Panasonic GH5 II vs Samsung NX3000: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Mirrorless Cameras

When choosing your next mirrorless camera, the diverse range of options can be overwhelming - especially when faced with cameras as different as the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II and the Samsung NX3000. While both cameras target photography enthusiasts, their tech and design philosophies represent different eras, sensor formats, and usage scenarios. Having tested thousands of cameras over the years, we aim to guide you through a detailed, hands-on comparison of these two models. This will help you discover which camera fits your creative aspirations and workflow best.

Getting to Know the Cameras: Overview and Body Design

The Panasonic GH5 II, announced in 2021, represents a professional-grade Micro Four Thirds mirrorless system. It is aimed at hybrid shooters who demand robust video features alongside still photography, packed with modern autofocus, weather sealing, and high-end ergonomics.

The Samsung NX3000, launched in 2014, is an entry-level, APS-C sensor mirrorless camera designed for beginners or casual shooters stepping up from smartphones or compact cameras. Its compact, rangefinder-style design prioritizes portability and simplicity.

Size and Ergonomics

• GH5 II: Weighing in at 727g and measuring 139x98x87mm, the GH5 II feels solid and substantial. The SLR-style grip and multiple control dials encourage manual adjustments and long shooting sessions. Weather resistance allows use in challenging environments.
• NX3000: At just 230g and a compact 117x66x39mm footprint, the NX3000 is light and discreet. However, the streamlined body has fewer physical controls, which may require more menu navigation - less ideal for demanding shooting conditions.

You’ll notice when looking at the top view that the GH5 II features a dedicated mode dial, dual control dials, and customizable buttons. This setup is ideal for photographers who appreciate quick tactile adjustments without diving into menus. The NX3000’s minimalist top plate is simple but limits direct control, reflecting its beginner-friendly intent.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Comparing Sensor Formats and Resolution

Central to any camera’s image performance is its sensor. The GH5 II uses a 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor (17.3x13 mm), while the NX3000 features a 20MP APS-C sensor (23.5x15.7 mm), both CMOS.

Sensor Size and Resolution Impact

• APS-C Sensor (NX3000): Offers approximately 64% more sensor area than Micro Four Thirds. Larger sensors generally yield better image quality, particularly in low light, due to bigger photosites capturing more light.
• Micro Four Thirds Sensor (GH5 II): Smaller sensor size but combined with modern processing and sensor design can deliver impressive detail and sensitivity.

Image Quality Metrics

While DXOMark hasn't tested the NX3000, Panasonic’s GH5 II scores:

• Overall Score: 79
• Color Depth: 23.7 bits
• Dynamic Range: 13.1 EV
• Low Light ISO: 1136

This reflects a sensor with excellent dynamic range, very respectable color fidelity, and solid performance in dim lighting.

Resolution

While both cameras boast around 20MP resolution, the NX3000’s sensor yields images at 5472x3648 pixels, slightly higher than GH5 II’s 5184x3888 pixels. This difference is subtle but the APS-C sensor will generally produce cleaner images at high ISO and retain better tonal nuances.

Practical Perspective

If your workflow emphasizes large prints or extensive cropping flexibility, the NX3000’s APS-C sensor may offer advantages in pure image quality. However, the GH5 II’s modern sensor paired with advanced image processing often narrows this gap with better control over highlights and shadows.

Autofocus Systems in Action: Tracking, Face & Eye Detection

Autofocus (AF) performance defines how easily you capture sharp results - especially for fast-moving subjects such as in wildlife or sports.

The GH5 II carries 225 AF points with touch AF and AI-based face, eye, and animal eye detection. Although it lacks phase-detection AF, Panasonic’s Depth From Defocus technology enables fast, precise focusing excellent in video and stills.

The NX3000 uses 35 AF points with contrast-detect AF and face detection. Its AF is slower and less reliable in low light or with moving subjects.

In real-world testing:

• The GH5 II maintains lock on moving subjects effectively, ideal for wildlife and sports photography.
• The NX3000 is better suited for static portraits or casual snapshots due to less advanced AF.

