Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 Versus Lumix DMC-GX850: A Hands-On Comparison by a Seasoned Pro

When Panasonic rolled out the Lumix DMC-3D1 in late 2011 and followed up a few years later with the Lumix DMC-GX850, two very different cameras emerged - each designed to serve separate photographic appetites. I've spent considerable time with both, putting them through rigorous field tests across various genres of photography. In this detailed comparison, I want to walk you through everything that matters - sensor tech, ergonomics, autofocus, image quality and more - so you can step confidently toward the model that suits your photographic vision best.

Let’s unpack these two carefully, and by the end of this deep dive, you’ll have a clear sense of their capabilities and where each one shines.

First Impressions: Compact Simplicity vs. Mirrorless Versatility

Size matters: Take note of these physical ergonomics at first glance.

At first glance, the Panasonic 3D1 is a true compact digital camera - small, lightweight (only 193g), and with a sleek fixed lens design. It’s designed to be grab-and-go with limited manual intervention, primarily aimed at casual shooters intrigued by 3D photography, which was quite the trend in the early 2010s.

In contrast, the GX850 is a modern rangefinder-style mirrorless camera, a bit chunkier at 269g, but still compact for a mirrorless system. It supports interchangeable Micro Four Thirds lenses, giving you considerable creative control and future-proofing.

If portability is your main priority, the 3D1 wins on sheer compactness. But if you crave flexibility and control, the GX850’s design is more compelling.

Sensor and Image Quality: A Tale of Two Generations

Sensor size revealed: One half-inch type vs. Four Thirds sensor. The difference is substantial.

This is where the story gets really interesting. The Panasonic 3D1 packs a small 1/2.3” sensor sporting 12MP resolution. It’s adequate for social media shots and snapshots under good light, but it has inherent limits in dynamic range, noise control, and low-light performance due to its tiny 6.17 x 4.55 mm area.

The GX850, on the other hand, houses a much larger Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, delivering 16MP native resolution. This sensor size roughly quadruples the light-gathering area compared to the 3D1, which translates into better detail, wider dynamic range, and superior noise management - critical for demanding photography disciplines like portraiture, landscapes, and night scenes.

Using DxO Mark metrics as a benchmark (though I always supplement with my own hands-on testing), the GX850 provides a higher color depth (23.2 bits vs. untested for 3D1), superior dynamic range (13.3 EV), and better low-light ISO performance (ISO 586 correspondingly).

Simply put, the GX850's sensor technology is nearly a generation ahead, reflecting Panasonic’s advancements and the inherent advantages of larger sensors. Practically, the 3D1’s images feel noticeably soft and prone to noise at ISO levels above 400, limiting its utility in low light or demanding conditions.

User Interface and Controls: Touchscreen Joy vs. Basic Functionality

Comparing screen usability: Fixed touchscreen on 3D1 meets the versatile tilting touch on GX850.

The 3D1 comes with a large 3.5-inch fixed touchscreen with modest 460K resolution. It’s responsive for basic touch operation, but the non-tilting screen doesn’t accommodate creative angles like waist-level or selfie-friendly framing.

Contrast that with the GX850’s tilting 3.0-inch touchscreen boasting 1040K resolution. Beyond sharper visuals, the tilt mechanism makes self-portraits and vlogging more straightforward, and the touchscreen interface supports intuitive AF point selection and menu navigation. The GX850 is also selfie-friendly by design, embracing the modern content creator trend.

For photographers who value a flexible interface for shooting at various angles or who engage in vlogging, the GX850 clearly excels here.

Autofocus and Performance: Contrast Detection in Both, But Speed and Precision Differ

Autofocus on the 3D1 relies solely on contrast-detection with 23 fixed AF points - fair for casual focusing but slow and inconsistent in challenging light or when tracking moving subjects.

The GX850 also uses contrast-detection autofocus, but with 49 focus points and Panasonic’s Venus Engine processor to boost speed. Real-world testing confirms smoother AF tracking and tighter focus, especially with Micro Four Thirds lenses optimized for quick AF. Moreover, the GX850 adds selective AF point modes and face detection that performs reliably for portraits and event shooting.

Neither supports phase-detection AF, and animal eye detection is absent on both, limiting wildlife photography potential, though the GX850’s responsiveness still provides an edge for action shots.

Portrait Photography: Which Handles Skin Tones and Bokeh Better?

Portraits demand accurate skin rendering and pleasing subject separation - bokeh. Here, the sensor and lens options define the experience.

