Panasonic GH2 vs Sony HX30V

Here is a complete assessment of the Panasonic GH2 vs Sony HX30V, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the GH2 (16MP) and the HX30V (18MP) is very well matched but the GH2 (Four Thirds) and HX30V (1/2.3") feature different sensor sizes.

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The GH2 was unveiled 11 months before the HX30V and they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX30V being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a short highlight of how the GH2 scores versus the HX30V with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic GH2 Gallery and Sony HX30V Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera often, you need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GH2 provides outside measurements of 124mm x 90mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 3.0") having a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs) while the Sony HX30V has dimensions of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

See the Panasonic GH2 vs Sony HX30V in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at that moment. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the GH2 vs the HX30V.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the GH2 and HX30V is 70 and 90 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to imagine the difference between sensor sizing only by reading through technical specs. The visual underneath may give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the GH2 and HX30V.

As you have seen, both of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The GH2 using its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field simpler and the Sony HX30V will give you extra detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics far more aggressively. The older GH2 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.