Nikon 1 V2 vs Panasonic GH3
The Nikon 1 V2 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in October 2012 and September 2012. Both the V2 and the GH3 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on an one-inch (V2) and a Four Thirds (GH3) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 14.2 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 15.9 MP.
Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.
Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon 1 V2 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3? 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 physical size and weight of the Nikon 1 V2 and the Panasonic GH3 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The V2 can be obtained in two different colors (black, white), while the GH3 is only available in black.
If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic GH3 is notably larger (38 percent) than the Nikon 1 V2. Moreover, the GH3 is substantially heavier (98 percent) than the V2. It is noteworthy in this context that the GH3 is splash and dust-proof, while the V2 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.
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. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. 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.
Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon 1 V2 | 109 mm | 82 mm | 46 mm | 278 g | 310 | n | Oct 2012 | 799 | ebay.com | |
2. | Panasonic GH3 | 133 mm | 93 mm | 82 mm | 550 g | 540 | Y | Sep 2012 | 1,299 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon G1 X | 117 mm | 81 mm | 65 mm | 534 g | 250 | n | Jan 2012 | 799 | ebay.com | |
4. | Fujifilm X-M1 | 117 mm | 67 mm | 39 mm | 330 g | 350 | n | Jun 2013 | 699 | ebay.com | |
5. | Nikon 1 J4 | 100 mm | 60 mm | 29 mm | 232 g | 300 | n | Apr 2014 | 549 | ebay.com | |
6. | Nikon 1 V1 | 113 mm | 76 mm | 44 mm | 383 g | 350 | n | Sep 2011 | 799 | ebay.com | |
7. | Nikon 1 V3 | 111 mm | 65 mm | 33 mm | 381 g | 310 | n | Mar 2014 | 799 | ebay.com | |
8. | Olympus E-M1 | 130 mm | 94 mm | 63 mm | 497 g | 350 | Y | Sep 2013 | 1,399 | ebay.com | |
9. | Olympus E-M5 II | 124 mm | 85 mm | 45 mm | 469 g | 310 | Y | Feb 2015 | 1,099 | ebay.com | |
10. | Panasonic G5 | 120 mm | 83 mm | 71 mm | 396 g | 320 | n | Jul 2012 | 599 | ebay.com | |
11. | Panasonic GF5 | 108 mm | 67 mm | 37 mm | 267 g | 360 | n | Apr 2012 | 499 | ebay.com | |
12. | Panasonic GF6 | 111 mm | 65 mm | 38 mm | 323 g | 340 | n | Apr 2013 | 499 | ebay.com | |
13. | Panasonic GH2 | 124 mm | 90 mm | 76 mm | 442 g | 330 | n | Sep 2010 | 899 | ebay.com | |
14. | Panasonic GH4 | 133 mm | 93 mm | 84 mm | 560 g | 500 | Y | Feb 2014 | 1,499 | ebay.com | |
15. | Panasonic GX1 | 116 mm | 68 mm | 39 mm | 318 g | 320 | n | Nov 2011 | 699 | ebay.com | |
16. | Ricoh GR | 117 mm | 61 mm | 35 mm | 245 g | 290 | n | Apr 2013 | 799 | ebay.com | |
17. | Sony RX100 II | 102 mm | 58 mm | 38 mm | 281 g | 350 | n | Jun 2013 | 749 | ebay.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The V2 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 38 percent) than the GH3, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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 generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels 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 Nikon 1 V2 features an one-inch sensor and the Panasonic GH3 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the GH3 is 94 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.7 and 2.0. The sensor in the V2 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the GH3 offers a 4:3 aspect.
With 15.9MP, the GH3 offers a higher resolution than the V2 (14.2MP), but the GH3 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.76μm versus 2.86μm for the V2) due to its larger sensor. It is noteworthy in this context that the two cameras were released in close succession, so that their sensors are from the same technological generation.
The V2 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.
The Nikon 1 V2 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 160 to ISO 12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 are ISO 200 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 125-25600.
Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.
Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the GH3 offers substantially better image quality than the V2 (overall score 21 points higher). The advantage is based on 2.5 bits higher color depth, 1.6 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.
Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon 1 V2 | 1-inch | 14.2 | 4608 | 3072 | 1080/60p | 20.2 | 10.8 | 403 | 50 | |
2. | Panasonic GH3 | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/60p | 22.7 | 12.4 | 812 | 71 | |
3. | Canon G1 X | 1.5-inch | 14.2 | 4352 | 3264 | 1080/24p | 21.7 | 10.8 | 644 | 60 | |
4. | Fujifilm X-M1 | APS-C | 16.0 | 4896 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.4 | 12.6 | 1371 | 76 | |
5. | Nikon 1 J4 | 1-inch | 18.2 | 5232 | 3488 | 1080/60p | 20.8 | 10.7 | 426 | 53 | |
6. | Nikon 1 V1 | 1-inch | 10.0 | 3872 | 2592 | 1080/60i | 21.3 | 11.0 | 346 | 54 | |
7. | Nikon 1 V3 | 1-inch | 18.2 | 5232 | 3488 | 1080/60p | 20.8 | 10.7 | 384 | 52 | |
8. | Olympus E-M1 | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 23.0 | 12.7 | 757 | 73 | |
9. | Olympus E-M5 II | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/60p | 23.0 | 12.5 | 842 | 73 | |
10. | Panasonic G5 | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/60p | 21.4 | 11.6 | 618 | 61 | |
11. | Panasonic GF5 | Four Thirds | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60i | 20.5 | 10.0 | 573 | 50 | |
12. | Panasonic GF6 | Four Thirds | 15.8 | 4592 | 3448 | 1080/60i | 20.7 | 10.6 | 622 | 54 | |
13. | Panasonic GH2 | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/60i | 21.2 | 11.3 | 655 | 60 | |
14. | Panasonic GH4 | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 4K/30p | 23.2 | 12.8 | 791 | 74 | |
15. | Panasonic GX1 | Four Thirds | 15.8 | 4592 | 3448 | 1080/60p | 20.8 | 10.6 | 703 | 55 | |
16. | Ricoh GR | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.6 | 13.5 | 972 | 78 | |
17. | Sony RX100 II | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 1080/60p | 22.5 | 12.4 | 483 | 67 | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/60p).
Feature comparison
Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The two cameras under review are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the GH3 offers a higher resolution than the one in the V2 (1746k vs 1440k dots). The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon 1 V2 and Panasonic GH3 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.
Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Max Shutter Speed * |
Max Shutter Flaps * |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon 1 V2 | 1440 | n | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 15.0/s | Y | n | |
2. | Panasonic GH3 | 1746 | n | 3.0 / 614 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 6.0/s | Y | n | |
3. | Canon G1 X | optical | n | 3.0 / 922 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 1.9/s | Y | Y | |
4. | Fujifilm X-M1 | none | n | 3.0 / 920 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 5.6/s | Y | n | |
5. | Nikon 1 J4 | none | n | 3.0 / 1037 | Fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 60.0/s | Y | n | |
6. | Nikon 1 V1 | 1440 | n | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 10.0/s | n | n | |
7. | Nikon 1 V3 | optional | n | 3.0 / 1037 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 60.0/s | Y | n | |
8. | Olympus E-M1 | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1037 | tilting | Y | 1/8000s | 10.0/s | n | Y | |
9. | Olympus E-M5 II | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1037 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 10.0/s | n | Y | |
10. | Panasonic G5 | 1440 | n | 3.0 / 920 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 6.0/s | Y | n | |
11. | Panasonic GF5 | none | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 4.0/s | Y | n | |
12. | Panasonic GF6 | none | n | 3.0 / 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 4.2/s | Y | n | |
13. | Panasonic GH2 | 1534 | n | 3.0 / 460 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
14. | Panasonic GH4 | 2359 | n | 3.0 / 1036 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 12.0/s | Y | n | |
15. | Panasonic GX1 | optional | n | 3.0 / 460 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 4.2/s | Y | n | |
16. | Ricoh GR | optional | n | 3.0 / 1230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 4.0/s | Y | n | |
17. | Sony RX100 II | optional | n | 3.0 / 1229 | tilting | n | 1/2000s | 10.0/s | Y | Y | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The GH3 has a touchscreen, while the V2 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.
