Leica M8 vs Panasonic G3

The Leica M8 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in September 2006 and May 2011. The M8 is a fixed lens compact, while the G3 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless. The cameras are based on an APS-H (M8) and a Four Thirds (G3) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 10.4 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 15.8 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Leica M8		Panasonic G3
Rangefinder camera		Mirrorless system camera
Leica M mount lenses		Micro Four Thirds lenses
10.4 MP, APS-H Sensor		15.8 MP, Four Thirds Sensor
no Video		1080/60i Video
ISO 160-2,500		ISO 160-6,400
Optical viewfinder		Electronic viewfinder (1440k dots)
2.5 LCD, 230k dots		3.0 LCD, 460k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Swivel touchscreen
2 shutter flaps per second		4 shutter flaps per second
139 x 80 x 37 mm, 591 g		115 x 84 x 47 mm, 336 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica M8 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Leica M8 and the Panasonic G3. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The M8 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the G3 is available in four color-versions (black, brown, red, white).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic G3 is notably smaller (13 percent) than the Leica M8. Moreover, the G3 is substantially lighter (43 percent) than the M8. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the M8 nor the G3 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Leica M Lens Catalog (M8) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (G3).

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
	Leica M8	5.5 in	3.1 in	1.5 in	20.8 oz	..	n	Sep 2006	5,499
	Panasonic G3	4.5 in	3.3 in	1.9 in	11.9 oz	270	n	May 2011	599
	Canon T3	5.1 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	17.5 oz	700	n	Feb 2011	449
	Canon XTi	5.0 in	3.3 in	2.6 in	19.6 oz	370	n	Aug 2006	799
	Leica M10	5.5 in	3.1 in	1.5 in	23.3 oz	210	Y	Jan 2017	6,595
	Leica M Typ 262	5.5 in	3.1 in	1.7 in	24.0 oz	..	Y	Nov 2015	5,195
	Leica M9	5.5 in	3.1 in	1.5 in	20.6 oz	..	n	Sep 2009	7,999
	Nikon D3000	5.0 in	3.8 in	2.5 in	18.9 oz	500	n	Jul 2009	599
	Nikon D5000	5.0 in	4.1 in	3.1 in	20.8 oz	510	n	Apr 2009	749
	Nikon D40X	4.9 in	3.7 in	2.5 in	18.4 oz	520	n	Mar 2007	729
	Nikon D80	5.2 in	4.1 in	3.0 in	23.6 oz	600	n	Aug 2006	999
	Panasonic G6	4.8 in	3.3 in	2.8 in	13.8 oz	340	n	Apr 2013	599
	Panasonic G5	4.7 in	3.3 in	2.8 in	14.0 oz	320	n	Jul 2012	599
	Panasonic GX1	4.6 in	2.7 in	1.5 in	11.2 oz	320	n	Nov 2011	699
	Panasonic G2	4.9 in	3.3 in	2.9 in	15.1 oz	360	n	Mar 2010	599
	Panasonic GH2	4.9 in	3.5 in	3.0 in	15.6 oz	330	n	Sep 2010	899
	Panasonic L10	5.3 in	3.8 in	3.1 in	19.6 oz	450	n	Aug 2007	599
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Metric

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The G3 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 89 percent) than the M8, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica M8 features an APS-H sensor and the Panasonic G3 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the G3 is 54 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.3 and 2.0. The sensor in the M8 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the G3 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Despite having a smaller sensor, the G3 offers a higher resolution of 15.8 megapixels, compared with 10.4 MP of the M8. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 3.77μm versus 6.84μm for the M8). However, it should be noted that the G3 is much more recent (by 4 years and 7 months) than the M8, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the M8 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Panasonic G3 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the G3 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 23 x 17.2 inches or 58.3 x 43.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 18.4 x 13.8 inches or 46.7 x 35 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 15.3 x 11.5 inches or 38.9 x 29.2 cm. The corresponding values for the Leica M8 are 19.7 x 13.2 inches or 50 x 33.4 cm for good quality, 15.7 x 10.5 inches or 40 x 26.7 cm for very good quality, and 13.1 x 8.8 inches or 33.3 x 22.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Leica M8 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 160 to ISO 2500. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 are ISO 160 to ISO 6400 (no boost).

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The Overall DXO ratings for the two cameras under consideration are close, suggesting that they provide similar imaging performance. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Sensor Characteristics

	Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
	Leica M8	APS-H	10.4	3936	2630	none	21.1	11.3	663	59
	Panasonic G3	Four Thirds	15.8	4592	3448	1080/60i	21.0	10.6	667	56
	Canon T3	APS-C	12.2	4272	2848	720/30p	21.9	11.0	755	62
	Canon XTi	APS-C	10.1	3888	2592	none	22.1	11.0	664	62
	Leica M10	Full Frame	23.8	5952	3992	none	24.4	13.2	2133	86
	Leica M Typ 262	Full Frame	23.7	5952	3976	none	..	..	..	..
	Leica M9	Full Frame	18.1	5212	3472	none	22.5	11.7	884	69
	Nikon D3000	APS-C	10.0	3872	2592	none	22.3	11.1	563	62
	Nikon D5000	APS-C	12.2	4288	2848	720/24p	22.7	12.5	868	72
	Nikon D40X	APS-C	10.0	3872	2592	none	22.4	11.4	516	63
	Nikon D80	APS-C	10.0	3872	2592	none	22.1	11.2	524	61
	Panasonic G6	Four Thirds	15.9	4608	3456	1080/60p	21.3	11.5	639	61
	Panasonic G5	Four Thirds	15.9	4608	3456	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
	Panasonic GX1	Four Thirds	15.8	4592	3448	1080/60p	20.8	10.6	703	55
	Panasonic G2	Four Thirds	12.0	4000	3000	720/30p	21.2	10.3	493	53
	Panasonic GH2	Four Thirds	15.9	4608	3456	1080/60i	21.2	11.3	655	60
	Panasonic L10	Four Thirds	10.0	3648	2736	none	21.3	10.8	429	55

