Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic S3

Lets look more closely at the Panasonic GH3 and Panasonic S3, former being a Advanced Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are created by Panasonic. The resolution of the GH3 (16MP) and the S3 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the GH3 (Four Thirds) and S3 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The GH3 was announced 21 months later than the S3 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple overview of how the GH3 matches up versus the S3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic GH3 Gallery & Panasonic S3 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GH3 has got outer measurements of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") and a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs) while the Panasonic S3 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 the Panasonic GH3 and Panasonic S3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you use during that time. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the GH3 versus the S3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GH3 and S3 is 66 and 96 respectively.

Quite often, it can be hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizing purely by checking specifications. The visual underneath may give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the GH3 and S3.

To sum up, both cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The GH3 using its bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic GH3 will resolve more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots more aggressively. The fresher GH3 will have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.