Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic S2

Let's look closer at the Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic S2, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both built by Panasonic. The image resolution of the GH3 (16MP) and the S2 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the GH3 (Four Thirds) and S2 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The GH3 was manufactured 9 months after the S2 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S2 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a more detailed comparison, below is a concise view of how the GH3 grades versus the S2 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic GH3 Gallery and Panasonic S2 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry around your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GH3 comes with outer measurements of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") and a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs) and the Panasonic S2 has measurements of 98mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 112 grams (0.25 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic S2 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the GH3 versus the S2.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the GH3 and S2 is 66 and 96 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizes simply by looking at a spec sheet. The picture underneath should provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the GH3 and S2.

Clearly, both of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The GH3 because of its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic GH3 will resolve extra detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures much more aggressively. The more recent GH3 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.