Panasonic GF1 vs Panasonic ZS3

The following is a thorough comparison of the Panasonic GF1 vs Panasonic ZS3, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are designed by Panasonic. The image resolution of the GF1 (12MP) and the ZS3 (10MP) is pretty close but the GF1 (Four Thirds) and ZS3 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The GF1 was released 6 months after the ZS3 and they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a detailed comparison, below is a short overview of how the GF1 grades against the ZS3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic GF1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to travel with your camera regularly, you should think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GF1 enjoys outside measurements of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") along with a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS3 has proportions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic GF1 vs Panasonic ZS3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you choose at that time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the GF1 and the ZS3.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GF1 and ZS3 is 85 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to envision the difference in sensor dimensions simply by viewing technical specs. The picture underneath should give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the GF1 and ZS3.

As you have seen, both cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The GF1 because of its bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic GF1 will result in extra detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively.