Panasonic FZ47 vs Panasonic GH3

The following is a extensive review of the Panasonic FZ47 versus Panasonic GH3, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless and both are sold by Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the FZ47 (12MP) and GH3 (16MP) and the FZ47 (1/2.3") and GH3 (Four Thirds) have different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The FZ47 was brought out 14 months earlier than the GH3 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FZ47 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go into a thorough comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the FZ47 scores vs the GH3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FZ47 Gallery and Panasonic GH3 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to travel with your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FZ47 features physical measurements of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") with a weight of 498 grams (1.10 lbs) and the Panasonic GH3 has proportions of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") having a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FZ47 versus Panasonic GH3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the FZ47 compared to the GH3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the FZ47 and GH3 is 68 and 66 respectively.

Often, it's tough to picture the gap between sensor dimensions merely by checking specs. The picture below will provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the FZ47 and GH3.

All in all, each of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The FZ47 due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Panasonic GH3 will give you greater detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more aged FZ47 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.