Panasonic FH3 vs Panasonic GF3

Here, we will be comparing the Panasonic FH3 vs Panasonic GF3, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are designed by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FH3 (14MP) and the GF3 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the FH3 (1/2.3") and GF3 (Four Thirds) provide totally different sensor measurements.

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The FH3 was unveiled 19 months prior to the GF3 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FH3 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going into a more detailed comparison, here is a short overview of how the FH3 matches up against the GF3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH3 Gallery and Panasonic GF3 Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FH3 offers external dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GF3 has proportions of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") having a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FH3 vs Panasonic GF3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have during that time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the FH3 against the GF3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the FH3 and GF3 is 94 and 90 respectively.

Usually, it can be difficult to envision the contrast between sensor measurements just by checking a spec sheet. The graphic below may give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH3 and GF3.

Clearly, the 2 cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The FH3 having a tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh more challenging and the Panasonic FH3 will give more detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older FH3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.