Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH25 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2: A Hands-On Comparison for Today’s Photographers

Choosing the right camera can feel like navigating a labyrinth, especially when comparing two devices from the same brand but radically different categories. From my years of testing cameras in varied real-world scenarios - and after clocking extensive hands-on time with both the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH25 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 - I’m excited to share an in-depth comparison. My goal is to help you understand not just specs on paper, but what these mean in your shoots, whether you’re a traveling enthusiast, a family portrait shooter, or someone dipping toes into mirrorless systems.

First Impressions: Size, Feel, and Usability

Before diving into pixel peeping and performance metrics, it’s always important to consider how a camera feels and handles, as it often defines your shooting experience.

The Panasonic FH25 is a true compact - small, pocketable, and unobtrusive, measuring roughly 99x57x28mm and weighing a feather-light 159 grams. It’s the kind of camera you can stash away easily, perfect for casual walks, quick snapshots, or family events without the burden of bulk.

In contrast, the Panasonic G2 is an SLR-style mirrorless camera, substantially larger at 124x84x74mm and weighing 428 grams. Its size is the price paid for interchangeable lenses and advanced controls, but despite its heft compared to the FH25, it still remains lighter and more portable than many DSLRs. The ergonomic design grants a firm grip and a sense of control, especially critical in fast-paced scenarios.

The G2’s top view reveals dedicated dials and buttons, offering quick access to shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation, making it ideal for photographers used to manual adjustments. The FH25, designed with simplicity in mind, has minimal controls - a camera for those who want to point and shoot with less fuss.

My Take

I found the FH25 refreshingly intuitive for beginners or travelers valuing light packs. The G2, though bigger, becomes an extension of my hand when shooting events or landscapes, with tactile controls at my fingertips. If you prioritize pocketability, the FH25 leads. Choose the G2 if you crave control without bulky DSLRs.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Image quality remains the holy grail for any camera review, so let’s get technical and tactile.

The FH25 sports a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring just 6.08 x 4.56mm, packing in 16 MP. CCD sensors excel in color accuracy but generally lag behind CMOS sensors in noise handling and speed. With a sensor area of only about 27.7 mm², the FH25 inevitably falls short of producing shallow depth of field and high ISO performance when compared to larger sensors.

By contrast, the G2 offers a Four Thirds CMOS sensor sized 17.3 x 13mm with 12 MP resolution, covering approximately 224.9 mm². This is a vastly larger sensor, translating to better dynamic range, superior image detail, and more flexibility for post-processing. Equipped with a more advanced Venus Engine HD II processor, noise control, color reproduction, and overall image quality are notably superior.

Real-World Implications

Taking portraits, the G2’s sensor allows for natural skin tones and gentle bokeh at wide apertures, which the FH25 cannot replicate due to its zoom lens fixed aperture range (F3.3-5.9) and sensor constraints. Landscape shots from the G2 have more dynamic range; skies retain depth, and shadows hold detail. The small sensor on the FH25 often results in images that need noise reduction at ISO values above 400, while the G2 maintains clean files up to ISO 1600 and usable even beyond.

Exposure Control and Autofocus: Precision vs. Simplicity

A camera’s metering and autofocusing capabilities often dictate the ease and outcome of capturing sharp, correctly exposed images.

The FH25 offers limited exposure controls - no shutter/aperture priority modes or manual exposure. You’re mostly reliant on auto modes, which are generally competent but occasionally struggle in tricky lighting. It has 11 contrast-detection autofocus points with face detection and basic tracking, but no continuous AF or phase detection.

The G2 shines here, with full manual exposure modes (shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual), center-weighted and spot metering options, and a more sophisticated contrast-detection AF system with face detection and continuous autofocus. It supports AF tracking, selective point AF, and touch-to-focus on its touchscreen LCD.

I often tested both on wildlife sessions. The FH25’s contrast-detect AF is sluggish, making it difficult to lock focus on moving subjects. The G2’s AF was faster, more reliable, and easier to keep on the target, albeit not as fast as contemporary high-end mirrorless models.

Display and Viewfinder: Composition Tools

The FH25 uses a fixed 2.7” TFT LCD with 230k-dot resolution - functional but modest, with poor visibility under direct sun. No touchscreen.

The G2 offers a fully articulated 3" touchscreen LCD running at 460k dots, useful for shooting at odd angles and intuitive focusing. It also sports a sizeable electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 1,440 dot resolution and 100% coverage, allowing sharp, eye-level composition that the FH25 cannot match (which lacks any viewfinder).

In bright outdoor scenarios, I preferred the G2 EVF for framing shots, while the FH25’s LCD was often washed out, forcing awkward hand shielding.

Lens Flexibility and Zoom Range

With the FH25’s fixed 28-224mm equivalent 8x zoom lens offering F3.3-5.9 aperture, you get a simple zoom suitable for casual telephoto shots. However, the slower maximum aperture limits low-light and depth of field control.

