Panasonic GH1 vs Panasonic S2: A Hands-on Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When diving into Panasonic’s lineup, you get cameras catering to vastly different needs and users - from advanced mirrorless innovators to ultra-compact travel companions. Today, we’re comparing two Panasonic models that couldn’t be more different in design, technology, and target audience: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2.

Having tested thousands of cameras over my career, I’m particularly intrigued by these two: the GH1 as an early powerhouse mirrorless, and the S2 as a budget-friendly compact camera. This comparison targets photography enthusiasts and pros who want an honest, technical, yet approachable - and above all practical - look at what each can deliver.

Let’s unravel how these cameras perform across major photography disciplines, their tech guts, real-world usability, and ultimately - who should pick which.

Getting Physical: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

Before even touching image quality or specs, how a camera feels in your hands often dictates your workflow and shooting pleasure.

The Panasonic GH1 is built as a mirrorless camera with an SLR-style body. It sports a solid, comfortable grip and a fully articulated 3-inch screen - a boon for various shooting angles. Meanwhile, the Panasonic S2 is a small compact device, running light at just 112 grams, pocketable but lacking a viewfinder and offering a fixed 2.7-inch screen.

You can see how the GH1’s dimensions (124x90x45 mm) lend it substantial presence, providing custom buttons and dials for manual exposure control. The S2’s compactness (98x57x21 mm) certainly appeals for grab-and-go snaps, but it offers minimal physical controls, which may frustrate seasoned users.

Ergonomics Verdict: If you need manual controls and a camera that feels substantial for extended use, GH1’s design beats the S2 hands down. But for quick travel or point-and-shoot simplicity, S2’s tiny footprint wins.

Layout and Controls: Intuitive Operation vs. Simplicity

A quick look from the top reveals substantial differences in layout and usability.

The GH1 houses dedicated dials for ISO, exposure compensation, shutter speed, and aperture (when compatible lenses are attached). It also features a built-in EVF, allowing precision framing in bright environments. The S2, lacking an EVF and most external dials, leans on fully automatic shooting modes and a simpler interface.

This influence extends to autofocus and exposure modes. GH1 supports autofocus with selectable focus areas and contrast detection, alongside manual focus - giving you nuanced control rarely found on a compact like the S2, whose autofocus is center-weighted and limited in customization.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Size Matters

Let’s plunge into the heart of image quality by looking at sensors, as they largely determine the final image output in any camera.

• Panasonic GH1 features a Four Thirds-sized CMOS sensor (18.89x14.48mm) with 12MP resolution.
• Panasonic S2 sports a tiny 1/2.3" CCD sensor (6.08 x 4.56mm) with 14MP resolution.

The GH1's significantly larger sensor area (~273.5mm² vs 27.7mm²) translates directly into better light-gathering capability, improved dynamic range, and low-light performance. In real-world tests, the GH1 produces cleaner images with more depth, superior detail retention, and richer color because of this sensor size advantage.

Interestingly, the S2 records higher megapixels (14MP) but on a much smaller sensor, which often leads to more noise at higher ISOs and less nuanced color gradation.

Technical insight: Sensors this small in compact cameras are great for daylight shooting but tend to hit noise floors quickly as ISO climbs. The GH1’s Four Thirds sensor shines in mediums like portraits and landscapes where image quality and skin tone fidelity matter.

Viewing Experience: Screen and EVF Performance

How you compose and review photos makes a big difference in the shooting experience. The GH1 comes with an electronic viewfinder and a fully articulated 3-inch screen at 460k resolution, while the S2 provides a fixed 2.7-inch screen at a lower 230k resolution, and no viewfinder.

The GH1’s articulating screen is a game-changer for video shooters and macro photographers needing flexible angles, while the EVF is crucial under bright daylight, offering 100% coverage, making framing precise.

The S2’s screen suffices for casual use but won’t satisfy anyone aiming for more critical framing or shooting in tricky light.

Autofocus Systems: Precision and Speed

Autofocus is often the dividing line between snapper and serious shooter performance. The GH1’s autofocus combines contrast detection with selectable focus areas and supports continuous autofocus mode at burst speeds up to 3fps. The S2, on the other hand, uses contrast detection only, with center-weighted single autofocus and a maximum of 2fps continuous shooting.

Neither camera boasts face or eye tracking, though the S2 strangely claims face detection, no eye detection. GH1 does not offer face detection.

For wildlife and sports photography, GH1’s more robust AF system offers an advantage, albeit modest by today’s standards. The limited burst speeds will disappoint professionals, but for casual shooting, they’re workable.

Real-World Photography Disciplines: Strengths and Weaknesses

Now to translate specs into practical photography genre performance.

Portrait Photography

Skin tone fidelity, bokeh quality, eye sharpness, and color accuracy matter most here.

• GH1’s large sensor and Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem (with 107 lenses supporting wide apertures) provide creamy bokeh and nice subject isolation.
• Lack of built-in image stabilization is mitigated by lens IS.
• No face or eye AF was a drawback when using newer cameras, but manual focus and selectable AF areas help.
• Skin tones rendered natural and color depth good, as confirmed by DxO scores (21.6 bits color depth).

The S2 cannot compete here. Although its 14MP resolution is higher, image quality flattens out with noise creeping in at ISO settings above 400, making skin tones grainy and less appealing.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution count most.

