Panasonic GH5S vs Panasonic G3: An Expert’s Deep Dive into Micro Four Thirds Titans

When it comes to choosing a camera that fits both your budget and the demands of your photographic journey, the gulf between entry-level and professional gear can feel daunting. Today, I’m putting the spotlight on two Panasonic Micro Four Thirds cameras separated by nearly seven years - the advanced Panasonic GH5S and the much older, entry-level Panasonic G3. At first glance, the GH5S ($2,500-ish new) and the G3 (now bargain basement around $500 used) inhabit totally different leagues. But does the price gap always translate into practical benefit for your photography or videography? From sensor tech to autofocus, to real-world shooting scenarios - let’s break down these cameras to help you find your best fit.

Size & Ergonomics - See how both bodies stack up physically

More Than Skin Deep: Sensor Technology & Image Quality

This is where the story gets captivating - both cameras use Panasonic’s familiar Micro Four Thirds (MFT) sensor architecture, but the differences under the hood are striking.

• Panasonic GH5S sports a 10.2MP 4/3-type sensor that forgoes a traditional anti-aliasing filter, maximizing sharpness and detail critical for cinema-quality video and workflows demanding extreme detail recovery. The sensor’s photosites are bigger, which means improved light-gathering capabilities - vital for low-light performance.

• Panasonic G3, by contrast, features a 16MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor with an anti-aliasing filter to reduce moiré but at the expense of ultimate sharpness. Coming from 2011’s tech, its sensor lacks the low-light prowess and dynamic range efficiency we expect today.

I put both through rigorous ISO dynamic range and low-light shooting tests while analyzing RAW files:

• Dynamic Range & Noise Handling: The GH5S handles shadows and highlight details with aplomb, delivering cleaner images at high ISOs (up to 51200 native), something the G3 struggles with beyond ISO 1600, showing early signs of noise and color shift.

• Resolution & Detail: Yes, the G3’s 16MP resolution edges out the GH5S's 10MP for sheer pixel count. However, in practice, the GH5S’s larger pixels and lack of AA filter yield images with smoother tonal gradations and more usable detail in tough lighting.

Here’s a side-by-side visual comparison of sensor sizes and specs for context:

For portraiture or landscape shooters seeking the finest gradations in tone or cinema videographers, the GH5S sensor is a significant upgrade. But if resolution and file size matter most for large prints, the G3’s higher pixel count might suit casual shooters who don’t push ISO extremes.

Ergonomics and User Interface: Sitting Behind the Camera

Comfort influences shooting endurance and responsiveness - two points often overlooked when scanning specs.

Running my hands over both cameras, you immediately notice:

• GH5S: Sizable and robust, the GH5S offers a solid grip and extensive physical controls meant for professional workflows. Its fully articulated 3.2-inch touchscreen with 1620k dots backs up an impressive 3680k-dot electronic viewfinder, making it easier to discern fine details in bright light. The body is weather-sealed, perfect for outdoor work (though it’s not freezeproof or shockproof).

• G3: The G3’s compact frame is noticeably smaller and lighter, appealing to casual shooters or travelers prioritizing portability. The 3-inch articulated screen has a more modest 460k dot resolution, and the EVF comes in at 1440k dots. The build is plastic-heavy with no environmental sealing.

The camera top-views tell the story of control placement and accessibility:

In practice, the GH5S feels like an extension of your hands during long shoots, whereas the G3 invites you to be more casual and mobile. For professionals after tactile control in rapid-fire scenarios, the GH5S is the clear winner. Beginners or street photographers might delight in the G3’s discreet size.

Autofocus Systems: Precision Versus Simplicity

Autofocus (AF) can make or break your shot, especially in wildlife or sports photography. Panasonic’s MFT AF has evolved spectacularly between 2011 and 2018.

• GH5S features a contrast-detection AF system with 225 focus points and sophisticated tracking including face detection, eye detection, and subject tracking - though it lacks phase-detection AF. It achieves 12fps continuous shooting with AF, which is excellent for fast-moving subjects.

• G3 offers a much simpler contrast-detection AF system with 23 focus points, slower AF acquisition, and 4fps burst capability, sufficient for general use but limited for demanding action photography.

Note how the autofocus points and technology contribute to performance here:

From my hands-on testing, the GH5S nails focus faster and more accurately in dim or contrasted lighting, crucial for wildlife and sports. On the G3, I noticed more hunting and missed shots outside ideal lighting, so be ready to focus manually or pre-focus for critical situations.

Image Stabilization and Burst Shooting Speed

Neither camera has sensor-based stabilization, but both rely on lens stabilization.

• GH5S supports dual UHS-II SD cards for uninterrupted high-bitrate video recording and fast write speeds, with a continuous shooting rate up to 12fps (shutter).

• G3 has only one SD slot with slower UHS-I speeds and a max burst at 4 fps, adequate but limiting for fast action.

If you rely on handheld low-light shooting, you’ll want lenses with OIS (optical image stabilization) to compensate.

Video Capabilities: GH5S is a Cinematographer’s Dream

If video matters to you, GH5S is essentially designed with videographers in mind.

• Offers full 4K DCI (4096 x 2160) up to 60p with high bitrate (150 Mbps), including H.264 and H.265 codecs.

• Has microphone and headphone jacks for professional audio input/output.

• Includes advanced video-centric features - like 4K Photo mode (capturing 8MP stills from 4K video), and Post Focus capability.

G3, a decade older, maxes out at Full HD 1080p at 60fps, recording only in legacy codecs (AVCHD and Motion JPEG), lacks external mic/headphone ports, and cannot deliver the versatile cinematic tools modern videographers crave.

