A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Canon 5D Mark II vs Panasonic GH2

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in September 2008 and September 2010. The 5D Mark II is a DSLR, while the GH2 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a full frame (5D Mark II) and a Four Thirds (GH2) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 21 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 15.9 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Canon 5D Mark II
versus
Panasonic GH2
Canon 5D Mark II   Panasonic GH2
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Canon EF mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
21 MP – Full Frame sensor 15.9 MP – Four Thirds sensor
1080/30p Video 1080/60i Video
ISO 100-6,400 (50 - 25,600) ISO 160-12,800
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (1534k dots)
3.0" LCD – 920k dots 3.0" LCD – 460k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)
3.9 shutter flaps per second 3 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
850 shots per battery charge330 shots per battery charge
152 x 114 x 75 mm, 850 g 124 x 90 x 76 mm, 442 g
logo
Check 5D Mark II offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check GH2 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

ad

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon 5D Mark II and the Panasonic GH2. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The GH2 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the 5D Mark II is only available in black.

Size Canon 5D Mark II vs Panasonic GH2
Compare 5D Mark II versus GH2 top
Comparison 5D Mark II or GH2 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic GH2 is considerably smaller (36 percent) than the Canon 5D Mark II. Moreover, the GH2 is substantially lighter (48 percent) than the 5D Mark II. It is worth mentioning in this context that the 5D Mark II is splash and dust resistant, while the GH2 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Canon EF Lens Catalog (5D Mark II) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (GH2). Mirrorless cameras, such as the GH2, have moreover the advantage that they can use many lenses from other systems via adapters, as they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance.

Concerning battery life, the 5D Mark II gets 850 shots out of its Canon LP-E6 battery, while the GH2 can take 330 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLC12 power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 5D Mark II 152 mm 114 mm 75 mm 850 g 850 Y Sep 2008 3,499ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic GH2 124 mm 90 mm 76 mm 442 g 330 n Sep 2010 899ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III 150 mm 160 mm 80 mm 1385 g 1800 Y Aug 2007 7,999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D X 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1551 g 1120 Y Oct 2011 6,799ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1530 g 1210 Y Feb 2016 5,999ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 5D 152 mm 113 mm 75 mm 895 g 400 Y Aug 2005 3,299ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark III 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 950 g 950 Y Mar 2012 3,499ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV 151 mm 116 mm 76 mm 890 g 900 Y Aug 2016 3,499 amazon.com
9.
 
Canon 5DS 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 5DS R 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 6D 145 mm 111 mm 71 mm 770 g 1090 Y Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
12.
 
Canon 7D 148 mm 111 mm 74 mm 860 g 800 Y Sep 2009 1,699ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic GF1 119 mm 71 mm 36 mm 385 g 380 n Sep 2009 749ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic GH1 124 mm 90 mm 45 mm 385 g 300 n Mar 2009 899ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GM1 99 mm 55 mm 30 mm 204 g 230 n Oct 2013 749ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GM5 99 mm 60 mm 36 mm 211 g 220 n Sep 2014 749ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GX7 123 mm 71 mm 55 mm 402 g 350 n Aug 2013 999ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The GH2 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 74 percent) than the 5D Mark II, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon 5D Mark II features a full frame sensor and the Panasonic GH2 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the GH2 is 74 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 2.0. The sensor in the 5D Mark II has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the GH2 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Canon 5D Mark II and Panasonic GH2 sensor measures

With 21MP, the 5D Mark II offers a higher resolution than the GH2 (15.9MP), but the 5D Mark II nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 6.41μm versus 3.76μm for the GH2) due to its larger sensor. However, the GH2 is a much more recent model (by 2 years) than the 5D Mark II, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.

The resolution advantage of the Canon 5D Mark II implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the 5D Mark II for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 28.1 x 18.7 inches or 71.3 x 47.5 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 22.5 x 15 inches or 57.1 x 38 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 18.7 x 12.5 inches or 47.5 x 31.7 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic GH2 are 23 x 17.3 inches or 58.5 x 43.9 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 13.8 inches or 46.8 x 35.1 cm for very good quality, and 15.4 x 11.5 inches or 39 x 29.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 50-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 are ISO 160 to ISO 12800 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

5D Mark II versus GH2 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under review, the 5D Mark II provides substantially higher image quality than the GH2, with an overall score that is 19 points higher. This advantage is based on 2.5 bits higher color depth, 0.6 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.5 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

scroll hint
Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon 5D Mark II Full Frame 21.0 5616 37441080/30p23.711.9181579
2.
 
Panasonic GH2 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60i21.211.365560
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III Full Frame 21.0 5616 3744none24.012.0166380
4.
 
Canon 1D X Full Frame 17.9 5184 34561080/30p23.811.8278682
5.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.113.5320788
6.
 
Canon 5D Full Frame 12.7 4368 2912none22.911.1136871
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark III Full Frame 22.1 5760 38401080/30p24.011.7229381
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV Full Frame 30.1 6720 44804K/30p24.813.6299591
9.
 
Canon 5DS Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.712.4238187
10.
 
Canon 5DS R Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.612.4230886
11.
 
Canon 6D Full Frame 20.0 5472 36481080/30p23.812.1234082
12.
 
Canon 7D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.011.785466
13.
 
Panasonic GF1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.351354
14.
 
Panasonic GH1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/24p21.611.677264
15.
 
Panasonic GM1 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i22.311.766066
16.
 
Panasonic GM5 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p22.111.772166
17.
 
