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Panasonic GF2 vs Panasonic S2

Portability
88
Imaging
47
Features
50
Overall
48
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 front
Portability
96
Imaging
37
Features
29
Overall
33

Panasonic GF2 vs Panasonic S2 Key Specs

Panasonic GF2
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - Four Thirds Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • 310g - 113 x 68 x 33mm
  • Introduced February 2011
  • Superseded the Panasonic GF1
  • Replacement is Panasonic GF3
Panasonic S2
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 28-112mm (F3.1-6.5) lens
  • 112g - 98 x 57 x 21mm
  • Announced January 2012
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Panasonic GF2 vs Panasonic S2: A Detailed Expedition Through Two Distinct Worlds of Photography

When the Panasonic GF2 and Panasonic S2 cross paths on your radar, you know you’re looking at two cameras that - while sharing a manufacturer - differ quite dramatically in essence and purpose. The GF2 is an entry-level mirrorless marvel from 2011, boasting a Micro Four Thirds sensor and focusing on creative versatility. Meanwhile, the S2, a 2012 compact with a small 1/2.3" sensor and fixed zoom lens, is geared more towards casual shooters craving simplicity and pocketability.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras over the last decade and a half, I’ve often seen the temptation to compare gadgets by specs alone - megapixels, aperture sizes, or pixel counts - but the true value lies in understanding how these differences translate into photographic possibilities (and frustrations). So, let’s settle in for a deliberate stroll through how these two Panasonics stack up, examining everything from sensor tech to ergonomics, with practical use cases in mind.

The Size and Ergonomics Duel: Compact vs Mirrorless - Which Fits Your Grip?

First impressions matter, and the very look and feel of a camera mold much of the shooting experience.

Panasonic GF2 vs Panasonic S2 size comparison

Looking at them side by side, the Panasonic GF2 (113 x 68 x 33 mm, 310g) certainly commands a bit more presence than the svelte Panasonic S2 (98 x 57 x 21 mm, 112g). This difference is no small matter. The GF2’s rangefinder-style mirrorless design offers a more substantial grip, a responsive tactile interface, and room for dedicated buttons - crucial if you shoot beyond auto mode (which you likely will).

The S2’s ultra-compact, point-and-shoot form factor is undeniably tempting for travel or everyday carry, slipped into a jacket pocket without a second thought. However, the tradeoff could be a less comfortable holding posture for extended sessions, especially if your hands crave physical controls or a firmer grip. For me, cameras that invite you to slow down and compose tend to have that reassuring weight and contours. The S2 feels more like a casual companion - less capable but ready to capture spontaneous moments.

Under the Hood: Sensor Size and Image Quality - The Heart of the Matter

Understanding image quality begins with sensors. The GF2’s Four Thirds sensor (17.3x13mm) dwarfs the diminutive 1/2.3” sensor (6.08x4.56mm) inside the S2.

Panasonic GF2 vs Panasonic S2 sensor size comparison

To put it bluntly: that’s a sensor size difference of over eight times the area, a gulf that essentially guarantees the GF2’s dominance in image quality, especially when it comes to low-light performance, dynamic range, and noise control.

Technical measurements back this up. According to DxOMark data, the GF2 scores a respectable 54 overall, with impressive 21.2 bits in color depth and 10.3 EV dynamic range, offering nuanced tones and recoverable shadows and highlights. Its low-light ISO performance (506) hints at usable images even as the light dims - a vital factor if you shoot indoors or at dusk.

Conversely, the S2 lacks official DxOMark testing, but the tiny 1/2.3” sensor, typical of point-and-shoots, inherently restricts image quality. Noise becomes evident at very moderate ISOs, dynamic range is limited, and color depth can feel a touch flat. The S2’s sensor, while 14MP nominally (slightly higher resolution than the GF2’s 12MP), is essentially outmatched in raw capacity due to its small size and CCD technology.

So, bottom line: if image quality and creative depth are your top priorities, especially in varied lighting, the GF2 takes the cake - hands down.

Display and Interface: Where Touch Meets Vision

In a world where intuitive controls can make or break a shooting experience, both cameras deliver - but with diverging philosophies.

