Canon M3 vs Panasonic GF5

Below is a thorough overview of the Canon M3 and Panasonic GF5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by brands Canon and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference among the sensor resolutions of the M3 (24MP) and GF5 (12MP) and the M3 (APS-C) and GF5 (Four Thirds) offer totally different sensor measurements.

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The M3 was launched 2 years later than the GF5 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting right into a complete comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the M3 scores versus the GF5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon EOS M3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon M3 Gallery & Panasonic GF5 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you're going to have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Canon M3 has outside dimensions of 111mm x 68mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 366 grams (0.81 lbs) and the Panasonic GF5 has dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs).

Contrast the Canon M3 and Panasonic GF5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the M3 compared to the GF5.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the M3 and GF5 is 85 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to visualise the gap in sensor measurements simply by checking out technical specs. The photograph here might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the M3 and GF5.

As you have seen, both of those cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The M3 because of its bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Canon M3 will produce more detail utilizing its extra 12MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The fresher M3 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.