Panasonic G5 vs Panasonic S2

Following is a detailed overview of the Panasonic G5 vs Panasonic S2, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are designed by Panasonic. The image resolution of the G5 (16MP) and the S2 (14MP) is very close but the G5 (Four Thirds) and S2 (1/2.3") posses different sensor sizing.

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The G5 was revealed 7 months after the S2 and they are of a similar age. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic G5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S2 being a Compact camera.

Before going into a detailed comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the G5 scores vs the S2 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2. The full galleries are available at Panasonic G5 Gallery & Panasonic S2 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera regularly, you'll need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic G5 has outer dimensions of 120mm x 83mm x 71mm (4.7" x 3.3" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 396 grams (0.87 lbs) and the Panasonic S2 has measurements of 98mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 112 grams (0.25 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic G5 vs Panasonic S2 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Following is a front view size comparison of the G5 compared to the S2.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the G5 and S2 is 74 and 96 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes merely by viewing technical specs. The picture below will give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the G5 and S2.

As you have seen, the two cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The G5 using its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic G5 will render greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The fresher G5 provides an edge with regard to sensor technology.