Panasonic G1 vs Canon G3 X
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 and the Canon PowerShot G3 X are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in September 2008 and June 2015. The G1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the G3X is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on a Four Thirds (G1) and an one-inch (G3X) sensor. The Panasonic has a resolution of 12 megapixels, whereas the Canon provides 20 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 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 and the Canon PowerShot G3 X? 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 Panasonic G1 and the Canon G3 X are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon G3 X is notably smaller (9 percent) than the Panasonic G1. It is noteworthy in this context that the G3X is splash and dust-proof, while the G1 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.
The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the G3X has a lens built in, whereas the G1 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the G1 and their specifications in the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog.
Concerning battery life, the G1 gets 410 shots out of its Panasonic DMW-BLB13 battery, while the G3X can take 300 images on a single charge of its Canon NB-10L power pack.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. 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.
Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Panasonic G1 | 124 mm | 84 mm | 45 mm | 360 g | 410 | n | Sep 2008 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
2. | Canon G3 X | 123 mm | 77 mm | 105 mm | 733 g | 300 | Y | Jun 2015 | US$ 999 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon 70D | 139 mm | 104 mm | 79 mm | 755 g | 920 | Y | Jul 2013 | US$ 1 199 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon 80D | 139 mm | 105 mm | 79 mm | 730 g | 960 | Y | Feb 2016 | US$ 1 199 | ebay.com | |
5. | Canon G7 X | 103 mm | 60 mm | 40 mm | 304 g | 210 | n | Sep 2014 | US$ 699 | ebay.com | |
6. | Canon G9 X | 98 mm | 58 mm | 31 mm | 209 g | 220 | n | Oct 2015 | US$ 529 | ebay.com | |
7. | Olympus E-410 | 130 mm | 91 mm | 53 mm | 435 g | 500 | n | Mar 2007 | US$ 699 | ebay.com | |
8. | Panasonic FZ1000 | 137 mm | 99 mm | 131 mm | 831 g | 360 | n | Jun 2014 | US$ 899 | ebay.com | |
9. | Panasonic G2 | 124 mm | 84 mm | 74 mm | 428 g | 360 | n | Mar 2010 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
10. | Panasonic G10 | 124 mm | 84 mm | 74 mm | 388 g | 380 | n | Mar 2010 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
11. | Panasonic GF1 | 119 mm | 71 mm | 36 mm | 385 g | 380 | n | Sep 2009 | US$ 749 | ebay.com | |
12. | Panasonic GF2 | 113 mm | 68 mm | 33 mm | 310 g | 300 | n | Nov 2010 | US$ 549 | ebay.com | |
13. | Panasonic GF3 | 108 mm | 67 mm | 32 mm | 264 g | 300 | n | Jun 2011 | US$ 549 | ebay.com | |
14. | Panasonic GF5 | 108 mm | 67 mm | 37 mm | 267 g | 360 | n | Apr 2012 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
15. | Panasonic GF6 | 111 mm | 65 mm | 38 mm | 323 g | 340 | n | Apr 2013 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
16. | Panasonic GH1 | 124 mm | 90 mm | 45 mm | 385 g | 300 | n | Mar 2009 | US$ 899 | ebay.com | |
17. | Panasonic L10 | 135 mm | 96 mm | 78 mm | 556 g | 450 | n | Aug 2007 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
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. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
Sensor comparison
The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants 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. 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 more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
Of the two cameras under consideration, the Panasonic G1 features a Four Thirds sensor and the Canon G3 X an one-inch sensor. The sensor area in the G3X is 48 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.0 and 2.7. The sensor in the G1 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the G3X offers a 3:2 aspect.
Despite having a smaller sensor, the G3X offers a higher resolution of 20 megapixels, compared with 12 MP of the G1. 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 2.41μm versus 4.33μm for the G1). However, it should be noted that the G3X is much more recent (by 6 years and 9 months) than the G1, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently.