The 3D1’s fixed 25-100mm equivalent zoom with max apertures f/3.9 to f/5.7 produces limited background blur. Coupled with a smaller sensor, portraits yield reasonable detail but glassy bokeh is weak, and skin tones can veer slightly toward flatness in mixed lighting.

The GX850’s larger sensor and wide selection of fast Micro Four Thirds lenses allow for real shallow depth-of-field shots. Add in accurate face detection AF, and you get sharp, properly exposed portraits with that creamy out-of-focus background photographers chase. Skin tones came across natural and flexible under manual white balance control in my tests.

If portraits are a priority, the GX850 is the obvious choice.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Weather Sealing

Neither camera is weather sealed, which constrains outdoor durability. But the GX850’s sensor offers a notable advantage in capturing wide dynamic range scenes - the hallmark of landscapes.

The 3D1 will be prone to highlight clipping and blocked shadows given its limited sensor range, and the fixed lens restricts framing flexibility. The GX850 can benefit from high-quality zoom or prime lenses ranging from ultra-wide to moderate telephoto, coupled with raw file capture for extensive post-processing latitude.

Landscape photographers will appreciate the GX850’s ability to preserve shadow and highlight detail, especially in mixed or challenging lighting.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed and Burst Ratings Matter

For tracking fast-moving subjects, burst speed, autofocus tracking, and tele zoom lenses matter.

The 3D1 lacks continuous shooting speed specs and has no phase-detection AF, seriously limiting its use in wildlife or sports photography. Its autofocus is sluggish, and the f/5.7 aperture at telephoto isn’t ideal for separating subjects or shooting in low light.

The GX850 offers 10 fps continuous shooting, a respectable number for an entry-level mirrorless camera. While it still relies on contrast AF, the increased number of focus points and processing power helps maintain better tracking fidelity. Pair the body with Panasonic’s telephoto or superzoom MFT lenses, and you gain a flexible wildlife or sports imaging system.

If action capture is one of your goals, the GX850’s performance will impress far more than the 3D1.

Street and Travel Photography: Discreteness, Portability, and Versatility

The 3D1’s compactness makes it an unobtrusive street camera, which is a big plus if you want to travel light and avoid drawing attention. Its zoom range covers many typical street focal lengths.

However, the GX850, while larger, remains reasonably discreet with a compact rangefinder-style body and the ability to swap lenses from pancake primes to zooms. Its silent shutter mode (max 1/16000s) is a game-changer on quiet city streets, reducing shutter noise significantly versus the 3D1.

Battery life is only marginally better on the GX850 (210 shots vs. 200), but its WiFi capability allows instant sharing and remote operation - features the 3D1 completely lacks.

For travel photographers seeking flexibility, the GX850’s lens ecosystem, silent shutter, and wireless features justify carrying a slightly bigger package.

Macro Photography and Close-up Work: Focus Precision and Stabilization

Close focusing capabilities differ strong between the models. The 3D1 boasts a tight macro range down to 5cm, but with limited focus precision and slower AF response. Optical stabilization is built-in, a helpful feature for handheld macro shots.

The GX850 does not specify macro focus range but supports focus bracketing and stacking modes, advanced features that can push macro creativity further. Paired with dedicated macro MFT lenses, the GX850 becomes a capable close-up system, though lacking in-body image stabilization (IBIS); using lenses with optical stabilization is recommended.

Because of the software-assisted features and lens options, the GX850 is the more compelling macro tool, despite the 3D1’s dedicated close focus mode.

Night and Astro Photography: Sensitivity and Exposure Control

Low light and astrophotography heavily depend on sensor sensitivity, noise control, and shutter capabilities.

The 3D1’s ISO max is 6400, but noise is problematic above ISO 400–800. The shutter speeds max at 1/1300s with no silent shutter or long exposure capabilities, limiting night photography options.

The GX850 offers up to ISO 25600 with acceptable noise performance up to mid-ISO levels (relayed from DxO and personal testing). The maximum mechanical shutter rate is 1/500s, but electronic shutter speeds up to 1/16000s facilitate silent shooting and creative exposure control. Moreover, manual exposure modes provide complete control essential for long exposure and astro work.

Looking at night scenes side-by-side during field tests, the GX850 captured cleaner skies with more star detail and less chromatic noise.

Video Capabilities: From HD to 4K

Video shooters will find a stark difference here. The 3D1 offers basic Full HD recording at 60 fps with MPEG-4, AVCHD, and Motion JPEG encoding. No microphone or headphone ports exist, limiting professional audio options.

The GX850 pushes to 4K UHD at 30p and 24p with 100 Mbps bitrate, delivering ultra-sharp footage. Though lacking microphone and headphone jacks too, the higher bitrate, advanced encoding, and 4K Photo mode (allowing still extraction from 4K clips) create a versatile multimedia tool renowned among vloggers and content creators.

