Panasonic GX8 vs Panasonic S3

Below, we will be evaluating the Panasonic GX8 versus Panasonic S3, one is a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are offered by Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap between the image resolutions of the GX8 (20MP) and S3 (14MP) and the GX8 (Four Thirds) and S3 (1/2.3") use different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The GX8 was unveiled 4 years after the S3 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GX8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a in depth comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the GX8 grades versus the S3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic GX8 Gallery and Panasonic S3 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera, you have to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic GX8 features outside measurements of 133mm x 78mm x 63mm (5.2" x 3.1" x 2.5") and a weight of 487 grams (1.07 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S3 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic GX8 versus Panasonic S3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at that moment. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the GX8 against the S3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GX8 and S3 is 74 and 96 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizes merely by checking technical specs. The pic underneath should offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the GX8 and S3.

As you can tell, both the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The GX8 with its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic GX8 will give you extra detail having an extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots much more aggressively. The fresher GX8 provides a benefit in sensor technology.