Panasonic GF1 vs Panasonic S3

Its time to take a deeper look at the Panasonic GF1 vs Panasonic S3, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are designed by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the GF1 (12MP) and the S3 (14MP) is pretty similar but the GF1 (Four Thirds) and S3 (1/2.3") posses different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The GF1 was announced 14 months earlier than the S3 which makes them a generation away from one another. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before going right into a full comparison, here is a concise summation of how the GF1 grades vs the S3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic GF1 Gallery and Panasonic S3 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GF1 features exterior dimensions of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") with a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs) while the Panasonic S3 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic GF1 vs Panasonic S3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the GF1 versus the S3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GF1 and S3 is 85 and 96 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to imagine the gap between sensor sizes only by reviewing technical specs. The picture here might give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the GF1 and S3.

As you can tell, each of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The GF1 using its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF simpler and the Panasonic S3 will offer greater detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more aged GF1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.