Panasonic G3 vs Sony a1
83 Imaging
51 Features
62 Overall
55
![Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 front Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-G3/Panasonic-G3-front.jpg)
![Sony Alpha a1 front Sony Alpha a1 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Sony-Alpha-a1/Sony-a1-front.jpg)
61 Imaging
81 Features
93 Overall
85
Panasonic G3 vs Sony a1 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 3" Fully Articulated Screen
- ISO 160 - 6400
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 336g - 115 x 84 x 47mm
- Released July 2011
- Earlier Model is Panasonic G2
- New Model is Panasonic G5
(Full Review)
- 50MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3" Tilting Display
- ISO 100 - 32000 (Bump to 102400)
- Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 7680 x 4320 video
- Sony E Mount
- 737g - 129 x 97 x 70mm
- Released January 2021
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Panasonic G3 vs Sony a1 Overview
Let's look more in depth at the Panasonic G3 vs Sony a1, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Pro Mirrorless by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There exists a sizable gap among the resolutions of the G3 (16MP) and a1 (50MP) and the G3 (Four Thirds) and a1 (Full frame) provide totally different sensor dimensions.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
The G3 was announced 10 years before the a1 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras have the same body design (SLR-style mirrorless).
Before we go straight to a full comparison, here is a short view of how the G3 matches up against the a1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Panasonic G3 vs Sony a1 Gallery
Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 & Sony Alpha a1. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic G3 Gallery & Sony a1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Panasonic G3 over the Sony a1
G3 | a1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display type | Fully Articulated | ![]() | Tilting | Fully Articulating display |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Take selfies |
Reasons to pick Sony a1 over the Panasonic G3
a1 | G3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | January 2021 | ![]() | July 2011 | More modern by 116 months |
Display resolution | 1440k | ![]() | 460k | Sharper display (+980k dot) |
Common features in the Panasonic G3 and Sony a1
G3 | a1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | More accurate focus | ||
Display dimensions | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equal display sizing |
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Easily navigate |
Panasonic G3 vs Sony a1 Physical Comparison
If you're looking to carry around your camera, you need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic G3 provides external measurements of 115mm x 84mm x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") having a weight of 336 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Sony a1 has specifications of 129mm x 97mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 737 grams (1.62 lbs).
See the Panasonic G3 vs Sony a1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the G3 versus the a1.
![Panasonic G3 vs Sony a1 size comparison Panasonic G3 vs Sony a1 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-G3-vs-Sony-Alpha-a1-size-comparison.jpg)
Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the G3 and a1 is 83 and 61 respectively.
![Panasonic G3 vs Sony a1 top view buttons comparison Panasonic G3 vs Sony a1 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-G3-vs-Sony-Alpha-a1-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Panasonic G3 vs Sony a1 Sensor Comparison
Normally, it's hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizes merely by looking through specs. The pic below may provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the G3 and a1.
All in all, each of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The G3 having a smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Sony a1 will result in greater detail with its extra 34MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop photos more aggressively. The more aged G3 will be behind in sensor tech.
![Panasonic G3 vs Sony a1 sensor size comparison Panasonic G3 vs Sony a1 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-G3-vs-Sony-Alpha-a1-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Panasonic G3 vs Sony a1 Screen and ViewFinder
![Panasonic G3 vs Sony a1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Panasonic G3 vs Sony a1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-G3-vs-Sony-Alpha-a1-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Panasonic G3 vs Sony a1 Specifications
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 | Sony Alpha a1 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Panasonic | Sony |
Model type | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 | Sony Alpha a1 |
Class | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Pro Mirrorless |
Released | 2011-07-11 | 2021-01-26 |
Physical type | SLR-style mirrorless | SLR-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | Venus Engine FHD | - |
Sensor type | CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | Four Thirds | Full frame |
Sensor measurements | 17.3 x 13mm | 35.9 x 24mm |
Sensor area | 224.9mm² | 861.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixel | 50 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 4592 x 3448 | 8640 x 5760 |
Maximum native ISO | 6400 | 32000 |
Maximum boosted ISO | - | 102400 |
Minimum native ISO | 160 | 100 |
RAW pictures | ||
Minimum boosted ISO | - | 50 |
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
Selective AF | ||
AF center weighted | ||
Multi area AF | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detection AF | ||
Contract detection AF | ||
Phase detection AF | ||
Total focus points | 23 | 759 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
Number of lenses | 107 | 133 |
Focal length multiplier | 2.1 | 1 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fully Articulated | Tilting |
Screen size | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Screen resolution | 460k dots | 1,440k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Screen tech | TFT Color LCD with wide-viewing angle | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
Viewfinder resolution | 1,440k dots | 9,437k dots |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 100 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.7x | 0.9x |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 60 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
Maximum silent shutter speed | - | 1/32000 seconds |
Continuous shooting rate | 4.0 frames per second | 30.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | 11.00 m | no built-in flash |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync | Flash off, Autoflash, Fill-flash, Slow Sync., Rear Sync., Red-eye reduction, Wireless, Hi-speed sync |
External flash | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Maximum flash synchronize | 1/160 seconds | 1/400 seconds |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60fps) 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30fps), 320 x 240 (30fps)) | 7680x4320 (30p, 25p, 23.98) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 7680x4320 |
Video data format | AVCHD, Motion JPEG | XAVC S, XAVC HS, H.264, H.265 |
Microphone port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Built-In |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | Yes |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 336 gr (0.74 lb) | 737 gr (1.62 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 115 x 84 x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") | 129 x 97 x 70mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | 56 | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | 21.0 | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 10.6 | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | 667 | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 270 shots | 530 shots |
Form of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | - | NP-FZ100 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC | Dual SD/CFexpress Type A slots (UHS-II supported) |
Card slots | Single | Dual |
Launch price | $500 | $6,498 |