Panasonic GH2 vs Panasonic SZ5

Lets take a deeper look at the Panasonic GH2 vs Panasonic SZ5, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both created by Panasonic. The resolution of the GH2 (16MP) and the SZ5 (14MP) is pretty similar but the GH2 (Four Thirds) and SZ5 (1/2.3") offer different sensor size.

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The GH2 was manufactured 16 months before the SZ5 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the GH2 scores against the SZ5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic GH2 Gallery and Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic GH2 features outer measurements of 124mm x 90mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 3.0") and a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ5 has sizing of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic GH2 vs Panasonic SZ5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the GH2 vs the SZ5.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the GH2 and SZ5 is 70 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reviewing technical specs. The photograph underneath will offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the GH2 and SZ5.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The GH2 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic GH2 will deliver more detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures more aggressively. The older GH2 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.