• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 24.5 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  •  

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Differences

Nikon D3X advantages over Panasonic G3

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.94 vs 3.77 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.30 vs 1.4 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Better color depth
    24.7 vs 21.0 bits
    Capture richer, more accurate colors
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,992 vs 667 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    13.7 vs 10.6 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 4400 vs 270 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Less shutter lag
    0.16 vs 0.29 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    24.5 vs 16.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.0 fps vs 3.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    31 vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Panasonic G3 advantages over Nikon D3X

  • Less expensive
    $700 vs $8000 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    46 mm vs 87 mm
    Thinner
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

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

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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 Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5D Mark II

Nikon D3X
Canon 5D Mark II
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • More dynamic range
  • $1200
  • 35mm
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
Panasonic G3
Canon 5D Mark II
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $1200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon D3S

Nikon D3X
Nikon D3S
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • More dynamic range
  • External Mic Jack
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
Panasonic G3
Nikon D3S
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon D4

Nikon D3X
Nikon D4
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More pixels
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher effective ISO
Panasonic G3
Nikon D4
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Olympus E-M5

Nikon D3X
Olympus E-M5
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $900
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Touchscreen
Panasonic G3
Olympus E-M5
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Internal flash
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $900
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Higher effective ISO

Compared to Panasonic GX7

Nikon D3X
Panasonic GX7
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $648
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Panasonic G3
Panasonic GX7
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • $648
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
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