Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic LF1

Below, we will be analyzing the Panasonic GH3 and Panasonic LF1, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are designed by Panasonic. There is a crucial difference between the image resolutions of the GH3 (16MP) and LF1 (12MP) and the GH3 (Four Thirds) and LF1 (1/1.7") possess different sensor sizing.

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The GH3 was released 14 months prior to the LF1 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LF1 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a thorough comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the GH3 matches up versus the LF1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic GH3 Gallery and Panasonic LF1 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera, you'll need to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GH3 enjoys external dimensions of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") with a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs) while the Panasonic LF1 has measurements of 103mm x 62mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic GH3 and Panasonic LF1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the GH3 against the LF1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the GH3 and LF1 is 66 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, it is very hard to imagine the contrast between sensor sizes simply by going over a spec sheet. The picture underneath might give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the GH3 and LF1.

Clearly, both the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The GH3 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic GH3 will offer more detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more aged GH3 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.