Panasonic GF3 vs Sony NEX-3
90 Imaging
48 Features
48 Overall
48
![Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 front Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GF3/Panasonic-GF3-front.jpg)
![Sony Alpha NEX-3 front Sony Alpha NEX-3 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Sony-Alpha-NEX-3/Sony-NEX-3-front.jpg)
89 Imaging
54 Features
55 Overall
54
Panasonic GF3 vs Sony NEX-3 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 160 - 6400
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 264g - 108 x 67 x 32mm
- Introduced August 2011
- Replaced the Panasonic GF2
- Successor is Panasonic GF5
(Full Review)
- 14MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Display
- ISO 200 - 12800
- 1280 x 720 video
- Sony E Mount
- 297g - 117 x 62 x 33mm
- Launched June 2010
- Successor is Sony NEX-C3
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Panasonic GF3 vs Sony NEX-3 Overview
Below is a detailed analysis of the Panasonic GF3 versus Sony NEX-3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the GF3 (12MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is very comparable but the GF3 (Four Thirds) and NEX-3 (APS-C) provide different sensor size.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
The GF3 was released 15 months later than the NEX-3 making them a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before diving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple summary of how the GF3 scores versus the NEX-3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Panasonic GF3 vs Sony NEX-3 Gallery
Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 & Sony Alpha NEX-3. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic GF3 Gallery & Sony NEX-3 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Panasonic GF3 over the Sony NEX-3
GF3 | NEX-3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | August 2011 | ![]() | June 2010 | More recent by 15 months |
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Easily navigate |
Reasons to pick Sony NEX-3 over the Panasonic GF3
NEX-3 | GF3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting display |
Display resolution | 920k | ![]() | 460k | Crisper display (+460k dot) |
Common features in the Panasonic GF3 and Sony NEX-3
GF3 | NEX-3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | More precise focusing | ||
Display size | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Same display size |
Selfie screen | ![]() | No selfie screen |
Panasonic GF3 vs Sony NEX-3 Physical Comparison
If you are intending to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GF3 provides outside measurements of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3 has proportions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).
Examine the Panasonic GF3 versus Sony NEX-3 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are employing at that moment. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the GF3 and the NEX-3.
![Panasonic GF3 vs Sony NEX-3 size comparison Panasonic GF3 vs Sony NEX-3 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GF3-vs-Sony-Alpha-NEX-3-size-comparison.jpg)
Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the GF3 and NEX-3 is 90 and 89 respectively.
![Panasonic GF3 vs Sony NEX-3 top view buttons comparison Panasonic GF3 vs Sony NEX-3 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GF3-vs-Sony-Alpha-NEX-3-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Panasonic GF3 vs Sony NEX-3 Sensor Comparison
Generally, it is very difficult to picture the difference in sensor measurements simply by seeing a spec sheet. The photograph below might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the GF3 and NEX-3.
Clearly, both of those cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The GF3 because of its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony NEX-3 will show extra detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The newer GF3 provides a benefit with regard to sensor technology.
![Panasonic GF3 vs Sony NEX-3 sensor size comparison Panasonic GF3 vs Sony NEX-3 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GF3-vs-Sony-Alpha-NEX-3-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Panasonic GF3 vs Sony NEX-3 Screen and ViewFinder
![Panasonic GF3 vs Sony NEX-3 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Panasonic GF3 vs Sony NEX-3 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GF3-vs-Sony-Alpha-NEX-3-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Panasonic GF3 vs Sony NEX-3 Specifications
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 | Sony Alpha NEX-3 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Panasonic | Sony |
Model type | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 | Sony Alpha NEX-3 |
Class | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Introduced | 2011-08-11 | 2010-06-07 |
Physical type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | Venus Engine FHD | Bionz |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | Four Thirds | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 17.3 x 13mm | 23.4 x 15.6mm |
Sensor surface area | 224.9mm² | 365.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixel | 14 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4592 x 3056 |
Maximum native ISO | 6400 | 12800 |
Lowest native ISO | 160 | 200 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect autofocus | ||
Contract detect autofocus | ||
Phase detect autofocus | ||
Total focus points | 23 | 25 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
Available lenses | 107 | 121 |
Focal length multiplier | 2.1 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Type of display | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Display sizing | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Resolution of display | 460 thousand dots | 920 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Display tech | TFT Color LCD with wide-viewing angle | TFT Xtra Fine LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 60s | 30s |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/4000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous shutter rate | 3.0 frames/s | 7.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 6.30 m | 12.00 m |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Fastest flash synchronize | 1/160s | 1/160s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720p (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
Video format | AVCHD, Motion JPEG | MPEG-4 |
Microphone support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 264 gr (0.58 lbs) | 297 gr (0.65 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 108 x 67 x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") | 117 x 62 x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | 50 | 68 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 20.6 | 22.1 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 10.1 | 12.0 |
DXO Low light rating | 459 | 830 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 300 photos | 330 photos |
Style of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | - | NPFW50 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10 sec (3 images)) | Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10sec (3 images)) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Retail cost | $360 | $0 |