Panasonic GH2 vs Pentax W90

Here is a extensive analysis of the Panasonic GH2 vs Pentax W90, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Waterproof by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the GH2 (16MP) and W90 (12MP) and the GH2 (Four Thirds) and W90 (1/2.3") posses different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The GH2 was revealed 14 months later than the W90 making them a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax W90 being a Compact camera.

Before going into a in-depth comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the GH2 matches up against the W90 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 and Pentax Optio W90. The full galleries are available at Panasonic GH2 Gallery and Pentax W90 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic GH2 features external 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 Pentax W90 has specifications of 108mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.0") having a weight of 164 grams (0.36 lbs).

See the Panasonic GH2 vs Pentax W90 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the GH2 and the W90.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the GH2 and W90 is 70 and 94 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing simply by looking at specifications. The graphic underneath will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the GH2 and W90.

Plainly, the 2 cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The GH2 using its larger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic GH2 will give extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos a bit more aggressively. The newer GH2 should have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.