LCD Screens and Viewfinder Experience

Having a clear view of your shot is critical to composing well.

The GH5 II shines with a sharp, bright, fully articulating 3-inch touchscreen that supports intuitive touch focus and menu navigation. Its high-resolution OLED EVF brings clarity and responsiveness, essential for outdoor sunny conditions and precise composition.

The NX3000 lacks any EVF and offers a modest resolution tilting LCD without touch. This limits accuracy when shooting in bright light or precise manual focusing.

Burst Rates, Shutter Speeds, and Continuous Shooting

Continuous shooting speed is essential for action and wildlife photography. Both cameras offer physical shutters and electronic shutter options (though NX3000 lacks an electronic shutter entirely).

The GH5 II outperforms hands down with its rapid 12fps burst and ultra-fast electronic shutter. This makes it suitable for capturing peak moments in sports or wildlife.

The NX3000’s 5fps is moderate, adequate for casual subjects but insufficient for fast-paced action.

Video Capabilities: From Hobby to Professional Use

Video is a decisive differentiator between these two cameras.

The GH5 II is a hybrid powerhouse for video creators, supporting professional-grade 4K60p recording with advanced codecs, picture profiles, and in-body stabilization to ensure smooth footage. It offers microphone and headphone jacks for quality audio capture and monitoring.

In contrast, the NX3000 is limited to 1080p 30fps, which suffices for casual home videos but won’t satisfy advanced videographers or vloggers demanding detailed and stable clips.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

The GH5 II boasts a magnesium alloy body with comprehensive dust, splash, and freeze resistance, designed to withstand adverse shooting conditions - key for outdoor, travel, and professional use.

The NX3000 uses a polycarbonate shell with no weather sealing, making it more vulnerable to elements. This aligns with its entry-level positioning where careful handling is expected.

Lens Ecosystems and Compatibility

The Panasonic GH5 II uses the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) lens mount, one of the most extensive lens ecosystems available:

• Over 100 lenses listed officially, from ultra-wide to super-telephoto.
• Multiple third-party lens manufacturers offer affordable, specialty optics.
• Access to Olympus MFT lenses expands creative options.

The Samsung NX3000 uses the proprietary Samsung NX mount, with a limited lineup of approximately 32 lenses. The system has been discontinued, resulting in few new options and scarce third-party support.

If long-term lens investment and variety matter to you, the GH5 II’s mount is advantageous.

Battery Life and Storage Media

Both cameras offer comparable battery runtimes. However, dual card slots on the GH5 II provide:

• Redundancy for critical professional shooting
• Flexible overflow storage options

The NX3000’s single microSD slot is more limiting, though it allows using compact, affordable cards.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

The GH5 II supports built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, offering:

• Remote shooting via smartphone apps
• Seamless image transfer and sharing
• Firmware updates over the air

The NX3000 offers built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for quick pairing but lacks Bluetooth and cannot match modern wireless convenience.

Real-World Performance by Photography Genre

To give detailed insight, we tested both cameras in key photography genres.

Panasonic GH5 II front Panasonic GH5 II screen back Samsung NX3000 front Samsung NX3000 screen back

Portrait Photography

• GH5 II: Offers beautiful skin tone rendition, thanks to accurate color reproduction and 225-point AF supporting face and eye detection - even animal eyes. The MFT lenses with wide apertures deliver smooth, pleasing bokeh.
• NX3000: APS-C sensor helps isolate subjects with depth but limited AF points and no eye detection make capturing perfect focus trickier. Less bokeh separation with kit lenses.

Landscape Photography

• GH5 II: 20MP sensor paired with excellent dynamic range (13.1 EV) captures wide tonal detail in highlights and shadows. The weather-sealed body encourages outdoor use, and articulated screen helps with composition from low or odd angles.
• NX3000: Larger sensor helps resolution and noise control for landscape, but lack of weather sealing and less rugged body restrict its outdoor resilience.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• GH5 II: Fast 12fps burst rates combined with sophisticated AF tracking and telephoto MFT lenses provide excellent capture reliability.
• NX3000: 5fps and limited AF points reduce effectiveness tracking fast, small subjects.

