Panasonic FH1 vs Panasonic GF3

Below is a extended analysis of the Panasonic FH1 and Panasonic GF3, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are produced by Panasonic. The resolution of the FH1 (12MP) and the GF3 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the FH1 (1/2.3") and GF3 (Four Thirds) posses totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The FH1 was introduced 19 months before the GF3 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FH1 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving into a full comparison, here is a short summary of how the FH1 grades vs the GF3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FH1 Gallery and Panasonic GF3 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH1 offers physical measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs) and the Panasonic GF3 has dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") with a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FH1 and Panasonic GF3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen at that time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the FH1 compared to the GF3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FH1 and GF3 is 95 and 90 respectively.

Normally, its hard to envision the contrast between sensor measurements purely by reading through specifications. The visual underneath may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the FH1 and GF3.

Plainly, the two cameras feature the identical megapixel count albeit not the same sensor measurements. The FH1 contains the tinier sensor which will make getting bokeh more difficult. The older FH1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.