Panasonic GH3 vs Panasonic ZS60

Below is a in depth assessment of the Panasonic GH3 versus Panasonic ZS60, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are sold by Panasonic. The resolution of the GH3 (16MP) and the ZS60 (18MP) is very close but the GH3 (Four Thirds) and ZS60 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The GH3 was launched 4 years earlier than the ZS60 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS60 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a detailed comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the GH3 scores against the ZS60 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic GH3 Gallery and Panasonic ZS60 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic GH3 features outer measurements of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") having a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS60 has specifications of 112mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 282 grams (0.62 lbs).

See the Panasonic GH3 versus Panasonic ZS60 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the GH3 compared to the ZS60.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the GH3 and ZS60 is 66 and 88 respectively.

Often, it's hard to see the contrast in sensor measurements just by viewing technical specs. The graphic here might offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the GH3 and ZS60.

As you have seen, the two cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The GH3 featuring a larger sensor will make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic ZS60 will provide you with greater detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos a little more aggressively. The older GH3 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.