Panasonic FP2 vs Panasonic GH3

Here is a in-depth comparison of the Panasonic FP2 and Panasonic GH3, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless and both of them are produced by Panasonic. The resolution of the FP2 (14MP) and the GH3 (16MP) is fairly comparable but the FP2 (1/2.3") and GH3 (Four Thirds) provide totally different sensor measurements.

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The FP2 was brought out 3 years before the GH3 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FP2 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving into a full comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the FP2 grades against the GH3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FP2 Gallery and Panasonic GH3 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic FP2 features outside dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) and the Panasonic GH3 has sizing of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FP2 and Panasonic GH3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you use at that moment. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the FP2 versus the GH3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the FP2 and GH3 is 95 and 66 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to visualise the difference in sensor sizing purely by checking out specs. The graphic here should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the FP2 and GH3.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FP2 because of its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic GH3 will provide greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older FP2 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.