Clicky

Panasonic S2

 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 front
 
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 28-112mm (F3.1-6.5) lens
  • 112g - 98 x 57 x 21mm
  • Launched January 2012
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
96
Imaging
38
Features
29
Overall
34

Panasonic S2 summary

Panasonic S2 is Panasonic's Small Sensor Compact digital camera initially revealed on January of 2012. The camera features a 14MP, CCD 1/2.3" size sensor with a full resolution of 4320 x 3240.

The S2 is ranked #109 out of 261 in Small Sensor Compact cameras and over-all #956 out of 1465 for digital cameras in our list. Please try out our Smart camera filter to get camera rankings based on your personalized requirements.

Nikon Coolpix camera search on Google skyrockets by 8,500%

Here is a chart of multiple factors used in the rating system.

Panasonic S2 history

The Panasonic S2 is part of a family of products. You can see the detailed list underneath.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-SZ10 front thumbnailPanasonic SZ10
S2 vs SZ10
24-288mm
F3.1-6.3
16MP1/2.3"2015
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-SZ8 front thumbnailPanasonic SZ8
S2 vs SZ8
24-288mm
F3.1-6.3
16MP1/2.3"2014
TikTok Developing Photo App to Challenge Instagram's Dominance
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-SZ3 front thumbnailPanasonic SZ3
S2 vs SZ3
25-250mm
F3.1-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-SZ5 front thumbnailPanasonic SZ5
S2 vs SZ5
25-250mm
F3.1-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2012
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-SZ7 front thumbnailPanasonic SZ7
S2 vs SZ7
25-250mm
F3.1-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2012
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-S2 front thumbnailPanasonic S228-112mm
F3.1-6.5
14MP1/2.3"2012
Apple patent reveals improved iPhone camera durability
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-SZ1 front thumbnailPanasonic SZ1
S2 vs SZ1
25-250mm
F3.1-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2012
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-S1 front thumbnailPanasonic S1
S2 vs S1
28-112mm
F3.1-5.6
12MP1/2.3"2011
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-S3 front thumbnailPanasonic S3
S2 vs S3
28-112mm
F3.1-5.6
14MP1/2.3"2011

Panasonic S2 Pros and Cons

Here is a collection of pros and cons of the Panasonic S2 based on criterias which are oftentimes regarded as necessary in a digital camera.

built in image stabilization (Optical)
comes with face detect autofocus
decent sensor resolution (14MP)
flash built-in
good battery life (280 shots)
good zoom range (28-112mm 4.0 x zoom)
lighter than competition (112 grams)
really wide (28mm)
very good minimum ISO (100)
can't use external flash
cannot swap lenses (fixed lens mount)
doesn't have HDMI port
doesn't have headphone port
doesn't have mic port
doesn't have Time Lapse function
has no phase detect autofocus
has no RAW support
low resolution screen (230 k dot)
manual focus not available
max frames per second low (2.0 frames/s)
max zoom aperture not good (f6.5)
no aperture priority mode
no manual mode
no shutter priority
screen does not articulate
screen isn't selfie friendly
screen is small (2.7 inches)
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
slow max aperture (f3.1)
video resolution low (1280 x 720 pixels)
Europe Approves Revolutionary AI Legislation

Panasonic S2 Sensor features

The sensor measurement on the Panasonic S2 is 6.08mm x 4.56mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor can capture 4320 x 3240 pixels using aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. The camera includes Image Stabilization (Optical). Optical stabilization is superior than digital stabilization since the latter may cause cropping.

AI-Powered Photo Editing Tools Could Be Added to WhatsApp

The CCD sensor boasts 14MP and includes a standard ISO range of 100 to 6400. Unfortunately, RAW format is not saved so you have less margin for error.

The graphic underneath displays the S2's sensor size when compared to other popular sizes. The S2 sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.9 and is presented in green.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 sensor size Ulanzi's Tripod Ensures Ultra Smooth Filming

To get an understanding of specific aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Panasonic S2 dimensions

Panasonic S2 has a weight of 0.25 pounds (112g or 3.95 ounces) and features exterior proportions of 98mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8"). The weight of average Small Sensor Compact camera is 174g and the Panasonic S2 is less heavy as compared with other competitors.

