• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  •  
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.2 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 840.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • Detailed specifications
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3
  • Nikon Coolpix A900
Links
Prices:   Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor: Panasonic G2
G2 vs G3
Nikon S9900
S9900 vs A900
Successor: Panasonic G5
G3 vs G5
Nikon A1000
A900 vs A1000
General
Model Number: G3 A900
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: Compact System Camera Compact
Currently Manufactured: No Yes
Retail Price: $699.99 $399.95
Street Price:   $396.95
Date Available: 2011-06-21 2016-04-15
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 20.6 oz (583 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
10.2 oz (289 g)
includes batteries
Size: 4.5 x 3.3 x 1.8 in.
(115 x 84 x 47 mm)
4.4 x 2.6 x 1.6 in.
(113 x 67 x 40 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: Live MOS CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Panasonic BSI
Effective Megapixels: 16.0 20.2
Sensor Format: 4/3 1/2.3 inch
Sensor size: 224.9mm2 (17.30mm x 13.00mm) 28.0735mm2 (6.17mm x 4.55mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 3.77 microns 1.19 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 2.0x n/a
Aspect Ratio: 4:3 4:3
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed None
Self-Cleaning: Yes No
Sensor shift image stabilization: No No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score: 56  
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 21.0  
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 10.6  
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 667  
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 4592 x 3448 (15.8 MP, 4:3),
4576 x 3056 (14.0 MP, 3:2),
4576 x 2576 (11.8 MP, 16:9),
3424 x 3424 (11.7 MP, 1:1),
3232 x 2424 (7.8 MP, 4:3),
3232 x 2160 (7.0 MP, 3:2),
3232 x 1824 (5.9 MP, Other),
2416 x 2416 (5.8 MP, 1:1),
2272 x 1704 (3.9 MP, 4:3),
2272 x 1520 (3.5 MP, Other),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
1712 x 1712 (2.9 MP, 1:1),
1824 x 1368 (2.5 MP, 4:3),
1824 x 1216 (2.2 MP, 3:2),
1824 x 1024 (1.9 MP, 16:9)
5184 x 3888 (20.2 MP, 4:3)
Image File Format: JPEG, RAW, RAW + JPEG JPEG (EXIF 2.3)
Continuous-mode frames/second: 3.4 7.0
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1920x1080 (60i/​50i)
1280x720 (60/​50/​30)
640x480 (30)
320x240 (30)
3840x2160 (30p/​25p)
1920x1080 (60p/​50p/​30p/​25p)
1280x720 (60p/​50p/​30p/​25p)
640x480 (120p/​100p)
1280x720 (60p/​30p)
1920x1080 (15p/​12.5p)
Movie File Format: AVCHD (H.264), MotionJPEG MP4 (Video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, Audio: AAC stereo)
Composite Video Out: Yes No
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: Yes n/a
Video Usable as Viewfinder: No n/a
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds n/a
Lens: Panasonic 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH Lumix G VARIO MEGA O.I.S Zoom-Nikkor; 13 elements in 11 groups including 4 ED lens elements
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 28 - 84mm 24 - 840mm
Focal Length (actual): 14 - 42mm 4.3 - 151mm
Zoom Ratio: 3.00x 35.00x
Aperture Range: f/3.5 - 22 (wide) / f.5.6 - 22 (tele) f/3.4 (wde) / f/6.9 (tele) - ??; 3-blade iris diaphragm
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range: 30 cm to Infinity
11.8 in to Infinity
50 cm to Infinity
19.7 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range:   1 cm to Infinity
0.4 in to Infinity
Filter Thread: 52.0mm n/a
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: Yes Yes
Digital Zoom: Yes Yes
Digital Zoom Values: 2x or 4x Up to 4x; up to 2x Dynamic Fine Zoom
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: Contrast Detection: Face detection, AF Tracking, 23-area-focusing, 1-area-focusing, Pinpoint Touch (1- area-focusing in Face detection, AF Tracking, Multi-area-focusing, 1-area-focusing, Pinpoint) Contrast Detection: Center, Face priority, Manual with 99 focus areas, Subject tracking, Target finding AF
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes Yes
Manual Focus: Yes No
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: EVF / LCD No / LCD
Viewfinder Type: EVF; 1,440K dots eq., 1.4x mag., 17.5mm eyepoint, -4 to +4 diopter, eye sensor  
Focus Peaking: No No
EVF Resolution:   n/a
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.70x 0.00x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 1.40x 0.00x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes No
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 3.0
Rear Display Resolution: 460,000 dots 921,600 dots (230,400 px)
Touchscreen: Yes No
Articulating Screen: Yes Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen: No
Selfie Screen: Yes
Max Playback Zoom: 16.0x  
Top Deck Display: No No
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native):   1600
