Panasonic GH2 vs Pentax K-S2

In this article, we will be matching up the Panasonic GH2 and Pentax K-S2, former being a Advanced Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the GH2 (16MP) and the K-S2 (20MP) is pretty comparable but the GH2 (Four Thirds) and K-S2 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The GH2 was unveiled 4 years before the K-S2 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a simple summation of how the GH2 grades versus the K-S2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 & Pentax K-S2. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic GH2 Gallery & Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera often, you are going to need to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GH2 features outside measurements of 124mm x 90mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 3.0") with a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs) while the Pentax K-S2 has measurements of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") along with a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic GH2 and Pentax K-S2 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you select at that moment. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the GH2 against the K-S2.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the GH2 and K-S2 is 70 and 64 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to visualize the difference in sensor sizing simply by going through technical specs. The visual underneath will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the GH2 and K-S2.

As you have seen, both the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The GH2 using its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Pentax K-S2 will produce greater detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older GH2 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.