| Links | ||
|---|---|---|
| Prices: | Compare Prices | Compare Prices |
| Manufacturer URL: | Manufacturer website | Manufacturer website |
| Predecessor: |
Panasonic GH2
GH2 vs GH3 |
|
| Successor: |
Panasonic GH4
GH3 vs GH4 |
|
| General | ||
| Model Number: | GH3 | K-500 |
| Alternate Model Number(s): | ||
| Camera Format: | Compact System Camera | SLR |
| Currently Manufactured: | No | No |
| Retail Price: | $1299.99 | $599.95 |
| Street Price: | $797.99 | $596.95 |
| Date Available: | 2012-12-30 | 2013-07-15 |
| Tripod Mount: | Yes | Yes |
| Weight: |
19.6 oz
(555 g)
includes batteries |
30.1 oz
(852 g)
includes batteries, kit lens |
| Size: |
5.2 x
3.7 x
3.2 in. (133 x 93 x 82 mm) |
5.1 x
3.8 x
2.8 in. (130 x 97 x 71 mm) |
| Waterproof: | No | No |
| Waterproof Depth: | n/a | n/a |
| Image Sensor | ||
| Sensor Type: | Live MOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Manufacturer: | Panasonic | Sony |
| Effective Megapixels: | 16.1 | 16.3 |
| Sensor Format: | 4/3 | APS-C |
| Sensor size: | 224.9mm2 (17.30mm x 13.00mm) | 372.09mm2 (23.70mm x 15.70mm) |
| Approximate Pixel Pitch: | 3.75 microns | 4.81 microns |
| Focal Length Multiplier: | 2.0x | 1.5x |
| Aspect Ratio: | 4:3 | 3:2 |
| Color Filter Type: | RGBG | RGBG |
| Anti Aliasing Filter: | Fixed | Fixed |
| Self-Cleaning: | Yes | Yes |
| Sensor shift image stabilization: | No | Yes |
| On-Sensor Phase Detect: | No | No |
| DxO Sensor Score: | 71 | 79 |
| DxO Color Depth Score (bits): | 22.7 | 23.7 |
| DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): | 12.4 | 13.1 |
| DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): | 812 | 1,087 |
| Image Capture | ||
| Image Resolution: |
4608 x 3456
(15.9 MP,
4:3), 4608 x 3072 (14.2 MP, 3:2), 4608 x 2592 (11.9 MP, 16:9), 3456 x 3456 (11.9 MP, 1:1), 3264 x 2448 (8.0 MP, 4:3), 3264 x 2176 (7.1 MP, 3:2), 3264 x 1840 (6.0 MP, Other), 2448 x 2448 (6.0 MP, 1:1), 2336 x 1720 (4.0 MP, Other), 2336 x 1560 (3.6 MP, 3:2), 1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9), 1744 x 1744 (3.0 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), 1712 x 1712 (2.9 MP, 1:1) |
4928 x 3264
(16.1 MP,
Other), 4224 x 2816 (11.9 MP, 3:2), 3456 x 2304 (8.0 MP, 3:2), 2688 x 1792 (4.8 MP, 3:2) |
| Image File Format: | JPEG (EXIF 2.3), MPO, RAW, RAW + JPEG | JPEG (EXIF 2.3), 12-bit RAW (.DNG), RAW+JPEG |
| Continuous-mode frames/second: | 6.1 | 6.0 |
| Video Capture | ||
| Can take movies: | Yes | Yes |
| Movie Resolution: |
1920x1080 (60p/60i/30p/24p)
1280x720 (60p/30p) 640x480 (30p) 1920x1080 (Slow: 60p/50p/30p) 1920x1080 (Fast: 15p/12p/8p) |
1920x1080 (30p/25p/24p)
1280x720 (60p/50p/30p/25p/24p) 640x480 (30p/25p/24p) |
| Movie File Format: | MOV (ALL-I and IPB), AVCHD 2.0, MP4; with stereo audio | MOV MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) with monaural audio |
| Composite Video Out: | Yes | Yes |
| NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: | No | Yes |
| Video Usable as Viewfinder: | No | |
| HD Video Out: | Yes | No |
| HD Video Connection: | HDMI | |
| Lens & Optics | ||
| Lens Mount: | Micro Four Thirds | Pentax K (KA/KAF/KAF2/3) |
| Lens: | n/a | smc PENTAX-DA L 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL; 11 elements in 8 groups, 6 bladed diaphragm |
| Focal Length (35mm equivalent): | 27 - 83mm | |
| Focal Length (actual): | 18 - 55mm | |
| Zoom Ratio: | 3.06x | |
| Aperture Range: | f/3.5 - f/22 (wide) / f/5.6 - f/38 (tele) | |
| Integrated ND Filter: | No | No |
| Normal Focus Range: |
25 cm to Infinity 9.8 in to Infinity |
|
| Macro Focus Range: | ||
| Filter Thread: | n/a | 52.0mm |
| Thread Type: | n/a | n/a |
| Optical Image Stabilization: | No | No |
| Digital Zoom: | Yes | No |
| Digital Zoom Values: | 2x, 4x; Magnification ratio depends on recording pixels and aspect ratio | n/a |
| Auto Focus | ||
| Auto Focus: | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Focus Type: | Contrast Detection: Face detection, AF Tracking, 23-area-focusing, 1-area-focusing, Pinpoint (Full area touch is available) | Phase Detect:: SAFOX IXi+, 11 point (9 cross type focus point in the center), with light wavelength sensor and diffraction lens; Live View: Contrast detection AF (face detection, tracking, select, spot) |
