Panasonic GH2 vs Panasonic LZ20

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Panasonic GH2 and Panasonic LZ20, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both produced by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the GH2 (16MP) and the LZ20 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the GH2 (Four Thirds) and LZ20 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor size.

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The GH2 was manufactured 16 months earlier than the LZ20 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LZ20 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting through a in-depth comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the GH2 grades versus the LZ20 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic GH2 Gallery and Panasonic LZ20 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera, you are going to need to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic GH2 features exterior dimensions of 124mm x 90mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 3.0") and a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs) and the Panasonic LZ20 has sizing of 120mm x 76mm x 80mm (4.7" x 3.0" x 3.1") accompanied by a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Check the Panasonic GH2 and Panasonic LZ20 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the GH2 compared to the LZ20.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the GH2 and LZ20 is 70 and 71 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to visualise the gap between sensor dimensions only by checking a spec sheet. The picture here will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the GH2 and LZ20.

Clearly, both cameras offer the same exact MP albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The GH2 contains the bigger sensor which will make obtaining shallow DOF simpler. The more aged GH2 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.