• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  •  
  • APS-C 365.0mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  •  
  • Detailed specifications
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3
  • Sony Alpha NEX-C3
Links
Prices:    
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor: Panasonic G2
G2 vs G3
 
Successor: Panasonic G5
G3 vs G5
 
General
Model Number: G3 NEX-C3
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: Compact System Camera Compact System Camera
Currently Manufactured: No No
Retail Price: $699.99 $599.99
Street Price:   $559.47
Date Available: 2011-06-21 2011-08-01
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 20.6 oz (583 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
17.5 oz (497 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
Size: 4.5 x 3.3 x 1.8 in.
(115 x 84 x 47 mm)
4.3 x 2.4 x 1.3 in.
(110 x 60 x 33 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: Live MOS CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Panasonic Sony
Effective Megapixels: 16.0 16.2
Sensor Format: 4/3 APS-C
Sensor size: 224.9mm2 (17.30mm x 13.00mm) 365.04mm2 (23.40mm x 15.60mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 3.77 microns 4.76 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 2.0x 1.5x
Aspect Ratio: 4:3 3:2, 16:9
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed Fixed
Self-Cleaning: Yes Yes
Sensor shift image stabilization: No No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score: 56 73
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 21.0 22.7
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 10.6 12.2
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 667 1,083
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)
4912 x 3264 (16.0 MP, 3:2),
4912 x 2760 (13.6 MP, 16:9),
3568 x 2368 (8.4 MP, Other),
3568 x 2000 (7.1 MP, 16:9),
2448 x 1624 (4.0 MP, Other),
2448 x 1376 (3.4 MP, 16:9),
12416 x 1856 (23.0 MP, Other),
8192 x 1856 (15.2 MP, Other),
2160 x 5536 (12.0 MP, Other),
2160 x 3872 (8.4 MP, Other),
7152 x 1080 (7.7 MP, Other),
4912 x 1080 (5.3 MP, Other),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9)
Image File Format: JPEG, RAW, RAW + JPEG JPEG, RAW (ARW 2.2), RAW+JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 3.4 5.5
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1920x1080 (60i/​50i)
1280x720 (60/​50/​30)
640x480 (30)
320x240 (30)
1280x720 (30)
640x480 (30)
Movie File Format: AVCHD (H.264), MotionJPEG MP4
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 Sony E
Lens: Panasonic 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH Lumix G VARIO MEGA O.I.S Sony SEL1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 28 - 84mm 27 - 83mm
Focal Length (actual): 14 - 42mm 18 - 55mm
Zoom Ratio: 3.00x 3.00x
Aperture Range: f/3.5 - 22 (wide) / f.5.6 - 22 (tele) f/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - 34 (T)
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range: 30 cm to Infinity
11.8 in to Infinity
25 cm to Infinity
9.8 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range:    
Filter Thread: 52.0mm 49.0mm
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: Yes Yes
Digital Zoom: Yes
Digital Zoom Values: 2x or 4x  
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 Detect: 25-area, Center, Flexible Spot (11x17 areas); with Face Detection
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes Yes
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: EVF / LCD LCD
Viewfinder Type: EVF; 1,440K dots eq., 1.4x mag., 17.5mm eyepoint, -4 to +4 diopter, eye sensor (Optional FDA-SV1 optical viewfinder available with 16mm FOV)
Focus Peaking: No No
EVF Resolution:   n/a
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.70x  
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 1.40x  
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
Touchscreen: Yes No
Articulating Screen: Yes Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen:
Selfie Screen:
Max Playback Zoom: 16.0x 11.8x
Top Deck Display: No No
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native):    
Minimum ISO (native):    
ISO Settings: Auto, 160-6400 Intelligent ISO Auto, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800.
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, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom, Color Temp./ Filter (2500 – 9900K with 19-step Magenta/Green compensation)
Shutter Speed Range: 1/4000 - 60 sec 1/4000 - 30 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: 144-zone Intelligent Multiple, Center-weighted, Spot 49-zone Multi-segment, 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 Portrait, Landscape, Macro,Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait, Night View, Hand-held Twilight (6 shot layering), 2D/3D Sweep Panorama
Self Timer: 2, 10, 10 (3 images) seconds 2, 10; 3 or 5 after 10 sec seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer):    
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: Yes No
Flash Modes: Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off Autoflash, Fill-flash, Rear sync., Slow sync., Red-eye reduction
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): 8.3 m / 27.2 ft. 7.0 m / 23.0 ft.
Flash Range Description: Lens dependent Bundled flash has GN of 7m/ISO 100
Max Flash Sync: 1/160 1/160
Flash Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: Hot Shoe Smart Accessory Terminal (flash is detachable)
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:    
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: SD / SDHC / SDXC MS PRO Duo / SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:    
Other Memory:    
Dual Card Slots: No No
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: RAW, RAW + JPEG RAW (ARW 2.2), RAW+JPEG
Movie File Format: AVCHD (H.264), MotionJPEG MP4
Included Memory: No memory included  
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No No
NFC: No
Bluetooth: No No
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
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: Yes No
Remote Control Type: Optional DMW-RSL1 cable remote  
Connections (extended): Mini HDMI (Type-C), 2.5mm remote socket, combined AV/USB connector Mini HDMI (Type C), Mic via Smart Accessory Terminal
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 0.66 0.97
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): 0.67 0.94
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): 9 Unlimited
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot):    
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No Yes
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 3.4 5.5
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 7 10
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 0.43 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele): 0.30 seconds 0.42 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter Lag (manual focus): 0.091 seconds 0.226 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): 0.57 seconds 0.71 seconds
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.080 seconds 0.114 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes): Full Autofocus lag: Multi-area AF mode, Wide Angle = 0.294s Quick AF mode, Wide Angle = 0.297s Multi-area full AF lag: 0.456s
Startup Time: 1.4 seconds 1.2 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 0.8 seconds 0.8 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power: 5.5 seconds 2.6 seconds
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): 270 shots 400 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF):    
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary Proprietary NP-FW50
Usable Battery Types: Lithium-ion rechargeable Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary NP-FW50 Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included:
Internal Charging Supported:
Software
Included Software: PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.2 HD Edition, SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.1 SE, Super LoiloScope (trial), USB Driver Software CD-ROM (includes Picture Motion Browser, Image Data Converter SR, Image Data Lightbox SR)
OS Compatibility:   Windows XP SP3/Vista SP2/7, Mac OS X (v.10.3 +)
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. 720p HD Video, Picture Effects, Photo Creativity, Hand-held Twilight, Anti Motion Blur, Auto HDR, D-Range Optimizer, 2D/3D Sweep Panorama, Smile Shutter, 5.5fps Full-res Burst Mode. Available in Silver, Black or Pink.