Panasonic GF3 vs Sony HX20V

Its time to take a deeper look at the Panasonic GF3 and Sony HX20V, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a sizable difference among the resolutions of the GF3 (12MP) and HX20V (18MP) and the GF3 (Four Thirds) and HX20V (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizing.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The GF3 was launched 11 months before the HX20V so they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX20V being a Compact camera.

Before going right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a short highlight of how the GF3 scores vs the HX20V in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic GF3 Gallery & Sony HX20V Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera, you should factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic GF3 enjoys physical 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 HX20V has sizing of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") along with a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Check the Panasonic GF3 and Sony HX20V in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the GF3 versus the HX20V.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the GF3 and HX20V is 90 and 90 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to picture the contrast in sensor sizing merely by going through specifications. The graphic here will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the GF3 and HX20V.

Plainly, the two cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The GF3 due to its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Sony HX20V will provide more detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The older GF3 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.