Panasonic GH1 vs Panasonic S3

Here, we will be comparing the Panasonic GH1 vs Panasonic S3, former being a Advanced Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are sold by Panasonic. The image resolution of the GH1 (12MP) and the S3 (14MP) is relatively similar but the GH1 (Four Thirds) and S3 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The GH1 was announced 18 months earlier than the S3 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GH1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a detailed comparison, here is a short summation of how the GH1 matches up versus the S3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic GH1 Gallery & Panasonic S3 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera, you should factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GH1 comes with external measurements of 124mm x 90mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs) and the Panasonic S3 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Check the Panasonic GH1 vs Panasonic S3 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the GH1 versus the S3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GH1 and S3 is 81 and 96 respectively.

Quite often, its difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reviewing specifications. The graphic below will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the GH1 and S3.

To sum up, the 2 cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The GH1 using its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field simpler and the Panasonic S3 will deliver more detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures way more aggressively. The older GH1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.