Panasonic GF3 vs Panasonic S2

Below, we will be evaluating the Panasonic GF3 versus Panasonic S2, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are manufactured by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the GF3 (12MP) and the S2 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the GF3 (Four Thirds) and S2 (1/2.3") feature different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The GF3 was manufactured 5 months earlier than the S2 so they are both of a similar age. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S2 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick overview of how the GF3 scores against the S2 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic GF3 Gallery & Panasonic S2 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GF3 has physical dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Panasonic S2 has measurements of 98mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") and a weight of 112 grams (0.25 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic GF3 versus Panasonic S2 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you use at the time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the GF3 and the S2.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the GF3 and S2 is 90 and 96 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to picture the difference between sensor sizing simply by looking at specs. The photograph underneath should provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the GF3 and S2.

All in all, the two cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The GF3 because of its bigger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh easier and the Panasonic S2 will resolve greater detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs somewhat more aggressively.