Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic G3

Below is a complete review of the Panasonic FS42 versus Panasonic G3, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are sold by Panasonic. There is a noticeable difference among the image resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and G3 (16MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and G3 (Four Thirds) posses different sensor sizes.

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The FS42 was released 3 years before the G3 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic G3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a in depth comparison, here is a short introduction of how the FS42 grades versus the G3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FS42 Gallery & Panasonic G3 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera frequently, you'll need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic FS42 has got physical dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) while the Panasonic G3 has specifications of 115mm x 84mm x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") accompanied by a weight of 336 grams (0.74 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FS42 versus Panasonic G3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the FS42 and the G3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the FS42 and G3 is 95 and 83 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to visualize the difference in sensor measurements merely by seeing a spec sheet. The visual below should offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FS42 and G3.

As you can see, both of those cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FS42 because of its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF harder and the Panasonic G3 will provide extra detail as a result of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots more aggressively. The older FS42 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.