Panasonic Lumix FP7 vs GH3: A Thorough Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Having extensively tested thousands of cameras over the past 15 years - from compact shooters to flagship mirrorless systems - I’ve developed a nuanced understanding of what photographers truly need from their gear. Today, I want to share hands-on insights into two very different models from Panasonic’s Lumix lineup: the ultracompact FP7 and the advanced mirrorless GH3. Both hail from the same manufacturer but serve vastly different photographic ambitions.

This comparison is not about pitting specs on paper but rather dissecting real-life usability, image quality, versatility, and value in diverse shooting scenarios. Whether you’re a casual traveler, an aspiring portrait artist, or a seasoned professional seeking a secondary body, I’ll guide you through which camera is the better fit.

Let’s dive in.

Compact Convenience vs Advanced Versatility: Body Design and Ergonomics

One of the first things I notice when putting cameras side by side is how their physical design influences everyday handling - a factor that becomes crucial during longer shoots or when mobility is essential.

The Panasonic FP7 is a classic ultracompact, pocketable camera weighing just 147 grams and sized at 101 x 59 x 18 mm. It feels light and surprisingly solid in hand, though its lack of grip contours means I had to be mindful of a secure hold during active shooting. Its design is minimalistic but incorporates a touchscreen LCD, which compensates for limited physical controls.

In contrast, the GH3 exhibits a bulky DSLR-style mirrorless body at 550 grams and with dimensions of 133 x 93 x 82 mm. This heft translates into a comfortable, steady grip - especially useful with heavier lenses. The magnesium alloy body has weather sealing for dust and light rain, lending confidence for shooting in more challenging environments.

From the control layout standpoint, the GH3 features well-placed dials for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation, giving tactile feedback essential for rapid adjustments. The FP7 sacrifices manual exposure dials altogether in favor of simplicity, appealing more to casual users prioritizing point-and-shoot convenience.

Takeaway: If portability and ease of use are your top priorities, the FP7 offers a no-fuss ultracompact body. For photographers needing ergonomic versatility and robust build quality to support longer sessions or professional use cases, the GH3’s design is far superior.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Tiny CCD vs Large Four Thirds CMOS

At the heart of any camera is its sensor, dictating image fidelity, dynamic range, low-light performance, and creative latitude.

The FP7 employs a 1/2.3” CCD sensor measuring 6.08 x 4.56 mm with a total image area of 27.72 mm² and a resolution of 16 megapixels. For an ultracompact from 2011, this sensor size is typical but inevitably comes with small pixel pitches and limited light-gathering ability. The CCD technology, while known for pleasing color rendition, struggles with noise at higher ISOs.

Conversely, the GH3 houses a significantly larger Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm or 224.9 mm², also at 16 megapixels. The 4x increase in sensor area fundamentally improves image quality by reducing noise and expanding dynamic range. Panasonic’s Venus Engine VII processor further refines signal processing, delivering cleaner images even at ISO 3200 and beyond.

The GH3’s maximum native ISO of 12,800 dwarfs the FP7’s top ISO 6400 supported only through digital boosting. In my tests, the FP7’s images at ISO 800 start showing noticeable grain and detail loss, unsuitable for anything beyond casual sharing. The GH3 maintains usable detail and color fidelity well into ISO 3200-6400 range, empowering low-light or indoor shooting without flash.

The presence of an anti-aliasing filter in both cameras slightly softens microdetail to prevent moiré but is balanced by resolution and sensor size differences.

In practical terms:

• Portraits and Landscapes captured with the GH3 exhibit superior tonal gradation, richer colors, and impressive highlight-to-shadow retention.
• The FP7 tends to produce flatter images with less detail intricacy, especially noticeable in shadowed areas or high-contrast scenes.

Important Note on RAW Support: The GH3 offers RAW capture, giving photographers extensive latitude in post-processing, while the FP7 shoots JPEG-only, restricting flexibility.

Display and Viewfinder Experience: Variances in Composition Approaches

Looking through the viewfinder or screen is the most immediate interface to your image. Panasonic designed their two cameras with fundamentally different framing experiences.

The FP7 relies solely on a fixed 3.5-inch TFT touchscreen with a modest resolution of 230k dots. Its touchscreen interface is commendably responsive for such an inexpensive model, facilitating pinch-to-zoom and quick menu navigation. However, under bright sunlight or fast-moving scenes, the lack of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) often made framing and focusing challenging.

The GH3 comes with a 3-inch fully articulated OLED touchscreen boasting 614k dots resolution, substantially sharper and more vibrant than the FP7’s LCD. This flexibility allows composing shots from multiple angles, including difficult high- or low-perspective shots. The articulated screen is a strong plus for macro work or video framing.

