Panasonic GF3 vs Sony HX30V

Its time to look closer at the Panasonic GF3 vs Sony HX30V, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the GF3 (12MP) and HX30V (18MP) and the GF3 (Four Thirds) and HX30V (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizing.

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The GF3 was introduced 6 months prior to the HX30V and they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX30V being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a thorough comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the GF3 scores against the HX30V in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic GF3 Gallery and Sony HX30V Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera often, you need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GF3 has got external dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Sony HX30V has dimensions of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic GF3 vs Sony HX30V in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have at the time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the GF3 vs the HX30V.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the GF3 and HX30V is 90 and 90 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to visualize the gap in sensor sizing just by viewing specs. The visual below will help provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the GF3 and HX30V.

All in all, both cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The GF3 using its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Sony HX30V will render greater detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images more aggressively.