The resolution advantage of the Canon G3 X implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the G3X for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 27.4 x 18.2 inches or 69.5 x 46.3 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 21.9 x 14.6 inches or 55.6 x 37.1 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 18.2 x 12.2 inches or 46.3 x 30.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic G1 are 20 x 15 inches or 50.8 x 38.1 cm for good quality, 16 x 12 inches or 40.6 x 30.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.3 x 10 inches or 33.9 x 25.4 cm for excellent quality prints.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1600, which can be extended to ISO 100-3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon PowerShot G3 X are ISO 125 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 125-25600.
In terms of underlying technology, the G1 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the G3X uses a BSI-CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.
Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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 G3X has a markedly higher DXO score than the G1 (overall score 10 points higher), which will translate into better image quality. The advantage is based on 0.3 bits higher color depth, 2 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.2 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.
Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Panasonic G1 | Four Thirds | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | none | 21.1 | 10.3 | 463 | 53 | |
2. | Canon G3 X | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 1080/60p | 21.4 | 12.3 | 521 | 63 | |
3. | Canon 70D | APS-C | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 1080/30p | 22.5 | 11.6 | 926 | 68 | |
4. | Canon 80D | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 23.6 | 13.2 | 1135 | 79 | |
5. | Canon G7 X | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 1080/60p | 23.0 | 12.7 | 556 | 71 | |
6. | Canon G9 X | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 1080/60p | 21.5 | 12.3 | 495 | 63 | |
7. | Olympus E-410 | Four Thirds | 10.0 | 3648 | 2736 | none | 21.1 | 10.0 | 494 | 51 | |
8. | Panasonic FZ1000 | 1-inch | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 4K/30p | 22.1 | 11.7 | 517 | 64 | |
9. | Panasonic G2 | Four Thirds | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 720/30p | 21.2 | 10.3 | 493 | 53 | |
10. | Panasonic G10 | Four Thirds | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 720/30p | 21.2 | 10.1 | 411 | 52 | |
11. | Panasonic GF1 | Four Thirds | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 720/30p | 21.2 | 10.3 | 513 | 54 | |
12. | Panasonic GF2 | Four Thirds | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60i | 21.2 | 10.3 | 506 | 54 | |
13. | Panasonic GF3 | Four Thirds | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60i | 20.6 | 10.1 | 459 | 50 | |
14. | Panasonic GF5 | Four Thirds | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60i | 20.5 | 10.0 | 573 | 50 | |
15. | Panasonic GF6 | Four Thirds | 15.8 | 4592 | 3448 | 1080/60i | 20.7 | 10.6 | 622 | 54 | |
16. | Panasonic GH1 | Four Thirds | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/24p | 21.6 | 11.6 | 772 | 64 | |
17. | Panasonic L10 | Four Thirds | 10.0 | 3648 | 2736 | none | 21.3 | 10.8 | 429 | 55 |
Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The G3X indeed provides for movie recording, while the G1 does not. The highest resolution format that the G3X can use is 1080/60p.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the G1 has an electronic viewfinder (1440k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the G3X relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the G3X can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the EVF-DC1. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Panasonic G1 and Canon G3 X 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. | Panasonic G1 | 1440 | n | 3.0 / 460 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
2. | Canon G3 X | optional | n | 3.2 / 1620 | tilting | Y | 1/2000s | 5.9/s | Y | Y | |
3. | Canon 70D | optical | Y | 3.0 / 1040 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 7.0/s | Y | n | |
4. | Canon 80D | optical | Y | 3.0 / 1040 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 7.0/s | Y | n | |
5. | Canon G7 X | none | n | 3.0 / 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/2000s | 6.5/s | Y | Y | |
6. | Canon G9 X | none | n | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | Y | 1/2000s | 6.0/s | Y | Y | |
7. | Olympus E-410 | optical | n | 2.5 / 215 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
8. | Panasonic FZ1000 | 2359 | n | 3.0 / 921 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
9. | Panasonic G2 | 1440 | n | 3.0 / 460 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 2.6/s | Y | n | |
10. | Panasonic G10 | 202 | n | 3.0 / 460 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.6/s | Y | n | |
11. | Panasonic GF1 | optional | n | 3.0 / 460 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
12. | Panasonic GF2 | optional | n | 3.0 / 460 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 2.6/s | Y | n | |
13. | Panasonic GF3 | none | n | 3.0 / 460 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 3.2/s | Y | n | |
14. | Panasonic GF5 | none | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 4.0/s | Y | n | |
15. | Panasonic GF6 | none | n | 3.0 / 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 4.2/s | Y | n | |
16. | Panasonic GH1 | 1440 | n | 3.0 / 460 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
17. | Panasonic L10 | optical | n | 2.5 / 207 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
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 G3X has a touchscreen, while the G1 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.
