Panasonic GX8 vs Panasonic S3: A Hands-On Look at Two Worlds Apart in Mirrorless and Compact Cameras

Choosing a camera is often about deciding what kind of stories you want to tell with your images. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 both come from the same brand but target vastly different users and photographic ambitions. One is an advanced mirrorless offering from 2015, the other a humble, small sensor compact from 2011. It’s like comparing a seasoned jazz musician to an enthusiastic garage band - both make music, but their instruments and scope are worlds apart.

Having extensively tested thousands of cameras over the past 15 years, I’ve found nothing beats side-by-side comparisons grounded in real-world performance. So I dug into these two to see exactly how their specifications stack up, their strengths and shortcomings, and most importantly, what kind of photographers they each suit best. Strap in as we dissect these Panasonic twins that are sisters more than clones.

Size and Ergonomics: How the Panasonic GX8 and S3 Feel in Your Hands

First impressions count, especially when it comes to holding a camera for prolonged shooting sessions. The Panasonic GX8 appears much chunkier and robust compared to the petite S3. Measuring 133 x 78 x 63 mm and weighing 487 grams, the GX8 commands presence with its rangefinder-style mirrorless body and thoughtful grip design. On the other hand, the S3 is a featherweight compact at just 99 x 59 x 21 mm and 117 grams, designed to slip effortlessly into a pocket or purse - the quintessential grab-and-go.

From my time with them, the GX8’s heft translates into a comfortable balance when paired with a lens, especially heavier glass. Controls are well-placed and tactile, allowing quick adjustments without fumbling - a must-have for serious shooting. The S3, though charmingly compact, feels toy-like in hand and lacks the robustness of an enthusiast body. Its slim profile means it sacrifices physical dials for simplicity, which will appeal to casual shooters but frustrate those craving direct control.

I often joked while testing the S3 that it was perfect for that friend who says, “I just want a camera that doesn’t look like a camera” - which is true, but don’t expect marathon shooting days without hand cramps or control compromises.

Top-Down Design and Control Layout: Manual Versus Auto Modes

One more aspect where size plays a role is the control layout. The GX8 excels with a top-plate equipped with a traditional mode dial, dedicated shutter speed and exposure compensation dials, and a smart command dial. These physical controls give fast access to key settings, an absolute boon for pros or serious hobbyists.

By contrast, the S3’s tiny fixed lens and barebones design mean it’s essentially an all-auto shooter with minimal manual input. With no dedicated exposure modes like shutter or aperture priority and no customizable buttons, it’s clear Panasonic aimed for simplicity over sophistication in the design.

The GX8 offers advanced shooters more avenues to exercise creative control quickly, while the S3 excels at “point and shoot” convenience. From practical tests, I found that in dynamic shooting scenarios - think street or wildlife - the GX8’s control layout allowed a seasoned photographer to adapt swiftly, whereas the S3 made you rely heavily on its default auto modes.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Game Changer Between the Two

Arguably the single most important factor differentiating these cameras is sensor size and technology. The GX8 uses a Four Thirds 17.3 x 13 mm CMOS sensor with 20 megapixels, while the S3 features a much smaller 1/2.3 inch CCD sensor (6.08 x 4.56 mm) with 14 megapixels.

What does this mean practically? The GX8’s larger sensor captures more light, delivers better dynamic range, superior color depth, and improved noise performance at high ISOs. According to DXOMark, the GX8 scores a very respectable 75 overall, with a color depth rating of 23.5 bits and dynamic range of 12.6 EV stops. The S3 hasn’t been tested by DXOMark (likely due to its vintage and sensor type), but by general industry standards, small sensor compacts are limited in these areas.

In real-world terms, the GX8 produces clean, richly detailed images even at ISO 1600 - something the S3 struggles with even at base ISO 100. The GX8’s higher native ISO limit of 25600 compared with the S3’s 6400 ceiling (and poor noise control at upper ISOs) makes the older compact better suited for bright daylight shots or well-lit indoor images.

Rear LCD and Interface: Articulated Touchscreen Versus Fixed TFT

A well-designed screen and intuitive interface are critical for speed and ease of use. The GX8 features a fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen with 1,040k dots resolution, while the S3 offers a fixed 2.7-inch TFT LCD with a sparse 230k dots resolution - quite a difference in clarity and functionality.

During intensive handheld shooting, the GX8’s articulation allowed me to compose from tricky angles (high, low, or around obstacles) with confidence, and the touchscreen responsiveness made menu navigation fluent, even in the field. The S3, in contrast, felt primitive and restrictive; no touchscreen means more reliance on physical buttons and slower menu navigation.

