Panasonic GF2 vs Pentax W80

Below is a detailed review of the Panasonic GF2 and Pentax W80, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the GF2 (12MP) and the W80 (12MP) is very close but the GF2 (Four Thirds) and W80 (1/2.3") posses different sensor measurements.

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The GF2 was manufactured 21 months later than the W80 making them a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GF2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax W80 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the GF2 matches up against the W80 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 and Pentax Optio W80. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic GF2 Gallery and Pentax W80 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you'll need to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GF2 provides outer measurements of 113mm x 68mm x 33mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 310 grams (0.68 lbs) while the Pentax W80 has measurements of 100mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic GF2 and Pentax W80 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the GF2 vs the W80.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the GF2 and W80 is 88 and 94 respectively.

Oftentimes, its hard to imagine the gap in sensor measurements just by researching technical specs. The visual below will give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the GF2 and W80.

As you have seen, the two cameras provide the same resolution but different sensor measurements. The GF2 features the larger sensor which should make getting shallower DOF easier. The more recent GF2 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.