• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • Detailed specifications
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3
  • Sony Alpha ILCE-A7 II
Links
Prices: Compare Prices Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor: Panasonic GH2
GH2 vs GH3
Sony A7
A7 vs A7 II
Successor: Panasonic GH4
GH3 vs GH4
Sony A7 III
A7 II vs A7 III
General
Model Number: GH3 A7 II
Alternate Model Number(s):   ILCE-7M2
Camera Format: Compact System Camera Compact System Camera
Currently Manufactured: No Yes
Retail Price: $1299.99 $1999.99
Street Price: $797.99 $1,076.98
Date Available: 2012-12-30 2014-12-09
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 19.6 oz (555 g)
includes batteries
32.8 oz (930 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
Size: 5.2 x 3.7 x 3.2 in.
(133 x 93 x 82 mm)
5.0 x 3.8 x 2.4 in.
(127 x 96 x 60 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 24.3
Sensor Format: 4/3 35mm
Sensor size: 224.9mm2 (17.30mm x 13.00mm) 855.62mm2 (35.80mm x 23.90mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 3.75 microns 5.97 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 2.0x 1.0x
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 Yes
DxO Sensor Score: 71 90
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 22.7 24.9
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 12.4 13.6
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 812 2,449
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)
6000 x 4000 (24.0 MP, 3:2),
3936 x 2624 (10.3 MP, 3:2),
3008 x 2000 (6.0 MP, 3:2),
3936 x 2624 (10.3 MP, 3:2),
3008 x 2000 (6.0 MP, 3:2),
1968 x 1312 (2.6 MP, 3:2),
6000 x 3376 (20.3 MP, 16:9),
3936 x 2216 (8.7 MP, 16:9),
3008 x 1688 (5.1 MP, 16:9),
3936 x 2216 (8.7 MP, 16:9),
3008 x 1688 (5.1 MP, 16:9),
1968 x 1112 (2.2 MP, Other),
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)
Image File Format: JPEG (EXIF 2.3), MPO, RAW, RAW + JPEG JPEG, RAW (14-bit ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 6.1 5.0
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 (60p/​60i/​30p/​24p)
1440x1080 (30p)
640x480 (30p)
Movie File Format: MOV (ALL-I and IPB), AVCHD 2.0, MP4; with stereo audio XAVC S / AVCHD 2.0 / MP4; Stereo Audio: LPCM / Dolby Digital (AC-3) / MPEG-4 AAC-LC
Composite Video Out: Yes No
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: No n/a
Video Usable as Viewfinder: n/a
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds Sony E
Lens: n/a Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS SEL2870
Focal Length (35mm equivalent):   28 - 70mm
Focal Length (actual):   28 - 70mm
Zoom Ratio:   2.50x
Aperture Range:   f/3.5-22 (W) / f/5.6-36 (T)
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range:   40 cm to Infinity
15.7 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range:    
Filter Thread: n/a 55.0mm
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: No Yes
Digital Zoom: Yes Yes
Digital Zoom Values: 2x, 4x; Magnification ratio depends on recording pixels and aspect ratio Up to 4x; up to 2x Clear Image Digital Zoom
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) Fast Hybrid AF (Phase-detect + Contrast-detect AF): 117 points (phase-detection AF), 25 points (contrast-detection AF); Multi Point (25 points) / Center-weighted / Flexible Spot (S/M/L) / Zone
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes Yes
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: EVF / OLED EVF / 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 EVF: 0.5-inch (1.30cm) 2.4M-dot XGA color OLED, 100% coverage, 0.71x magnification, -4.0 to +3.0 diopter
Focus Peaking: No Yes
EVF Resolution: 1,746,000 dots 2,359,296 dots (786,432 pixels)
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.67x 0.71x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 1.34x 0.71x
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) 1,228,800 dots (307,200 px)
Touchscreen: Yes No
Articulating Screen: Yes Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen: Yes No
Selfie Screen: Yes No
Max Playback Zoom: 16.0x 18.8x
Top Deck Display: No No
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 12800 25600
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 (100-6400), 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 25600; Low extention to ISO 50; up to 51200 in MFNR mode
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, Incandescent, Fluorescent (4 settings), Flash, Custom, Color Temp./ Filter (2500-9900K with 15-step Magenta/Green compensation), Underwater
Shutter Speed Range: 1/4000 - 60 sec 1/8000 - 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 1200-zone Evaluative 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: 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 Scene Modes: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait, Night Scene, Hand-held Twilight, Anti Motion Blur; Sweep Panorama; HDR: Auto Exposure Difference, Exposure difference Level (1-6 EV at 1.0 EV step),
Self Timer: 2, 10, 3 shots after 10 seconds 2 or 10; 3/5 shots after 10 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer): Yes  
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: Yes No
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) Flash off, Auto flash, Fill-flash, Slow Sync., Rear Sync., Hi-speed Sync, Wireless; Red-eye reduction: On/Off
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): 12.0 m / 39.4 ft. n/a
Flash Range Description: Lens dependent; GN = 17m (ISO 200) n/a
Max Flash Sync: 1/160 1/250
Flash Exposure Compensation: +/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: Hot Shoe, PC Sync Socket Multi Interface Hot shoe
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:   No
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: SD / SDHC / SDXC MS PRO Duo / SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support: UHS-I UHS-I
Other Memory:    
Dual Card Slots: No No
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: RAW, RAW + JPEG RAW (14-bit ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG
Movie File Format: MOV (ALL-I and IPB), AVCHD 2.0, MP4; with stereo audio XAVC S / AVCHD 2.0 / MP4; Stereo Audio: LPCM / Dolby Digital (AC-3) / MPEG-4 AAC-LC
Included Memory: No memory included No memory included
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: Yes Yes
NFC: No Yes
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: No No
Microphone Jack: Yes Yes
Headphone Jack: Yes Yes
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed,WiFi USB 2.0 High Speed,WiFi
PictBridge Compliant: Yes No
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: Yes Yes
Remote Control Type: Optional wired DMW-RSL1 Optional via RM-VPR1, USB or Wi-Fi
Connections (extended): Mini HDMI (Type-C), 2.5mm Remote Jack, 3.5mm Mic Jack, 3.5mm Headphone Jack Multi-Terminal Micro USB (with remote support), Type-D Micro HDMI, 3.5mm Microphone and 3.5mm Headphone jacks
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 0.48 0.74
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 0.79
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 6.1 5.0
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): Unlimited 52
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 5.1 5.0
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames): 24 28
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 5.2 5.0
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames): 20 24
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.21 seconds 0.22 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 0.151 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): 0.38 seconds  
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.079 seconds 0.053 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes): Full Autofocus lag, Multi-area AF mode = 0.202s Full AF lag with electronic first curtain disabled (enabled is the default) = 0.359 second
Startup Time: 0.8 seconds 1.7 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 0.7 seconds 1.0 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power: 4.1 seconds  
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): 540 shots 350 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF):   270 shots
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary Proprietary
Usable Battery Types: 7.2v 1860 mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable NP-FW50 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: Yes No
Internal Charging Supported: No Yes
Software
Included Software: PHOTOfunSTUDIO 8.5 PE, SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.1 SE, Super LoiloScope (trial)  
OS Compatibility:    
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: In-body 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization (up to 4.5 stops of corrections), White Magic tilting LCD (170 degrees up, 41 degrees down), XAVC S, AVCHD 2.0 & MP4 videos, S-Log2 and S-Gamut, improved grip and shutter button, stronger lens mount, optional VG-C2EM battery grip.