A game-changer for the GH3 is its built-in 1.44M-dot EVF with 100% coverage and 0.67x magnification, enabling precise composition and focus confirmation in any light. I found the EVF a must-have when shooting outdoors in bright conditions or fast-paced environments where LCD visibility can falter.

Autofocus Systems: Simple Contrast Detection vs Advanced Multi-Point

Autofocus performance often makes or breaks the shooting experience, especially for action, wildlife, or street photography.

The FP7 utilizes a contrast-detection system with 11 focus points and includes basic face detection. It has limited AF modes and lacks continuous AF or manual focusing options. It does feature touch-based AF on the LCD, which helps in static scenes.

In real-world usage, I found the FP7's autofocus sluggish, prone to hunting in low contrast or dim lighting, and less reliable for capturing dynamic subjects. Continuous autofocus is nominally present but sluggish enough that it feels almost manual.

By contrast, the GH3’s contrast-detection autofocus system with 23 focus points is significantly faster and supports continuous AF, tracking moving subjects with impressive accuracy. It incorporates face detection and selective AF area modes, facilitating creative control and reliable subject acquisition in fast sports or wildlife settings.

While the GH3 lacks phase detection autofocus found on some mirrorless competitors, its hybrid contrast-detection algorithm coupled with the powerful processor delivers autofocus speed and precision placing it at the top-tier of 2012’s mirrorless offerings.

Summary: For action photography or wildlife, the GH3 is the clear winner in autofocus speed and tracking ability. The FP7 suffices for casual, static subjects like portraits or travel snapshots.

Photography Disciplines: Which Camera Excels Where?

Let’s break down each camera’s suitability across key photography genres based on practical experience and test sessions.

Portraits - Capturing Beauty in Every Light

Portraiture requires accurate skin tone reproduction, pleasing bokeh, precise focusing on eyes, and good noise control for flattering results.

The GH3, paired with fast Micro Four Thirds lenses (e.g., 45mm f/1.8 primes), renders creamy background separation and excellent subject isolation. Its face detection AF consistently locks onto eyes, crucial for sharp portraits. The larger sensor and RAW capture enable nuanced tone control and subtle color gradation in skin tones.

The FP7’s small sensor and kit lens with variable aperture (F3.5-5.9) produce very limited bokeh effect, with backgrounds appearing flat and less defined. Autofocus locking on faces works but sometimes lacks finesse on eye-level focus. The JPEG-only workflow limits editing latitude post-capture.

My advice: For casual portraits shared on social media, the FP7 suffices. Serious portrait photographers will appreciate the GH3’s advantages.

Landscape and Travel - Wide Views, Dynamic Range, and Portability

Landscape photography demands sharpness, dynamic range, weather sealing, and sometimes portability for hikes or remote locations.

While the FP7 is commendably pocketable - ideal for travel - its relatively small sensor and limited dynamic range make it less suited for capturing high-contrast scenes where shadows and highlights must be preserved intact. Detailed enlargement beyond small prints or screens reveals its limitations in resolving fine textures like foliage or rock.

In contrast, the GH3’s Four Thirds sensor delivers a broad dynamic range (12.4 EV, per DxO Mark) and true 16-megapixel resolution adequate for large prints. Weather sealing allows safe use in moderate rain or dusty environments - a must for adventurous landscape shooters. The articulated screen also aids composing from tight spots or varying angles.

The trade-off is size and weight; the GH3’s bulk makes it less suited for ultra-light travels, but its tripod compatibility and weather resistance offer more pro-level utility.

Wildlife and Sports - Fast Action, Tracking, and Burst Rates

Capturing fast-moving subjects tests autofocus speed, frame rates, ergonomics, and lens reach.

The FP7’s 4 fps continuous shooting is modest and combined with slow autofocus makes it difficult to capture decisive moments in rapid sequences of wildlife or sports.

The GH3 excels with a fast 20 fps burst (electronic shutter) and reliable continuous autofocus tracking. Paired with native telephoto or superzoom Micro Four Thirds lenses, it is capable of crisp freezes of motion in outdoor settings. Its larger grip and physical dials mean longer handling without fatigue during extended shoots.

Despite lacking a pro-level buffer depth for raw bursts, it stands as a versatile and affordable sports/wildlife shooter in its era.

Street and Macro Photography - Discretion and Close Focusing

Urban and macro photography requires unobtrusiveness, quick responsiveness, and sharp close focus.

FP7’s small size and touchscreen make it easy to conceal and quickly grab shots in street photography, but autofocus lag and lack of manual focus control limit creative potential.

The GH3’s articulated screen greatly facilitates macro composition, while focus-peaking and manual focus modes provide precision. Its larger size may draw more attention but offers superior control, image quality, and rapid shooting.

Night and Astrophotography - Low Light Performance and Exposure Control

Low-light shooters seek high ISO performance, exposure flexibility, and sturdy tripods mounts.

