Nikon 1 S1 vs Panasonic GF3

Following is a detailed comparison of the Nikon 1 S1 and Panasonic GF3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by companies Nikon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the 1 S1 (10MP) and the GF3 (12MP) is fairly close but the 1 S1 (1") and GF3 (Four Thirds) use different sensor measurements.

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The 1 S1 was unveiled 23 months after the GF3 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the 1 S1 scores vs the GF3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon 1 S1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3. The full galleries are available at Nikon 1 S1 Gallery and Panasonic GF3 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Nikon 1 S1 comes with outer dimensions of 102mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 197 grams (0.43 lbs) and the Panasonic GF3 has dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") having a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs).

See the Nikon 1 S1 and Panasonic GF3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the 1 S1 versus the GF3.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the 1 S1 and GF3 is 92 and 90 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to picture the contrast in sensor sizes just by looking through specifications. The image underneath may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1 S1 and GF3.

To sum up, both the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The 1 S1 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field harder and the Panasonic GF3 will render extra detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images much more aggressively. The younger 1 S1 provides an edge in sensor innovation.