Panasonic GM5 vs Panasonic ZR3

Below is a extensive analysis of the Panasonic GM5 versus Panasonic ZR3, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are built by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the GM5 (16MP) and the ZR3 (14MP) is pretty similar but the GM5 (Four Thirds) and ZR3 (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizing.

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The GM5 was brought out 4 years later than the ZR3 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GM5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a short view of how the GM5 grades against the ZR3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic GM5 Gallery and Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic GM5 comes with external dimensions of 99mm x 60mm x 36mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.4") and a weight of 211 grams (0.47 lbs) and the Panasonic ZR3 has specifications of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic GM5 versus Panasonic ZR3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing at that moment. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the GM5 versus the ZR3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the GM5 and ZR3 is 91 and 94 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to visualize the gap between sensor measurements merely by reading technical specs. The visual here will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the GM5 and ZR3.

As you have seen, both of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The GM5 due to its bigger sensor is going to make getting bokeh simpler and the Panasonic GM5 will offer you extra detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more recent GM5 should have a benefit in sensor technology.