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Nikon D800E vs Panasonic G3

The Nikon D800E and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in February 2012 and May 2011. The D800E is a DSLR, while the G3 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a full frame (D800E) and a Four Thirds (G3) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 36.2 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
Nikon D800E
versus
Panasonic G3
Nikon D800E   Panasonic G3
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
36.2 MP – Full Frame sensor 15.8 MP – Four Thirds sensor
1080/30p Video 1080/60i Video
ISO 100-6,400 (50 - 25,600) ISO 160-6,400
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (1440k dots)
3.2" LCD – 921k dots 3.0" LCD – 460k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Swivel touchscreen
4 shutter flaps per second 4 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
900 shots per battery charge270 shots per battery charge
146 x 123 x 82 mm, 1000 g 115 x 84 x 47 mm, 336 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D800E 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.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Nikon D800E and the Panasonic G3 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 width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The G3 can be obtained in four different colors (black, brown, red, white), while the D800E is only available in black.

Size Nikon D800E vs Panasonic G3
Compare D800E versus G3 top
Comparison D800E or G3 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic G3 is considerably smaller (46 percent) than the Nikon D800E. Moreover, the G3 is substantially lighter (66 percent) than the D800E. It is worth mentioning in this context that the D800E is splash and dust resistant, while the G3 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. 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 Nikon Lens Catalog (D800E) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (G3). Mirrorless cameras, such as the G3, have moreover the advantage that they can use many lenses from other systems via adapters, as they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance.

Concerning battery life, the D800E gets 900 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL15 battery, while the G3 can take 270 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLD10 power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D800E 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 1000 g 900 Y Feb 2012 3,299ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic G3 115 mm 84 mm 47 mm 336 g 270 n May 2011 599ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV 151 mm 116 mm 76 mm 890 g 900 Y Aug 2016 3,499 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon 5D Mark III 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 950 g 950 Y Mar 2012 3,499ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D850 146 mm 124 mm 79 mm 1005 g 1840 Y Jul 2017 3,299 amazon.com
6.
 
Nikon D810 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 980 g 1200 Y Jun 2014 3,299ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon Df 144 mm 110 mm 67 mm 760 g 1400 Y Nov 2013 2,749ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D610 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 Y Oct 2013 1,999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 Y Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D600 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 Y Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D800 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 1000 g 900 Y Feb 2012 2,999ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D700 147 mm 123 mm 77 mm 1074 g 1000 Y Jul 2008 2,999ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic G6 122 mm 85 mm 71 mm 390 g 340 n Apr 2013 599ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic G5 120 mm 83 mm 71 mm 396 g 320 n Jul 2012 599ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GX1 116 mm 68 mm 39 mm 318 g 320 n Nov 2011 699ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic G2 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 428 g 360 n Mar 2010 599ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GH2 124 mm 90 mm 76 mm 442 g 330 n Sep 2010 899ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. 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 82 percent) than the D800E, 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. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D800E features a full frame sensor and the Panasonic G3 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the G3 is 74 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 2.0. The sensor in the D800E has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the G3 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Nikon D800E and Panasonic G3 sensor measures

With 36.2MP, the D800E offers a higher resolution than the G3 (15.8MP), but the D800E nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.88μm versus 3.77μm for the G3) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the D800E is a somewhat more recent model (by 8 months) than the G3, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the D800E has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D800E implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D800E for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 36.8 x 24.6 inches or 93.5 x 62.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 29.4 x 19.6 inches or 74.8 x 49.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 24.5 x 16.4 inches or 62.3 x 41.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic G3 are 23 x 17.2 inches or 58.3 x 43.8 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 13.8 inches or 46.7 x 35 cm for very good quality, and 15.3 x 11.5 inches or 38.9 x 29.2 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Nikon D800E has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 50-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 are ISO 160 to ISO 6400 (no boost).

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.

D800E versus G3 MP

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 review, the D800E provides substantially higher image quality than the G3, with an overall score that is 40 points higher. This advantage is based on 4.6 bits higher color depth, 3.7 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2.2 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.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D800E Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/30p25.614.3297996
2.
 
Panasonic G3 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i21.010.666756
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV Full Frame 30.1 6720 44804K/30p24.813.6299591
4.
 
Canon 5D Mark III Full Frame 22.1 5760 38401080/30p24.011.7229381
5.
 
Nikon D850 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.414.82660100
6.
 
Nikon D810 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.714.8285397
7.
 
Nikon Df Full Frame 16.2 4928 3280none24.613.1327989
8.
 
Nikon D610 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.4292594
9.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
10.
 
Nikon D600 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.2298094
11.
 
Nikon D800 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/30p25.314.4285395
12.
 
Nikon D700 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2230380
13.
 
Panasonic G6 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p21.311.563961
14.
 
Panasonic G5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p21.411.661861
15.
 
Panasonic GX1 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p20.810.670355
16.
 
Panasonic G2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.349353
17.
 
