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Panasonic GF3 vs Olympus PEN-F

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 and the Olympus PEN-F are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in June 2011 and January 2016. Both the GF3 and the PEN-F are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are equipped with a Four Thirds sensor. The Panasonic has a resolution of 12 megapixels, whereas the Olympus provides 20.2 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Panasonic GF3
versus
Olympus PEN-F
Panasonic GF3   Olympus PEN-F
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Micro Four Thirds lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
12 MP – Four Thirds sensor 20.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor
1080/60i Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 160-6,400 ISO 80-25,600
No viewfinder, LCD framing Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.0" LCD – 460k dots 3.0" LCD – 1037k dots
Fixed touchscreen Swivel touchscreen
3.2 shutter flaps per second 10 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
300 shots per battery charge330 shots per battery charge
108 x 67 x 32 mm, 264 g 125 x 72 x 37 mm, 427 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 and the Olympus PEN-F? 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 side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Panasonic GF3 and the Olympus PEN-F. 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.

The GF3 can be obtained in five different colors (black, brown, pink, red, white), while the PEN-F is available in two color-versions (black, silver).

Size Panasonic GF3 vs Olympus PEN-F
Compare GF3 versus PEN-F top
Comparison GF3 or PEN-F rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus PEN-F is notably larger (24 percent) than the Panasonic GF3. Moreover, the PEN-F is substantially heavier (62 percent) than the GF3. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the GF3 nor the PEN-F 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. In this particular case, both cameras feature the same lens mount, so that they can use the same lenses. You can compare the optics available in the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog. Mirrorless cameras, such as the two under consideration, have the additional advantage of having a short flange to focal plane distance, which makes it possible to mount many lenses from other systems onto the camera via adapters.

Concerning battery life, the GF3 gets 300 shots out of its Panasonic DMW-BLE9 battery, while the PEN-F can take 330 images on a single charge of its Olympus BLN-1 power pack.

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.

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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.
 
Panasonic GF3 108 mm 67 mm 32 mm 264 g 300 n Jun 2011 549ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus PEN-F 125 mm 72 mm 37 mm 427 g 330 n Jan 2016 1,199ebay.com
3.
 
Olympus E-M10 III 122 mm 84 mm 50 mm 410 g 330 n Aug 2017 649ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-M5 II 124 mm 85 mm 45 mm 469 g 310 Y Feb 2015 1,099ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-M10 II 120 mm 83 mm 47 mm 390 g 320 n Aug 2015 649ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-M1 130 mm 94 mm 63 mm 497 g 350 Y Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-P5 122 mm 69 mm 37 mm 420 g 330 n May 2013 999ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-PL3 110 mm 64 mm 37 mm 313 g 300 n Jun 2011 599ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-PM1 110 mm 64 mm 34 mm 265 g 330 n Jun 2011 499ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GF5 108 mm 67 mm 37 mm 267 g 360 n Apr 2012 499ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic LX7 111 mm 68 mm 46 mm 298 g 330 n Jul 2012 499ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic G3 115 mm 84 mm 47 mm 336 g 270 n May 2011 599ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic G10 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 388 g 380 n Mar 2010 499ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic G2 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 428 g 360 n Mar 2010 599ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GF2 113 mm 68 mm 33 mm 310 g 300 n Nov 2010 549ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic LX5 110 mm 65 mm 43 mm 271 g 400 n Jul 2010 499ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic G1 124 mm 84 mm 45 mm 360 g 410 n Sep 2008 599ebay.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 listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The GF3 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 54 percent) than the PEN-F, 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors 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. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a Four Thirds sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 2.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3.

Panasonic GF3 and Olympus PEN-F sensor measures

While the two cameras under review share the same sensor size, the PEN-F offers a higher resolution of 20.2 megapixels, compared with 12 MP of the GF3. This megapixels advantage translates into a 30 percent gain in linear resolution. On the other hand, these sensor specs imply that the PEN-F has a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 3.34μm versus 4.33μm for the GF3). However, it should be noted that the PEN-F is much more recent (by 4 years and 7 months) than the GF3, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that compensate for the smaller pixel size. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the PEN-F has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Olympus PEN-F implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the PEN-F for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 25.9 x 19.4 inches or 65.8 x 49.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 20.7 x 15.6 inches or 52.7 x 39.5 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 17.3 x 13 inches or 43.9 x 32.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic GF3 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.

Unlike the GF3, the PEN-F has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (40MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 160 to ISO 6400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Olympus PEN-F are ISO 80 to ISO 25600 (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.

GF3 versus PEN-F MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under consideration, the PEN-F offers substantially better image quality than the GF3 (overall score 24 points higher). The advantage is based on 2.5 bits higher color depth, 2.3 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1 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.

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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.
 
Panasonic GF3 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.610.145950
2.
 
Olympus PEN-F Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38881080/60p23.112.489474
3.
 
Olympus E-M10 III Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34564K/30p23.112.8112074
4.
 
Olympus E-M5 II Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p23.012.584273
5.
 
Olympus E-M10 II Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p23.112.584273
6.
 
Olympus E-M1 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p23.012.775773
7.
 
Olympus E-P5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.489572
8.
 
Olympus E-PL3 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i20.910.349952
9.
 
Olympus E-PM1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i21.010.349952
10.
 
Panasonic GF5 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.510.057350
11.
 
Panasonic LX7 1/1.7 10.0 3648 27361080/60p20.711.714750
12.
 
Panasonic G3 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i21.010.666756
13.
 
Panasonic G10 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.141152
14.
 
