• 35mm 860.4mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon D3S advantages over Panasonic GH4

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 8.46 vs 3.75 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.30 vs 0.8 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    3,253 vs 791 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 4200 vs 530 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    41 vs 21 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic GH4 advantages over Nikon D3S

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (DCI) vs 720p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    11 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    569g vs 1410g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    16.1 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    12.8 fps vs 9.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 90 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    11.8 fps vs 9.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

  • Excellent still image quality for its class; Fantastic, highly-detailed video quality; Superior video recording chops with 4K video (both Cinema 4K and Ultra HD); Responsive all-around performer with great AF performance and burst shooting; Rolling shutter is minimal with 60p and 30p video; Splash- and dust-proof magnesium alloy body; Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC.

  • High ISO performance not as good as some APS-C models (IQ drops quickly past ISO 3200); Overall still image quality not significantly better than the GH3; Sluggish buffer clearing with RAW files; Rolling shutter noticeable on 4K video; Not as compact as most mirrorless cameras.

  • Read our Panasonic GH4 Review

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D3X

Nikon D3S
Nikon D3X
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • More dynamic range
  • External Mic Jack

Compare Nikon D3S vs Nikon D3X

Panasonic GH4
Nikon D3X
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GH4 vs Nikon D3X

Compared to Canon 1DX

Nikon D3S
Canon 1DX
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $5299
  • 35mm
  • External Mic Jack
  • Shoots 1080p video

Compare Nikon D3S vs Canon 1DX

Panasonic GH4
Canon 1DX
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $5299
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GH4 vs Canon 1DX

Compared to Nikon D4

Nikon D3S
Nikon D4
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • External Mic Jack
  • Shoots 1080p video

Compare Nikon D3S vs Nikon D4

Panasonic GH4
Nikon D4
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GH4 vs Nikon D4

Compared to Panasonic GH3

Nikon D3S
Panasonic GH3
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $798
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D3S vs Panasonic GH3

Panasonic GH4
Panasonic GH3
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $798
  • 4/3

Compare Panasonic GH4 vs Panasonic GH3

Compared to Olympus E-M1

Nikon D3S
Olympus E-M1
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon D3S vs Olympus E-M1

Panasonic GH4
Olympus E-M1
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Panasonic GH4 vs Olympus E-M1

Compare Other Cameras?