| Auto Focus Assist Light? | Yes | Yes |
| Manual Focus: | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | ||
| Viewfinder: | EVF / OLED | Optical / LCD |
| Viewfinder Type: | EVF: 1,746K-dot OLED, 100% coverage, 1.34x / 0.67x (35mm eq.) magnification, 21mm eyepoint, -4 to +4 diopter, eye sensor | SLR type; eye-level pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.92x mag., -2.5 to +1.5 diopter, 21.7mm eyepoint (from view window), Natural-Bright-Matte III focusing screen (interchangeable) |
| Focus Peaking: | No | Yes |
| EVF Resolution: | 1,746,000 dots | n/a |
| Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): | 0.67x | 0.61x |
| Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): | 1.34x | 0.92x |
| Display | ||
| Eye-level Viewfinder: | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Display: | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Display Size (inches): | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Rear Display Resolution: | 614,000 dots (204,600 px) | 921,600 dots (307,200 px) |
| Touchscreen: | Yes | No |
| Articulating Screen: | Yes | No |
| Tilt Swivel Screen: | Yes | No |
| Selfie Screen: | Yes | No |
| Max Playback Zoom: | 16.0x | 16.0x |
| Top Deck Display: | No | No |
| Exposure | ||
| Maximum ISO (native): | 12800 | 51200 |
| Minimum ISO (native): | 200 | 100 |
| ISO Settings: | Auto, Intelligent ISO, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800; in 1/3 or 1 EV steps; expandable to ISO 125 and ISO 25600; Up to ISO 3200 in Auto | Auto, 100-51200 (1, 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps) |
| Auto ISO Mode: | Yes | Yes |
| White Balance Settings: | Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Flash, White Set 1/2, Color Temperature Setting (2,500-10,000K in 100K steps) | Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent (D, N, W, L), Tungsten, Flash, CTE, 3 Manual and 3 Kelvin temperature presets |
| Shutter Speed Range: | 1/4000 - 60 sec | 1/6000 - 30 sec |
| Bulb Mode: | Yes | Yes |
| Exposure Compensation: | +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps | +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps |
| Metering Modes: | 144-zone Intelligent Multiple, Center-weighted, Spot | TTL open-aperture: 77-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: | Clear Portrait, Silky Skin, Backlit Softness, Clear in Backlight, Relaxing Tone, Sweet Child's Face, Distinct Scenery, Bright Blue Sky, Romantic Sunset Glow, Vivid Sunset Glow, Glistening Water, Clear Nightscape, Cool Night Sky, Warm Glowing Nightscape, Artistic Nightscape, Glittering Illuminations, Clear Night Portrait, Soft Image of a Flower, Appetizing Food, Cute Dessert, Freeze Animal Motion, Clear Sports Shot, Monochrome | Sensitivity Priority, Shutter and Aperture Priority, Scene (Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Moving Object, Night Scene Portrait, Sunset, Blue Sky, Forest, Night Scene, Night Scene HDR*, Night Snap, Food, Pet, Kids, Surf & Snow, Backlight Silhouette, Candlelight, Stage Lighting, Museum, *JPEG only); Extract Color, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Color; Dynamic range adjustment (Highlight, Shadow); HDR: Auto, HDR 1, HDR 2, HDR 3 |
| Self Timer: | 2, 10, 3 shots after 10 seconds | 2 or 12 seconds |
| Time Lapse (intervalometer): | Yes | Yes |
| High Resolution Composite: | No | No |
| Flash | ||
| Built-in Flash: | Yes | Yes |
| Flash Modes: | Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction (when iA, iA+), Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Off; Built-in flash supports wireless mode (4 channels, 3 groups) | P-TTL: On, Redeye, Slow Sync, Slow Sync + Redeye, Trailing Curtain Sync |
| Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): | 12.0 m / 39.4 ft. | 12.0 m / 39.4 ft. |
| Flash Range Description: | Lens dependent; GN = 17m (ISO 200) | Depends on lens |