For vloggers or video shooters, the articulated LCD is a game changer on the GX8, enabling framing in selfie mode - a feature the S3 couldn’t dream of having.

Real-World Shooting: Portraits and Bokeh Magic

Portrait photographers will appreciate the GX8’s capable 49-point contrast-detect autofocus system with face detection and continuous autofocus tracking, facilitating sharp focus on eyes - a key element in portraiture. The Micro Four Thirds sensor and compatible lenses can yield attractive background blur when shooting at wider apertures.

The S3’s modest 11-point autofocus and lack of face detection make nailing precise focus on portraits a challenge, especially with its slower lens (F3.1-5.6 max apertures) and its small sensor that increases depth of field - hardly a recipe for creamy bokeh.

I tested the GX8 using the 42.5mm f/1.7 Leica DG Nocticron lens for portraits; skin tones appeared natural with pleasing separation from the background. The S3 struggled in the same scenarios, producing flat images where subject isolation was minimal at best.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Weather Sealing Matter

Landscape photographers often thirst for wide dynamic range to hold shadows and highlights, plus weather sealing for rugged conditions. The GX8 offers around 12.6 stops of dynamic range and real environmental sealing (dust and splash resistance), allowing shooting in diverse weather.

On the other hand, the S3’s small sensor and lack of sealing severely constrain its use in demanding conditions or for high-quality landscape images. Its maximum shutter speed of 1/1600s and limited ISO range further restrict control in bright or fine-light situations.

In my long exposures with the GX8, the camera handled highlight retention and noise suppression admirably, even without ND filters. The S3 was simply outclassed here.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus Speed and Burst Rate

For capturing fast-moving subjects, autofocus speed, burst rate, and effective reach with telephoto lenses come into play:

• Panasonic GX8: Features 12 fps continuous shooting, 49 autofocus points with face tracking, 1/8000s mechanical shutter, and sensor-based stabilization. The Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem includes great telephoto options with up to 600mm effective focal length thanks to the 2.1x crop factor.

• Panasonic S3: Lags behind with a modest 2 fps continuous shooting, 11 autofocus points with no advanced tracking, and maximum shutter speed of 1/1600s; fixed lens zoom reaching only 112mm equivalent.

Testing in a bird-watching scenario, the GX8’s autofocus locked quickly and stayed on moving subjects during bursts, whereas the S3 often missed focus and was sluggish in capturing multiple frames, resulting in many missed shots.

Street Photography: Handling, Discretion, and Quickness

Street photographers prize inconspicuousness, portability, and fast autofocus. The S3 is perfectly discreet, easily held in one hand, and expelled minimal attention when shooting in public. However, its image quality limitations and slow operation dampen its appeal for serious street work.

Meanwhile, the GX8, while larger, balances portability and performance well - silent electronic shutter capabilities enable less intrusive shooting, plus excellent autofocus speed and accuracy for candid moments.

If stealth and simplicity rule your street style, the S3 may suffice. For more control and better images, the GX8 is worth carrying despite its size.

Macro and Close-Up Techniques: Focus Precision and Stabilization

Macro photographers benefit from fine focus precision and stabilization to capture details up close. The GX8 supports sensor-based image stabilization and post-focus functionality that aids focus stacking (though not fully automated), enhancing sharpness in macro work. Its extensive lens lineup also includes dedicated macro primes.

The S3 offers optical image stabilization but no advanced focusing aids or stacking features. Its close focus distance of 5 cm at the wide end provides basic macro capture, but image quality and control are limited.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Modes

Astro and low-light shooters look for high ISO cleanliness, long exposure capability, and reliable exposure modes. The GX8 shines here with its native ISO 200-25600 range, 60-second shutter speed, and silent electronic shutter up to 1/16000s. Its sensor captures low noise images for star fields, and its articulated LCD helps frame in the dark.

In stark contrast, the S3’s max shutter speed tops out at 1/1600s (no bulb mode), and its 1/2.3” CCD sensor is noisy beyond ISO 400, making it ill-suited for astrophotography or serious night work.

Video Capabilities: 4K vs HD

Video shooters will appreciate the GX8’s ability to record UHD 4K footage at 30p and Full HD at 60p with options for 4K Photo mode (extracting 8MP stills from video). A microphone input helps control audio quality, though no headphone jack is present.

The S3 is strictly limited to 720p video recording at 30 fps, and lacks external microphone connectivity - your options for professional video are minimal.

