Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic S3

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Panasonic GF5 and Panasonic S3, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are built by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the GF5 (12MP) and the S3 (14MP) is pretty similar but the GF5 (Four Thirds) and S3 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

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The GF5 was announced 16 months after the S3 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a more detailed comparison, below is a concise summation of how the GF5 matches up vs the S3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic GF5 Gallery & Panasonic S3 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GF5 comes with outside measurements of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") and a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Panasonic S3 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic GF5 and Panasonic S3 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you choose during that time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the GF5 against the S3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the GF5 and S3 is 89 and 96 respectively.

Often, its difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizes only by going over a spec sheet. The picture below might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the GF5 and S3.

As you can see, both the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The GF5 using its bigger sensor will make achieving bokeh simpler and the Panasonic S3 will offer you more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more recent GF5 is going to have a benefit in sensor technology.