Panasonic FZ80 vs Panasonic GH2

Here, we are contrasting the Panasonic FZ80 and Panasonic GH2, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced Mirrorless and both of them are produced by Panasonic. The resolution of the FZ80 (18MP) and the GH2 (16MP) is fairly similar but the FZ80 (1/2.3") and GH2 (Four Thirds) posses totally different sensor size.

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The FZ80 was released 5 years later than the GH2 and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FZ80 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a thorough comparison, here is a short highlight of how the FZ80 matches up versus the GH2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ80 Gallery & Panasonic GH2 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera, you will have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FZ80 comes with outside measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") along with a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs) while the Panasonic GH2 has dimensions of 124mm x 90mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 3.0") with a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FZ80 and Panasonic GH2 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you use at that moment. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the FZ80 and the GH2.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the FZ80 and GH2 is 63 and 70 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be tough to visualise the gap between sensor measurements just by going over technical specs. The graphic below might give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the FZ80 and GH2.

As you have seen, both of these cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FZ80 featuring a tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF harder and the Panasonic FZ80 will offer you extra detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The fresher FZ80 is going to have an advantage in sensor innovation.