Panasonic GH2 vs Panasonic ZR1

The following is a comprehensive analysis of the Panasonic GH2 and Panasonic ZR1, former is a Advanced Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both manufactured by Panasonic. There is a noticeable difference between the image resolutions of the GH2 (16MP) and ZR1 (12MP) and the GH2 (Four Thirds) and ZR1 (1/2.3") possess different sensor sizing.

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The GH2 was released 21 months after the ZR1 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZR1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a more detailed comparison, below is a simple summary of how the GH2 grades against the ZR1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic GH2 Gallery & Panasonic ZR1 Gallery.

When you are intending to travel with your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GH2 features outside dimensions of 124mm x 90mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 3.0") with a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZR1 has proportions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic GH2 and Panasonic ZR1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have at that time. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the GH2 and the ZR1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the GH2 and ZR1 is 70 and 94 respectively.

Usually, it is very tough to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions simply by looking at specs. The picture underneath should provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the GH2 and ZR1.

All in all, both of those cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The GH2 featuring a larger sensor is going to make getting bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic GH2 will resolve more detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The more recent GH2 provides an edge in sensor technology.