Panasonic G85 vs Panasonic S3

In this write-up, we are analyzing the Panasonic G85 vs Panasonic S3, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both manufactured by Panasonic. The image resolution of the G85 (16MP) and the S3 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the G85 (Four Thirds) and S3 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The G85 was released 5 years later than the S3 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic G85 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a complete comparison, below is a short summary of how the G85 scores versus the S3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic G85 Gallery and Panasonic S3 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera, you are going to need to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic G85 enjoys outer measurements of 128mm x 89mm x 74mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 505 grams (1.11 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S3 has proportions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Check the Panasonic G85 vs Panasonic S3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilising at the time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the G85 against the S3.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the G85 and S3 is 69 and 96 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reading through specifications. The visual here should give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the G85 and S3.

To sum up, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The G85 due to its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic G85 will resolve extra detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos far more aggressively. The fresher G85 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.