• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  •  
  • APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.9 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • Detailed specifications
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3
  • Nikon D500
Links
Prices:   Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor: Panasonic GF2
GF2 vs GF3
Nikon D300S
D300S vs D500
Successor: Panasonic GF5
GF3 vs GF5
 
General
Model Number: GF3 D500
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: Compact System Camera Pro SLR
Currently Manufactured: No Yes
Retail Price: $699.99 $1999.95
Street Price: $675.49 $1,598.45
Date Available: 2011-07-30 2016-03-15
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 11.3 oz (320 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
30.2 oz (856 g)
includes batteries
Size: 4.2 x 2.6 x 1.3 in.
(108 x 67 x 33 mm)
5.8 x 4.5 x 3.2 in.
(147 x 115 x 81 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: Live MOS CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Panasonic  
Effective Megapixels: 12.1 20.9
Sensor Format: 4/3 APS-C
Sensor size: 224.9mm2 (17.30mm x 13.00mm) 368.95mm2 (23.50mm x 15.70mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 4.33 microns 4.22 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 2.0x 1.5x
Aspect Ratio: 4:3 3:2
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed None
Self-Cleaning: Yes Yes
Sensor shift image stabilization: No No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score: 49 83
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 20.6 24.0
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 10.0 14.0
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 458 1,324
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 4000 x 3000 (12.0 MP, 4:3),
4000 x 2672 (10.7 MP, 3:2),
4000 x 2248 (9.0 MP, 16:9),
2816 x 2112 (5.9 MP, 4:3),
2816 x 1880 (5.3 MP, 3:2),
2816 x 1584 (4.5 MP, 16:9),
2992 x 2992 (9.0 MP, 1:1),
2112 x 2112 (4.5 MP, 1:1),
2048 x 1536 (3.1 MP, 4:3),
2048 x 1360 (2.8 MP, Other),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
1504 x 1504 (2.3 MP, 1:1),
1600 x 1200 (1.9 MP, 4:3),
1600 x 1064 (1.7 MP, 3:2),
1600 x 904 (1.4 MP, Other),
1440 x 1440 (2.1 MP, 1:1)
5568 x 3712 (20.7 MP, 3:2),
4176 x 2784 (11.6 MP, 3:2),
2784 x 1856 (5.2 MP, 3:2),
4272 x 2848 (12.2 MP, 3:2),
3200 x 2136 (6.8 MP, 3:2),
2128 x 1424 (3.0 MP, Other)
Image File Format: JPEG (EXIF v2.3), MPO, RAW, RAW+JPEG JPEG (EXIF 2.3), NEF (RAW), 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed, L/M/S; RAW+JPEG, TIFF
Continuous-mode frames/second: 3.5 10.2
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1920x1080 (60i/​50i (sensor output is 30p/​25p))
1280x720 (60p/​30p)
640x480 (30)
320x240 (30)
3840x2160 (30p/​25p/​24p)
1920x1080 (60p/​50p/​30p/​25p/​24p)
1280x720 (60p/​50p)
Movie File Format: AVCHD, Motion JPEG MOV (Video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC; Audio: Stereo Linear PCM)
Composite Video Out: Yes No
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: No 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 Nikon F
Lens: Panasonic 14mm f/2.5 ASPH LUMIX G, 6 elements in 5 groups, including 3 aspherical lenses n/a
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 28mm  
Focal Length (actual): 14mm  
Zoom Ratio: 1.00x  
Aperture Range: f/2.5 - f/22  
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range: 18 cm to Infinity
7.1 in to Infinity
 
Macro Focus Range:    
Filter Thread: 46.0mm n/a
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: No No
Digital Zoom: Yes No
Digital Zoom Values: Up to 4x n/a
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: Contrast detection with Face detect, AF tracking, 23-area, 1 area, Pinpoint OVF: Nikon Advanced Multi-CAM 20K autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection fine-tuning, and 153 focus points (including 99 cross-type sensors and 15 sensors that support f/8), of which 55 (35 cross-type sensors and 9 f/8 sensors) are available for selection; ; Contrast-detect AF in Live View mode
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes No
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: LCD Optical / LCD
Viewfinder Type:   SLR type: eye-level pentaprism, 100% coverage, 1.0x magnification (~0.67x 35mm eq.), 16mm eyepoint, -2 to +1 diopter
Focus Peaking: No No
EVF Resolution: n/a n/a
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent):   0.67x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed):   1.00x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: No Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 3.2
Rear Display Resolution: 460,000 dots 2,359,000 dots (589,750 px)
Touchscreen: Yes Yes
Articulating Screen: No Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen: No No
Selfie Screen: No No
Max Playback Zoom: 16.0x  
Top Deck Display: No Yes
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native):   51200
Minimum ISO (native):   100
ISO Settings: Auto, 160-6400; Intelligent ISO Auto, ISO 100 - 51200, expandable to Lo-1 ISO 50 to Hi-5 ISO 1,638,400
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent , Flash, White Set 1, White Set 2, Color Temperature Setting Auto (3 types), Cloudy, Shade, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Fluorescent (7 types), Incandescent, Kelvin Color Temperature (2,500K-10,000K), Preset manual (up to 6); Fine tuning available.
