Panasonic GH2 vs Pentax VS20

Following is a complete overview of the Panasonic GH2 versus Pentax VS20, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the GH2 (16MP) and the VS20 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the GH2 (Four Thirds) and VS20 (1/2.3") use different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The GH2 was manufactured 10 months before the VS20 and they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax VS20 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a quick summary of how the GH2 matches up against the VS20 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 and Pentax Optio VS20. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic GH2 Gallery and Pentax VS20 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic GH2 comes with external dimensions of 124mm x 90mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 3.0") and a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs) and the Pentax VS20 has sizing of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") and a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

See the Panasonic GH2 versus Pentax VS20 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use during that time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the GH2 against the VS20.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GH2 and VS20 is 70 and 90 respectively.

Typically, it can be tough to picture the contrast between sensor sizes purely by looking at technical specs. The image here should give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the GH2 and VS20.

As you have seen, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact megapixel count but different sensor sizes. The GH2 has the larger sensor which will make obtaining shallow depth of field less difficult. The more aged GH2 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.