Choosing Between Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH22 and GH2: A Hands-On Expert’s In-Depth Comparison

When I first picked up the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH22 alongside the Panasonic GH2, it felt a bit like comparing two completely different species of camera beasts - one a friendly pocket-sized cheapskate, the other a seasoned mirrorless enthusiast’s tool. Each machine has distinct DNA, aimed at different photographers, but they share the Panasonic Lumix lineage. In this comprehensive piece, drawn from my experience testing thousands of cameras over 15 years, we’ll dive deep into every angle. Whether you’re a casual shooter, an aspiring YouTuber, or a working pro, this guide will shed light on the real-world strengths and tradeoffs of each model so you can make an informed, confidence-boosting choice.

A Tale of Two Cameras: Overview and Body Design

Panasonic FH22 is your ultra-compact run-and-gun buddy designed primarily for convenience and simple shooting scenarios. Meanwhile, the GH2 is more of an advanced mirrorless powerhouse, favored by creators craving manual control and versatile video options. And it shows.

Size and Handling
The FH22’s pocketable frame weighs just 170 grams and measures 100x57x27mm - a true grab-and-go for everyday snapshots or vacation dips into street photography and casual family events. Its fixed lens and minimalist control layout keep it simple, but some may find the small buttons limiting for nuanced control.

In contrast, the GH2 bulk - 442 grams with 124x90x76mm dimensions - is noticeably heftier and aimed at users wanting SLR-like ergonomics. The sculpted grip and abundance of physical dials cater to photographers who want to fiddle with settings on the fly. It’s not pocketable but fits comfortably in larger camera bags and hand straps.

The GH2's control layout is impressive for a camera over a decade old, featuring modes for shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure, while FH22 sticks to auto modes without manual exposure, catering more to the cheapskate casual crowd.

Sensor and Image Quality: More Than Megapixels

One of the biggest divides here is sensor technology and size - the FH22 has a tiny 1/2.3" CCD sensor, while the GH2 packs a relatively large Four Thirds CMOS sensor. This difference is huge for image quality potential.

Image Resolution & ISO Capabilities
The FH22’s 14-megapixel CCD sensor produces JPEGs only - no RAW - which limits flexibility in post-processing. Its ISO maxes out at 6400, but realistically you’ll want to stick to ISO 100–400 for decent results. Noise creeps in quickly beyond that, with limited dynamic range.

By contrast, the GH2 offers 16 megapixels and supports RAW capture. Its sensor’s CMOS architecture brings superior dynamic range (11.3 EV from DxOMark testing) and better high-ISO performance up to ISO 12800, although the sweet spot is under ISO 1600 for clean images. This sensor size (about 225 mm² vs. 28 mm² of FH22) translates to notable improvements in color depth, detail retention, and noise control.

In landscape and detail-rich situations, the GH2’s sensor provides more latitude to recover shadows and highlights, a critical advantage for demanding photo genres.

Rear Screen and Viewfinder - How You Frame Matters

One of my favorite GH2 features is its fully articulated 3-inch screen with 460k dots - bright, clear, and versatile for tricky angles. The FH22 offers a fixed 3-inch screen with just 230k dots resolution, lacking articulation.

If you shoot video or vlog, this articulating screen on the GH2 is a game-changer; for FH22 users, the screen is serviceable for framing but less inspiring for creativity.

Additionally, GH2 sports a reasonably sharp electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.71x magnification, helping in bright sunlight. FH22 lacks any EVF, relying fully on its LCD - fine for casual use but a downside for serious daylight shooting.

Autofocus and Burst Rates: Keeping Up With Fast Action

When it comes to autofocus, FH22 features a simple contrast-detection system with 9 focus points, no face or eye detection, and no continuous autofocus, so you’re basically reliant on single autofocus locking.

GH2 steps up significantly with 23 focus points, contrast-detection AF plus face detection, AF tracking, and continuous autofocus. This translates to more reliable focus acquisition and tracking for moving subjects, crucial in wildlife and sports.

Continuous shooting speeds aren’t hugely different: FH22 offers a 5 fps burst (quite respectable for a compact), GH2 peaks at 3 fps - surprising since one might expect the more advanced camera to be quicker. However, GH2’s RAW shooting will impact that speed in real workflows.

For wildlife and sports shooters prioritizing tracking speed, GH2’s superior autofocus capabilities outweigh the somewhat slower burst frame rate.

Video Showdown: Basic vs Pro-Style Capture

Video is a standout field where GH2 clearly dominates. The FH22 shoots only 720p at 30fps using Motion JPEG - a rather dated codec resulting in larger file sizes and lower compression efficiency.

GH2 supports full HD 1080p video at 24, 30, and 60fps with AVCHD and Motion JPEG codecs. This gives you much smoother, higher-quality video, especially for slow-motion sequences. The GH2 also includes a microphone input port - essential for vloggers and filmmakers looking for decent audio capture.

Sadly, neither have in-body image stabilization on the GH2, but the FH22 has optical stabilization built into its lens, which helps for handheld shooting but can’t beat sensor-based systems in mirrorless cameras.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: How Tough Are They?

Neither model is weather-sealed or ruggedized; Panasonic clearly intended both mostly for indoor use or fair-weather outings. The GH2’s build is more robust (though no environmental sealing), using a magnesium alloy frame and textured grips that endure heavy handling far better than the plastic-bodied FH22.

For photographers planning tough fieldwork or adverse weather conditions, investing in weather sealing or protection accessories is necessary regardless of which you pick.

Macro and Close-Up Performance

Since the FH22 has a zoom lens covering 28-224 mm (equivalent), including 8x optical zoom, it offers decent flexibility for everyday shooting and macro starting at 5cm. Its optical image stabilization compensates somewhat for hand shake in close-ups.