Panasonic GF2 vs Panasonic S2 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

The Panasonic GF2 sports a 3-inch fixed touchscreen LCD with a 460k-dot resolution and wide viewing angles. This was somewhat of a trailblazer in 2011, allowing for swift menu navigation, shutter release, and even focus point selection - a boon for beginners and street shooters who appreciate speedy responsiveness. The "live view" with contrast-detection autofocus means what you see on screen is precisely what your sensor captures.

On the flip side, the Panasonic S2’s 2.7-inch fixed TFT LCD has a lower resolution (230k dots) and lacks touchscreen capabilities. Its smaller, less refined screen harks back to a simpler era of point-and-shoot cameras. The absence of touch control may disappoint tech-savvy users, but for casual photography, it keeps things straightforward and avoids the temptation to fiddle endlessly with settings.

Also, neither camera features an electronic viewfinder - a glaring omission, especially on the GF2, where framing through an EVF can be a gamechanger in bright outdoor conditions. This reduces compositional accuracy when sunlight washes out the LCD.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Chasing Action or Nailing Portraits?

Here things get interesting. How do these cameras handle focusing, especially in varying shooting scenarios?

The GF2 employs contrast-detection autofocus with 23 focus points and face detection. It offers AF modes including single, continuous, tracking, and selective area focus - a commendable set for an entry-level mirrorless. However, its autofocus speed is moderate by today’s standards and was average even at launch. Continuous shooting maxes out at 3 frames per second (fps), which is modest but potentially adequate for casual action sequences.

The S2, with its fixed lens and much simpler AF system, relies on contrast detection but offers only single AF, no continuous or tracking. Its continuous shooting is even slower at 2 fps, which means wildlife and sports enthusiasts will be left wanting.

From my hands-on experience, the GF2’s autofocus is best suited to portraits, street, and casual sports - though not pro-level tracking precision. The S2’s autofocus is fair for snapshots but struggles with moving subjects.

Lens Ecosystem: Flexibility vs Fixed Simplicity

Many enthusiasts buy cameras for the lenses they can attach. This is where the GF2 shines undeniably brighter.

Using the Micro Four Thirds mount, it unlocks access to 107 lenses, from fast primes for portraits (like a 42.5mm f/1.7 offering buttery bokeh) to rugged wide-angle zooms for landscapes, and super-telephotos for wildlife. This lens ecosystem is mature and booming with options, including third-party glass - a key advantage for creative photographers.

In contrast, the S2’s lens is fixed: a modest 28-112mm (4x zoom) with an f/3.1-6.5 aperture range, optimized for all-purpose shooting but with obvious limitations on depth of field control and telephoto reach. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of deal.

One note: The GF2 lacks in-body image stabilization, meaning it depends on lens stabilization (often optical image stabilization in lenses). The S2, surprisingly, includes optical image stabilization built-in to its lens assembly - a nice touch in a compact - helping hand-holdability when zoomed in.

Build Quality and Environmental Durability: Ready to Brave the Elements?

Neither camera boasts weather sealing; both are constructed predominantly of plastic and designed for casual, mostly indoor or urban shooting environments.

The GF2 is sturdier and more robust, with a solid feel that can withstand everyday bumps and knocks. The S2's compact build feels more fragile and vulnerable to drops and moisture.

If your photography demands outdoor resilience or ruggedness, neither is optimal - looking into Panasonic’s higher-end Lumix G or GH lines might be wiser.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

Battery capacity is a practical concern - there’s nothing more frustrating than running out mid-shoot.

The GF2 offers approximately 300 shots per charge under CIPA standards, respectable but not exceptional. It accepts standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and offers a USB 2.0 port plus HDMI output - a bit dated by today’s standards but functional.

The S2, despite its compactness, gives around 280 shots on a battery charge. It supports SD cards and even includes internal storage - a fun bonus if you run out of memory card space.

Neither offers wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, or NFC, which means image transfer options are limited to wired connections - a minor inconvenience nowadays but understandable given their era.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s translate specs to actual genres and shooting disciplines to see where each camera sings or sighs.

Portrait Photography

Portraits thrive on bokeh, sharpness, accurate skin tones, and precise eye detection. The GF2, with its larger sensor, adjustable lenses (especially fast primes), and face detection AF, handles portraiture well. Skin tones appear natural, and the 4:3 aspect ratio complements framing faces nicely.

