Panasonic GF3 vs Panasonic ZS50

Below is a extended analysis of the Panasonic GF3 versus Panasonic ZS50, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are designed by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the GF3 (12MP) and the ZS50 (12MP) is very comparable but the GF3 (Four Thirds) and ZS50 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor measurements.

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The GF3 was introduced 4 years earlier than the ZS50 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS50 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a complete comparison, here is a short summary of how the GF3 matches up against the ZS50 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic GF3 Gallery and Panasonic ZS50 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera frequently, you need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GF3 provides exterior measurements of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") with a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS50 has measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") with a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs).

Check the Panasonic GF3 versus Panasonic ZS50 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you use at that moment. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the GF3 and the ZS50.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GF3 and ZS50 is 90 and 90 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to envision the gap in sensor measurements just by going through specs. The photograph underneath will give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the GF3 and ZS50.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras come with the identical megapixel count but not the same sensor measurements. The GF3 offers the larger sensor which will make getting bokeh simpler. The older GF3 will be behind in sensor technology.