Panasonic GF3 vs Samsung NX1100

Its time to look more in depth at the Panasonic GF3 and Samsung NX1100, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by competitors Panasonic and Samsung. There is a big difference among the image resolutions of the GF3 (12MP) and NX1100 (20MP) and the GF3 (Four Thirds) and NX1100 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor size.

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The GF3 was manufactured 20 months prior to the NX1100 making them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving straight to a complete comparison, here is a quick summary of how the GF3 scores against the NX1100 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 and Samsung NX1100. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic GF3 Gallery and Samsung NX1100 Gallery.

If you are looking to lug around your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GF3 provides outer measurements of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Samsung NX1100 has proportions of 114mm x 63mm x 37mm (4.5" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 222 grams (0.49 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic GF3 and Samsung NX1100 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using during that time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the GF3 compared to the NX1100.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the GF3 and NX1100 is 90 and 90 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to visualise the difference in sensor measurements purely by checking out specifications. The visual here will give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the GF3 and NX1100.

To sum up, the 2 cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The GF3 because of its smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF harder and the Samsung NX1100 will show more detail due to its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos way more aggressively. The older GF3 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.