Panasonic FZ70 vs Panasonic GF3: In-Depth Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

When diving into the world of Panasonic cameras, two very different but interesting models come up for scrutiny: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3. As someone who has personally tested thousands of cameras across genres, I’m eager to dissect these two in great detail - not only to unpack their specs but to reveal their practical strengths and limitations in the field.

The FZ70, a superzoom bridge camera announced in mid-2013, and the GF3, an entry-level mirrorless from 2011, occupy distinct niches within Panasonic’s lineup. Which one suits your photographic ambitions? Let’s get hands-on and see how these two stack up from sensor to shutter, exploring every facet an informed buyer needs to know.

First Impressions: Form Factor, Ergonomics, and Design Philosophy

Starting with what you’ll physically hold in your hands - the FZ70 is built as a bridge camera, SLR-like in size, weighing around 606g. It sports a robust, chunky body aiming for one-handed comfort during extended shooting. In contrast, the GF3 is a compact mirrorless with a rangefinder-style design, tipping the scales at a featherweight 264g.

Looking at their physical dimensions (130x97x118mm vs 108x67x32mm), the GF3’s slim profile screams portability, ideal for street and travel photographers who want to stay light and nimble. Meanwhile, the FZ70’s heft comes from a large lens built-in - a 20-1200mm equivalent zoom that dwarfs anything the GF3 alone offers. The FZ70’s grip and button layout clearly cater to users who prioritize manual control and zoom versatility at the cost of bulk.

This divergence in approach means the FZ70 might feel more “camera” to someone used to DSLRs, while the GF3 feels closer to a high-end point-and-shoot in terms of portability without sacrificing sensor size.

Control Layout and Interface: Where Usability Meets Speed

Both cameras host 3-inch fixed LCD screens at 460k dots, but button placement and control options differ widely - highlighting how Panasonic intended these cameras to be used.

The FZ70’s top and rear control dials give more direct access to shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation - features favored by enthusiasts who want tactile, immediate adjustments. Its dedicated numeric dials and physical switches foster fast shooting without diving into menus, an advantage in dynamic situations like wildlife or sports.

The GF3, designed as an entry-level mirrorless, relies heavily on touchscreen capabilities and menu-driven controls. Its lack of a built-in viewfinder marks a compromise for size and cost savings, making live view on the rear screen your main composition tool. More simplified control schemes suit casual shooters or those upgrading from point-and-shoots but may slow down experienced users during fast shooting.

In summary, the FZ70 handsomely wins on manual handling and direct control ergonomics, with the GF3 favoring modern touchscreen interface simplicity.

Sensors and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

This is where the distinction becomes critical. The FZ70 uses a 1/2.3" CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm, 28.07 mm²), packing 16 MP resolution. The GF3 sports a much larger Four Thirds sensor (17.3 x 13 mm, 224.9 mm²) at 12 MP.

The larger sensor of the GF3 provides significantly better image quality potential - especially in low light - and generally superior control over depth of field. Its higher dynamic range (10.1 EV by DXOmark) and better low-light ISO performance (ISO 459 vs ISO 171 on the FZ70) translate to cleaner images with less noise and more latitude for challenging lighting.

Conversely, the FZ70 trades sensor size for telephoto reach, its 60x zoom an absolute powerhouse in terms of framing distant subjects. But with a small sensor and relatively limited dynamic range, its images require more micro-contrast and sharpening work, especially in shadows.

If ultimate image quality, shallow depth of field portraits, or low-light prowess are your priorities, the GF3 sensor will impress more consistently. The FZ70, however, offers a utilitarian sensor that supports its zoom capabilities where sensor size matters less.

Display and Viewfinder: Composing Your Shot

Both cameras employ fixed 3-inch LCDs with 460k dot resolution. The GF3’s screen benefits from a capacitive touchscreen interface, facilitating pinch-to-zoom and menu navigation that feel intuitive and crisp. This certainly helps in everyday shooting and reviewing images.

The FZ70’s fixed TFT LCD lacks touchscreen but complements it with an electronic viewfinder (EVF) boasting 202k dots and 100% coverage - a significant advantage when shooting in bright conditions or with extended zoom where holding your eye to an eyepiece improves stability.

