• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  •  
  • 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 24.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 6400

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Differences

Panasonic GF3 advantages over Leica M-D (Typ 262)

  • Rear display
    Yes vs No
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Less expensive
    $700 vs $5995 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    3.5 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Leica M-D (Typ 262) advantages over Panasonic GF3

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.99 vs 4.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Newer
    9 years vs 13 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    24.0 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Similarities

Common Strengths

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Buy the Leica M-D (Typ 262)

Review Excerpt

  • Small, solid, light body; Good image quality; 14mm kit lens is of good quality and very small; Very fast autofocus; Excellent selection of lenses; Very fun to shoot with.

  • Small controls; Touchscreen interface might not be for everyone; Weak flash; Does not work with most accessories from previous models; JPEG image quality falls short of third-generation competition.

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic GF2

Panasonic GF3
Panasonic GF2
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Fast startup
Leica M-D (Typ 262)
Panasonic GF2
  • $5995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Lens selection

Compared to Panasonic GF3X

Panasonic GF3
Panasonic GF3X
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • More telephoto lens reach
Leica M-D (Typ 262)
Panasonic GF3X
  • $5995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Lens selection

Compared to Panasonic GF5

Panasonic GF3
Panasonic GF5
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
Leica M-D (Typ 262)
Panasonic GF5
  • $5995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Lens selection

Compared to Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)

Panasonic GF3
Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Touchscreen
  • $7595
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Leica M-D (Typ 262)
Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
  • $5995
  • 35mm
  • $7595
  • 35mm
  • Rear display
  • Focus peaking

Compared to Leica M10

Panasonic GF3
Leica M10
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Touchscreen
  • $7995
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Leica M-D (Typ 262)
Leica M10
  • $5995
  • 35mm
  • $7995
  • 35mm
  • Rear display
  • Focus peaking
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