Panasonic GX9 vs Panasonic ZS3

Below is a in depth overview of the Panasonic GX9 and Panasonic ZS3, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are produced by Panasonic. There exists a significant gap between the resolutions of the GX9 (20MP) and ZS3 (10MP) and the GX9 (Four Thirds) and ZS3 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The GX9 was announced 8 years later than the ZS3 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GX9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a more detailed comparison, below is a quick view of how the GX9 matches up vs the ZS3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic GX9 Gallery and Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GX9 offers outer dimensions of 124mm x 72mm x 47mm (4.9" x 2.8" x 1.9") along with a weight of 407 grams (0.90 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS3 has proportions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

See the Panasonic GX9 and Panasonic ZS3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the GX9 compared to the ZS3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GX9 and ZS3 is 82 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to envision the contrast between sensor measurements merely by reading technical specs. The photograph below will give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the GX9 and ZS3.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The GX9 with its larger sensor will make getting shallower DOF simpler and the Panasonic GX9 will deliver greater detail with its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos a little more aggressively. The more modern GX9 will have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.