Panasonic GF2 vs Panasonic SZ5

Below, we will be evaluating the Panasonic GF2 vs Panasonic SZ5, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both produced by Panasonic. The image resolution of the GF2 (12MP) and the SZ5 (14MP) is pretty similar but the GF2 (Four Thirds) and SZ5 (1/2.3") possess different sensor size.

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The GF2 was introduced 17 months earlier than the SZ5 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GF2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a full comparison, below is a short highlight of how the GF2 matches up vs the SZ5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic GF2 Gallery and Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera regularly, you need to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GF2 provides outside measurements of 113mm x 68mm x 33mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.3") having a weight of 310 grams (0.68 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ5 has proportions of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic GF2 vs Panasonic SZ5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you choose at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the GF2 against the SZ5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GF2 and SZ5 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor measurements only by going over technical specs. The visual underneath should offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the GF2 and SZ5.

As you have seen, each of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The GF2 with its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic SZ5 will deliver greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots much more aggressively. The older GF2 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.