The GH3 has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the V2 does not have a selfie-screen.The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, both cameras under consideration feature an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).
The Nikon 1 V2 and the Panasonic GH3 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.
Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the V2 and the GH3 write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.
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 Nikon 1 V2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon 1 V2 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
2. | Panasonic GH3 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
3. | Canon G1 X | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
4. | Fujifilm X-M1 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
5. | Nikon 1 J4 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
6. | Nikon 1 V1 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
7. | Nikon 1 V3 | - | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
8. | Olympus E-M1 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
9. | Olympus E-M5 II | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
10. | Panasonic G5 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
11. | Panasonic GF5 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
12. | Panasonic GF6 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
13. | Panasonic GH2 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
14. | Panasonic GH4 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
15. | Panasonic GX1 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
16. | Ricoh GR | Y | mono / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
17. | Sony RX100 II | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - |
It is notable that the GH3 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the V2 does not provide wifi capability.
Studio photographers will appreciate that the Panasonic GH3 (unlike the V2) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.
Both the V2 and the GH3 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The GH3 was replaced by the Panasonic GH4, while the V2 was followed by the Nikon 1 V3. Further information on the features and operation of the V2 and GH3 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon 1 V2 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic GH3 Manual.
Review summary
So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon 1 V2 and the Panasonic GH3? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.
Advantages of the Nikon 1 V2:
- Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
- More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (921k vs 614k dots).
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (15 vs 6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
- More compact: Is smaller (109x82mm vs 133x93mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
- Less heavy: Is lighter (by 272g or 49 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
- More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (38 percent cheaper at launch).
Reasons to prefer the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3:
- Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (21 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
- Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (2.5 bits more color depth).
- More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (1.6 EV of extra DR).
- Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1 stops ISO advantage).
- Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
- Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
- More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (1746k vs 1440k 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.
- Longer lasting: Gets more shots (540 versus 310) out of a single battery charge.
- Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
- Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
- Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
- Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the GH3 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 sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.
How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon 1 V2 and the Panasonic GH3 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.
In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the V2 or the GH3 perform in practice. 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 (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). 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.
Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon 1 V2 | 3/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Oct 2012 | 799 | ebay.com | |
2. | Panasonic GH3 | 5/5 | + + | .. | 79/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 1,299 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon G1 X | 5/5 | + | .. | 76/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2012 | 799 | ebay.com | |
4. | Fujifilm X-M1 | 3/5 | + | .. | 77/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2013 | 699 | ebay.com | |
5. | Nikon 1 J4 | 3/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Apr 2014 | 549 | ebay.com | |
6. | Nikon 1 V1 | .. | + | .. | 69/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Sep 2011 | 799 | ebay.com | |
7. | Nikon 1 V3 | 3/5 | .. | .. | 76/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Mar 2014 | 799 | ebay.com | |
8. | Olympus E-M1 | 5/5 | + + | .. | 84/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2013 | 1,399 | ebay.com | |
9. | Olympus E-M5 II | 5/5 | + + | 4.5/5 | 81/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Feb 2015 | 1,099 | ebay.com | |
10. | Panasonic G5 | 3/5 | + + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2012 | 599 | ebay.com | |
11. | Panasonic GF5 | 3/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2012 | 499 | ebay.com | |
12. | Panasonic GF6 | .. | + + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2013 | 499 | ebay.com | |
13. | Panasonic GH2 | 5/5 | + + | .. | 79/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Sep 2010 | 899 | ebay.com | |
14. | Panasonic GH4 | 5/5 | + + | .. | 85/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Feb 2014 | 1,499 | ebay.com | |
15. | Panasonic GX1 | 3/5 | + | .. | 77/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Nov 2011 | 699 | ebay.com | |
16. | Ricoh GR | 5/5 | .. | .. | 79/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2013 | 799 | ebay.com | |
17. | Sony RX100 II | 5/5 | + + | .. | 79/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2013 | 749 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.
