Panasonic S1R vs Panasonic GF3

The following is a comprehensive analysis of the Panasonic S1R versus Panasonic GF3, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both built by Panasonic. There is a crucial difference between the image resolutions of the S1R (47MP) and GF3 (12MP) and the S1R (Full frame) and GF3 (Four Thirds) use different sensor sizing.

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The S1R was revealed 7 years after the GF3 which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic S1R being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a in-depth comparison, below is a short summation of how the S1R matches up against the GF3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic S1R Gallery and Panasonic GF3 Gallery.

If you are intending to travel with your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic S1R comes with physical dimensions of 149mm x 110mm x 97mm (5.9" x 4.3" x 3.8") with a weight of 1020 grams (2.25 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GF3 has dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic S1R versus Panasonic GF3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the S1R vs the GF3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the S1R and GF3 is 54 and 90 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions just by reading through a spec sheet. The picture below will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the S1R and GF3.

Clearly, both of these cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The S1R with its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic S1R will give extra detail because of its extra 35 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The fresher S1R provides an advantage with regard to sensor technology.