Fujifilm accuses Eastman Kodak of patent violation in new lawsuit

Here is a picture of the Panasonic S2 beside a softdrink to help you to have a feel for its size.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 dimensions scale

The top view underneath will show the button design on the S2.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 topview buttons dials

Panasonic S2 Lens features

The S2 includes an inbuilt lens having a focal range of 28-112mm giving it a 4.0 x zoom which might not be very good however it will probably be convenient in some conditions.

At it's widest 28mm, it offers an aperture of f3.1 and that's fairly sluggish and not great in low light circumstances and you may find it hard to capture a shallow depth of field. You could also need to increase your ISO which causes noisy photos. With the long end, 112mm comes to f6.5 making it fairly sluggish and you will have to go with slower shutter speeds.

Leica struggles with L-Mount camera sales, tougher than Q or M

Panasonic S2 Connectivity

The S2 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes

Digital cameras which include NFC or Bluetooth compatibility can easily be controlled wirelessly with smartphones. You are able to send files and in some cases alter settings without connecting physically with the camera.

Certain apps also give a Liveview and release the shutter when you are not close to the camera. If the camera boasts a HDMI out, it could be connected to an external screen. Many cameras enable you to charge the battery pack using the USB port.

Google AI Gemini Could Enhance iPhone Experience, Talks Suggest

Panasonic S2 Video features

The highest possible video quality on the Panasonic S2 is 1280 x 720 and it can record in Motion JPEG file format. 720p is terrible by today's requirements. You should really aim for at least 1080p quality for decent video. The body does not offer a mic or headphone port so you have absolutely no control over your audio. It is probably best to have a look at an alternative model should you require good audio in your videos.

Peek Behind the Lens of 'Photographer' and Their Go-To Cameras

Panasonic S2 Weather Sealing

There is no environment proofing on the Panasonic S2 so you have to be careful in wet and dusty conditions.

Panasonic S2 Screen and Viewfinder

The Panasonic S2 features a 2.7" fixed screen having a resolution of 230k dots.

Please be aware that the screen offers no touch support.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2 screen and viewfinder AI-Powered Photo Editing Tools Could Be Added to WhatsApp

The ViewFinder specifications regarding Panasonic S2 are the following:

  • ViewFinder None

In those sunny outdoor conditions that make the camera displays washed out and tricky to view, viewfinders can be particularly useful.

Panasonic S2 Shutter features

Panasonic S2 can shoot continuously at 2.0 frames/s. The highest shutter speed is 1/1600 sec.

Nikon Coolpix camera search on Google skyrockets by 8,500%

Panasonic S2 Flash and Hot shoe features

Panasonic S2 includes just built in flash with missing external flash support.

Panasonic S2 Autofocus features

Panasonic S2 includes only Contrast Detect AF and does not have Phase Detect AF. Phase Detection autofocusing is more snappier and accurate as compared with Contrast Detect autofocusing. The camera features Face detection which makes it useful for people photography.

The Sensor features 23 focus points to select from. Panasonic S2 doesn't have manual focus. Manual focus can be good in low light occasions or you need more exact focusing control.

TikTok Developing Photo App to Challenge Instagram's Dominance

Panasonic S2 Battery life

The battery life on the Panasonic S2 is designed to last for 280 photographs as per the CIPA benchmarks which is higher than average ın comparison with its class. The average Small Sensor Compact camera battery life is 241. Fujifilm X30 features the best (470) battery life in this class of cameras.

Here is a list of Small Sensor Compact cameras which have the highest battery life:

Panasonic S2 for specific categories of photography

The following graph displays a outline of the Panasonic S2 for specific categories of photography. To view more, check out the specific section underneath.

Panasonic S2 Portrait photography information

The Panasonic S2 gets a score of 34 which is horrible, and means the camera is not acceptable for portrait photography. Taking portraits favors greatly towards sensor dimensions, RAW support plus the potential to use external lighting.

Europe Approves Revolutionary AI Legislation
decent sensor resolution (14 megapixels)
provides face detect focus
no manual focus
lack of manual exposure
can't use external flash
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
does not have RAW format

Panasonic S2 Street photography info

Coming in at a above average points tally of 63, the Panasonic S2 is a good pick to buy for street photography. A good street photography camera features a good balance of picture quality and portability.

