Olympus 8000 vs Panasonic GH3

On this page, we will be comparing the Olympus 8000 and Panasonic GH3, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the 8000 (12MP) and GH3 (16MP) and the 8000 (1/2.3") and GH3 (Four Thirds) offer different sensor sizes.

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The 8000 was released 4 years prior to the GH3 which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus 8000 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick summation of how the 8000 matches up against the GH3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus 8000 Gallery and Panasonic GH3 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus 8000 offers outside measurements of 95mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") along with a weight of 182 grams (0.40 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GH3 has dimensions of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") having a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

Compare the Olympus 8000 and Panasonic GH3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the 8000 against the GH3.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the 8000 and GH3 is 94 and 66 respectively.

In many cases, it can be difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizes purely by checking specifications. The image underneath will provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the 8000 and GH3.

To sum up, each of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The 8000 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic GH3 will resolve extra detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more aged 8000 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.