Panasonic GF2 vs Panasonic S2

Let's take a deeper look at the Panasonic GF2 versus Panasonic S2, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are manufactured by Panasonic. The image resolution of the GF2 (12MP) and the S2 (14MP) is pretty comparable but the GF2 (Four Thirds) and S2 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The GF2 was brought out 10 months before the S2 and they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GF2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S2 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a detailed comparison, here is a short summation of how the GF2 scores against the S2 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic GF2 Gallery and Panasonic S2 Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GF2 provides outside measurements of 113mm x 68mm x 33mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.3") along with a weight of 310 grams (0.68 lbs) while the Panasonic S2 has proportions of 98mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") and a weight of 112 grams (0.25 lbs).

See the Panasonic GF2 versus Panasonic S2 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the GF2 compared to the S2.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GF2 and S2 is 88 and 96 respectively.

Normally, it can be hard to visualise the difference in sensor measurements only by checking out specs. The graphic below may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the GF2 and S2.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The GF2 featuring a bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic S2 will show extra detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The older GF2 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.