Panasonic GX7 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p22.612.271870

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the GH2 provides a faster frame rate than the 5D Mark II. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60i, while the Canon is limited to 1080/30p.

ad

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the GH2 has an electronic viewfinder (1534k dots), while the 5D Mark II has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same magnification (0.71x), but the one in the GH2 has a wider field of view (100%) than the finder in the 5D Mark II (98%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon 5D Mark II and Panasonic GH2 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

scroll hint
Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIoptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 3.9/s n n
2.
 
Panasonic GH21534 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon 1D Xoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
5.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 16.0/s n n
6.
 
Canon 5Doptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s n n
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIIoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s n n
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark IVoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 7.0/s n n
9.
 
Canon 5DSoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
10.
 
Canon 5DS Roptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
11.
 
Canon 6Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 4.5/s n n
12.
 
Canon 7Doptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s Y n
13.
 
Panasonic GF1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
14.
 
Panasonic GH11440 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
15.
 
Panasonic GM1none n3.0 / 1036 fixed Y 1/500s 5.0/s Y n
16.
 
Panasonic GM51166 n3.0 / 921 fixed Y 1/500s 5.8/s n n
17.
 
Panasonic GX72760 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/8000s 5.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that is present on the 5D Mark II, but is missing on the GH2 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The GH2 has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the 5D Mark II does not have a selfie-screen.

The 5D Mark II writes its imaging data to Compact Flash cards, while the GH2 uses SDXC cards.

ad

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIYmono / monoY-mini2.0---
2.
 
Panasonic GH2Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIYmono / ----2.0---
4.
 
Canon 1D XYmono / -Y-mini2.0---
5.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
6.
 
Canon 5DY- / ----2.0---
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIIYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark IVYmono / monoYYmini3.0YY-
9.
 
Canon 5DSYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
10.
 
Canon 5DS RYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
11.
 
Canon 6DYmono / monoY-mini2.0Y--
12.
 
Canon 7DYmono / -Y-mini2.0---
13.
 
Panasonic GF1Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
14.
 
Panasonic GH1Ystereo / -Y-mini2.0---
15.
 
Panasonic GM1-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
16.
 
Panasonic GM5Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
17.
 
Panasonic GX7Ystereo / mono--mini2.0YY-

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Canon 5D Mark II (unlike the GH2) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the 5D Mark II and the GH2 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The 5D Mark II was replaced by the Canon 5D Mark III, while the GH2 was followed by the Panasonic GH3. Further information on the features and operation of the 5D Mark II and GH2 can be found, respectively, in the Canon 5D Mark II Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic GH2 Manual.

ad

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon 5D Mark II and the Panasonic GH2? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

ilogo

Advantages of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (21 vs 15.9MP) with a 17% higher linear resolution.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (19 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (2.5 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (0.6 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (1.5 stops ISO advantage).
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (920k vs 460k dots).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (3.9 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (850 versus 330) on a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in September 2008).

ilogo

Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2:

  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60i versus 1080/30p).
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 98%).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • More compact: Is smaller (124x90mm vs 152x114mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 408g or 48 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (74 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 2 years of technical progress since the 5D Mark II launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the 5D Mark II emerges as the winner of the contest (14 : 12 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

5D Mark II 14:12 GH2

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 5D Mark II and the Panasonic GH2 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the 5D Mark II or the GH2. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

scroll hint
Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 5D Mark II4/591/100..79/1004/5.. Sep 2008 3,499ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic GH25/5+ +..79/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2010 899ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III......+ +4.5/5.. Aug 2007 7,999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D X5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2011 6,799ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II....4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 5,999ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 5D..88/100..+ +o.. Aug 2005 3,299ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark III..+ +..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2012 3,499ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV4.5/5+ +4/587/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2016 3,499 amazon.com
9.
 
Canon 5DS..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 5DS R5/5+..83/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 6D5/5+ +..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
12.
 
Canon 7D5/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2009 1,699ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic GF1..85/100..69/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2009 749ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic GH1..+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2009 899ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GM13/5+..78/1005/54.5/5 Oct 2013 749ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GM53.5/5+..77/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2014 749ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GX74/5+..79/1005/55/5 Aug 2013 999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

logo
Check 5D Mark II offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check GH2 offers at
ebay.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

~
    loader
    ad

    Specifications: Canon 5D Mark II vs Panasonic GH2

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Canon 5D Mark II Panasonic GH2
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date September 2008 September 2010
    Launch Price USD 3,499 USD 899
    Sensor Specs Canon 5D Mark II Panasonic GH2
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 24.0 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 864 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.3 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 21 Megapixels 15.9 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5616 x 3744 pixels 4608 x 3456 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 6.41 μm 3.76 μm
    Pixel Density 2.43 MP/cm2 7.08 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 6,400 ISO 160 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 25,600 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor DIGIC 4 Venus FHD
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 79 60
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.7 21.2
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.9 11.3
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1815 655
    Screen Specs Canon 5D Mark II Panasonic GH2
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 98% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.71x 0.71x
    Viewfinder Resolution 1534k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 920k dots 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Swivel screen
    Shooting Specs Canon 5D Mark II Panasonic GH2
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 3.9 shutter flaps/s 3 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium CF cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs Canon 5D Mark II Panasonic GH2
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Canon 5D Mark II Panasonic GH2
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Canon LP-E6 Panasonic DMW-BLC12
    Battery Life (CIPA)850 shots per charge330 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 152 x 114 x 75 mm
    (6.0 x 4.5 x 3.0 in)
    124 x 90 x 76 mm
    (4.9 x 3.5 x 3.0 in)
    Camera Weight 850 g (30.0 oz) 442 g (15.6 oz)
    logo
    Check 5D Mark II offers at
    ebay.com
    logo
    Check GH2 offers at
    ebay.com

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Canon 5D Mark II vs Panasonic GH2