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Nikon D800 vs Panasonic GH2

The Nikon D800 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in February 2012 and September 2010. The D800 is a DSLR, while the GH2 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a full frame (D800) and a Four Thirds (GH2) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 36.2 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
Nikon D800
versus
Panasonic GH2
Nikon D800   Panasonic GH2
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
36.2 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)
3.2" LCD – 921k dots 3.0" LCD – 460k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)
4 shutter flaps per second 3 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
900 shots per battery charge330 shots per battery charge
146 x 123 x 82 mm, 1000 g 124 x 90 x 76 mm, 442 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D800 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.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Nikon D800 and the Panasonic GH2 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The GH2 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the D800 is only available in black.

Size Nikon D800 vs Panasonic GH2
Compare D800 versus GH2 top
Comparison D800 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 (38 percent) than the Nikon D800. Moreover, the GH2 is substantially lighter (56 percent) than the D800. It is worth mentioning in this context that the D800 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 Nikon Lens Catalog (D800) 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 D800 gets 900 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL15 battery, while the GH2 can take 330 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLC12 power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D800 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 1000 g 900 Y Feb 2012 US$ 2 999ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic GH2 124 mm 90 mm 76 mm 442 g 330 n Sep 2010 US$ 899ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark III 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 950 g 950 Y Mar 2012 US$ 3 499ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV 151 mm 116 mm 76 mm 890 g 900 Y Aug 2016 US$ 3 499 amazon.com
5.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 Y Jan 2012 US$ 5 999ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D600 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 Y Sep 2012 US$ 2 099ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D610 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 Y Oct 2013 US$ 1 999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D700 147 mm 123 mm 77 mm 1074 g 1000 Y Jul 2008 US$ 2 999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D800E 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 1000 g 900 Y Feb 2012 US$ 3 299ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D810 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 980 g 1200 Y Jun 2014 US$ 3 299ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D850 146 mm 124 mm 79 mm 1005 g 1840 Y Jul 2017 US$ 3 299 amazon.com
12.
 
Nikon Df 144 mm 110 mm 67 mm 760 g 1400 Y Nov 2013 US$ 2 749ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic GF1 119 mm 71 mm 36 mm 385 g 380 n Sep 2009 US$ 749ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic GH1 124 mm 90 mm 45 mm 385 g 300 n Mar 2009 US$ 899ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GM1 99 mm 55 mm 30 mm 204 g 230 n Oct 2013 US$ 749ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GM5 99 mm 60 mm 36 mm 211 g 220 n Sep 2014 US$ 749ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GX7 123 mm 71 mm 55 mm 402 g 350 n Aug 2013 US$ 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 listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The GH2 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 70 percent) than the D800, 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 size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have 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 are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D800 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 D800 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the GH2 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Nikon D800 and Panasonic GH2 sensor measures

With 36.2MP, the D800 offers a higher resolution than the GH2 (15.9MP), but the D800 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.88μm versus 3.76μm for the GH2) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the D800 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 4 months) than the GH2, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D800 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D800 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 36.8 x 24.6 inches or 93.5 x 62.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 29.4 x 19.6 inches or 74.8 x 49.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 24.5 x 16.4 inches or 62.3 x 41.6 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 Nikon D800 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.

D800 versus GH2 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under review, the D800 provides substantially higher image quality than the GH2, with an overall score that is 35 points higher. This advantage is based on 4.1 bits higher color depth, 3.1 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2.1 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.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D800 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/30p25.314.4285395
2.
 
Panasonic GH2 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60i21.211.365560
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark III Full Frame 22.1 5760 38401080/30p24.011.7229381
4.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV Full Frame 30.1 6720 44804K/30p24.813.6299591
5.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
6.
 
Nikon D600 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.2298094
7.
 
Nikon D610 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.4292594
8.
 
Nikon D700 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2230380
9.
 
Nikon D800E Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/30p25.614.3297996
10.
 
Nikon D810 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.714.8285397
11.
 
Nikon D850 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.414.82660100
12.
 
Nikon Df Full Frame 16.2 4928 3280none24.613.1327989
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 are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the GH2 provides a faster frame rate than the D800. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60i, while the Nikon is limited to 1080/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the GH2 has an electronic viewfinder (1534k dots), while the D800 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 field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the GH2 has a higher magnification than the one of the D800 (0.71x vs 0.70x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Nikon D800 and Panasonic GH2 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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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.
 
