Panasonic GF2 vs Sony H55

Following is a extended review of the Panasonic GF2 and Sony H55, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the GF2 (12MP) and the H55 (14MP) is pretty comparable but the GF2 (Four Thirds) and H55 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The GF2 was brought out 9 months after the H55 so they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GF2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony H55 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a thorough comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the GF2 matches up against the H55 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H55. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic GF2 Gallery and Sony H55 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera often, you need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GF2 offers physical dimensions of 113mm x 68mm x 33mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.3") and a weight of 310 grams (0.68 lbs) whilst the Sony H55 has dimensions of 103mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic GF2 and Sony H55 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you select during that time. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the GF2 against the H55.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the GF2 and H55 is 88 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to see the contrast in sensor sizes just by going through specifications. The picture below should provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the GF2 and H55.

To sum up, both of those cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The GF2 due to its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Sony H55 will show greater detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The newer GF2 will have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.