Nikon 1 S2 vs Panasonic G3
93 Imaging
44 Features
60 Overall
50


83 Imaging
51 Features
62 Overall
55
Nikon 1 S2 vs Panasonic G3 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14.2MP - 1" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 200 - 12800
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Nikon 1 Mount
- 190g - 101 x 61 x 29mm
- Revealed May 2014
- Succeeded the Nikon 1 S1
(Full Review)
- 16MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 3" Fully Articulated Display
- ISO 160 - 6400
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 336g - 115 x 84 x 47mm
- Released July 2011
- Replaced the Panasonic G2
- Replacement is Panasonic G5

Nikon 1 S2 vs Panasonic G3 Overview
Below, we are evaluating the Nikon 1 S2 vs Panasonic G3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by companies Nikon and Panasonic. The resolution of the 1 S2 (14.2MP) and the G3 (16MP) is very close but the 1 S2 (1") and G3 (Four Thirds) feature totally different sensor size.

The 1 S2 was released 2 years later than the G3 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Nikon 1 S2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic G3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.
Before we go straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a brief summation of how the 1 S2 scores against the G3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Nikon 1 S2 vs Panasonic G3 Gallery
This is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon 1 S2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3. The complete galleries are available at Nikon 1 S2 Gallery and Panasonic G3 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon 1 S2 over the Panasonic G3
1 S2 | G3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | May 2014 | ![]() | July 2011 | More recent by 35 months |
Reasons to pick Panasonic G3 over the Nikon 1 S2
G3 | 1 S2 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display type | Fully Articulated | ![]() | Fixed | Fully Articulating display |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Easy selfies | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Easily navigate |
Common features in the Nikon 1 S2 and Panasonic G3
1 S2 | G3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | More accurate focusing | ||
Display dimension | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Identical display size |
Display resolution | 460k | ![]() | 460k | Exact same display resolution |
Nikon 1 S2 vs Panasonic G3 Physical Comparison
For anybody who is looking to lug around your camera often, you should consider its weight and volume. The Nikon 1 S2 features physical measurements of 101mm x 61mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs) while the Panasonic G3 has sizing of 115mm x 84mm x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") with a weight of 336 grams (0.74 lbs).
Compare the Nikon 1 S2 vs Panasonic G3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select at that moment. The following is the front view size comparison of the 1 S2 against the G3.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 1 S2 and G3 is 93 and 83 respectively.

Nikon 1 S2 vs Panasonic G3 Sensor Comparison
Sometimes, it is difficult to envision the difference in sensor measurements simply by researching specs. The photograph here may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the 1 S2 and G3.
As you can plainly see, each of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The 1 S2 because of its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Panasonic G3 will render greater detail as a result of its extra 1.8MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The fresher 1 S2 will have a benefit in sensor innovation.

Nikon 1 S2 vs Panasonic G3 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon 1 S2 vs Panasonic G3 Specifications
Nikon 1 S2 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Nikon | Panasonic |
Model type | Nikon 1 S2 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 |
Type | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Revealed | 2014-05-21 | 2011-07-11 |
Body design | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | SLR-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Expeed 4A | Venus Engine FHD |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1" | Four Thirds |
Sensor measurements | 13.1 x 8.8mm | 17.3 x 13mm |
Sensor area | 115.3mm² | 224.9mm² |
Sensor resolution | 14.2MP | 16MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 4592 x 3072 | 4592 x 3448 |
Maximum native ISO | 12800 | 6400 |
Lowest native ISO | 200 | 160 |
RAW pictures | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detect focus | ||
Contract detect focus | ||
Phase detect focus | ||
Total focus points | 171 | 23 |
Cross type focus points | 73 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens support | Nikon 1 | Micro Four Thirds |
Total lenses | 13 | 107 |
Crop factor | 2.7 | 2.1 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fully Articulated |
Display diagonal | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Display resolution | 460k dot | 460k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Display tech | - | TFT Color LCD with wide-viewing angle |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | Electronic |
Viewfinder resolution | - | 1,440k dot |
Viewfinder coverage | - | 100 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | - | 0.7x |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 30 secs | 60 secs |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
Maximum quiet shutter speed | 1/16000 secs | - |
Continuous shooting speed | 60.0fps | 4.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | - | 11.00 m |
Flash options | Fill, fill w/slow sync, rear curtain sync, rear curtain w/ slow sync, redeye reduction, redeye reduction w/slow sync, off | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Maximum flash sync | - | 1/160 secs |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 30p) | 1920 x 1080 (60fps) 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30fps), 320 x 240 (30fps)) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video data format | MPEG-4 | AVCHD, Motion JPEG |
Microphone jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Optional | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 190 grams (0.42 lb) | 336 grams (0.74 lb) |
Dimensions | 101 x 61 x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") | 115 x 84 x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | not tested | 56 |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | 21.0 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | 10.6 |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | 667 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 270 photos | 270 photos |
Battery form | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | EN-EL22 | - |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 secs) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage media | microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage slots | One | One |
Retail pricing | $450 | $500 |