Panasonic FP1 vs Panasonic GF3

Its time to look more in depth at the Panasonic FP1 vs Panasonic GF3, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both produced by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FP1 (12MP) and the GF3 (12MP) is fairly close but the FP1 (1/2.3") and GF3 (Four Thirds) have totally different sensor measurements.

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The FP1 was released 19 months before the GF3 making them a generation away from one another. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the FP1 matches up against the GF3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic FP1 Gallery and Panasonic GF3 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to travel with your camera frequently, you are going to need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FP1 provides external measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 151 grams (0.33 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).

Check the Panasonic FP1 vs Panasonic GF3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the FP1 vs the GF3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FP1 and GF3 is 95 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to visualise the gap in sensor dimensions purely by researching a spec sheet. The pic here may give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the FP1 and GF3.

Clearly, the two cameras provide the same megapixels but not the same sensor dimensions. The FP1 has got the smaller sensor which should make achieving shallower depth of field trickier. The more aged FP1 will be behind in sensor tech.