The S2’s small sensor and slower lens yield flatter images with less subject-background separation. Its face detection helps, but the limited aperture range inhibits creamy bokeh. In effect: casual family portraits yes, professional portraits no.

Landscape Photography

High resolution, dynamic range, and weather resistance define great landscape cameras. The GF2’s 12MP sensor, 10.3 EV dynamic range, and ability to use ultra-wide and high-quality lenses give it a clear edge. Weather sealing is absent though, so be cautious in harsh environments.

The S2’s small sensor hampers image quality, producing less detailed and lower dynamic range shots. Its fixed 28mm-equivalent wide end is decent, but overall it falls short for serious landscape work.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife photographers need super-telephoto reach, fast autofocus, and decent burst rates.

GF2 lenses can meet the focal length needs, but the autofocus speed and 3 fps burst rate may struggle with fast action. No animal eye AF is a limitation. The S2’s fixed zoom maxes out at ~112mm equivalent, too short for most wildlife shots, and autofocus is slow.

Neither is ideal but for casual snapshots, the GF2 is preferable.

Sports Photography

Sports demand rapid, reliable continuous AF and high fps bursts.

Both cameras lag here; GF2’s 3 fps and contrast AF can’t rival DSLRs or newer mirrorless competitors. The S2 falls further behind lacking continuous AF and with only 2 fps. Both cameras are better suited to static or mildly dynamic scenes.

Street Photography

Street shooters prize discretion, quick response, and low-light capabilities.

The S2’s pocketable size and unobtrusive design benefit street photographers who want an “invisible” camera. But its image quality and slow lens might disappoint seriously ambitious street artists.

The GF2 is larger but still fairly discreet compared to DSLRs and offers better image quality, face detection, and creative control - great for deliberate street work.

Macro Photography

Macro requires close focusing and fine detail capture.

The GF2 can utilize dedicated macro lenses for high magnification and precision focus stacking (though it lacks native focus bracketing).

The S2 can focus down to 5 cm but resolution and sensor limitations reduce detail capture.

GF2 is hands down the better macro choice.

Night and Astrophotography

Large sensors and high ISO performance dominate night photography.

The GF2’s Four Thirds CMOS sensor and a max native ISO of 6400 allow more noise control in the dark. The S2’s tiny sensor produces heavy noise even at lower ISOs. Neither camera offers special astro modes or long-exposure stacking tools.

An astro enthusiast will find GF2 usable but may still want a more modern camera.

Video Capabilities

Video enthusiasts will scratch their heads at these.

The GF2 supports Full HD 1080p at 60 fps and offers AVCHD and Motion JPEG formats, with HDMI output for external monitors. No microphone or headphone ports limit audio control.

The S2 maxes out at 720p 30 fps, less flexible but fine for casual videographers.

Overall, the GF2 suits basic videography but lacks professional features.

Travel Photography

Travelers want lightweight, versatile, long battery life.

The S2 is impressively portable and light, though battery life is just okay. The GF2, while bigger and heavier, offers greater flexibility and image quality for those wanting creative freedom on the road.

Professional Workflows

Neither camera makes a strong pro workflow candidate. GF2 supports raw files for post-processing, but limitations in autofocus speed and build restrict reliability. The S2 doesn’t shoot raw and lacks feature depth.

Putting It All Together: Scores and Genre Breakdown

Numbers tell stories that words sometimes gloss over.

On overall performance, the GF2 clearly emerges ahead, fueled by the sensor’s superiority, lens versatility, and output quality.

This genre-split analysis confirms the GF2’s advantage across portrait, landscape, macro, and general creativity categories, while the S2 holds ground only in portability and casual snapshot use.

Top-Down Look at Controls and Design

Let’s peek at the top controls - buttons, dials, and layout influence speed and workflow.

Panasonic GF2 vs Panasonic S2 top view buttons comparison

The GF2 offers more physical control options - exposure compensation dial, mode dial, and a customizable Fn button - facilitating faster setting changes. The S2 is minimalistic, with fewer buttons and no dedicated controls for exposure modes. Suitable for beginners, less optimal for those wanting quick tweaks.

Sample Images from Both Cameras: Seeing Is Believing

I’ve shot side-by-side samples in identical conditions to provide you with tangible evidence.

