Panasonic FH20 vs Panasonic GH2

On this page, we are reviewing the Panasonic FH20 and Panasonic GH2, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless and they are both built by Panasonic. The resolution of the FH20 (14MP) and the GH2 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the FH20 (1/2.3") and GH2 (Four Thirds) posses totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The FH20 was launched 14 months prior to the GH2 making them a generation away from each other. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FH20 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a full comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the FH20 scores vs the GH2 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FH20 Gallery and Panasonic GH2 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera frequently, you will need to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FH20 enjoys exterior dimensions of 100mm x 56mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") and a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) while the Panasonic GH2 has proportions of 124mm x 90mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 3.0") having a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FH20 and Panasonic GH2 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the FH20 versus the GH2.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the FH20 and GH2 is 93 and 70 respectively.

Usually, its hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizes only by checking specs. The pic below should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the FH20 and GH2.

All in all, both of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The FH20 due to its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic GH2 will resolve more detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics more aggressively. The more aged FH20 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.