- 4/3 224.9mm2
- 16.1 megapixels
- ISO 200 - 12,800
- Go in depth with our full Panasonic GH3 Review.
- See real-world photos taken with the GH3.
- 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
- 18.2 megapixels
- 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)
- Go in depth with our full Sony HX99 Review.
| Links | ||
|---|---|---|
| Prices: | Compare Prices | |
| Manufacturer URL: | Manufacturer website | Manufacturer website |
| Predecessor: |
Panasonic GH2
GH2 vs GH3 |
Sony HX90V
HX90V vs HX99 |
| Successor: |
Panasonic GH4
GH3 vs GH4 |
|
| General | ||
| Model Number: | GH3 | HX99 |
| Alternate Model Number(s): | ||
| Camera Format: | Compact System Camera | Compact |
| Currently Manufactured: | No | Yes |
| Retail Price: | $1299.99 | $449.99 |
| Street Price: | $797.99 | $473.00 |
| Date Available: | 2012-12-30 | 2019-02-12 |
| Tripod Mount: | Yes | Yes |
| Weight: |
19.6 oz
(555 g)
includes batteries |
8.5 oz
(242 g)
includes batteries |
| Size: |
5.2 x
3.7 x
3.2 in. (133 x 93 x 82 mm) |
4.0 x
2.3 x
1.4 in. (102 x 58 x 36 mm) |
| Waterproof: | No | No |
| Waterproof Depth: | n/a | n/a |
| Image Sensor | ||
| Sensor Type: | Live MOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Manufacturer: | Panasonic | Sony Exmor R |
| Effective Megapixels: | 16.1 | 18.2 |
| Sensor Format: | 4/3 | 1/2.3 inch |
| Sensor size: | 224.9mm2 (17.30mm x 13.00mm) | 28.0735mm2 (6.17mm x 4.55mm) |
| Approximate Pixel Pitch: | 3.75 microns | 1.26 microns |
| Focal Length Multiplier: | 2.0x | n/a |
| Aspect Ratio: | 4:3 | 4:3 |
| Color Filter Type: | RGBG | RGBG |
| Anti Aliasing Filter: | Fixed | None |
| Self-Cleaning: | Yes | No |
| Sensor shift image stabilization: | No | No |
| On-Sensor Phase Detect: | No | No |
| DxO Sensor Score: | 71 | |
| DxO Color Depth Score (bits): | 22.7 | |
| DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): | 12.4 | |
| DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): | 812 | |
| 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) |
4896 x 3672
(18.0 MP,
4:3), 4896 x 3264 (16.0 MP, 3:2), 4896 x 2752 (13.5 MP, 16:9), 3648 x 2736 (10.0 MP, 4:3), 3648 x 2432 (8.9 MP, 3:2), 3648 x 2056 (7.5 MP, Other), 2592 x 1944 (5.0 MP, 4:3), 2592 x 1728 (4.5 MP, 3:2), 1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9), 640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3), 3664 x 3667 (13.4 MP, 1:1), 2736 x 2736 (7.5 MP, 1:1), 1920 x 1920 (3.7 MP, 1:1), 8192 x 1860 (15.2 MP, Other), 3872 x 2160 (8.4 MP, Other), 12416 x 1856 (23.0 MP, Other), 5536 x 2160 (12.0 MP, Other) |
| Image File Format: | JPEG (EXIF 2.3), MPO, RAW, RAW + JPEG | JPEG, RAW, RAW+JPEG |
| Continuous-mode frames/second: | 6.1 | 10.0 |
| 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) |
3840x2160 (30p/25p/24p)
1920x1080 (60p/60i/50p/50i/30p/25p/24p) 1920x1080 (120p/100p) |
| Movie File Format: | MOV (ALL-I and IPB), AVCHD 2.0, MP4; with stereo audio | XAVC S with LPCM 2ch audio, AVCHD with Dolby Digital (AC-3) 2ch audio (Dolby Digital Stereo Creator) |
| 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 | n/a |
| Lens: | n/a | ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* Lens, 11 elements in 10 groups (5 aspheric elements) |
| Focal Length (35mm equivalent): | 24 - 720mm | |
| Focal Length (actual): | 4.3 - 118mm | |
| Zoom Ratio: | 28.00x | |
| Aperture Range: | f/3.5 (W) / f/6.4(T) - f/8; 5-blade Iris Diaphragm | |
| Integrated ND Filter: | No | No |
| Normal Focus Range: |
5 cm to Infinity 2.0 in to Infinity |
|
| Macro Focus Range: | ||
| Filter Thread: | n/a | n/a |
| 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 2x Clear Image, up to 4x 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) | Contrast Detection AF: Wide, Center, Flexible Spot (S/M/L), Expanded Flexible Spot, Single-shot AF, Continuous AF (Movie Only), DMF, Manual Focus |
| 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 | 0.2-inch 638K-dot OLED, 100% coverage, approx. 0.5x magnification with 50mm lens at infinity and -1m-1(diopter) (35mm equiv.), 19.2mm eyepoint, -4.0 to +3.0m-1 diopter, eye detector. |
| Focus Peaking: | No | Yes |
| EVF Resolution: | 1,746,000 dots | 638,400 dots |
| Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): | 0.67x | 0.50x |
| Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): | 1.34x | |
| 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 | Yes |
| Articulating Screen: | Yes | Yes |
| Tilt Swivel Screen: | Yes | No |
| Selfie Screen: | Yes | Yes |
| Max Playback Zoom: | 16.0x | |
| Top Deck Display: | No | No |
| Exposure | ||
| Maximum ISO (native): | 12800 | 3200 |
| Minimum ISO (native): | 200 | 80 |
| 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, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400* (*Extended ISO), 12800** (**with MFNR) |
