Panasonic GF3 vs Panasonic ZS30

Lets take a closer look at the Panasonic GF3 vs Panasonic ZS30, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both created by Panasonic. There exists a large gap among the sensor resolutions of the GF3 (12MP) and ZS30 (18MP) and the GF3 (Four Thirds) and ZS30 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The GF3 was released 17 months before the ZS30 making them a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a detailed comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the GF3 matches up against the ZS30 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic GF3 Gallery & Panasonic ZS30 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to travel with your camera frequently, you'll need to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic GF3 enjoys outer measurements of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS30 has sizing of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

Check the Panasonic GF3 vs Panasonic ZS30 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have attached at that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the GF3 vs the ZS30.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GF3 and ZS30 is 90 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it can be tough to visualise the gap in sensor dimensions just by researching a spec sheet. The picture underneath will provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the GF3 and ZS30.

Clearly, the 2 cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The GF3 featuring a larger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic ZS30 will result in extra detail as a result of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images more aggressively. The more aged GF3 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.