Panasonic FP5 vs Panasonic GF2

Let's examine more in depth at the Panasonic FP5 and Panasonic GF2, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both designed by Panasonic. The resolution of the FP5 (14MP) and the GF2 (12MP) is fairly close but the FP5 (1/2.3") and GF2 (Four Thirds) come with different sensor dimensions.

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The FP5 was launched very close to the GF2 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FP5 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic GF2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a in depth comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the FP5 grades against the GF2 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FP5 Gallery and Panasonic GF2 Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera often, you will want to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FP5 comes with outside dimensions of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") having a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GF2 has measurements of 113mm x 68mm x 33mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.3") with a weight of 310 grams (0.68 lbs).

See the Panasonic FP5 and Panasonic GF2 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the FP5 compared to the GF2.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the FP5 and GF2 is 95 and 88 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to visualize the difference in sensor measurements only by viewing a spec sheet. The photograph below might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the FP5 and GF2.

Clearly, the 2 cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The FP5 because of its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic FP5 will render more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos much more aggressively.