The GF3, having no viewfinder, relies exclusively on its LCD for composition, which can be tricky in direct sunlight.

For photographers who value traditional shooting posture or frequently shoot outdoors, the FZ70’s EVF is a meaningful bonus. For casual users or those comfortable composing via screen indoors or in shade, the GF3 suffices.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus here reveals the design intent of each model. The FZ70 utilizes contrast-detection autofocus with 23 focus points, featuring face detection and continuous tracking modes. Its hybrid AF system performs well for a superzoom, though hunting can occur with subjects in low light or at extreme zoom lengths.

The GF3 also uses contrast-detection AF with 23 points, but benefits from live view AF that is touch-sensitive, allowing selective area focus by tapping the screen - a considerable convenience, especially in portraits or macro work. While its 3 fps burst rate trails behind the FZ70’s 9 fps, the GF3’s AF feels snappier in well-lit scenes with less lag.

Neither supports phase detection AF, which limits the tracking smoothness found in modern cameras, but the GF3’s touch-AF and contrast detect focus provide more accurate focus control in still subjects and creative work.

For fast-moving subjects like wildlife or sports, the FZ70 is technically better equipped to maintain focus and frame rapidly thanks to burst speed and tracking, but shallow depth of field precision favors the GF3 in controlled portrait or macro setups.

Lens Ecosystem: Fixed Zoom vs Expandable Glass

The FZ70 features a fixed Leica DC Vario-Elmar 20-1200mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens with f/2.8-5.9 aperture. While f/2.8 at the 20mm wide end is commendable, by the time you reach 1200mm, the aperture narrows significantly.

Its ultra-telephoto reach is fantastic for wildlife, sports, and distant landscapes without need for additional lenses, making it an all-in-one solution. Optical Image Stabilization is included to counteract handshake at high zoom lengths - crucial given potential severity of camera shake with such focal lengths.

The GF3, meanwhile, relies on the Micro Four Thirds mount, compatible with over 100 lenses, ranging from ultra-wide primes to fast telephotos and macro lenses. This versatility enables precise tailoring of tools for genres like portraiture, macro, street, and professional work.

If you value flexibility and plan to invest over time, the GF3's lens ecosystem offers unmatched creative control and quality once coupled with high-end lenses.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability Considerations

Neither camera features official weather sealing or rugged protection. Both must be treated carefully and kept out of harsh environments.

The FZ70’s larger, more substantial build feels robust, but its reliance on a fixed lens means if the lens mechanism malfunctions (especially the complex zoom), repairs could be expensive or final. The GF3’s simpler, lightweight construction and interchangeable lens mount provide easier options for repair or upgrades.

For demanding outdoor or professional jobs, these models represent entry points but fall short of pro-grade toughness.

Battery Life and Storage Choices

The FZ70 boasts an estimated 400 shots per charge using its proprietary battery pack - a respectable figure for a bridge camera with an EVF. The GF3 delivers around 300 shots on a single charge, understandable given its smaller battery and mirrorless design.

Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in a single slot. The FZ70 supports internal storage as well but likely minimal.

Practically speaking, an enthusiast shooting all day would benefit from spare batteries for either, but the FZ70 offers marginally greater endurance - useful when out in the wild or traveling far from power.

Video Capabilities: Quality, Formats, and Usability

Both cameras offer Full HD 1920x1080 video recording, but with differing frame rates and codecs. The FZ70 supports 50/60i interlaced and 25/30p progressive modes in AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats, while the GF3 records 60p progressive Full HD video with AVCHD and Motion JPEG.

The GF3’s ability to shoot progressive 60fps at 1080p provides smoother, more fluid footage - great for slow motion or action scenes. The FZ70’s slower burst modes and interlaced formats feel somewhat dated in comparison.

Neither camera has microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control options. Additionally, image stabilization on the FZ70 benefits video stability, yet the GF3 lacks built-in IS, relying on lens stabilization where available.

Overall, casual video shooters will find both capable, though enthusiasts filming sports or wildlife may appreciate the GF3’s refresh rates and codec flexibility.

