Panasonic FZ100 vs Panasonic GH2

Below, we are reviewing the Panasonic FZ100 and Panasonic GH2, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless and they are both manufactured by Panasonic. The image resolution of the FZ100 (14MP) and the GH2 (16MP) is fairly comparable but the FZ100 (1/2.3") and GH2 (Four Thirds) come with totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The FZ100 was manufactured 8 months prior to the GH2 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the FZ100 grades vs the GH2 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ100 Gallery and Panasonic GH2 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FZ100 has outer measurements of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GH2 has proportions of 124mm x 90mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 3.0") along with a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FZ100 and Panasonic GH2 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the FZ100 compared to the GH2.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FZ100 and GH2 is 67 and 70 respectively.

Quite often, its difficult to visualise the difference in sensor sizing purely by checking out a spec sheet. The visual underneath should provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the FZ100 and GH2.

Clearly, both cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FZ100 featuring a smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF trickier and the Panasonic GH2 will show extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop photos much more aggressively. The older FZ100 will be behind in sensor innovation.