Panasonic FS12 vs Panasonic GH3

Here is a extensive analysis of the Panasonic FS12 versus Panasonic GH3, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Advanced Mirrorless and both are sold by Panasonic. There is a large difference among the sensor resolutions of the FS12 (12MP) and GH3 (16MP) and the FS12 (1/2.3") and GH3 (Four Thirds) use different sensor size.

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The FS12 was brought out 4 years prior to the GH3 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a detailed comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the FS12 matches up versus the GH3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FS12 Gallery & Panasonic GH3 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FS12 enjoys external dimensions of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs) while the Panasonic GH3 has proportions of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") with a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FS12 versus Panasonic GH3 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the FS12 compared to the GH3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the FS12 and GH3 is 95 and 66 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to visualize the difference in sensor sizing purely by looking through technical specs. The visual here will help give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the FS12 and GH3.

As you have seen, each of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FS12 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Panasonic GH3 will render extra detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The older FS12 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.