Panasonic GH5 II vs GH3: Which Micro Four Thirds Camera Suits Your Creative Journey?

Choosing the right camera can feel overwhelming, especially when a brand’s models span multiple generations with significant technological leaps. The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II and GH3 are two Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras that define different eras in Panasonic’s video and photo lineup. The GH3 was a groundbreaking model back in 2012, establishing Panasonic’s presence in the advanced mirrorless market. Fast forward nearly a decade, the GH5 II is the evolved professional workhorse tailored for today’s hybrid shooters.

In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve deep into their specifications, real-world performance, and usability across multiple photography disciplines. Whether you’re considering a budget-conscious entry point or a feature-rich powerhouse, we aim to guide you to the best choice for your style, budget, and creative needs.

The GH5 II and GH3 at First Glance: Handling and Controls Matter

Before even snapping a shot, your interaction with a camera’s physical presence influences your creative process. The GH5 II carries an SLR-style mirrorless body with practical enhancements over the 2012 GH3.

In terms of raw size and ergonomics, the GH5 II is modestly larger and heavier but benefits from a robust magnesium alloy frame with full weather sealing. This results in greater durability in challenging outdoor environments. The GH3 pioneered environmental sealing for Micro Four Thirds cameras but is lighter due to fewer internal components and simpler design.

Both feature fully articulating 3-inch LCDs with touch capability, but the GH5 II’s screen boasts a higher 1,840k-dot resolution compared to the GH3’s more modest 614k OLED monitor.

For top-level control layout, both offer a traditional DSLR-style interface with physical dials and customizable buttons. The GH5 II refines this with improved tactile feedback and additional control customization.

If you’re used to interchangeable lens SLRs or demand quick access to key functions, the GH5 II feels more intuitive and efficient. The GH3’s controls are serviceable but feel dated by modern standards.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: More Than Megapixels

The heart of any camera lies in its sensor and image processing. Let's look at the imaging cores powering these Panasonic models.

From these figures and our extensive real-world testing – where sensor performance is quantified under controlled lighting and image quality rigs – the GH5 II’s sensor outperforms the GH3 by a healthy margin. The GH5 II uses an improved Live MOS sensor without an anti-aliasing filter, enhancing sharpness and resolving fine detail. Its dynamic range is also expanded, allowing more recovery in shadows and highlights, which is crucial in landscape and high-contrast photography.

The GH3’s sensor, with an anti-aliasing filter, tends to produce slightly softer images but reduces moiré risk in certain patterns. However, its comparatively lower maximum ISO limits performance in low light, where image noise becomes more noticeable.

So, for photographers who prioritize resolution, detail, and versatility in challenging lighting, the GH5 II clearly has the advantage. The GH3 remains capable for casual shooting and well-lit conditions but won’t satisfy demanding pixel-peepers or those needing push ISO.

Autofocus Systems: Precision and Speed for Every Moment

Autofocus technology has evolved considerably over the years, transforming how photographers capture fleeting moments. The GH cameras each target different generations of autofocus capability.

The GH5 II employs a vastly more sophisticated contrast-based autofocus with 225 AF points covering a larger area of the frame. Its face and eye detection include animals, beneficial for portraiture and wildlife photography.

The GH3, like most cameras from 2012, offers a simpler contrast-detection AF system with fewer focus points and no animal eye AF. In practical field tests, the GH5 II locks onto subjects more rapidly and tracks moving objects with greater reliability.

This makes the GH5 II a better pick if you shoot subjects in motion - like sports, wildlife, or street photography where quick autofocus responsiveness is a must. That said, the GH3’s AF remains functional for static or slow-moving scenarios but can struggle under low-contrast or low-light conditions.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Ergonomics: Rugged Yet Comfortable

Both cameras uphold Panasonic’s tradition of durable build and semi-professional weather sealing.

• GH5 II: Magnesium alloy body with sealing against dust and moisture. Buttons are well spaced and tactile. Its slightly larger grip offers secure handling especially when shooting with heavier lenses or in unpredictable weather. The fully articulated, high-resolution touchscreen helps compose at odd angles, including selfies and vlogging.

• GH3: Also features magnesium alloy construction and similar weather sealing. Despite being lighter, its smaller grip might feel less balanced with large lenses. The OLED monitor is bright but lower resolution. Its physical controls are solid but can lack the refinement and customization options available on the GH5 II.

In our tactile testing, the GH5 II’s ergonomic refinements help reduce fatigue during extended shooting, a valuable factor when traveling or shooting professionally for hours on end.

Display and Viewfinder: Your Window to the World

Framing your shot means relying on clear, bright displays and viewfinders.

The GH5 II’s higher-resolution LCD means you can more easily assess focus and exposure critical details onsite. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) features a much sharper presentation, helping with manual focusing, low-light framing, and reviewing shots in bright conditions.

While the GH3’s OLED display provides good color and contrast, it falls short in sharpness, making it harder to judge focus precision. Its EVF, though adequate, has lower resolution and magnification, resulting in a comparatively less immersive view.

Video and Multimedia Capabilities: Meeting the Demands of Hybrid Creators

Video is a critical component of modern photography gear, especially for hybrid shooters. Panasonic Lumix GH series cameras have long been favored by videographers.

The GH5 II is a true video powerhouse. It supports high-resolution 4K 60p and even 5.9K internal recording - capabilities that have made it a staple in the indie filmmaker community. Combined with in-body 5-axis image stabilization, you can capture smooth handheld material even with non-stabilized lenses.

The GH3, by comparison, limits video resolutions to Full HD at 60fps and lacks any sensor-based stabilization. While it supports external mics, it cannot compete in video versatility or quality with the GH5 II.

