Panasonic FH2 vs Ricoh GR Digital IV

Here, we are reviewing the Panasonic FH2 vs Ricoh GR Digital IV, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by brands Panasonic and Ricoh. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the FH2 (14MP) and GR Digital IV (10MP) and the FH2 (1/2.3") and GR Digital IV (1/1.7") posses different sensor size.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The FH2 was announced 8 months before the GR Digital IV and they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before going right into a detailed comparison, here is a concise summary of how the FH2 grades against the GR Digital IV in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2 and Ricoh GR Digital IV. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH2 Gallery and Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery.

If you are looking to lug around your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FH2 offers outside dimensions of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) and the Ricoh GR Digital IV has proportions of 109mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FH2 vs Ricoh GR Digital IV in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use during that time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the FH2 versus the GR Digital IV.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the FH2 and GR Digital IV is 96 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, its tough to imagine the difference in sensor measurements purely by researching specs. The photograph below will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the FH2 and GR Digital IV.

All in all, both of those cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The FH2 with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Panasonic FH2 will result in greater detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The older FH2 will be behind in sensor innovation.