Panasonic GH1 vs. GH3: A Deep Dive into Two Generations of Micro Four Thirds Excellence

Photographers seeking a versatile, mirrorless system often encounter Panasonic’s acclaimed Lumix GH series, known for balancing image quality, compactness, and multimedia features. In this comparison, we'll explore the Panasonic GH1 and GH3 - the two cameras that defined early Micro Four Thirds mirrorless performance in their respective eras. By peeling back their technical layers, real-world usability, and photographic strengths, this guide will help you understand which model fits your shooting style and creative ambitions.

The GH3 introduces a larger, more rugged body compared to the more compact GH1, influencing ergonomics and handling.

Unpacking the Design and Handling Experience

Physical Dimensions & Ergonomics
At a glance, the Panasonic GH1 boasts a compact 124x90x45 mm form factor with a light 385 g weight, making it appealing for photographers who value portability and discreet shooting. The GH3, however, ups the ante with a more substantial 133x93x82 mm body and 550 g weight, reflecting Panasonic’s move toward a more professional, durable build.

The larger GH3 body further offers enhanced grip, an articulate 3" touchscreen OLED display with 614k dots, and improved button placement - catering to faster access and better control in demanding shooting environments. The GH1’s 3” articulated screen with 460k dots is serviceable but less refined.

Build Quality & Weather Sealing
One of the biggest leaps sees the GH3 with dust and splash resistance, adding peace of mind outdoors. The GH1 lacks environmental sealing, so you’ll need to exercise caution shooting in inclement weather. For nature or adventure photographers, the GH3’s ruggedness can be a critical advantage.

Viewfinder & Interface
The GH1’s electronic viewfinder (EVF) offers 100% coverage with an unspecified resolution, translating to a basic but functional experience. The GH3 boasts a significantly enhanced EVF with 1744k-dot resolution and 0.67x magnification, delivering sharper previews and eye-level framing precision - a must-have for action and studio shoots.

The GH3’s touchscreen ability facilitates quick menu navigation and focus point selection, a feature missing on the GH1, which relies solely on physical buttons and dials.

Top view comparison reveals the GH3’s expanded control layout and additional dials for efficient operation.

Sensor Technology & Image Quality: The Heart of Your Photos

Sensor Size & Resolution
Both cameras employ Four Thirds CMOS sensors but with distinctions:

While the GH1’s sensor area is slightly larger, the GH3 compensates with higher resolution, offering more detail for large prints and cropping flexibility.

Dynamic Range & ISO Performance
DxOMark testing reveals:

The GH3’s improved processor (Venus Engine VII FHD) and sensor enhancements translate into better dynamic range and notably higher native ISO capabilities. This increases versatility for low-light shooting such as event photography or nightscapes.

Color Rendition & Image Texture
In practice, the GH3 delivers richer color depth and nuance, especially beneficial in skin tones for portrait work and lush landscapes. The GH1’s output is still respectable but tends toward softer edges and less punch in shadows, particularly above ISO 800.

Sensor size and resolution differences play a major role in the perceptible image quality leap.

Autofocus Evolution: From Basic to Advanced Tracking

Autofocus technology has radically improved between these models:

The GH1 utilizes a simple contrast-detection AF system with manual selection of focus points, lacking face or subject tracking. This makes it slower and less reliable for fast action or wildlife.

By contrast, the GH3’s 23-point AF, integrated face detection, and continuous tracking deliver quicker, more accurate focus acquisition, especially handy in sports and wildlife photography where split-second focusing is vital.

For portrait and street photography, the GH3’s face-detection autofocus significantly eases achieving sharp eyes and balanced focus, reducing missed shots.

The GH3’s OLED touchscreen offers superior interface interaction over the GH1’s basic LCD.

Burst Shooting & Video Capabilities: Expanding Creative Horizons

Continuous Shooting

• GH1: 3 fps
• GH3: 20 fps (electronic shutter)

Here the GH3 shines, with burst rates making it suitable for sports, wildlife, and decisive moments. The GH1’s modest 3 fps limits action capture to slower-paced subjects.

Video Recording
Both cameras record full HD 1080p, but the GH3 brings sharper, more versatile video specs:

The GH3’s added frame rates and professional codec support enable more dynamic video projects with better control over exposure and focusing during shoots. The headphone port adds critical audio monitoring capability.

While neither camera offers 4K or 6K photo modes, the GH3 remains a strong hybrid choice for videographers exploring HD storytelling.

