Panasonic FH3 vs Panasonic GF8

Following is a extensive comparison of the Panasonic FH3 versus Panasonic GF8, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both of them are sold by Panasonic. The resolution of the FH3 (14MP) and the GF8 (16MP) is pretty close but the FH3 (1/2.3") and GF8 (Four Thirds) use different sensor size.

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The FH3 was manufactured 7 years prior to the GF8 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH3 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving through a thorough comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the FH3 matches up against the GF8 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF8. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH3 Gallery and Panasonic GF8 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FH3 provides external dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs) and the Panasonic GF8 has measurements of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs).

See the Panasonic FH3 versus Panasonic GF8 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at the time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the FH3 versus the GF8.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the FH3 and GF8 is 94 and 90 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to visualize the gap in sensor sizes only by looking through specs. The image below will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH3 and GF8.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The FH3 due to its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic GF8 will result in extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures far more aggressively. The more aged FH3 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.