| Max Flash Sync: | 1/160 | 1/180 |
| Flash Exposure Compensation: | +/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps | -2 to +1 EV in 0.5EV steps |
| External Flash Connection: | Hot Shoe, PC Sync Socket | Hot Shoe |
| Built-In Wireless Flash Control: | Full TTL exposure | |
| Image Storage | ||
| Usable Memory Types: | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| UHS Support: | UHS-I | |
| Other Memory: | ||
| Dual Card Slots: | No | No |
| RAW Capture Support: | Yes | Yes |
| Uncompressed Format: | RAW, RAW + JPEG | 12-bit RAW (.DNG), RAW+JPEG |
| Movie File Format: | MOV (ALL-I and IPB), AVCHD 2.0, MP4; with stereo audio | MOV MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) with monaural audio |
| Included Memory: | No memory included | No memory included |
| Included Memory Type: | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Built-In Wi-Fi: | Yes | No |
| NFC: | No | No |
| Bluetooth: | No | No |
| Built-In GPS: | No | No |
| Microphone Jack: | Yes | No |
| Headphone Jack: | Yes | No |
| External Connections: | USB 2.0 High Speed,WiFi | USB 2.0 High Speed |
| PictBridge Compliant: | Yes | No |
| DPOF Compliant: | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Control: | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Control Type: | Optional wired DMW-RSL1 | Optional Wired or IR |
| Connections (extended): | Mini HDMI (Type-C), 2.5mm Remote Jack, 3.5mm Mic Jack, 3.5mm Headphone Jack | Wired remote port |
| Performance Timing | ||
| Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): | 0.48 | |
| Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): | 0.48 | |
| Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): | Unlimited | |
| Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot): | 0.46 | |
| Camera penalizes early shutter press? | No | |
| JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): | 6.1 | 6.0 |
| Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): | Unlimited | 30 |
| RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps): | 5.1 | |
| Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames): | 24 | |
| RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps): | 5.2 | |
| Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames): | 20 | |
| Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): | 0.21 seconds | |
| Shutter lag (full AF, tele): | ||
| Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR): | ||
| Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR): | ||
| Shutter Lag (manual focus): | 0.086 seconds | |
| Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): | 0.38 seconds | |
| Shutter Lag (prefocused): | 0.079 seconds | |
| Shutter Lag (notes): | Full Autofocus lag, Multi-area AF mode = 0.202s | |
| Startup Time: | 0.8 seconds | |
| Play -> Record Time: | 0.7 seconds | |
| Flash cycle time, full power: | 4.1 seconds | |
| Power | ||
| Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): | 540 shots | |
| Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): | 710 shots (Lithium AA) | |
| Battery Life, Video: | ||
| Battery Form Factor: | Proprietary | 4 x AA or proprietary D--LI109 Lithion-ion |
| Usable Battery Types: | 7.2v 1860 mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable | AA (Alkaline, NiMH, Lithium) or optional D-LI109 Lithium-ion rechargeable |
| Batteries Included: | 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable | 4 x AA Lithium disposables |
| Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): | Yes | No |
| Dedicated Battery Charger Included: | Yes | |
| Internal Charging Supported: | No | |
| Software | ||
| Included Software: | PHOTOfunSTUDIO 8.5 PE, SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.1 SE, Super LoiloScope (trial) | Software CDROM (SILKYPIX Developer Studio for PENTAX included) |
| OS Compatibility: | ||
| Miscellaneous | ||
| Notes & Features: | Entry-level model: Similar to K-50 in IQ and performance, but not weather sealed, comes with 4 Energizer lithium AAs, and only available in black. | |