Other camera comparisons
Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.
- Canon 2000D vs Nikon 1 V2
- Canon 7D II vs Panasonic GH3
- Canon G7 X Mark II vs Panasonic GH3
- Canon XS vs Nikon 1 V2
- Fujifilm GFX 100S vs Panasonic GH3
- Fujifilm X-T20 vs Panasonic GH3
- Nikon 1 V2 vs Nikon D3X
- Nikon 1 V2 vs Panasonic FZ100
- Nikon 1 V2 vs Samsung NX1
- Nikon 1 V2 vs Sony RX0 II
- Panasonic GH3 vs Ricoh WG-60
- Panasonic GH3 vs Sony RX100 VII
Specifications: Nikon 1 V2 vs Panasonic GH3
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.
Camera Model | Nikon 1 V2 | Panasonic GH3 |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Mirrorless system camera | Mirrorless system camera |
Camera Lens | Nikon 1 mount lenses | Micro Four Thirds lenses |
Launch Date | October 2012 | September 2012 |
Launch Price | USD 799 | USD 1,299 |
Sensor Specs | Nikon 1 V2 | Panasonic GH3 |
Sensor Technology | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Format | 1" Sensor | Four Thirds Sensor |
Sensor Size | 13.2 x 8.8 mm | 17.3 x 13.0 mm |
Sensor Area | 116.16 mm2 | 224.9 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 15.9 mm | 21.6 mm |
Crop Factor | 2.7x | 2.0x |
Sensor Resolution | 14.2 Megapixels | 15.9 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 4608 x 3072 pixels | 4608 x 3456 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 2.86 μm | 3.76 μm |
Pixel Density | 12.19 MP/cm2 | 7.08 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | Anti-Alias filter |
Movie Capability | 1080/60p Video | 1080/60p Video |
ISO Setting | 160 - 12,800 ISO | 200 - 12,800 ISO |
ISO Boost | no Enhancement | 125 - 25,600 ISO |
Image Processor | EXPEED 3 | Venus VII FHD |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 50 | 71 |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 20.2 | 22.7 |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 10.8 | 12.4 |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 403 | 812 |
Screen Specs | Nikon 1 V2 | Panasonic GH3 |
Viewfinder Type | Electronic viewfinder | Electronic viewfinder |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.67x | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 1440k dots | 1746k dots |
LCD Framing | Live View | Live View |
Rear LCD Size | 3.0inch | 3.0inch |
LCD Resolution | 921k dots | 614k dots |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | Swivel screen |
Touch Input | no Touchscreen | Touchscreen |
Shooting Specs | Nikon 1 V2 | Panasonic GH3 |
Focus System | On-Sensor Phase-detect | Contrast-detect AF |
Continuous Shooting | 15 shutter flaps/s | 6 shutter flaps/s |
Electronic Shutter | up to 1/16000s | YES |
Time-Lapse Photography | Intervalometer built-in | Intervalometer built-in |
Fill Flash | Built-in Flash | Built-in Flash |
Storage Medium | SDXC cards | SDXC cards |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Single card slot | Single card slot |
UHS card support | UHS-I | UHS-I |
Connectivity Specs | Nikon 1 V2 | Panasonic GH3 |
External Flash | no Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
Studio Flash | no PC Sync | PC Sync socket |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
HDMI Port | mini HDMI | mini HDMI |
Microphone Port | no MIC socket | External MIC port |
Headphone Socket | no Headphone port | Headphone port |
Wifi Support | no Wifi | Wifi built-in |
Body Specs | Nikon 1 V2 | Panasonic GH3 |
Environmental Sealing | not weather sealed | Weathersealed body |
Battery Type | Nikon EN-EL21 | Panasonic DMW-BLF19 |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 310 shots per charge | 540 shots per charge |
Body Dimensions |
109 x 82 x 46 mm (4.3 x 3.2 x 1.8 in) |
133 x 93 x 82 mm (5.2 x 3.7 x 3.2 in) |
Camera Weight | 278 g (9.8 oz) | 550 g (19.4 oz) |
Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.