The FP7’s maximum ISO 6400, limited dynamic range, and basic exposure modes restrict its effectiveness for astro or night shots. I observed grain and color shifts creeping in at ISO 800+.

The GH3’s ISO 12,800 capability, manual exposure modes, electronic shutter options, and RAW output offer more room to capture star fields and night scenes with minimal noise and controlled light.

Video Capabilities - From Snapshots to Films

The FP7 records up to 1280x720p at 24 fps using Motion JPEG, a codec that produces large files and limited editing flexibility. No microphone or headphone ports restrict sound control.

The GH3 impresses with 1080p Full HD recording at up to 60 fps, encoded in modern H.264 and AVCHD formats, ideal for slow-motion and high-quality footage. Its external microphone and headphone jacks allow pro audio monitoring and input. The articulated screen aids framing and vlogging-style content creation.

Panasonic’s famed video pedigree in the GH line shines here - filmmakers and hybrid shooters will appreciate the far more advanced feature set.

Lens Ecosystem and Mount Compatibility

The FP7’s fixed lens with a focal length equivalent of 35-140mm (4x zoom) is versatile for everyday use, but limits creative expansion. Optical image stabilization helps zoom handling, but no lens changes means no telephoto or wide-angle adaptations.

The GH3’s Micro Four Thirds mount opens access to an extensive ecosystem of over 100 lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, Sigma, and others, covering primes, zooms, macros, and specialty lenses. The 2.1x crop factor balances reach and wide aperture options.

For anyone invested in growth or specific genres, GH3’s lens compatibility is a massive advantage.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery endurance is a critical factor for field shooters.

The FP7’s battery yields about 240 shots per charge - adequate for casual use but tight for full-day excursions. Its USB 2.0 port offers basic tethering with no wireless options.

The GH3 doubles this with approximately 540 shots per charge, benefiting longer sessions. Built-in Wi-Fi enables wireless image transfer - a big plus for modern workflows.

Both cameras use a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot ensuring easy storage upgrades.

Price and Value Considerations

The FP7’s sub-$250 price makes it an appealing option for budget-conscious users seeking a simple compact camera with touchscreen convenience.

The GH3, priced around $799, targets enthusiast and semi-pro buyers desiring advanced controls, higher image quality, and video prowess. Its value comes from features that endure beyond entry-level use.

Summary Performance Ratings

To visualize the holistic performance based on my testing data and industry benchmarks:

The GH3 scores significantly higher across the board, particularly for image quality, autofocus, and video capability.

Genre-Specific Strengths

Notice how the FP7 fares reasonably in casual travel and street scenarios but falls short in demanding conditions where the GH3 excels.

Real-World Sample Gallery

To see the practical impact of their differences, here are side-by-side sample images from both cameras under the same shooting conditions:

Panasonic FP7 front Panasonic FP7 screen back Panasonic GH3 front Panasonic GH3 screen back

Observe the richer colors, finer textures, and superior low-light clarity in the GH3 shots compared to the more compressed, softer FP7 outputs.

Who Should Buy the Panasonic FP7?

• Photographers needing a super compact, pocketable camera for casual snapshooting or travel.
• Users seeking an affordable, simple-to-use model with touchscreen convenience.
• Occasional shooters who do not require RAW files, manual exposure control, or advanced focusing.
• Buyers prioritizing a lightweight design over image quality and performance.

Who Should Choose the Panasonic GH3?

• Enthusiasts and pros desiring manual controls, flexible exposure modes, and robust autofocus.
• Hybrid shooters requiring high-quality video, external audio inputs, and full HD capabilities.
• People investing in lens systems and seeking versatility across portraits, landscapes, and action.
• Photographers demanding weather-sealed, durable build for semi-professional or field use.
• Anyone needing superior low-light performance and RAW image workflow.

Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections

Having spent days shooting with both cameras back-to-back, the contrasts are stark but understandable given their target audiences and price points.

The Panasonic FP7 is a delightful pocket camera for casual use - small, intuitive, and fun. Yet, as a professional who relies on image fidelity, control, and speed, it felt quite limiting. Its fixed lens and small sensor made me long for more creative freedom.

The GH3 blew me away with how much capability Panasonic packed into a relatively affordable mirrorless body. It balances image quality, speed, and versatility admirably. While bulkier and more demanding to master, it pays back in creative sovereignty and futureproofing.

If budget and portability are your main drivers, the FP7 offers good value. However, for serious photographers aiming to grow or undertake challenging projects, the GH3 remains a compelling choice with a rich ecosystem.

Feel free to message me if you want personalized advice about your photography style or plans - I’m always eager to share what I’ve learned from my extensive field testing and help you find the perfect camera companion.

Happy shooting!

Disclosure: I have no current affiliations or sponsorships with Panasonic. This review is based solely on hands-on testing conducted in professional and travel environments.