Panasonic GF7 vs Sony NEX-3

In this write-up, we will be looking at the Panasonic GF7 versus Sony NEX-3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the GF7 (16MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the GF7 (Four Thirds) and NEX-3 (APS-C) use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The GF7 was brought out 4 years later than the NEX-3 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before going straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the GF7 matches up versus the NEX-3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF7 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic GF7 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GF7 comes with outside measurements of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3 has dimensions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Check the Panasonic GF7 versus Sony NEX-3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at that moment. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the GF7 against the NEX-3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GF7 and NEX-3 is 90 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to envision the gap between sensor measurements merely by looking at a spec sheet. The graphic below will provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the GF7 and NEX-3.

Clearly, both cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The GF7 because of its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Panasonic GF7 will give you more detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The younger GF7 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.