Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic S1

Below is a extensive review of the Panasonic GH3 versus Panasonic S1, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are created by Panasonic. There exists a significant gap between the image resolutions of the GH3 (16MP) and S1 (12MP) and the GH3 (Four Thirds) and S1 (1/2.3") boast different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The GH3 was unveiled 21 months later than the S1 which makes them a generation apart from one another. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S1 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a thorough comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the GH3 matches up versus the S1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic GH3 Gallery and Panasonic S1 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GH3 provides outer dimensions of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") having a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs) while the Panasonic S1 has proportions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic GH3 versus Panasonic S1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Following is a front view size comparison of the GH3 versus the S1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the GH3 and S1 is 66 and 96 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to picture the difference between sensor measurements only by checking a spec sheet. The photograph here will help give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the GH3 and S1.

Clearly, both of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The GH3 with its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic GH3 will give greater detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures way more aggressively. The more modern GH3 should have an advantage in sensor tech.