Panasonic GH2 vs Pentax S1

Below is a complete overview of the Panasonic GH2 and Pentax S1, former being a Advanced Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the GH2 (16MP) and the S1 (14MP) is very similar but the GH2 (Four Thirds) and S1 (1/2.3") provide different sensor dimensions.

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The GH2 was unveiled very close to the S1 so they are both of a similar age. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax S1 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the GH2 matches up versus the S1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 & Pentax Optio S1. The full galleries are available at Panasonic GH2 Gallery & Pentax S1 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GH2 enjoys external dimensions of 124mm x 90mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 3.0") having a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs) whilst the Pentax S1 has proportions of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic GH2 and Pentax S1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you choose at that time. Following is a front view size comparison of the GH2 versus the S1.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the GH2 and S1 is 70 and 93 respectively.

Usually, its hard to imagine the difference between sensor measurements simply by reading technical specs. The graphic below might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the GH2 and S1.

As you can tell, both cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The GH2 using its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic GH2 will deliver greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos more aggressively.