Genre-by-Genre Usability Breakdown

Let’s assess these cameras based on photography types most buyers consider:

• Portrait Photography: GF3 shines with larger sensor, better bokeh potential, and touch AF. FZ70’s small sensor and fixed zoom limit aesthetic control but face detection assists.

• Landscape Photography: GF3 edges out with higher dynamic range and RAW quality, though FZ70’s zoom covers expansive compositions. Neither weather sealed.

• Wildlife Photography: FZ70 dominates with 60x zoom, faster burst rate (9 fps), effective AF tracking. GF3’s shorter lens options and 3 fps limit reach.

• Sports Photography: Similarly, FZ70 offers better frame rates and zoom but limited AF sophistication. GF3's slower burst is a detriment here.

• Street Photography: GF3 is best suited, being discrete, lightweight, and quick with touchscreen focusing.

• Macro Photography: GF3’s interchangeable lenses and selective AF give precise control; FZ70 has a respectable 1cm macro focus but fixed optics.

• Night/Astro Photography: GF3’s larger sensor wins with higher ISO and dynamic range for clean low-light shots.

• Video: GF3 gives higher quality 1080p60 footage; FZ70's stabilization helps but frame rates lag.

• Travel Photography: GF3’s portability weighs in, though FZ70’s all-in-one zoom reduces lens swapping.

• Professional Work: GF3’s RAW depth, lens options, and exposure modes give flexible workflows, while FZ70 suits casual pro uses needing long reach.

Image Quality in Practice: Real-World Samples

Panasonic FZ70 front Panasonic FZ70 screen back Panasonic GF3 front Panasonic GF3 screen back

In controlled testing and outdoor sessions, the GF3 consistently produces cleaner images with smoother gradations - a direct result of its sensor’s size and quality. Skin tones appear natural with pleasing separation and softer backgrounds.

FZ70 images, while sharp across the zoom range, show increased noise and diminished shadow detail at higher ISOs - typical for smaller sensors. Chromatic aberrations are well managed by Leica optics, but fine detail softness reveals sensor limits.

Color reproduction on both cameras is generally vibrant but tends to be punchier on the FZ70, which can come across as less natural.

Overall Performance Ratings

Based on comprehensive testing including ISO performance, autofocus accuracy, handling, video, and image quality:

While the GF3 surpasses the FZ70 in most image quality aspects, the FZ70's zoom reach and shooting speed push its practical score in action and wildlife shooting.

Who Should Choose the Panasonic Lumix FZ70?

If your photography leans heavily towards action, wildlife, or sports where lens reach and fast continuous shooting are paramount, the FZ70 remains compelling. Its integrated 60x zoom makes it an all-in-one “grab and go” for capturing distant subjects without needing multiple lenses.

Hobbyists wanting solid manual controls and an EVF, or travelers wanting coverage without lugging accessories, will appreciate durability and ease here - despite image quality compromises due to sensor size.

Who Should Choose the Panasonic Lumix GF3?

For photographers prioritizing image quality, low light performance, and creative flexibility, especially in portrait, landscape, or macro, the GF3 is the sound choice. Its Four Thirds sensor and Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem provide substantial room for growth and artistic control.

Photographers who prize compact, lightweight gear for street or travel photography will also find the GF3's body and touch interface a joy to use daily.

The Final Word: Matching Camera to Your Vision

In this Panasonic showdown between the FZ70 and GF3, the enduring lesson is that no single camera fits every purpose perfectly.

The FZ70 excels as a superzoom solution with impressive reach, robust controls, and good burst speed - well-suited for enthusiasts needing range and versatility without changing lenses.

The GF3 delivers on sensor excellence, lens adaptability, and compact design, catering more to photographers who value image quality, portability, and gradual tech growth.

Having spent hours testing both indoors and in the field, I’ve seen firsthand how their distinct approaches impact shooting experiences. My advice? Reflect on what matters most - do you need mega-zoom power or superior image quality? Fast burst speeds or pocketable portability? Your ideal camera will follow those answers.

I hope this deep dive helps illuminate which Panasonic fits your photographic journey best; after all, understanding a camera’s soul takes more than reading specs - it’s about how it performs when you press the shutter and craft your vision.

Happy shooting!