Nikon D800optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 4.0/s Y n
2.
 
Panasonic GH21534 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIIoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon 5D Mark IVoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 7.0/s n n
5.
 
Nikon D4optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
6.
 
Nikon D600optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon D610optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon D700optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D800Eoptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 4.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D810optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D850optical Y3.2 / 2359 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n n
12.
 
Nikon Dfoptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n 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 D800, 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 D800 does not have a selfie-screen.

The Nikon D800 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The D800 writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or SDXC cards, while the GH2 uses SDXC cards. The D800 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the GH2 only has one slot. The D800 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the GH2 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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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 Nikon D800 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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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.
 
Nikon D800Ymono / monoYYmini3.0---
2.
 
Panasonic GH2Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIIYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
4.
 
Canon 5D Mark IVYmono / monoYYmini3.0YY-
5.
 
Nikon D4Ymono / monoYYmicro2.0---
6.
 
Nikon D600Ymono / monoYYmini2.0---
7.
 
Nikon D610Ymono / monoYYmini2.0---
8.
 
Nikon D700Y- / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D800EYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
10.
 
Nikon D810Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
11.
 
Nikon D850Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0YYY
12.
 
Nikon DfY- / ---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-

It is notable that the D800 has a headphone jack, which is not present on the GH2 This port makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D800 (unlike the GH2) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the D800 and the GH2 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The GH2 was replaced by the Panasonic GH3, while the D800 was followed by the Nikon D810. Further information on the features and operation of the D800 and GH2 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D800 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic GH2 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon D800 and the Panasonic GH2? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Advantages of the Nikon D800:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (36.2 vs 15.9MP) with a 54% higher linear resolution.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (35 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (4.1 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (3.1 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (2.1 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (921k vs 460k dots).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (4 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (900 versus 330) on a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
  • More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 1 year and 4 months after the GH2).

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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.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.71x vs 0.70x).
  • 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 146x123mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 558g or 56 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (70 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in September 2010).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the D800 is the clear winner of the match-up (20 : 10 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.

D800 20:10 GH2

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D800 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 comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the D800 or the GH2. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D8005/5+ +..82/1005/55/5 Feb 2012 US$ 2 999ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic GH25/5+ +..79/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2010 US$ 899ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark III..+ +..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2012 US$ 3 499ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV4.5/5+ +4/587/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2016 US$ 3 499 amazon.com
5.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 US$ 5 999ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D6004/5+ +..87/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 2 099ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D6104/5+ +..87/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 US$ 1 999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D700..89/100..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2008 US$ 2 999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D800E......84/1005/55/5 Feb 2012 US$ 3 299ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D8105/5..5/586/1005/54.5/5 Jun 2014 US$ 3 299ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D8504.5/5+ +5/589/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2017 US$ 3 299 amazon.com
12.
 
Nikon Df4/5....81/1004/54/5 Nov 2013 US$ 2 749ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic GF1..85/100..69/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2009 US$ 749ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic GH1..+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2009 US$ 899ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GM13/5+..78/1005/54.5/5 Oct 2013 US$ 749ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GM53.5/5+..77/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2014 US$ 749ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GX74/5+..79/1005/55/5 Aug 2013 US$ 999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Nikon D800 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 Nikon D800 Panasonic GH2
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date February 2012 September 2010
    Launch Price USD 2,999 USD 899
    Sensor Specs Nikon D800 Panasonic GH2
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.9 x 24.0 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 861.6 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 36.2 Megapixels 15.9 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 7360 x 4912 pixels 4608 x 3456 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.88 μm 3.76 μm
    Pixel Density 4.20 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 EXPEED 3 Venus FHD
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 95 60
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 25.3 21.2
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.4 11.3
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 2853 655
    Screen Specs Nikon D800 Panasonic GH2
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x 0.71x
    Viewfinder Resolution 1534k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 921k dots 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Swivel screen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D800 Panasonic GH2
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 4 shutter flaps/s 3 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium CF or SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I no
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D800 Panasonic GH2
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Nikon D800 Panasonic GH2
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL15 Panasonic DMW-BLC12
    Battery Life (CIPA)900 shots per charge330 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 146 x 123 x 82 mm
    (5.7 x 4.8 x 3.2 in)
    124 x 90 x 76 mm
    (4.9 x 3.5 x 3.0 in)
    Camera Weight 1000 g (35.3 oz) 442 g (15.6 oz)
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