Panasonic FH8 vs Panasonic GH4

On this page, we are evaluating the Panasonic FH8 versus Panasonic GH4, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Pro Mirrorless and both of them are manufactured by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FH8 (16MP) and the GH4 (16MP) is very similar but the FH8 (1/2.3") and GH4 (Four Thirds) offer different sensor sizes.

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The FH8 was announced 3 years before the GH4 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FH8 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH4 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a detailed comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the FH8 matches up against the GH4 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FH8 Gallery and Panasonic GH4 Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera, you have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH8 features external measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 123 grams (0.27 lbs) while the Panasonic GH4 has dimensions of 133mm x 93mm x 84mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.3") having a weight of 560 grams (1.23 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FH8 versus Panasonic GH4 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the FH8 against the GH4.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FH8 and GH4 is 96 and 66 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to picture the difference between sensor dimensions only by going over specifications. The picture below will give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the FH8 and GH4.

To sum up, both of those cameras have the same megapixels but different sensor dimensions. The FH8 has got the tinier sensor which is going to make obtaining shallower DOF tougher. The more aged FH8 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.