Leica TL vs Panasonic GH3

Its time to look more closely at the Leica TL and Panasonic GH3, both Advanced Mirrorless digital cameras by competitors Leica and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the TL (16MP) and the GH3 (16MP) is fairly similar but the TL (APS-C) and GH3 (Four Thirds) have totally different sensor sizes.

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The TL was launched 4 years later than the GH3 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Leica TL being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight to a detailed comparison, here is a quick summary of how the TL matches up against the GH3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Leica TL & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3. The complete galleries are available at Leica TL Gallery & Panasonic GH3 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Leica TL provides outer measurements of 134mm x 69mm x 33mm (5.3" x 2.7" x 1.3") with a weight of 384 grams (0.85 lbs) and the Panasonic GH3 has dimensions of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

Check out the Leica TL and Panasonic GH3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you use during that time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the TL compared to the GH3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the TL and GH3 is 85 and 66 respectively.

Sometimes, it's hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizing purely by reviewing specs. The graphic here should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the TL and GH3.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras come with the identical megapixel count but not the same sensor sizing. The TL contains the larger sensor which will make getting bokeh simpler. The more modern TL will have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.