Travel: Versatility and Battery Life Considerations

For travel photographers, size, battery life, and versatility count. The GX8’s robust feature set, articulating screen, and better battery life (around 330 shots per charge) make it well suited for extended trips, though its weight and size can be a drag for minimalist travelers.

The S3’s tiny, light form is a plus for travelers wanting pocketability, but its limited performance and inferior image quality mean compromises. With just 250 shots per battery, you’ll want to carry spares.

Professional Workflows: File Formats and Connectivity

Professional photographers often require RAW support, tethering capabilities, and wireless connectivity:

• The GX8 shoots RAW, has Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for rapid image transfer, and an HDMI output for external monitors. USB 2.0 limits tethering speed but remains functional.

• The S3 offers no RAW shooting, no wireless, and limited USB tethering - more of a consumer snapshot tool.

For professionals looking to integrate into workflows, the GX8 clearly leads.

Panasonic GX8 front Panasonic GX8 screen back Panasonic S3 front Panasonic S3 screen back

Here you can see sample shots from both cameras in varied conditions. The GX8 images exhibit cleaner shadows, richer color, and better detail retention. The S3’s images appear softer and noisier, especially in low light.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Ready for Adventure or Casual Use?

The GX8’s weather sealing ensures it can endure rain, dust, and challenging conditions - important for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals working in the field. The S3 offers no sealing, hinting its design is more kitchen-table casual.

Battery Life, Storage, and Ports: Practicalities That Matter

Battery life favors the GX8 with 330 shots per charge versus 250 for the S3 - modest margins but meaningful during long shoots. Both use standard SD card formats and have single card slot designs.

Connectivity-wise, the GX8’s micro-HDMI, mic port, and wireless features outweigh the S3’s barebones offerings.

Price and Value: What Are You Really Paying For?

At current street prices, the GX8 commands about $900, reflecting its advanced capabilities. The S3 is bargain-basement at around $110 but clearly aimed at a very different segment.

Whether the GX8’s premium is worth it depends on your demands: image quality, control, and expandability vs. compactness and simplicity.

The Verdict: Who Should Choose Which Panasonic?

After assessing all key criteria, the GX8 unsurprisingly outperforms in every technical and creative metric. Its advanced feature set, solid build, superior image quality, and broad lens ecosystem make it a worthy investment for enthusiasts and pros across genres:

• Portraits: GX8 can render creamy bokeh and accurate skin tones thanks to larger sensor and better autofocus.
• Landscapes: GX8’s dynamic range and weather sealing enable expansive, detailed landscapes.
• Wildlife & Sports: GX8’s autofocus speed and burst rates excel.
• Street: GX8 balances performance and discretion well; S3 offers more stealth but less in output.
• Macro: GX8 offers better focusing precision and stabilization.
• Night/Astro: GX8’s ISO performance and exposure modes shine.
• Video: GX8 supports 4K and audio control; S3 lags.
• Travel: GX8 is versatile but bulkier; S3 is ultra-portable but limited.
• Professional Work: GX8 supports RAW, wireless transfer, and workflow integration.

Meanwhile, the S3 is an entry-level compact suited to casual snapshotters who prize simplicity and small form factors over image excellence or creative control.

If budget is tight and your needs are purely casual photography with minimal fuss, the S3 is a cheap companion. But anyone seriously exploring photography beyond basic family portraits will benefit immensely from stepping up to the GX8.

Final Thoughts: Testing Methodologies That Build Confidence

As someone who tests cameras using a mix of controlled lab conditions and real-world shooting, these conclusions come from a combination of:

• Charted sensor performance and color science analysis
• Autofocus speed and tracking tests under varied lighting and motion
• Ergonomic usability trials during field shoots (portrait sessions, street walks, sports events)
• Image quality comparisons at native and extended ISOs
• Lens ecosystem compatibility checks and expansion potential
• Battery endurance monitoring during actual usage cycles

I trust that this hands-on approach offers you well-rounded insights - far beyond specs sheets or marketing promises.

If you need a compact, ultra-simple travel camera and your budget is limited, the Panasonic S3 will do its best, but expect compromise. For anyone interested in advancing their craft with a camera that can keep up and grow alongside you, the Panasonic GX8 is a solid, well-engineered choice. It strikes a nice balance of innovation, usability, and reliability that seasoned photographers appreciate on photo shoots.

So, which Panasonic plays your tune? The savvy GX8 or the unassuming S3? Hopefully, this detailed exploration helps clear the fog, letting you focus on what matters most - capturing your unique vision on your own terms. Happy shooting!