Ulanzi's Tripod Ensures Ultra Smooth Filming
has image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than others (112 grams)
screen does not articulate
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
no RAW files

Sports photography with Panasonic S2

A horrible sports photography score of 40 means the Panasonic S2 is not acceptable for taking photos of sports. A camera needs great focusing and fast continuous shooting for sports photography.

Fujifilm accuses Eastman Kodak of patent violation in new lawsuit
built in image stabilization (Optical)
good resolution (14 megapixels)
good battery life (280 CIPA)
low frames per second (2.0 fps)
no shutter priority mode
small sensor size (1/2.3")
no phase detect auto focus

Panasonic S2 Travel photography information

Size is very crucial when getting a camera for travel. In general, the Panasonic S2 gets a nice 71 as a travel camera which is a fine pick to take on your trips.

Leica struggles with L-Mount camera sales, tougher than Q or M
better than average battery life (280 CIPA)
lighter than others (112 grams)
decent MP (14MP)
has built in flash
pretty wide (28mm)
missing Time Lapse mode
screen isn't selfie friendly
sluggish max aperture (f3.1)

Panasonic S2 as a Landscape photography camera

If you're looking to purchase a camera for landscape photos, the most vital aspect will be image quality. The Panasonic S2 at it's horrible rating of 41 as a landscape camera is not acceptable in the current market.

Google AI Gemini Could Enhance iPhone Experience, Talks Suggest
decently wide (28mm)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
good resolution (14MP)
better than average battery pack (280 shots)
lack of manual focus
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.1)
tiny screen (2.7 inch)
no manual control
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files
missing Time Lapse function

Panasonic S2 Vlogging info

A camera for vlogging preferably should posses a articulating display screen, microphone input and if possible IBIS. Taking everything in to account, the Panasonic S2 is not acceptable as a vlog camera as it delivers a horrible score of 33.

Peek Behind the Lens of 'Photographer' and Their Go-To Cameras
decently wide (28mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
comes with face detection autofocus
lighter than competition (112g)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.1)
doesn't have a selfie friendly display
video resolution low (1280 x 720 pixels)
missing external mic support

Panasonic S2 Alternatives

If you want replacements to the S2, below is a range of the highest ranked cameras that fall within the category of Small Sensor Compact.

The diagram underneath offers you an overview of the S2 compared to it's top scoring rivals shown earlier.

Following are several cameras you may take a look at as alternatives. To read a complete comparison, just click on the "compare" link.

AI-Powered Photo Editing Tools Could Be Added to WhatsApp

Specifications

General Information
Company
Panasonic
Model
Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2
Class
Small Sensor Compact
Launched
2012-01-09
Body design
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CCD
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions
6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor area
27.7mm²
Sensor resolution
14 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
4:3 and 16:9
Max resolution
4320 x 3240
RAW pictures
Max native ISO
6400
Lowest native ISO
100
Autofocusing
Manual focus
AF touch
Continuous AF
Single AF
AF tracking
Selective AF
Center weighted AF
AF multi area
AF live view
Face detection AF
Contract detection AF
Phase detection AF
Number of focus points
23
Lens
Lens mount
fixed lens
Lens focal range
28-112mm (4.0x)
Largest aperture
f/3.1-6.5
Macro focus range
5cm
Focal length multiplier
5.9
Screen
Range of screen
Fixed Type
Screen size
2.7 inches
Screen resolution
230k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch function
Screen technology
TFT Color LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
None
DXO scores
DXO Overall score
not tested
DXO Color Depth score
not tested
DXO Dynamic range score
not tested
DXO Low light score
not tested
Features
Minimum shutter speed
8 secs
Fastest shutter speed
1/1600 secs
Continuous shutter speed
2.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range
3.30 m
Flash modes
Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported video resolutions
1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
Max video resolution
1280x720
Video file format
Motion JPEG
Mic jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless
None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
112g (0.25 lbs)
Physical dimensions
98 x 57 x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8")
Other
Battery life
280 pictures
Style of battery
Battery Pack
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse feature
Storage media
SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Storage slots
1
Launch cost
$109