Panasonic GF3 vs Panasonic ZS8

Here is a comprehensive comparison of the Panasonic GF3 vs Panasonic ZS8, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are produced by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the GF3 (12MP) and the ZS8 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the GF3 (Four Thirds) and ZS8 (1/2.3") offer different sensor measurements.

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The GF3 was revealed within a month of the ZS8 so they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick view of how the GF3 matches up against the ZS8 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8. The full galleries are available at Panasonic GF3 Gallery and Panasonic ZS8 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GF3 comes with outer dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") having a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS8 has measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic GF3 vs Panasonic ZS8 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached at the time. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the GF3 vs the ZS8.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the GF3 and ZS8 is 90 and 92 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to visualize the gap between sensor sizing simply by looking at a spec sheet. The visual below will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the GF3 and ZS8.

As you can see, both of those cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The GF3 using its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF simpler and the Panasonic ZS8 will resolve greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots way more aggressively.