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The G3 indeed provides for movie recording, while the M8 does not. The highest resolution format that the G3 can use is 1080/60i.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the G3 has an electronic viewfinder (1440k dots), while the M8 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Leica M8, the Panasonic G3, and comparable cameras.

Core Features

	Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
	Leica M8	optical	n	2.5	230	fixed	n	1/8000s	2.0	n	n
	Panasonic G3	1440	n	3.0	460	swivel	Y	1/4000s	4.0	Y	n
	Canon T3	optical	n	2.7	230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
	Canon XTi	optical	n	2.5	230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
	Leica M10	optical	n	3.0	1037	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.0	n	n
	Leica M Typ 262	optical	n	3.0	921	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	n	n
	Leica M9	optical	n	2.5	230	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.0	n	n
	Nikon D3000	optical	n	3.0	230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
	Nikon D5000	optical	n	2.7	230	full-flex	n	1/4000s	4.0	Y	n
	Nikon D40X	optical	n	2.5	230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
	Nikon D80	optical	n	2.5	230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
	Panasonic G6	1440	n	3.0	1036	swivel	Y	1/4000s	7.0	Y	n
	Panasonic G5	1440	n	3.0	920	swivel	Y	1/4000s	6.0	Y	n
	Panasonic GX1	optional	n	3.0	460	fixed	Y	1/4000s	4.2	Y	n
	Panasonic G2	1440	n	3.0	460	swivel	Y	1/4000s	2.6	Y	n
	Panasonic GH2	1534	n	3.0	460	swivel	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
	Panasonic L10	optical	n	2.5	207	swivel	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The G3 has a touchscreen, while the M8 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the M8 and the G3 write their files to SDXC cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Leica M8 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

	Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
	Leica M8	Y	-	-	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
	Panasonic G3	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Canon T3	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Canon XTi	Y	-	-	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
	Leica M10	Y	-	-	-	-	-	-	Y	-	-
	Leica M Typ 262	Y	-	-	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
	Leica M9	Y	-	-	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
	Nikon D3000	Y	-	-	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
	Nikon D5000	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Nikon D40X	Y	-	-	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
	Nikon D80	Y	-	-	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
	Panasonic G6	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
	Panasonic G5	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Panasonic GX1	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Panasonic G2	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Panasonic GH2	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
	Panasonic L10	Y	-	-	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-

Both the M8 and the G3 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on eBay. The M8 was replaced by the Leica M9, while the G3 was followed by the Panasonic G5. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Leica and Panasonic websites.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Leica M8 and the Panasonic G3? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Reasons to prefer the Leica M8:

• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (0.7 EV of extra DR).
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
• More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in September 2006).

Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (15.8 vs 10.4MP), which boosts linear resolution by 21%.
• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 1080/60i video.
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.5") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (460k vs 230k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (4 vs 2 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• More compact: Is smaller (115x84mm vs 139x80mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 255g or 43 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (89 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Reflects 4 years and 7 months of technical progress since the M8 launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the G3 is the clear winner of the contest (15 : 6 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the M8 and the G3 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Review Scores

	Camera Model	camera   labs	dp review	ephoto   zine	imaging resource	photography   blog	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
	Leica M8	..	+ +	..	..	..	Sep 2006	5,499
	Panasonic G3	+ +	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	May 2011	599
	Canon T3	80/100	69/100	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2011	449
	Canon XTi	+ +	+ +	o	4.5/5	4/5	Aug 2006	799
	Leica M10	..	..	4/5	..	4.5/5	Jan 2017	6,595
	Leica M Typ 262	..	..	..	..	..	Nov 2015	5,195
	Leica M9	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	..	Sep 2009	7,999
	Nikon D3000	+	72/100	4/5	3.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2009	599
	Nikon D5000	+ +	75/100	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2009	749
	Nikon D40X	79/100	+ +	4/5	o	4/5	Mar 2007	729
	Nikon D80	+	+ +	o	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2006	999
	Panasonic G6	+ +	..	5/5	..	4.5/5	Apr 2013	599
	Panasonic G5	+ +	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2012	599
	Panasonic GX1	+	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Nov 2011	699
	Panasonic G2	..	72/100	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Mar 2010	599
	Panasonic GH2	+ +	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Sep 2010	899
	Panasonic L10	85/100	+	3.5/5	o	4/5	Aug 2007	599
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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Specifications: Leica M8 vs Panasonic G3

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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