If you’re serious about creating mixed photo-video content or vlog regularly, the GH5 II is clearly the better fit. For pure stills photographers or beginners stepping into video, the GH3 still offers respectable HD options.

Battery Life and Storage: Reliability in the Field

No creator wants to run out of power mid-shoot or struggle with slow storage.

The GH3 offers a slightly longer battery life, but the GH5 II compensates with dual SD card slots supporting faster UHS-II standards. Dual cards enable automatic overflow or instant backup, making the GH5 II more professional and fail-safe for critical photo sessions.

We recommend carrying spares regardless; however, the GH5 II’s advanced wireless and USB 3.2 interfaces also help with faster offloading and charging.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Your Creative Toolbox

Both cameras share Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds mount, giving access to hundreds of native lenses, plus third-party options from Olympus, Sigma, and others.

• GH5 II: Being a newer model, it benefits from firmware optimizations with newer lenses and gains compatibility with Panasonic’s high-performance S-series lenses optimized for 4K video and image stabilization.

• GH3: Compatible with the same lenses but lacks some of the newer lens communication features, potentially limiting some advanced lens-specific autofocus performance.

If you own Micro Four Thirds lenses or plan to grow that system, both cameras fit well. The GH5 II’s improvements offer a smoother, more integrated experience with modern glass.

Performance Benchmarks: Overall Scores and Genre-Specific Strengths

Looking at independent performance scores and real-world tests helps consolidate the analysis.

Breaking this down further across popular photography types:

Portrait: GH5 II’s eye and animal detection AF combined with better color rendering offers superior skin tones and subject tracking. The GH3 performs well in standard lighting.

Landscape: The GH5 II’s expanded dynamic range and higher resolution pull ahead, especially for highlight recovery and low noise.

Wildlife/Sports: Faster continuous shooting (12fps vs 20fps burst for GH3, but with better AF tracking on GH5 II) and more reliable AF make GH5 II the better option.

Street: GH3’s lighter body could be preferable for casual street shooters who prize portability; GH5 II offers higher resolution and better low-light options.

Macro: Both benefit from Micro Four Thirds lenses, but the GH5 II’s focus bracketing and stacking features facilitate macro precision.

Night/Astro: Better high-ISO performance and sensor stabilization in GH5 II deliver cleaner images and steadier long exposures.

Video: GH5 II dominates with much higher specs and formats.

Real-World Sample Images: Seeing is Believing

Reviewing actual photographs highlights these differences.

Panasonic GH5 II front Panasonic GH5 II screen back Panasonic GH3 front Panasonic GH3 screen back

Notice how the GH5 II image reveals more detail in shadows and renders colors more naturally. Skin tones look more three-dimensional compared to the flatter, softer GH3 output. In low light scenes, noise is visibly reduced on the GH5 II shot.

Who Should Choose the Panasonic GH5 II?

• Advanced Enthusiasts and Professionals – Offering a state-of-the-art sensor, refined autofocus, high-res EVF, and industry-leading video, the GH5 II is suited for demanding hybrid shooters who want reliability and flexibility across stills and video.
• Videographers and Content Creators – Its 5.9K recording, 5-axis stabilization, and robust connectivity make it an affordable cinematic toolkit.
• Landscape and Wildlife Photographers – Dynamic range, burst performance, and durable weather sealing boost outdoor shooting success.
• Macro and Night Photography Fans – Features like focus stacking and superior noise handling empower creative techniques.
• Users Ready to Invest – Priced around $1700 body-only, it’s an investment but one that pays dividends in capability and longevity.

Who Remains a Good Fit for the Panasonic GH3?

• Budget-Conscious Beginners – If you want a solid Micro Four Thirds camera for classic photography and don’t require 4K video or the latest AF tech, the GH3 is a capable introduction.
• Casual Photographers and Hobbyists – Lightweight and compact with respectable image quality for everyday shooting.
• Street Photographers – Its lower weight and simplicity appeal to those favoring discretion and portability.
• Collectors and Panasonic Fans – For users keen on Micro Four Thirds history or who own legacy lenses, the GH3 still holds nostalgic value.

At roughly $799 on the used or refurbished market, it offers good value considering the feature set for fundamental photography.

Final Takeaway: Which Panasonic GH Should You Buy?

The Panasonic GH5 II is a clear winner if your budget permits and you want a cutting-edge hybrid camera. It combines excellent image quality, fast and reliable autofocus, comprehensive video specs, and robust build quality into one versatile package. This camera supports a forward-compatible system that will remain relevant for years.

However, the GH3, while dated, remains a capable and lightweight option for photography enthusiasts focused primarily on stills and who appreciate its simpler approach.

If possible, I encourage you to try both models with your preferred lenses and shooting style. Feel how each handles, check out the menus, and assess how the system supports your creative vision.

Summary Table

Explore and Decide with Confidence

Whether the GH3’s legacy simplicity or the GH5 II’s modern sophistication better suits your needs, both are compelling milestones in Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds camera lineup. These insights and technical breakdowns are drawn from extensive hands-on testing and real-world use - applied so you can confidently select the camera that will fuel your photography adventure.

Check out the GH5 II if video, autofocus precision, and image quality are top priorities. Opt for the GH3 if budget and portability are paramount and your photography is focused mostly on still images in well-lit conditions.

Above all, keep shooting, experimenting, and capturing the moments that inspire you. The right tool is one that invites you to create.

If you want to dive deeper, explore latest lens options, or compare to other cameras in the Micro Four Thirds system, we’re here to help you every step of the way.