Panasonic GF3 vs Samsung WB850F

Following is a extended analysis of the Panasonic GF3 and Samsung WB850F, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Samsung. There exists a large gap between the resolutions of the GF3 (12MP) and WB850F (16MP) and the GF3 (Four Thirds) and WB850F (1/2.3") have totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The GF3 was launched 5 months prior to the WB850F so they are of a similar age. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Samsung WB850F being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summary of how the GF3 matches up vs the WB850F when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 & Samsung WB850F. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic GF3 Gallery & Samsung WB850F Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera, you should think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GF3 offers outside 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 Samsung WB850F has measurements of 109mm x 62mm x 25mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.0") with a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic GF3 and Samsung WB850F in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the GF3 compared to the WB850F.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GF3 and WB850F is 90 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it is tough to envision the contrast between sensor sizes only by checking a spec sheet. The picture here may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the GF3 and WB850F.

Clearly, both the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The GF3 due to its bigger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Samsung WB850F will give you more detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots way more aggressively.