If video is a core use, the GX850 is clearly the wiser pick.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither camera is weather sealed, dustproof, or freezeproof, so cautious shooting outdoors is advised in inclement conditions.

The 3D1’s plastic build feels light but not particularly rugged; it’s a casual camera meant for easy everyday use.

The GX850 improves on build quality with a metal alloy body, offering better durability and a more premium feel, although it lacks professional-grade sealing.

If you want something rugged and weather resistant, neither is ideal, but the GX850’s more solid construction will withstand daily adventures better.

Ergonomics and Handling: How They Feel in Your Hands

Control layouts - compact simplicity vs. manual versatility.

The 3D1’s minimal buttons and digital control give a simple user experience suitable for beginners or casual shooters. However, the lack of manual exposure modes or dedicated dials limits creative control.

The GX850 provides a more traditional rangefinder control layout, with buttons, dials, and exposure compensation, plus manual and priority modes. If you like tactile controls and quick adjustments, the GX850 wins hands down.

The GX850’s single SD slot uses microSD format - a detail some users find inconvenient compared to full-sized SD cards like on the 3D1.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability: Fixed Zoom vs. Micro Four Thirds

The 3D1’s “fixed lens” design means you’re stuck with the built-in 25-100mm equivalent lens at f/3.9-5.7. It’s okay for simple shooting but limits creativity and optical quality.

The GX850 belongs to the Micro Four Thirds system, offering access to over 100 native Panasonic and Olympus lenses, plus third-party options. From ultra-wide primes to super-telephoto zooms, the lens choice is vast and affordable for enthusiasts and pros alike.

For upgrading potential or specialized lenses, the GX850 is vastly superior.

Battery Life and Storage

The 3D1 promises approximately 200 shots per charge, while the GX850 offers about 210 shots - quite similar, both moderate and requiring spares for serious day-long shoots.

Note the GX850 supports microSD cards, which can be fiddly but highly compact, whereas the 3D1 uses standard-sized SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Connectivity is a weak spot on the 3D1 - no wireless features at all, only USB 2.0 and HDMI ports.

The GX850 integrates built-in WiFi allowing for remote capture and instant image transfer - huge advantages for modern shooters wanting mobile workflows or remote control.

Pricing and Value: What You Get for Your Money

At current pricing, the 3D1 hovers around $670, ironically more expensive despite being the older, less capable camera. Meanwhile, the GX850 can be found for about $548, offering more advanced tech, better image quality, and greater creative freedom for less money.

This price-to-performance ratio alone tips the scale heavily toward the GX850 for serious enthusiasts or pros on a budget.

Final Verdict: Match Your Camera to Your Photography

Panasonic 3D1 front Panasonic 3D1 screen back Panasonic GX850 front Panasonic GX850 screen back

For Beginners, Casual Shooters, and Those Curious About 3D:
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 can be a fun, pocketable travel buddy. It does simple snaps well, and the 3D functionality - while now a niche feature - offers a unique gimmick. If you prefer a point-and-shoot with minimal fuss and won't mind limitations in image quality, this camera delivers an easy, if dated, experience.

For Enthusiasts, Serious Hobbyists, and Video Creators:
The Panasonic GX850 is a genuinely versatile tool. Its larger sensor, lens flexibility, advanced AF, 4K video, and wireless features pose a significant upgrade. If you want to grow as a photographer or video artist, or need a portable system that can handle portraits, landscapes, street, and video demanding workflows, the GX850 is a compelling choice.

For Professional Work:
Neither is a full professional powerhouse. However, the GX850’s raw support, manual controls, and refined image quality make it useful as a secondary or backup camera. The 3D1’s limited capabilities and fixed lens put it out of contention for pro assignments.

My Personal Take

Having spent hundreds of hours shooting with both, I can confidently say the GX850 feels like a camera designed with more thought for the photographer’s creative workflow. It rewards patience with quality and flexibility. The 3D1, while a charming device with its unique 3D gimmick, is more of a nostalgic curiosity nowadays.

In short, if you want a camera that can grow with you, tackles diverse subjects, and embraces modern connectivity and video features, I’d steer you toward the GX850 without hesitation. But if you want a super-simple, pocketable camera for snapshots with 3D flair, the 3D1 can still satisfy some niche users.

Hope this comparison helps you make a truly informed choice!

If you have questions about specific shooting scenarios or need lens recommendations for the GX850, drop me a line - I’m happy to help you find the perfect photographic companion.