Panasonic GF3 vs Panasonic ZS20

Let's examine more closely at the Panasonic GF3 vs Panasonic ZS20, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both created by Panasonic. The image resolution of the GF3 (12MP) and the ZS20 (14MP) is very well matched but the GF3 (Four Thirds) and ZS20 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor size.

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The GF3 was manufactured 8 months earlier than the ZS20 and they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera.

Before getting through a full comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the GF3 grades against the ZS20 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic GF3 Gallery and Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera often, you are going to need to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic GF3 has outside dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS20 has sizing of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic GF3 vs Panasonic ZS20 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you use at that time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the GF3 against the ZS20.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GF3 and ZS20 is 90 and 92 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to picture the gap between sensor dimensions simply by checking specs. The image below might offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the GF3 and ZS20.

All in all, both cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The GF3 because of its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field simpler and the Panasonic ZS20 will give you more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The more aged GF3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.