Panasonic GH1 front Panasonic GH1 screen back Panasonic GH3 front Panasonic GH3 screen back

Across Photography Genres: Where Each Camera Excels

Portrait Photography

• GH3 is superior due to better skin tone rendition, face-detection AF, and higher resolution for crisp detail. Its color depth and dynamic range render natural, flattering tones.
• GH1 can still deliver pleasant portraits but requires more careful lighting and manual focus tweaks.

Landscape Photography

• Sharpness from the GH3’s 16 MP sensor and improved dynamic range translate into richer, more detailed landscapes.
• The GH1’s larger sensor area aids low ISO image quality, but it lacks weather sealing, making the GH3 more reliable in challenging outdoor conditions.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

• GH3’s autofocus tracking, 20 fps burst, and robust build make it the preferred choice for fast-moving subjects.
• GH1’s slow AF and burst rate hamper capturing wildlife in action.

Street Photography

• GH1’s small size and lighter weight lend to discreet shooting in urban settings.
• GH3’s touchscreen and faster AF facilitate candid shots, though it is bulkier.

Macro Photography

• Both support Micro Four Thirds lenses, but GH3’s accurate focus aids close-up work.
• Neither offers in-body stabilization; lens-based solutions will be necessary.

Night & Astro Photography

• GH3’s sensitivity and dynamic range enable cleaner images at high ISO.
• Manual mode availability on both assists long exposures.

Video

• GH3 clearly dominates via better codec support, frame rate options, and audio features.
• GH1 offers basic HD recording but is best suited to photographers using video as a secondary creative outlet.

Travel Photography

• GH1 is a lighter travel companion.
• GH3’s longer battery life and ruggedness support intensive use.

Professional Workflows

• GH3 supports higher-quality RAW files, longer battery life (540 vs. 320 shots per charge), and environmental sealing, aligning better with demanding professional scenarios.

Technical Spec Table: Panasonic GH1 vs. GH3

Lens Ecosystem & Compatibility: Leveraging Micro Four Thirds Power

Both cameras share the Micro Four Thirds mount, unlocking over 100 native lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, and third-party manufacturers. This versatility allows you to tailor your kit precisely, whether you seek super-telephoto lenses for wildlife, macro optics for close-up work, or high-quality primes for portraits.

Remember, neither camera offers in-body stabilization, so pairing with optical image stabilization (OIS) lenses is advisable, especially for handheld video or low-light shooting.

Connectivity, Storage & Accessories

• GH1 lacks wireless capabilities, relying on USB 2.0 and HDMI out.
• GH3 adds built-in wireless for remote shooting and image transfer, a vital feature for modern workflows.

Both use SD/SDHC cards but only the GH3 supports SDXC, suited for high-speed video recording storage needs.

External flash support exists on both, but the GH3’s enhanced metering and flash bracketing improve off-camera lighting control.

Battery Life & Power Management

The jump from 320 to 540 shots per battery charge is significant for fieldwork - GH3 users benefit from longer shooting sessions without carry spares.

GH3 batteries also recharge faster and support more efficient power management.

Pricing & Value: Which Should You Choose?

Despite being the older model, the GH1 launched higher-priced, reflecting its pioneering status. The GH3 initially cost less and offers more features, indicating Panasonic’s drive to democratize advanced video and photo controls.

Today’s market: The GH3 remains a better value if you find it at a competitive price or secondhand - affording an excellent balance between image quality, speed, and build. The GH1 can appeal as an entry-level Micro Four Thirds body or for collectors appreciating early mirrorless history.

Final Thoughts: Which Panasonic GH Camera Fits Your Journey?

If you want compact size and straightforward operation for casual travel, street, or introductory photography, the Panasonic GH1 will serve you well. It remains capable with excellent lens choices, though it shows its age in low light and autofocus.

For enthusiasts and semi-pro users needing faster autofocus, better video/audio features, enhanced durability, and a sharper viewfinder, the Panasonic GH3 is the clear upgrade. Its responsive shooting experience and rugged build empower you to confidently tackle diverse genres - from portraits to action sports.

Whichever you choose, both cameras represent meaningful chapters in Micro Four Thirds evolution and Panasonic’s legacy of enabling creativity. To get the most from your investment, pair them with quality lenses, reliably rated memory cards, and practice hands-on to unlock their capabilities fully.

Explore your options in-store or rent both bodies to experience their handling and features firsthand - your creative path deserves well-informed tools that inspire you.

Happy shooting!