Panasonic GH5 vs Panasonic S3

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Panasonic GH5 and Panasonic S3, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are sold by Panasonic. There is a crucial difference between the sensor resolutions of the GH5 (20MP) and S3 (14MP) and the GH5 (Four Thirds) and S3 (1/2.3") feature different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The GH5 was announced 6 years later than the S3 and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GH5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise overview of how the GH5 scores versus the S3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic GH5 Gallery and Panasonic S3 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GH5 features exterior dimensions of 139mm x 98mm x 87mm (5.5" x 3.9" x 3.4") and a weight of 725 grams (1.60 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S3 has proportions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic GH5 and Panasonic S3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the GH5 vs the S3.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the GH5 and S3 is 59 and 96 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to visualize the difference between sensor sizing purely by reading specs. The graphic here might give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the GH5 and S3.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The GH5 with its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Panasonic GH5 will deliver greater detail with its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures far more aggressively. The younger GH5 provides an edge when it comes to sensor technology.