light
• Street: S2 - portable & discreet, GH5S - silent shutter mode, low light
• Macro: GH5S - focus bracketing, screen articulation
• Night/Astro: GH5S - high ISO, long exposures
• Video: GH5S - 4K60p, audio ports, codec options
• Travel: GH5S - versatility, battery life; S2 - size, simplicity
• Pro Work: GH5S - workflow integration, durability

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Panasonic GH5S

Pros:

• Excellent low-light image quality and video specs
• Professional-grade build with weather sealing
• Extensive lens support via Micro Four Thirds mount
• High burst rates, precise autofocus with face detection
• Dual card slots, robust connectivity, articulated touch screen

Cons:

• Relatively heavy and bulky compared to compacts
• No in-body image stabilization (dependent on lens O.I.S.)
• 10MP resolution may feel low to pixel peepers
• Higher price tag (~$2500)

Panasonic DMC-S2

Pros:

• Ultra-compact and lightweight for pocket carrying
• Optical Image Stabilization helps with handheld shots
• Fixed lens covers versatile zoom range for casual use
• Simple operation, no learning curve for beginners
• Very affordable (~$109 new, assuming availability)

Cons:

• Dated small sensor adversely affects image quality
• Limited features: no RAW, no 4K video, basic AF
• No viewfinder, fixed LCD, no external mic or HDMI
• Poor low-light performance, slow burst and shutter
• No weather sealing or professional workflow support

Final Verdict: Who Should Pick Which?

If you are a professional photographer or video enthusiast who prioritizes image quality, speed, and durability - then the Panasonic GH5S is the clear winner. Its Four Thirds sensor, advanced processing, and extensive feature set make it a powerful tool for portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, and cinematic video. It’s not a beginner’s toy, but for the serious user, it’s an investment that pays off.

On the flip side, if you’re an absolute beginner, traveler needing a simple camera for everyday snapshots, or someone on a strict tight budget who just wants a lightweight, low-maintenance device - the Panasonic DMC-S2 still holds some nostalgic value as an easy pocket shooter. Be ready to compromise heavily on image quality and speed, though.

My recommendation summary:

• Heavy-duty content creators, professionals, and advanced enthusiasts: Panasonic GH5S - consider it a creative workhorse.
• Casual photographers, families, and cheapskate street shooters: Panasonic S2 - simple, effective, and affordable for quick snaps.

I hope this detailed, side-by-side comparison helps you pick the best Lumix for your photography journey. After all, knowing your tools intimately is the first step to great images.

Happy shooting, and may your next frame be your best yet!