Panasonic FP3 vs Panasonic GH2

Lets examine more in depth at the Panasonic FP3 and Panasonic GH2, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless and both of them are produced by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FP3 (14MP) and the GH2 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the FP3 (1/2.3") and GH2 (Four Thirds) come with different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FP3 was launched 14 months before the GH2 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a complete comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the FP3 scores versus the GH2 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FP3 Gallery and Panasonic GH2 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry around your camera, you are going to need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FP3 provides exterior dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") along with a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) while the Panasonic GH2 has proportions of 124mm x 90mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 3.0") and a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FP3 and Panasonic GH2 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the FP3 versus the GH2.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the FP3 and GH2 is 95 and 70 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes merely by checking out a spec sheet. The pic here might provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the FP3 and GH2.

As you can see, the 2 cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The FP3 due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Panasonic GH2 will produce more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more aged FP3 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.