Panasonic GH3 vs Sony HX30V

Let's look a bit more in depth at the Panasonic GH3 and Sony HX30V, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the GH3 (16MP) and the HX30V (18MP) is pretty close but the GH3 (Four Thirds) and HX30V (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The GH3 was brought out 7 months later than the HX30V which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony HX30V being a Compact camera.

Before going right into a in depth comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the GH3 matches up vs the HX30V when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic GH3 Gallery and Sony HX30V Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GH3 has got outside 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 Sony HX30V has dimensions of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") along with a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Check the Panasonic GH3 and Sony HX30V in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the GH3 and the HX30V.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the GH3 and HX30V is 66 and 90 respectively.

Usually, it can be hard to visualise the difference in sensor sizing purely by viewing specs. The photograph underneath should give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the GH3 and HX30V.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The GH3 featuring a bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF simpler and the Sony HX30V will result in more detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures more aggressively. The younger GH3 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.