By contrast, the G2 uses the Micro Four Thirds system, immediately giving you access to over a hundred lenses ranging from ultra-wide primes to super telephotos and macro optics. This diversity allows the photographer to tailor their setup precisely - a crucial advantage for creative control and image quality.

For instance, my go-to portrait lens on the G2 is a 45mm f/1.8, delivering gorgeous bokeh and low-light capabilities impossible on the FH25.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither camera is weather-sealed or ruggedized, a factor to weigh if you shoot outdoors frequently. The G2’s more substantial body inspires more confidence in handling and physical robustness, whereas the FH25 feels frail by comparison - intended mainly for casual use.

Performance: Speed, Burst, and Battery Life

Although the FH25 slightly wins in burst frame rate, the G2’s faster shutter speeds and longer battery life make it more practical for sports and action photography.

Video Capabilities: Which Handles Moving Pictures Better?

Both cameras record HD video but with some differences.

• FH25: Records 720p at 24 fps with Motion JPEG format - straightforward and compatible but lacking advanced features or stabilization beyond optical in-lens IS.

• G2: 720p at 30 fps recording in AVCHD Lite and Motion JPEG, with external microphone input - allowing for better sound quality and more control during recording.

I found the G2 preferable for serious video work, especially when paired with a good lens and stabilizing rig.

Specialized Photography Applications

Portrait Photography

• G2: Provides accurate skin tones, smooth bokeh with fast lenses, and reliable face detection AF.
• FH25: Limited by small sensor and fixed zoom lens; decent face detection but can’t create shallow depth of field.

Landscape Photography

• G2: Impressive dynamic range and detail, especially with raw files.
• FH25: JPEG-only output with limited dynamic range; better for casual snaps.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

• G2: Slower continuous shooting but better AF tracking, lens compatibility aids in telephoto reach.
• FH25: Not ideally suited - slow AF, limited zoom reach and aperture.

Street Photography

• FH25: Compact and discreet; ideal for candid shots.
• G2: Bulkier but articulating LCD facilitates shooting from various angles.

Macro Photography

• G2: Supports macro lenses with precision AF and manual focus options.
• FH25: Macro mode with 5 cm minimum focusing but limited control.

Night / Astro Photography

• G2: Larger sensor and manual exposure modes enable long exposures and cleaner high ISO.
• FH25: Small sensor struggles at night; no manual control limits creativity.

Connectivity and Modern Features

Neither offers wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, or GPS, so neither satisfies the modern traveler’s desire to instantly share images or geotag locations. USB 2.0 ports are standard for data transfer.

Value and Price-to-Performance

At their respective launches, the FH25 sat at an affordable ~$180, targeting beginners and casual shooters with a no-frills approach. The G2, priced near $1000 (body only), is aimed at enthusiasts looking to grow creatively with a system camera.

Panasonic FH25 front Panasonic FH25 screen back Panasonic G2 front Panasonic G2 screen back

If you look closely at the sample gallery, you’ll see the sharpness, color fidelity, and noise differences align with this price disparity. The G2’s images are universally superior and offer raw format support - a must for professionals and serious enthusiasts.

Which Camera Is Right For You?

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH25 if:

  • You want a simple, budget-friendly point-and-shoot.
  • Portability and ease of use are your priorities.
  • You mainly shoot daylight casual photos or family events.
  • You don’t require raw files or advanced controls.

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 if:

  • You want to learn manual controls and grow your photography skills.
  • You value image quality, low light capability, and lens flexibility.
  • You shoot a diverse range of genres, including portraits, landscapes, macro, and video.
  • You want a compact yet versatile mirrorless system with an EVF.

My Final Thoughts

During my hands-on testing that spanned multiple environments - from bright city streets to dimly lit rooms and outdoor nature trails - I repeatedly found that the Panasonic G2 offers a broader creative palette, far greater image quality, and better operation flexibility. Its weaknesses lie mainly in ergonomics for prolonged use and modest burst speed.

Meanwhile, the FH25 stands out as a lightweight, accessible option with straightforward operation, excelling when simplicity and convenience trump advanced features.

Both cameras reflect Panasonic’s engineering strengths but cater to dramatically different user groups. Your choice boils down to your priorities: the uncomplicated convenience of a compact versus the expansive possibilities of mirrorless.

If you’re serious about stepping into a versatile and expandable system with richer creative control, the Lumix G2 still holds value despite its age. If instead you want a straightforward companion for daily moments without fuss, the FH25 remains a sensible pick.

I hope this detailed comparison, grounded in years of experience testing hundreds of cameras under diverse real-world conditions, helps you confidently rule out one or confirm the other for your next photographic adventure.

If you have questions based on specific use cases or want lens recommendations for the G2, feel free to reach out in the comments. Happy shooting!