Panasonic FZ40 vs Panasonic GH3

Its time to look a little more closely at the Panasonic FZ40 versus Panasonic GH3, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless and both are built by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FZ40 (14MP) and the GH3 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the FZ40 (1/2.3") and GH3 (Four Thirds) offer different sensor sizes.

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The FZ40 was brought out 3 years prior to the GH3 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting into a in-depth comparison, here is a short introduction of how the FZ40 matches up versus the GH3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ40 Gallery and Panasonic GH3 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic FZ40 has exterior measurements of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") having a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GH3 has sizing of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") along with a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FZ40 versus Panasonic GH3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the FZ40 compared to the GH3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the FZ40 and GH3 is 68 and 66 respectively.

Often, it is tough to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions only by looking at specifications. The image below should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the FZ40 and GH3.

Plainly, both cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The FZ40 due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Panasonic GH3 will give extra detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images a good deal more aggressively. The more aged FZ40 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.