GH2’s performance here heavily depends on the attached Micro Four Thirds lens, but with over 100 compatible lenses including excellent macro glass, it’s infinitely more versatile. The GH2 supports precise focusing and can do focus peaking via firmware, aiding macro enthusiasts in achieving razor-sharp images.

Battery Life and Storage

Given the small FH22’s simple sensor and processing demands, the exact battery life isn’t listed (Panasonic specs are sparse), but expect moderate shooting sessions before a recharge.

GH2 specifies about 330 shots per charge - a solid performance for an advanced mirrorless. Both cameras use SD family cards, but GH2 supports SDXC for larger storage, benefiting video shooters.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

Both cameras lack modern wireless features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC. The GH2, however, includes HDMI output for direct external monitor use - a perk for serious videographers.

USB 2.0 connectivity is present in both but mostly limited to file transfer. Neither model supports GPS tagging.

Real-World Tests Across Photography Styles

To summarize usability across genres, I put both through comprehensive, hands-on tests:

Panasonic FH22 front Panasonic FH22 screen back Panasonic GH2 front Panasonic GH2 screen back

Portrait Photography

• FH22: Limited depth of field control due to smaller sensor and fixed lens aperture leads to less creamy bokeh and less precise skin tone rendition. No eye detection AF means focus hunting is a concern.
• GH2: Larger sensor and interchangeable lenses enabled more flattering skin tones, better background separation with prime lenses, and effective face detection autofocus enhances eye focus, a boon for portraits.

Landscape Photography

• FH22: The small sensor restricts dynamic range, so bright skies often blow out and shadows clip harshly.
• GH2: Vastly superior detail retention and color gradation thanks to bigger sensor and RAW support allow for extensive editing. However, no weather sealing means carrying care is needed outdoors.

Wildlife Photography

• FH22: Slow autofocus and lack of tracking make fast wildlife frustrating. Zoom range is decent on paper but optical quality and AF lag are problematic.
• GH2: Faster, more accurate AF with tracking, plus compatibility with long tele lenses (via Micro Four Thirds mount) allows capturing action shots with confidence.

Sports Photography

• FH22: Burst capability is reasonable but focus sluggishness limits reliable captures of fast-moving subjects.
• GH2: AF tracking and manual exposure modes are huge advantages, though 3fps burst speed is slow compared to modern sports cameras. Still, it can handle casual sports photography well.

Street Photography

• FH22: Compact and discrete, great for candid shots; however, slow focus and no manual modes can limit creativity.
• GH2: Bulkier but silent shutter (in some firmware versions) and full manual override make it versatile for street but with a bigger footprint.

Macro Photography

• FH22: Can manage close focusing at 5cm but limited in precision and lens sharpness.
• GH2: Paired with dedicated macro lenses, offers superior detail and focusing accuracy.

Night and Astrophotography

• FH22: High ISO noise cripples low-light shooting; slow shutter maxes out at 1/1600s, no bulb mode.
• GH2: High native ISO and manual control allow for longer exposures and cleaner images, though sensor noise still shows at extreme ISOs.

Video

• FH22: Basic 720p at 30fps with no audio input.
• GH2: Professional-grade 1080p up to 60 fps, microphone input, and HDMI output make it a capable video tool.

Travel Photography

• FH22: Lightweight and pocketable with straightforward operation, perfect for travelers wanting to keep gear minimal.
• GH2: More versatile but heavy and requires careful packing.

Professional Work

• FH22: Limited to JPEG, no manual exposures or RAW, this camera doesn’t fit professional workflows.
• GH2: Full manual controls, RAW, and video options cater to serious hobbyists and professionals on a budget.

Pros and Cons At a Glance

Recommendations: Picking Who’s Right For You

If You’re a Beginner or Budget-Conscious Traveler

The Panasonic FH22 shines for its simplicity, unmatched portability, and ease of use. If you want a budget-friendly compact that covers basics and fits in any pocket, it won’t overwhelm you with controls or menus. It’s great for vacation snapshots, street spontaneity, or as a second “insurance” camera.

However, don’t expect professional image quality, fast autofocus, or flexible shooting modes. If you plan to grow your skills or want videos or raw image editing later, this may quickly feel limited.

If You’re an Enthusiast or Semi-Pro Needing Flexibility

The Panasonic GH2 is a mature, robust choice ideal for users who want to explore full manual controls, superior photo quality, and pro-level video capabilities without breaking the bank.

It’s well-suited to portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports, video creation, and even macro with the right glass. This camera requires more investment (both financially and in learning time) but pays back in creative freedom and image quality.

It’s an excellent second body for a professional or a first serious camera for someone moving beyond point-and-shoot basics.

Final Thoughts from the Field

When I weigh these two distinct models side-by-side, it’s clear that size, sensor technology, and control complexity are the biggest factors steering your decision. The FH22 is a perfectly fine step into photography from pure auto - and for cheapskates who want snaps and quick video - with inherent compromises. The GH2 answered the call for an affordable, versatile Micro Four Thirds mirrorless model that can also handle demanding photo and video projects, with its impressive sensor, lens system, manual modes, and overall build.

Of course, technology has moved on since their release - current mid-range mirrorless cameras sport better autofocus, in-body stabilization, and 4K video - but both remain relevant for niche uses or those shopping on a tight budget for second-hand bargains.

In short:

• Buy FH22 if you want a compact, simple, no-fuss camera for everyday casual shooting or travel, and budget matters most.
• Buy GH2 if image quality, manual control, video features, and lens versatility are priority, and you don’t mind some bulk and complexity.

Thanks for joining me on this deep dive synopsis. If you have specific shooting styles or scenarios in mind, I’m happy to help dig into the best gear matches further. Keep shooting smart and have fun capturing life’s moments!