Panasonic FP1 vs Panasonic S2

In this write-up, we are comparing the Panasonic FP1 and Panasonic S2, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are sold by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FP1 (12MP) and the S2 (14MP) is very well matched and they come with the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The FP1 was brought out 24 months before the S2 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic S2 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a in-depth comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the FP1 scores against the S2 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FP1 Gallery and Panasonic S2 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera, you will want to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FP1 has got outside measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") along with a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) while the Panasonic S2 has dimensions of 98mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") with a weight of 112 grams (0.25 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FP1 and Panasonic S2 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at the time. Following is the front view size comparison of the FP1 versus the S2.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FP1 and S2 is 95 and 96 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to envision the gap between sensor sizing purely by checking technical specs. The graphic here might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the FP1 and S2.

As you can tell, both of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Panasonic S2 to give you more detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images a little more aggressively. The older FP1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.