Both cameras have an articulated rear screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This feature will be particularly appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies.The G1 writes its imaging data to SDHC cards, while the G3X uses SDXC cards. The G3X supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the G1 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD 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 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 and Canon PowerShot G3 X 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. | Panasonic G1 | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
2. | Canon G3 X | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
3. | Canon 70D | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
4. | Canon 80D | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
5. | Canon G7 X | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
6. | Canon G9 X | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
7. | Olympus E-410 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
8. | Panasonic FZ1000 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
9. | Panasonic G2 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
10. | Panasonic G10 | Y | mono / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
11. | Panasonic GF1 | Y | mono / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
12. | Panasonic GF2 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
13. | Panasonic GF3 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
14. | Panasonic GF5 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
15. | Panasonic GF6 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
16. | Panasonic GH1 | Y | stereo / - | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
17. | Panasonic L10 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - |
It is notable that the G3X offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the G1 does not provide wifi capability.
Both the G1 and the G3X have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The G1 was replaced by the Panasonic G2, while the G3X does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the G1 and G3X can be found, respectively, in the Panasonic G1 Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon G3 X Manual.
Review summary
So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Panasonic G1 or the Canon G3 X – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.
Reasons to prefer the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1:
- Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
- More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
- Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
- More flexible: Accepts interchangeable lenses, so that lens characteristics can be altered.
- Longer lasting: Can take more shots (410 versus 300) on a single battery charge.
- More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in September 2008).
Advantages of the Canon PowerShot G3 X:
- More detail: Has more megapixels (20 vs 12MP), which boosts linear resolution by 32%.
- Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (10 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
- More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (2 EV of extra DR).
- Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 1080/60p video.
- 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 (1620k vs 460k dots).
- Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (5.9 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
- Ready to shoot: Has an integrated lens, whereas the G1 necessitates an extra lens.
- Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
- Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
- Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
- Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
- Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
- More modern: Reflects 6 years and 9 months of technical progress since the G1 launch.
If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the G3X is the clear winner of the contest (15 : 6 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision 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.
How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic G1 and the Canon G3 X place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best Superzoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.
In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the G1 or the G3X perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.
Expert reviews
This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera 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 |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Panasonic G1 | .. | + + | .. | 70/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2008 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
2. | Canon G3 X | 3.5/5 | + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Jun 2015 | US$ 999 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon 70D | 5/5 | + + | .. | 83/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Jul 2013 | US$ 1 199 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon 80D | 4/5 | + + | 4.5/5 | 84/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2016 | US$ 1 199 | ebay.com | |
5. | Canon G7 X | 4/5 | + + | .. | 77/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2014 | US$ 699 | ebay.com | |
6. | Canon G9 X | 3.5/5 | + + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2015 | US$ 529 | ebay.com | |
7. | Olympus E-410 | .. | 86/100 | .. | + + | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Mar 2007 | US$ 699 | ebay.com | |
8. | Panasonic FZ1000 | 4/5 | + + | .. | 82/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2014 | US$ 899 | ebay.com | |
9. | Panasonic G2 | .. | .. | .. | 72/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Mar 2010 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
10. | Panasonic G10 | 3/5 | .. | .. | 70/100 | 4/5 | 4/5 | Mar 2010 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
11. | Panasonic GF1 | .. | 85/100 | .. | 69/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2009 | US$ 749 | ebay.com | |
12. | Panasonic GF2 | 3/5 | 82/100 | .. | 70/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Nov 2010 | US$ 549 | ebay.com | |
13. | Panasonic GF3 | 3/5 | 82/100 | .. | 71/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Jun 2011 | US$ 549 | ebay.com | |
14. | Panasonic GF5 | 3/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2012 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
15. | Panasonic GF6 | .. | + + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2013 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
16. | Panasonic GH1 | .. | + + | .. | 72/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Mar 2009 | US$ 899 | ebay.com | |
17. | Panasonic L10 | .. | 85/100 | .. | + | 3.5/5 | 4/5 | Aug 2007 | US$ 599 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.