Shutter Speed Range: 1/4000 - 60 sec 1/8000 - 30 sec
Bulb Mode: No Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 3.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: 144-zone Intelligent Multiple, Center-weighted, Spot TTL exposure metering using RGB sensor with approximately 180K (180,000) pixels; Matrix: 3D color matrix metering III (type G, E, and D lenses), color matrix metering III (other CPU lenses); Center-weighted (weight of approximately 75% given to 8mm circle in center of frame. Diameter of circle can be changed to 6, 10, or 13mm, or weighting can be based on average of entire frame (non-CPU lenses use 8-mm circle); Spot: meters circle with diameter of about 3.5mm (about 2.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used); Highlight-weighted: Available with type G, E, and D lenses
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 N/A
Self Timer: 2, 10, 10 (3 images) seconds 2/5/10/20s; 1-9 exposures at intervals of 0.5, 1, 2, or 3 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer):   Yes
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 Front curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, slow rear-curtain sync, Auto FP High-Speed Sync supported
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): 5.0 m / 16.4 ft. n/a
Flash Range Description: Lens dependent n/a
Max Flash Sync: 1/160 1/250
Flash Exposure Compensation:   -3 to +1 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: n/a Hot Shoe, PC-sync Terminal
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:   No
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: SD / SDHC / SDXC XQD / SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:   UHS-II
Other Memory:   Dual slots, XQD+SD
Dual Card Slots: No Yes
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: RAW, RAW+JPEG NEF (RAW), 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed, L/M/S; RAW+JPEG, TIFF
Movie File Format: AVCHD, Motion JPEG MOV (Video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC; Audio: Stereo Linear PCM)
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 Yes
Headphone Jack: No Yes
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed USB 3.0 Super Speed,Bluetooth,WiFi
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: No Yes
Remote Control Type:   Optional: wired or wireless
Connections (extended): Mini HDMI (Type C) Type-C Mini HDMI with uncompressed video support, 10-pin Remote Terminal, PC Sync
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 0.65 <0.3
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): 0.65  
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): 7  
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot):   <0.3
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 3.5 10.2
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 20 200
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   10.2
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames):   200
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   10.2
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames):   27
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.31 seconds 0.17 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):    
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):   0.103 seconds
Shutter Lag (manual focus): 0.094 seconds 0.049 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): 0.51 seconds  
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.081 seconds 0.049 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes): 23-area AF lag: 0.310s  
Startup Time: 1.9 seconds 0.3 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 0.7 seconds 0.2 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power: 5.0 seconds  
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): 340 shots  
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF):   1240 shots
Battery Life, Video:   50 minutes
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary 7.2v 1010mAh Proprietary EN-EL15, optional MB-D17 battery grip
Usable Battery Types: Lithium-ion rechargeable Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary EN-EL15 Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: Yes
Internal Charging Supported: No
Software
Included Software: PhotofunStudio 6.2 HD, SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.1 SE, Super LoiloScope (trial), USB Driver ViewNX-i, ViewNX-Movie Editor, Capture NX-D, Nikon Transfer 2, Picture Control Utility 2 downloads
OS Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS Windows 7/8/10, Mac OS X 10.9.5-10.11.5
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: Most compact CSC from Panasonic yet; 460K-dot touch-screen LCD, 1920x1080@60i and 1280x720@60p HD movies. Available in black, white, red, pink, and brown.