Panasonic GX1 vs Panasonic ZS3

Its time to take a deeper look at the Panasonic GX1 and Panasonic ZS3, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both created by Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference among the image resolutions of the GX1 (16MP) and ZS3 (10MP) and the GX1 (Four Thirds) and ZS3 (1/2.3") use different sensor dimensions.

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The GX1 was released 2 years later than the ZS3 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GX1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera.

Before getting through a complete comparison, below is a brief summary of how the GX1 grades versus the ZS3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic GX1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera, you will need to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic GX1 has got physical dimensions of 116mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") with a weight of 318 grams (0.70 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS3 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic GX1 and Panasonic ZS3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are employing during that time. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the GX1 compared to the ZS3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the GX1 and ZS3 is 87 and 91 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to picture the gap in sensor sizing just by checking out a spec sheet. The graphic below should give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the GX1 and ZS3.

As you can see, both of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The GX1 because of its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic GX1 will show extra detail as a result of its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The more modern GX1 should have an edge in sensor innovation.