Other camera comparisons
Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.
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Specifications: Panasonic G1 vs Canon G3 X
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 | Panasonic G1 | Canon G3 X |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Mirrorless system camera | Fixed lens compact camera |
Camera Lens | Micro Four Thirds lenses | 24-600mm f/2.8-5.6 |
Launch Date | September 2008 | June 2015 |
Launch Price | USD 599 | USD 999 |
Sensor Specs | Panasonic G1 | Canon G3 X |
Sensor Technology | CMOS | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor Format | Four Thirds Sensor | 1" Sensor |
Sensor Size | 17.3 x 13.0 mm | 13.2 x 8.8 mm |
Sensor Area | 224.9 mm2 | 116.16 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 21.6 mm | 15.9 mm |
Crop Factor | 2.0x | 2.7x |
Sensor Resolution | 12 Megapixels | 20 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 4000 x 3000 pixels | 5472 x 3648 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 4.33 μm | 2.41 μm |
Pixel Density | 5.34 MP/cm2 | 17.18 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | Anti-Alias filter |
Movie Capability | no Video | 1080/60p Video |
ISO Setting | 100 - 1,600 ISO | 125 - 12,800 ISO |
ISO Boost | 100 - 3,200 ISO | 125 - 25,600 ISO |
Image Processor | Venus HD | DIGIC 6 |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 53 | 63 |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 21.1 | 21.4 |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 10.3 | 12.3 |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 463 | 521 |
Screen Specs | Panasonic G1 | Canon G3 X |
Viewfinder Type | Electronic viewfinder | Viewfinder optional |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.70x | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 1440k dots | |
LCD Framing | Live View | Live View |
Rear LCD Size | 3.0inch | 3.2inch |
LCD Resolution | 460k dots | 1620k dots |
LCD Attachment | Swivel screen | Tilting screen |
Touch Input | no Touchscreen | Touchscreen |
Shooting Specs | Panasonic G1 | Canon G3 X |
Focus System | Contrast-detect AF | Contrast-detect AF |
Manual Focusing Aid | no Peaking Feature | Focus Peaking |
Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) | 1/4000s | 1/2000s |
Continuous Shooting | 3 shutter flaps/s | 5.9 shutter flaps/s |
Fill Flash | Built-in Flash | Built-in Flash |
Storage Medium | SDHC cards | SDXC cards |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Single card slot | Single card slot |
UHS card support | no | UHS-I |
Connectivity Specs | Panasonic G1 | Canon G3 X |
External Flash | Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
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 |
Near-Field Communication | no NFC | NFC built-in |
Body Specs | Panasonic G1 | Canon G3 X |
Environmental Sealing | not weather sealed | Weathersealed body |
Battery Type | Panasonic DMW-BLB13 | Canon NB-10L |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 410 shots per charge | 300 shots per charge |
Body Dimensions |
124 x 84 x 45 mm (4.9 x 3.3 x 1.8 in) |
123 x 77 x 105 mm (4.8 x 3.0 x 4.1 in) |
Camera Weight | 360 g (12.7 oz) | 733 g (25.9 oz) |
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