Panasonic GH2 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60i21.211.365560
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the G3 provides a faster frame rate than the D800E. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60i, while the Nikon is limited to 1080/30p.

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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 D800E 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 viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), as well as the same magnification (0.70x). The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Nikon D800E, the Panasonic G3, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
# image 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 D800Eoptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 4.0/s Y n
2.
 
Panasonic G31440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IVoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 7.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIIoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s n n
5.
 
Nikon D850optical Y3.2 / 2359 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n n
6.
 
Nikon D810optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon Dfoptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n n
8.
 
Nikon D610optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D4optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
10.
 
Nikon D600optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D800optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 4.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon D700optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s Y n
13.
 
Panasonic G61440 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
14.
 
Panasonic G51440 n3.0 / 920 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
15.
 
Panasonic GX1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.2/s Y n
16.
 
Panasonic G21440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
17.
 
Panasonic GH21534 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One feature that is present on the D800E, but is missing on the G3 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The G3 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 D800E does not have a selfie-screen.

The Nikon D800E has 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.

The D800E writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or SDXC cards, while the G3 uses SDXC cards. The D800E features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the G3 only has one slot. The D800E supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the G3 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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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 D800E and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D800EYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
2.
 
Panasonic G3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IVYmono / monoYYmini3.0YY-
4.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIIYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
5.
 
Nikon D850Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0YYY
6.
 
Nikon D810Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
7.
 
Nikon DfY- / ---mini2.0---
8.
 
Nikon D610Ymono / monoYYmini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D4Ymono / monoYYmicro2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D600Ymono / monoYYmini2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D800Ymono / monoYYmini3.0---
12.
 
Nikon D700Y- / ---mini2.0---
13.
 
Panasonic G6Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
14.
 
Panasonic G5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
15.
 
Panasonic GX1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
16.
 
Panasonic G2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
17.
 
Panasonic GH2Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
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It is notable that the D800E has a microphone port, which is missing on the G3. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D800E (unlike the G3) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the D800E and the G3 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The G3 was replaced by the Panasonic G5, while the D800E was followed by the Nikon D810. Further information on the features and operation of the D800E and G3 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D800E Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic G3 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon D800E and the Panasonic G3? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Reasons to prefer the Nikon D800E:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (36.2 vs 15.8MP) with a 54% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (40 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (4.6 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (3.7 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (2.2 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.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (921k vs 460k dots).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (900 versus 270) on a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
  • More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 8 months after the G3).

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Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60i versus 1080/30p).
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • 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.
  • More compact: Is smaller (115x84mm vs 146x123mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 664g or 66 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (82 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in May 2011).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D800E is the clear winner of the match-up (21 : 11 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 wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D800E 21:11 G3

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D800E and the Panasonic G3 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the D800E or the G3. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D800E......84/1005/55/5 Feb 2012 3,299ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic G33/5+ +..75/1004.5/55/5 May 2011 599ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV4.5/5+ +4/587/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2016 3,499 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon 5D Mark III..+ +..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2012 3,499ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D8504.5/5+ +5/589/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2017 3,299 amazon.com
6.
 
Nikon D8105/5..5/586/1005/54.5/5 Jun 2014 3,299ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon Df4/5....81/1004/54/5 Nov 2013 2,749ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D6104/5+ +..87/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 1,999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D6004/5+ +..87/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D8005/5+ +..82/1005/55/5 Feb 2012 2,999ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D700..89/100..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2008 2,999ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic G64/5+ +....5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 599ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic G53/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2012 599ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GX13/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2011 699ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic G2......72/1004/54.5/5 Mar 2010 599ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GH25/5+ +..79/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2010 899ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price 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.

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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 make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Nikon D800E 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.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Nikon D800E Panasonic G3
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date February 2012 May 2011
    Launch Price USD 3,299 USD 599
    Sensor Specs Nikon D800E Panasonic G3
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.9 x 24.0 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 861.6 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 36.2 Megapixels 15.8 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 7360 x 4912 pixels 4592 x 3448 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.88 μm 3.77 μm
    Pixel Density 4.20 MP/cm2 7.04 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 6,400 ISO 160 - 6,400 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 25,600 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor EXPEED 3 Venus FHD
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 96 56
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 25.6 21.0
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.3 10.6
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 2979 667
    Screen Specs Nikon D800E Panasonic G3
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x 0.70x
    Viewfinder Resolution 1440k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 921k dots 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Swivel screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D800E Panasonic G3
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 4 shutter flaps/s 4 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium CF or SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I no
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D800E Panasonic G3
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Nikon D800E Panasonic G3
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL15 Panasonic DMW-BLD10
    Battery Life (CIPA)900 shots per charge270 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 146 x 123 x 82 mm
    (5.7 x 4.8 x 3.2 in)
    115 x 84 x 47 mm
    (4.5 x 3.3 x 1.9 in)
    Camera Weight 1000 g (35.3 oz) 336 g (11.9 oz)
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    Check D800E offers at
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    Check G3 offers at
    ebay.com

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