Panasonic FS15 vs Panasonic GH3

Let's take a more detailed look at the Panasonic FS15 and Panasonic GH3, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless and both are built by Panasonic. There is a noticeable difference among the resolutions of the FS15 (12MP) and GH3 (16MP) and the FS15 (1/2.3") and GH3 (Four Thirds) enjoy different sensor size.

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The FS15 was brought out 4 years earlier than the GH3 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS15 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the FS15 scores against the GH3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FS15 Gallery & Panasonic GH3 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FS15 enjoys outside dimensions of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") and a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) while the Panasonic GH3 has proportions of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FS15 and Panasonic GH3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are employing at that moment. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the FS15 and the GH3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the FS15 and GH3 is 95 and 66 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to visualize the difference in sensor sizing purely by looking through a spec sheet. The visual underneath may give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS15 and GH3.

Clearly, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FS15 due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Panasonic GH3 will provide you with more detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The older FS15 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.