Panasonic FH1 vs Panasonic GH4

Let's look a bit more closely at the Panasonic FH1 vs Panasonic GH4, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Pro Mirrorless and they are both built by Panasonic. There exists a substantial gap between the sensor resolutions of the FH1 (12MP) and GH4 (16MP) and the FH1 (1/2.3") and GH4 (Four Thirds) have totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The FH1 was announced 5 years earlier than the GH4 and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FH1 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH4 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the FH1 matches up vs the GH4 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH1 Gallery & Panasonic GH4 Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH1 has got physical dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GH4 has dimensions of 133mm x 93mm x 84mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.3") with a weight of 560 grams (1.23 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FH1 vs Panasonic GH4 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the FH1 and the GH4.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FH1 and GH4 is 95 and 66 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to envision the gap between sensor measurements only by reviewing a spec sheet. The visual below might give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH1 and GH4.

As you can see, both the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FH1 with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Panasonic GH4 will offer extra detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots way more aggressively. The older FH1 is going to be behind in sensor technology.