Leica M8 vs Panasonic G3

The following is a comprehensive review of the Leica M8 versus Panasonic G3, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Leica and Panasonic. There exists a significant gap among the resolutions of the M8 (10MP) and G3 (16MP) and the M8 (APS-H) and G3 (Four Thirds) feature different sensor sizing.

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The M8 was revealed 5 years before the G3 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Leica M8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic G3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a full comparison, below is a concise overview of how the M8 scores against the G3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Leica M8 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3. The full galleries are viewable at Leica M8 Gallery and Panasonic G3 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to travel with your camera, you'll need to consider its weight and size. The Leica M8 provides exterior measurements of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") with a weight of 591 grams (1.30 lbs) whilst the Panasonic G3 has specifications of 115mm x 84mm x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") with a weight of 336 grams (0.74 lbs).

Look at the Leica M8 versus Panasonic G3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the M8 compared to the G3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the M8 and G3 is 79 and 83 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to visualize the difference in sensor dimensions only by going through specs. The picture below will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the M8 and G3.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The M8 with its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic G3 will provide more detail because of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The more aged M8 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.