Here’s a picture of the cameras with sample stills illustrating video and photo capabilities:

Panasonic GH5S front Panasonic GH5S screen back Panasonic G3 front Panasonic G3 screen back

If you’ve ever struggled trying to squeeze top-end video features out of an older camera, the GH5S is a massive upgrade. For casual family videos or YouTube unboxings, the G3’s video capability may suffice.

Handling Diverse Photography Genres

Let’s get into how both perform across a variety of photography styles.

Portrait Photography

Skin tones on both are natural, but the GH5S excels with cleaner high ISO, subtle gradations, and superior bokeh due to lenses designed with wider apertures and more refined AF tracking of faces and eyes. The G3 can do portraits well in good light but struggles for fine detail and isolation at longer apertures.

Landscape Photography

Here, dynamic range and resolution really matter:

• GH5S shines with immense latitude for recovering shadows/highlights and sharp image quality. Its weather sealing means you can venture out in less-than-ideal conditions confidently.

• G3 offers higher resolution but lower dynamic range and no environmental protection, so it’s less dependable outdoors.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

Again, autofocus, burst rate, and low-light AF accuracy tip the scales toward the GH5S. The G3’s slower AF and frame rate make capturing fleeting moments a challenge. The GH5S’s 12fps continuous shooting and advanced AF tracking keep up with action much more reliably.

Street Photography

Here, the smaller size of the G3 is a plus for discretion and mobility, but the GH5S remains surprisingly manageable considering its feature set.

Macro Photography

Neither camera has built-in stabilization, but precision autofocus and fast lenses make the GH5S better suited for focus stacking (which it supports). The G3 lacks both the focus bracketing and stacking found on GH5S, limiting macro creativity.

Night and Astrophotography

The GH5S is once again dominant thanks to higher native ISO range, less noise, and longer exposure capabilities. If dark sky photography is in your plans, the GH5S will serve you better.

Travel Photography

Here’s a tough call. The G3’s lightweight and compact frame with basic features could make it a reliable companion. However, the GH5S’s weather sealing, superior battery life, and dual card slots add professional flexibility. Do you value portability or performance more?

Professional Workflow Integration

GH5S offers extensive RAW support, tethering options via USB 3.1, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity, and compatibility with Panasonic’s PRO Capture modes - important if you want integration with editing suites and reliable data.

The G3 lacks wireless features, tethering, and modern connectivity options, limiting professional workflows.

Build Quality and Environmental Durability

As a rule of thumb, the GH5S outbuilds G3 in durability. Sealed against dust and splashes, it invites heavy use outdoors. The G3 is lighter but less rugged. Neither is waterproof or freezeproof, so appropriate care is necessary.

Battery Life and Storage

The GH5S uses the DMW-BLF19 battery, rated at roughly 440 shots per charge. The G3’s battery marketing numbers at 270 shots fall short for long days.

Dual card slots on the GH5S offer overflow and backup flexibility prized by pros. The G3’s single SD slot is standard fare for beginners.

Connectivity and Modern Convenience

• GH5S includes Bluetooth and built-in Wi-Fi for quick image transfer and remote control apps. It also supports USB 3.1 fast data transfer.

• G3 has no wireless connectivity, USB 2.0 only.

In an increasingly connected world, GH5S provides a clear edge.

Price to Performance - What You Get for Your Money

The GH5S is a professional-grade camera: high price, high performance, advanced features.

The G3 is entry-level vintage tech: lower cost but limited features and dated specs.

If your photography demands high ISO capability, advanced video, fast AF, or work in challenging environments, the GH5S justifies its price premium. For hobbyists, beginners, or backup bodies, the G3 could still be a practical choice, especially if you can buy it at half or a third of the price.

Recommendations: Who Should Choose What?

Choose Panasonic GH5S if:

• You’re a professional or semi-pro photographer/videographer craving top-tier video specs, exceptional low-light stills, and robust build.
• Your work involves wildlife, sports, macro, or night photography requiring fast AF, high burst rates, or extreme ISO performance.
• You want extensive lens options with advanced focus stacking and bracketing tools.
• You value workflow-friendly features like dual UHS-II cards, Bluetooth, and headphone jacks.
• Durability and weather sealing are essential for your shooting conditions.
• Your budget accommodates a camera in the $2,500 range (body only).

Choose Panasonic G3 if:

• You’re an enthusiastic beginner or casual photographer on a tight budget.
• You want a lightweight, compact camera for travel and street photography.
• Your shooting is mainly daylight or controlled lighting where ISO demands are moderate.
• You’re happy with basic video at 1080p and don’t require professional audio input.
• You prefer simplicity over advanced customization.
• You want to explore the Micro Four Thirds ecosystem cheaply, with access to many lenses.

Closing Thoughts: Evolving Standards and Legacy Value

Having thoroughly tested both cameras over extended periods, I can confidently say the GH5S exemplifies how Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds system has matured into a professional video/stills hybrid powerhouse. Meanwhile, the G3, though long superseded, retains its charm as an accessible entry-point into mirrorless photography.

One final note: if you’re considering the G3, I recommend scouting used markets and factoring in the cost of lens investments and potential firmware/photo app limitations. With the GH5S, you’re buying a system built for creative longevity.

Ultimately, your choice boils down to what you need your camera to do day in, day out - and how seriously you’re ready to invest in that vision. Whichever you choose, the Micro Four Thirds format delivers a compact platform with an evolving lens ecosystem to support your growth.

Happy shooting!

If you want to see these cameras in action across genres or dive into lens recommendations, check out my video reviews and sample galleries.