Panasonic G2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.349353
15.
 
Panasonic GF2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i21.210.350654
16.
 
Panasonic LX5 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/60p19.610.813241
17.
 
Panasonic G1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000none21.110.346353
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the PEN-F provides a faster frame rate than the GF3. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60p, while the Panasonic is limited to 1080/60i.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the PEN-F has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the GF3 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Panasonic GF3, the Olympus PEN-F, 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.
 
Panasonic GF3none n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 3.2/s Y n
2.
 
Olympus PEN-F2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
3.
 
Olympus E-M10 III2360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.6/s Y Y
4.
 
Olympus E-M5 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
5.
 
Olympus E-M10 II2360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Olympus E-M12360 n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
7.
 
Olympus E-P5optional n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Olympus E-PL3optional n3.0 / 460 tilting n 1/4000s 5.5/s n Y
9.
 
Olympus E-PM1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n Y
10.
 
Panasonic GF5none n3.0 / 920 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
11.
 
Panasonic LX7optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Panasonic G31440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
13.
 
Panasonic G10202 n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
14.
 
Panasonic G21440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
15.
 
Panasonic GF2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
16.
 
Panasonic LX5optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y Y
17.
 
Panasonic G11440 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 difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The GF3 has one, while the PEN-F does not. While the built-in flash of the GF3 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The PEN-F 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 GF3 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, the PEN-F is one of those camera that have an additional 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 Olympus PEN-F 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.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the GF3 and the PEN-F write their files to SDXC cards. The PEN-F supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the GF3 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 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 and Olympus PEN-F 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.
 
Panasonic GF3-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Olympus PEN-FYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
3.
 
Olympus E-M10 IIIYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
4.
 
Olympus E-M5 IIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
5.
 
Olympus E-M10 IIYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
6.
 
Olympus E-M1Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
7.
 
Olympus E-P5Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
8.
 
Olympus E-PL3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Olympus E-PM1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Panasonic GF5-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic LX7Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
Panasonic G3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
13.
 
Panasonic G10Ymono / ---mini2.0---
14.
 
Panasonic G2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
15.
 
Panasonic GF2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
16.
 
Panasonic LX5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
17.
 
Panasonic G1Y- / ---mini2.0---
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It is notable that the PEN-F offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the GF3 does not provide wifi capability.

Both the GF3 and the PEN-F have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The GF3 was replaced by the Panasonic GF5, while the PEN-F does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the GF3 and PEN-F can be found, respectively, in the Panasonic GF3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Olympus PEN-F Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Panasonic GF3 and the Olympus PEN-F? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • More compact: Is smaller (108x67mm vs 125x72mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 163g or 38 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (54 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in June 2011).

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Reasons to prefer the Olympus PEN-F:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (20.2 vs 12MP), which boosts linear resolution by 30%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (24 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 (2.3 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/60i).
  • Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1037k vs 460k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 3.2 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • 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.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-II standard.
  • More modern: Reflects 4 years and 7 months of technical progress since the GF3 launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the PEN-F is the clear winner of the contest (21 : 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.

GF3 06:21 PEN-F

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic GF3 and the Olympus PEN-F 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 comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the GF3 or the PEN-F. 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 where reviews by experts come in. 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.
 
Panasonic GF33/582/100..71/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 549ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus PEN-F....4/582/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 1,199ebay.com
3.
 
Olympus E-M10 III..+5/580/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2017 649ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-M5 II5/5+ +4.5/581/1005/55/5 Feb 2015 1,099ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-M10 II4.5/5+ +..80/1005/55/5 Aug 2015 649ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-M15/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-P55/5+ +..78/1004.5/55/5 May 2013 999ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-PL33/5+ +..72/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 599ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-PM1..86/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 499ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GF53/5......4.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 499ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic LX73/5+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2012 499ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic G33/5+ +..75/1004.5/55/5 May 2011 599ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic G103/5....70/1004/54/5 Mar 2010 499ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic G2......72/1004/54.5/5 Mar 2010 599ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GF23/582/100..70/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2010 549ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic LX54/5+..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2010 499ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic G1..+ +..70/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2008 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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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. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. 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 are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. 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: Panasonic GF3 vs Olympus PEN-F

    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 Panasonic GF3 Olympus PEN-F
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date June 2011 January 2016
    Launch Price USD 549 USD 1,199
    Sensor Specs Panasonic GF3 Olympus PEN-F
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 224.9 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 12 Megapixels 20.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4000 x 3000 pixels 5184 x 3888 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.33 μm 3.34 μm
    Pixel Density 5.34 MP/cm2 8.96 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60i Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 160 - 6,400 ISO 80 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor Venus FHD TruePic VII
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 50 74
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 20.6 23.1
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.1 12.4
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 459 894
    Screen Specs Panasonic GF3 Olympus PEN-F
    Viewfinder Type no viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.62x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 460k dots 1037k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Swivel screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Panasonic GF3 Olympus PEN-F
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 3.2 shutter flaps/s 10 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/16000s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support no UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Panasonic GF3 Olympus PEN-F
    External Flash no Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Body Specs Panasonic GF3 Olympus PEN-F
    Battery Type Panasonic DMW-BLE9 Olympus BLN-1
    Battery Life (CIPA)300 shots per charge330 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 108 x 67 x 32 mm
    (4.3 x 2.6 x 1.3 in)
    125 x 72 x 37 mm
    (4.9 x 2.8 x 1.5 in)
    Camera Weight 264 g (9.3 oz) 427 g (15.1 oz)
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