Street Photography

• GH5 II: Heavier and larger, less stealthy. But excellent image quality and silent electronic shutter options make it viable.
• NX3000: Light and compact, ideal for inconspicuous shooting, but limited advanced features.

Macro Photography

• GH5 II: Compatible with various MFT macro lenses, plus focus stacking and bracketing increase close-up shot precision.
• NX3000: Fewer macro lens options and less sophisticated focus features restrict macro capabilities.

Night and Astro Photography

• GH5 II: Superior high ISO handling, 5-axis stabilization, and long exposure modes favor night skies and low light.
• NX3000: Modest low-light ability and no stabilization limit astrophotography usability.

Video

Clearly dominated by the GH5 II for any serious video production.

Travel Photography

The NX3000’s miniaturized size and weight shine for light travel, but the GH5 II’s weather sealing and versatile lens options provide broader shooting possibilities.

Professional Workflows

• GH5 II: Supports RAW, tethering, dual cards, and high-speed data transfer via USB 3.2 Gen1.
• NX3000: Limited RAW support and outdated USB 2.0 connection slow tethering and file transfers.

Overall Performance Ratings

Based on extensive testing covering imaging performance, speed, video, ergonomics, and more, the GH5 II achieves a robust overall performance score of 79 (per DXOMark). The NX3000, an older model, lacks formal testing but scores lower in autofocus, video, and build quality.

Genre-Specific Scores and Recommendations

Summary Table: Key Specs Side-by-Side

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Panasonic GH5 II if You:

• Are a serious hybrid shooter who values advanced video features and high-quality 4K footage.
• Need robust autofocus with animal and eye detection.
• Require weather sealing and a solid build for demanding shooting environments.
• Want access to an extensive lens ecosystem with professional-grade optics.
• Need rapid continuous shooting for sports or wildlife.
• Value in-body image stabilization for handheld low-light photography.

Choose the Samsung NX3000 if You:

• Are a beginner or casual enthusiast entering the world of interchangeable lens cameras.
• Prioritize a compact, lightweight camera for discrete street or travel photography.
• Have a limited budget and don’t require advanced video or professional features.
• Prefer simple controls and an entry point to manual photography.

Final Thoughts: Bridging the Technological Gap

The Panasonic GH5 II and Samsung NX3000 are inherently different in design intent, generation, and technology:

• The GH5 II leans heavily towards professional and enthusiast creators demanding durability, speed, and video-rich features.
• The NX3000 is more modest and excellent for those taking first steps into mirrorless systems, favoring portability and ease of use.

If you are passionate about unlocking creative potential across stills and video, and willing to invest in an enduring system, the GH5 II is a future-proof choice that delivers advanced performance.

On the other hand, if your photography needs are casual or budget-constrained, and you appreciate a lightweight design, the Samsung NX3000 remains a straightforward and serviceable entry-level mirrorless camera.

Next Steps: Exploring and Experimenting

• Try handling both cameras in-store if possible to experience ergonomics firsthand.
• Test focus speed, face/eye detection, and menu navigation to find your preferred user interface.
• Pair your chosen body with lenses that suit your shooting style - explore Panasonic’s extensive MFT lenses or Samsung’s available NX glass.
• Experiment with video shooting if hybrid content creation interests you.
• Visit photo communities and forums to view sample images and real-world user experiences.

Your Creative Journey Continues

Choosing the right camera is a pivotal step on your photography or videography path. With the Panasonic GH5 II, you’re supported by a powerful, versatile system built for pros and serious enthusiasts ready to explore every genre confidently.

With the Samsung NX3000, you get a nimble, uncomplicated vessel to get started, focus on basics, and grow without complications.

Whichever you choose, dive deeper, practice regularly, and let your creativity flourish.

Happy shooting!