Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic GF8

Its time to look closer at the Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic GF8, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both designed by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FH20 (14MP) and the GF8 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the FH20 (1/2.3") and GF8 (Four Thirds) provide totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FH20 was revealed 7 years prior to the GF8 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FH20 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting into a detailed comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the FH20 grades vs the GF8 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF8. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FH20 Gallery and Panasonic GF8 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic FH20 has exterior dimensions of 100mm x 56mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GF8 has sizing of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") having a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs).

See the Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic GF8 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the FH20 compared to the GF8.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the FH20 and GF8 is 93 and 90 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to visualise the difference in sensor sizing only by going through specifications. The visual below will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH20 and GF8.

Plainly, the 2 cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FH20 using its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic GF8 will show greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older FH20 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.