Panasonic GH2 vs Panasonic LF1

Its time to look much closer at the Panasonic GH2 vs Panasonic LF1, former is a Advanced Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both sold by Panasonic. There exists a substantial gap between the image resolutions of the GH2 (16MP) and LF1 (12MP) and the GH2 (Four Thirds) and LF1 (1/1.7") come with totally different sensor dimensions.

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The GH2 was announced 3 years before the LF1 which is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LF1 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a simple view of how the GH2 grades against the LF1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic GH2 Gallery & Panasonic LF1 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera frequently, you should factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GH2 enjoys physical dimensions of 124mm x 90mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 3.0") having a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs) whilst the Panasonic LF1 has dimensions of 103mm x 62mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic GH2 vs Panasonic LF1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the GH2 and the LF1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GH2 and LF1 is 70 and 92 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes merely by reviewing technical specs. The picture here might give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the GH2 and LF1.

As you can tell, each of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The GH2 with its larger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic GH2 will offer extra detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The more aged GH2 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.