Panasonic GH2 vs Panasonic ZS40

Following is a complete analysis of the Panasonic GH2 and Panasonic ZS40, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both built by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the GH2 (16MP) and the ZS40 (18MP) is very well matched but the GH2 (Four Thirds) and ZS40 (1/2.3") feature different sensor measurements.

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The GH2 was released 3 years earlier than the ZS40 which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera.

Before delving through a complete comparison, below is a simple view of how the GH2 grades versus the ZS40 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic GH2 Gallery and Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera, you need to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GH2 has outer dimensions 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 ZS40 has proportions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic GH2 and Panasonic ZS40 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the GH2 vs the ZS40.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GH2 and ZS40 is 70 and 90 respectively.

Typically, its hard to visualize the gap between sensor sizes only by checking specs. The image here might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the GH2 and ZS40.

All in all, the 2 cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The GH2 because of its larger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic ZS40 will give you greater detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics much more aggressively. The more aged GH2 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.