Nikon D3 vs Panasonic F5

The following is a in depth review of the Nikon D3 versus Panasonic F5, former is a Pro DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Nikon and Panasonic. The resolution of the D3 (12MP) and the F5 (14MP) is fairly similar but the D3 (Full frame) and F5 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The D3 was unveiled 5 years prior to the F5 which is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Nikon D3 being a Large SLR camera and the Panasonic F5 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a short overview of how the D3 grades versus the F5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon D3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5. The full galleries are available at Nikon D3 Gallery & Panasonic F5 Gallery.

When you are looking to travel with your camera, you are going to need to factor its weight and size. The Nikon D3 has outside dimensions of 160mm x 157mm x 88mm (6.3" x 6.2" x 3.5") along with a weight of 1300 grams (2.87 lbs) and the Panasonic F5 has specifications of 97mm x 58mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.9") having a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs).

Check the Nikon D3 versus Panasonic F5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the D3 and the F5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the D3 and F5 is 50 and 96 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to envision the difference between sensor dimensions just by reading specifications. The picture underneath might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the D3 and F5.

To sum up, the 2 cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The D3 using its larger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic F5 will offer you extra detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop images a little more aggressively. The more aged D3 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.