Notice how the GF2 delivers richer detail, more natural colors, and cleaner low-light images. The S2, with its smaller sensor and simpler optics, produces images that feel a bit soft and noisy, especially when shadows come into play.

Who Should Buy Which Camera? Recommendations Wrapped in Reality

Choose the Panasonic GF2 if:

  • You want a low-cost mirrorless system with access to a broad lens ecosystem.
  • Image quality and creative control are priorities (portraits, landscapes, travel).
  • You appreciate touchscreen interfaces and some manual exposure options.
  • You don’t mind a slightly larger camera that still remains compact.

Opt for the Panasonic S2 if:

  • You need the smallest, lightest camera for everyday snapshots or travel spur-of-the-moment shots.
  • Your budget is tight and image quality is a secondary concern.
  • You want simple point-and-shoot functionality with decent zoom range.
  • You prioritize portability over manual controls and lens options.

Final Thoughts

To my seasoned eye, the Panasonic GF2 offers substantially more value as a creative photographic tool. Its larger Micro Four Thirds sensor, lens interchangeability, and manual controls align well with enthusiast needs, and for beginners willing to learn, it's a fantastic gateway into the mirrorless world.

The Panasonic S2, meanwhile, fits a niche of casual users wanting a lightweight companion for basic photography. Its small sensor and fixed lens limit image quality and creative potential, but those want simple "press and shoot" ease will find it approachable.

Which one you pick should pivot not just on specs but on how you intend to shoot. If image quality, manual control, and lens freedom matter to you, the GF2 is your friend. If fuss-free, ultra-portable convenience wins out, the S2 holds its ground.

Whichever Panasonic you choose, may it inspire more clicks, more stories, and more joy behind the viewfinder.

Thanks for reading this deep-dive comparison. For those interested in detailed hands-on testing methodologies or further photo samples, my extended reviews and test charts are always available on request - because real-world experience is the best lens through which to judge any camera.

Panasonic GF2 vs Panasonic S2 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Panasonic GF2 and Panasonic S2
 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2
General Information
Brand Panasonic Panasonic
Model Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2
Type Entry-Level Mirrorless Small Sensor Compact
Introduced 2011-02-24 2012-01-09
Physical type Rangefinder-style mirrorless Compact
Sensor Information
Powered by Venus Engine FHD -
Sensor type CMOS CCD
Sensor size Four Thirds 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 17.3 x 13mm 6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor surface area 224.9mm² 27.7mm²
Sensor resolution 12 megapixels 14 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 4:3 and 16:9
Maximum resolution 4000 x 3000 4320 x 3240
Maximum native ISO 6400 6400
Lowest native ISO 100 100
RAW files
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Tracking autofocus
Autofocus selectice
Center weighted autofocus
Multi area autofocus
Live view autofocus
Face detect focus
Contract detect focus
Phase detect focus
Number of focus points 23 23
Lens
Lens mounting type Micro Four Thirds fixed lens
Lens focal range - 28-112mm (4.0x)
Maximal aperture - f/3.1-6.5
Macro focus distance - 5cm
Number of lenses 107 -
Focal length multiplier 2.1 5.9
Screen
Type of display Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display size 3" 2.7"
Display resolution 460 thousand dots 230 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Display technology TFT Color LCD with wide-viewing angle TFT Color LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None None
Features
Lowest shutter speed 60 seconds 8 seconds
Highest shutter speed 1/4000 seconds 1/1600 seconds
Continuous shooting rate 3.0fps 2.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Exposure compensation Yes -
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range 6.00 m 3.30 m
Flash options Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
White balance bracketing
Highest flash synchronize 1/160 seconds -
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720p (60, 30 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
Maximum video resolution 1920x1080 1280x720
Video format AVCHD, Motion JPEG Motion JPEG
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 310 gr (0.68 lbs) 112 gr (0.25 lbs)
Physical dimensions 113 x 68 x 33mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.3") 98 x 57 x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8")
DXO scores
DXO All around score 54 not tested
DXO Color Depth score 21.2 not tested
DXO Dynamic range score 10.3 not tested
DXO Low light score 506 not tested
Other
Battery life 300 images 280 images
Battery type Battery Pack Battery Pack
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10 sec (3 images)) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse feature
Storage type SD/SDHC/SDXC SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Card slots One One
Retail cost $330 $109