Minimum ISO (native):   80
ISO Settings: Auto, 160-6400 Intelligent ISO Auto, ISO 80 - 1600; ISO 3200 (available when using P, S, A or M mode)
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Halogen, Flash, White Set 1/2, Color Temperature Setting (2,500-10,000K in 100K steps) Auto, Cloudy, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Preset Manual
Shutter Speed Range: 1/4000 - 60 sec 1/4000 - 8 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes No
Exposure Compensation: +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: 144-zone Intelligent Multiple, Center-weighted, Spot Matrix, Center-weighted, Spot
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: Portrait, Soft Skin, Scenery, Architecture, Sports, Peripheral Defocus, Flower, Food, Objects,,Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Illiminatioms, Baby 1, 2, Pet, Party, Sunset Scene Modes: Backlighting, Beach, Close-up, Dusk/Dawn, Easy Panorama, Fireworks Show, Food, Multiple Exposure Lighten, Night Landscape, Night Portrait, Party/Indoor, Pet Portrait, Portrait, Scene Auto Selector, Snow, Sports, Sunset, Superlapse Movie; Smart Portrait, Special Effects
Self Timer: 2, 10, 10 (3 images) seconds 10 , 5 or 2 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer):    
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: Yes Yes
Flash Modes: Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off Auto, Auto w/ Red-eye Reduction, Flash Off, Flash On, w/ Red-eye Reduction, Flash Off; Slow Syncro
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): 8.3 m / 27.2 ft. n/a
Flash Range Description: Lens dependent Auto ISO: [W]: 0.5 to 6.0m (1 ft. 8 in. to 19 ft.), [T]: 1.5 to 3.2m (5 ft. to 11 ft.)
Max Flash Sync: 1/160  
Flash Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps  
External Flash Connection: Hot Shoe n/a
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:   No
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: SD / SDHC / SDXC SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:   No UHS support
Other Memory:    
Dual Card Slots: No No
RAW Capture Support: Yes No
Uncompressed Format: RAW, RAW + JPEG  
Movie File Format: AVCHD (H.264), MotionJPEG MP4 (Video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, Audio: AAC stereo)
Included Memory: No memory included No memory included
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No Yes
NFC: No Yes
Bluetooth: No Yes
Built-In GPS: No No
Microphone Jack: No No
Headphone Jack: No No
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed USB 2.0 High Speed,Bluetooth,WiFi
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: Yes Yes
Remote Control Type: Optional DMW-RSL1 cable remote Via Wi-Fi
Connections (extended): Mini HDMI (Type-C), 2.5mm remote socket, combined AV/USB connector Micro (Type D) HDMI
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 0.66  
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): 0.67  
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): 9  
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot):    
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 3.4 7.0
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 7 7
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps):    
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames):    
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps):    
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames):    
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.29 seconds  
Shutter lag (full AF, tele): 0.30 seconds  
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter Lag (manual focus): 0.091 seconds  
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): 0.57 seconds  
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.080 seconds  
Shutter Lag (notes): Full Autofocus lag: Multi-area AF mode, Wide Angle = 0.294s Quick AF mode, Wide Angle = 0.297s  
Startup Time: 1.4 seconds  
Play -> Record Time: 0.8 seconds  
Flash cycle time, full power: 5.5 seconds  
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): 270 shots 270 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF):    
Battery Life, Video:   50 minutes
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary Proprietary EN-EL12
Usable Battery Types: Lithium-ion rechargeable Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary EN-EL12 Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: No
Internal Charging Supported: Yes
Software
Included Software: PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.2 HD Edition, SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.1 SE, Super LoiloScope (trial), USB Driver  
OS Compatibility:    
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: 16-megapixel Sensor, Improved High ISO IQ, Faster AF, Metal Body, 1920x1080 HD Movies, Articulating Touch-screen LCD, 2.5mm Remote Socket, Mini HDMI Type-C Connector. Available in black, brown, red or white. Available in silver and black.