• GH1 leads with superior dynamic range (11.6 EV stops), perfect for pulling detail from shadows and highlights.
• The articulated screen aids composition in various scenarios.
• S2’s sensor limits usable dynamic range significantly, and fixed lens hampers framing versatility.
• No environmental sealing in either, so weather protection requires care.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Speed and autofocus are king, along with telephoto reach.

• GH1’s 3fps burst and contrast AF provide entry-level speed and flexibility, but no tracking AF means you’ll struggle with fast-moving subjects.
• S2’s limited tele zoom (28-112mm equivalent) and 2fps shooting offer less utility.
• For serious sports or wildlife, neither is ideal, but GH1’s lens mount opens doors to better glass.

Street Photography

Portability and discretion are essential.

• S2’s tiny size and silent operation make it stealthy and quick-point shooter friendly.
• GH1’s bulk and louder shutter might stand out.
• Lack of touchscreen means quicker in-hand operation on GH1 is slightly hampered for casual street shooting.

Macro Photography

Magnification and focus precision are key.

• GH1 wins again with interchangeable lenses offering macro primes.
• Fully articulated screen means you can compose at awkward angles effortlessly.
• S2 offers only 5cm fixed lens macro capability, limiting creativity.

Night and Astro Photography

High ISO performance and long exposure handling dominate.

• GH1’s max ISO 1600 native (3200 boosted) is pretty good for a camera over a decade old, delivering usable images in dim conditions.
• S2’s smaller sensor’s noise ramps up significantly beyond ISO 400.
• Neither camera has bulb mode explicitly mentioned, but GH1’s better manual controls support long exposures.
• Both support RAW (GH1) or not (S2), limiting flexibility.

Video Capabilities

• GH1 had early HD video with 1080p at 60fps in AVCHD codec - a pioneer at its announcement.
• External microphone input adds serious value for videographers.
• S2’s video lasts only up to 720p at 30fps in Motion JPEG - less efficient and lower quality.
• GH1 has HDMI out; S2 does not.

Travel Photography

Versatility, battery life, and size come into play.

• GH1 weighs 385g, moderate battery life (~320 shots), versatile lens options, and good image quality.
• S2 weighs 112g, smaller battery life (~280 shots), fixed lens; easy to pack but less versatile.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera is weather sealed or ruggedized.

GH1’s solid build and grip feel more professional, while S2’s plastic exterior feels more consumer-level.

Connectivity and Storage

• Both use SD cards (GH1 supports SDHC).
• Neither supports wireless connections or GPS.
• GH1 has USB 2.0 and HDMI out.
• S2 only USB 2.0, no HDMI or wireless.

Battery and Power

Battery life is decent for both considering their classes, but expect to carry spares for longer shoots, especially with GH1 shooting RAW and video.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Here’s where GH1 is a clear winner.

Panasonic GH1 front Panasonic GH1 screen back Panasonic S2 front Panasonic S2 screen back

With Micro Four Thirds mount and over 100 lenses ranging from ultrawide, fast primes, telephoto zooms, and specialty lenses, GH1 covers all genres extensively.

S2 uses a fixed lens offering a modest focal range equivalent to 28-112mm but with a slow aperture (F3.1-6.5), limiting low-light and creative control.

Performance Benchmark Summary

According to DxOMark and field tests:

• GH1 scores a healthy 64 overall, excellent for its age and class.
• S2 is not tested on DxOMark but expected well below GH1 for image quality.

Genre-Specific Scores and Practical Recommendations

• Portraits/Landscapes: GH1 clearly outperforms.
• Street/Travel: S2 appeals due to size and simplicity.
• Video: GH1 a better choice.
• Macro/Astro: GH1’s lens ecosystem and manual controls give it a clear edge.

Who Should Buy Which? My Final Take

After this thorough, hands-on oriented comparison, here’s what I recommend based on your needs:

• Choose the Panasonic GH1 if you:

  • Want a versatile camera with interchangeable lenses.
  • Need better image quality for portraits, landscapes, low-light, and video.
  • Prefer manual control and customizing your shooting style.
  • Shoot professionally or enthusiastically and can handle a moderately sized camera.
  • Value articulating screen and EVF.

• Choose the Panasonic S2 if you:

  • Desire an ultra-compact, punchy camera for casual travel and street shots.
  • Are price-conscious on a tight budget (around $100 used).
  • Don’t need RAW or complex controls.
  • Want a simple, point-and-shoot style with convenient zoom range.
  • Prioritize portability and convenience over image quality and expandability.

In Summary

These two cameras serve very different purposes despite sharing a brand and similar names. The GH1 remains a capable, semi-professional mirrorless option with advanced features, while the S2 is more a snapshot device aimed at casual users.

Picking between them boils down to how serious you are about image quality, control, and expandability versus convenience and portability. I hope this detailed comparison helps clarify which fits best into your photography journey.

If you want cutting-edge autofocus, weather sealing, or 4K video, consider looking beyond these models. But if you appreciate classic devices that helped shape mirrorless photography or need a straightforward compact, the GH1 and S2 still hold place in the market.

As always, I recommend testing these cameras in person (if possible), handling lenses for the GH1, and considering your shooting style before pulling the trigger.

Happy shooting! For more detailed hands-on tests and image samples, check my extended GH1 and S2 reviews and video walkthroughs.