Olympus 9000 vs Panasonic GH3

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Olympus 9000 vs Panasonic GH3, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a big difference among the resolutions of the 9000 (12MP) and GH3 (16MP) and the 9000 (1/2.3") and GH3 (Four Thirds) use totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The 9000 was released 4 years before the GH3 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 9000 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight into a complete comparison, below is a brief overview of how the 9000 grades versus the GH3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus 9000 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus 9000 Gallery and Panasonic GH3 Gallery.

In case you're going to travel with your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus 9000 comes with outside measurements of 96mm x 60mm x 31mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") and a weight of 225 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Panasonic GH3 has measurements of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") having a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus 9000 vs Panasonic GH3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select at that time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the 9000 versus the GH3.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the 9000 and GH3 is 92 and 66 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to envision the contrast in sensor dimensions simply by going through specs. The picture below may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the 9000 and GH3.

All in all, the two cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The 9000 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Panasonic GH3 will provide greater detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will help you crop pics a little more aggressively. The more aged 9000 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.