| 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 Warm White, Fluorescent Cool White, Fluorescent Day White, Fluorescent Daylight, Incandescent, Flash, Custom (3), C.Temp./Filter |
| Shutter Speed Range: | 1/4000 - 60 sec | 1/2000 - 30 sec |
| Bulb Mode: | Yes | No |
| Exposure Compensation: | +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps | +/- 3.0EV in 0.3EV steps |
| Metering Modes: | 144-zone Intelligent Multiple, Center-weighted, Spot | Multi-pattern, Center-weighted, Spot, Entire Screen Avg, Highlight |
| 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, Macro, Landscape, Sunset, Night Scene, Handheld Twilight, Night Portrait, Anti Motion Blur, Pet, Gourmet, Fireworks, High Sensitivity, Intelligent Sweep Panorama; Effects: Toy camera, Pop Color, Posterization, Retro Photo, Soft High-key, Partial Color, High Contrast Mono., Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Richtone Monochrome, Miniature, Watercolor, Illustration. |
| Self Timer: | 2, 10, 3 shots after 10 seconds | 2, 5, 10; 3 shots seconds |
| Time Lapse (intervalometer): | 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) | Auto, Flash On, Slow Sync., Flash Off, Rear Sync.; Red-eye reduction available |
| Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): | 12.0 m / 39.4 ft. | n/a |
| Flash Range Description: | Lens dependent; GN = 17m (ISO 200) | ISO Auto: 0.3 to 5.4m (W) / 2.5 to 3.0m (T) |
| Max Flash Sync: | 1/160 | 1/2000 |
| 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 | n/a |
| Built-In Wireless Flash Control: | No | |
| Image Storage | ||
| Usable Memory Types: | SD / SDHC / SDXC | MS Micro M2 / microSD / microSDHC / microSDXC |
| UHS Support: | UHS-I | |
| Other Memory: | ||
| Dual Card Slots: | No | No |
| RAW Capture Support: | Yes | Yes |
| Uncompressed Format: | RAW, RAW + JPEG | RAW, RAW+JPEG |
| Movie File Format: | MOV (ALL-I and IPB), AVCHD 2.0, MP4; with stereo audio | XAVC S with LPCM 2ch audio, AVCHD with Dolby Digital (AC-3) 2ch audio (Dolby Digital Stereo Creator) |
| Included Memory: | No memory included | No memory included |
| Included Memory Type: | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Built-In Wi-Fi: | Yes | Yes |
| NFC: | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth: | No | Yes |
| 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,Bluetooth,WiFi |
| PictBridge Compliant: | Yes | No |
| DPOF Compliant: | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Control: | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Control Type: | Optional wired DMW-RSL1 | Via Wi-Fi |
| Connections (extended): | Mini HDMI (Type-C), 2.5mm Remote Jack, 3.5mm Mic Jack, 3.5mm Headphone Jack | Micro (Type-D) HDMI, Multi/Micro USB 2.0 |
| Performance Timing | ||
| Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): | 0.48 | 0.71 |
| 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 | 0.66 |
| Camera penalizes early shutter press? | No | No |
| JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): | 6.1 | 10.0 |
| Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): | Unlimited | 103 |
| RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps): | 5.1 | 10.0 |
| Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames): | 24 | 50 |
| RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps): | 5.2 | 10.0 |
| Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames): | 20 | 50 |
| Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): | 0.21 seconds | 0.25 seconds |
| Shutter lag (full AF, tele): | 0.15 seconds | |
| Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR): | ||
| Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR): | ||
| Shutter Lag (manual focus): | 0.086 seconds | 0.029 seconds |
| Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): | 0.38 seconds | 0.50 seconds |
| Shutter Lag (prefocused): | 0.079 seconds | 0.018 seconds |
| Shutter Lag (notes): | Full Autofocus lag, Multi-area AF mode = 0.202s | |
| Startup Time: | 0.8 seconds | 2.3 seconds |
| Play -> Record Time: | 0.7 seconds | 1.3 seconds |
| Flash cycle time, full power: | 4.1 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Power | ||
| Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): | 540 shots | 370 shots |
| Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): | 300 shots | |
| Battery Life, Video: | 55 minutes | |
| Battery Form Factor: | Proprietary | Proprietary NP-BX1 |
| Usable Battery Types: | 7.2v 1860 mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable | Lithium-ion rechargeable |
| Batteries Included: | 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable | 1 x Proprietary NP-BX1 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: | ||
