Panasonic GF3 vs Panasonic ZS40

Below is a comprehensive overview of the Panasonic GF3 vs Panasonic ZS40, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both manufactured by Panasonic. There exists a noticeable gap between the image resolutions of the GF3 (12MP) and ZS40 (18MP) and the GF3 (Four Thirds) and ZS40 (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The GF3 was revealed 3 years before the ZS40 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera.

Before delving through a in depth comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the GF3 grades versus the ZS40 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic GF3 Gallery & Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera often, you will want to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GF3 has got physical dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") with a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS40 has measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic GF3 vs Panasonic ZS40 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the GF3 vs the ZS40.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GF3 and ZS40 is 90 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to visualize the difference between sensor measurements only by reviewing a spec sheet. The photograph underneath will give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the GF3 and ZS40.

As you can see, both of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The GF3 using its larger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh simpler and the Panasonic ZS40 will offer you greater detail because of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics a little more aggressively. The older GF3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.