- 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
- 16.0 megapixels
- 28.00mm - 560.00mm (35mm eq.)
- Go in depth with our full Pentax VS20 Review.
- 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.
| Links | ||
|---|---|---|
| Prices: | Compare Prices | |
| Manufacturer URL: | Manufacturer website | Manufacturer website |
| Predecessor: |
Panasonic GH2
GH2 vs GH3 |
|
| Successor: |
Panasonic GH4
GH3 vs GH4 |
|
| General | ||
| Model Number: | VS20 | GH3 |
| Alternate Model Number(s): | ||
| Camera Format: | Compact | Compact System Camera |
| Currently Manufactured: | No | No |
| Retail Price: | $249.95 | $1299.99 |
| Street Price: | $105.84 | $797.99 |
| Date Available: | 2012-02-15 | 2012-12-30 |
| Tripod Mount: | Yes | Yes |
| Weight: |
8.3 oz
(235 g)
includes batteries |
19.6 oz
(555 g)
includes batteries |
| Size: |
4.4 x
2.4 x
1.5 in. (112 x 61 x 38 mm) |
5.2 x
3.7 x
3.2 in. (133 x 93 x 82 mm) |
| Waterproof: | No | No |
| Waterproof Depth: | n/a | n/a |
| Image Sensor | ||
| Sensor Type: | CCD | Live MOS |
| Sensor Manufacturer: | Panasonic | |
| Effective Megapixels: | 16.0 | 16.1 |
| Sensor Format: | 1/2.33 inch | 4/3 |
| Sensor size: | 28.198mm2 (6.13mm x 4.6mm) | 224.9mm2 (17.30mm x 13.00mm) |
| Approximate Pixel Pitch: | 1.33 microns | 3.75 microns |
| Focal Length Multiplier: | n/a | 2.0x |
| Aspect Ratio: | 4:3 | 4:3 |
| Color Filter Type: | RGBG | |
| Anti Aliasing Filter: | Fixed | |
| Self-Cleaning: | No | Yes |
| Sensor shift image stabilization: | Yes | 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), 3456 x 3456 (11.9 MP, 1:1), 4608 x 2592 (11.9 MP, 16:9), 3072 x 2304 (7.1 MP, 4:3), 1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9), 640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3) |
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) |
| Image File Format: | JPEG (EXIF 2.3) | JPEG (EXIF 2.3), MPO, RAW, RAW + JPEG |
| Continuous-mode frames/second: | 1.0 | 6.1 |
| Video Capture | ||
| Can take movies: | Yes | Yes |
| Movie Resolution: |
1280x720 (30p/15p)
640x480 (30p/15p) 320x240 (30p/15p) |
1920x1080 (60p/60i/30p/24p)
1280x720 (60p/30p) 640x480 (30p) 1920x1080 (Slow: 60p/50p/30p) 1920x1080 (Fast: 15p/12p/8p) |
| Movie File Format: | AVI (Motion JPG) | MOV (ALL-I and IPB), AVCHD 2.0, MP4; with stereo audio |
| Composite Video Out: | Yes | Yes |
| NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: | Yes | No |
| Video Usable as Viewfinder: | ||
| HD Video Out: | No | Yes |
| HD Video Connection: | HDMI | |
| Lens & Optics | ||
| Lens Mount: | n/a | Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens: | smc PENTAX zoom lens, 11 elements, 8 groups, 1 aspheric element | n/a |
| Focal Length (35mm equivalent): | 28 - 560mm | |
| Focal Length (actual): | 5 - 100mm | |
| Zoom Ratio: | 20.00x | |
| Aperture Range: | f/3.1 (wide) / f4.8 (tele) - ??? | |
| Integrated ND Filter: | No | No |
| Normal Focus Range: |
40 cm to Infinity 15.7 in to Infinity |
|
| Macro Focus Range: |
1 -
20 cm 0.4 - 7.9 in |
|
| Filter Thread: | n/a | n/a |
| Thread Type: | n/a | n/a |
| Optical Image Stabilization: | No | No |
| Digital Zoom: | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Zoom Values: | 7.2x | 2x, 4x; Magnification ratio depends on recording pixels and aspect ratio |
| Auto Focus | ||
| Auto Focus: | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Focus Type: | Contrast Detection: 93 point AF, Spot AF, Auto Tracking AF, Macro, Super Macro, Infinity Landscape, Manual Focus | Contrast Detection: Face detection, AF Tracking, 23-area-focusing, 1-area-focusing, Pinpoint (Full area touch is available) |
| Auto Focus Assist Light? | No | Yes |
| Manual Focus: | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | ||
| Viewfinder: | LCD | EVF / OLED |
| Viewfinder Type: | EVF: 1,746K-dot OLED, 100% coverage, 1.34x / 0.67x (35mm eq.) magnification, 21mm eyepoint, -4 to +4 diopter, eye sensor | |
| Focus Peaking: | No | No |
| EVF Resolution: | n/a | 1,746,000 dots |
| Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): | 0.67x | |
| Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): | 1.34x | |
| Display | ||
| Eye-level Viewfinder: | No | Yes |
| Rear Display: | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Display Size (inches): | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Rear Display Resolution: | 460,000 dots | 614,000 dots (204,600 px) |
| Touchscreen: | No | Yes |
| Articulating Screen: | No | Yes |
| Tilt Swivel Screen: | No | Yes |
| Selfie Screen: | No | Yes |
| Max Playback Zoom: | 10.0x | 16.0x |
| Top Deck Display: | No | |
| Exposure | ||
| Maximum ISO (native): | 12800 | |
| Minimum ISO (native): | 200 | |
| ISO Settings: | Auto: 100-1600 (auto range adjustable), Digital SR 100-6400, Manual: 100-6400 | 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 ISO Mode: | Yes | Yes |
| White Balance Settings: | Auto, Daylight, Shade, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Manual | Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Flash, White Set 1/2, Color Temperature Setting (2,500-10,000K in 100K steps) |
| Shutter Speed Range: | 1/2500 - 4 sec | 1/4000 - 60 sec |
| Bulb Mode: | No | Yes |
| Exposure Compensation: | +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps | +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps |
| Metering Modes: | Multi | 144-zone Intelligent Multiple, Center-weighted, Spot |
| Program Auto Exposure: | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Priority: | No | Yes |
| Shutter Priority: | No | Yes |
| Full Manual Exposure: | No | Yes |
| Creative Exposure Modes: | Natural Skin Tone, Handheld Night Snap (5M), Night Scene Portrait, Night Scene, Digital Panorama (2M per frame), Landscape, Blue Sky, Sunset, Flower, Digital SR (ISO 3200-6400 5M), Kids, Pet, Portrait, Food, Fireworks, Surf & Snow, Sport, Fisheye, Sketch, Miniature Filter, Text, Frame Composite (3M) | 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 |
| Self Timer: | 10s, 2s, Remote 3s seconds | 2, 10, 3 shots after 10 seconds |
| Time Lapse (intervalometer): | Yes | |
| High Resolution Composite: | No | No |
| Flash | ||
| Built-in Flash: | Yes | Yes |
| Flash Modes: | Auto, Flash Off, Flash On, Auto + Redeye, On + Redeye | 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 Guide Number (ISO 100): | n/a | 12.0 m / 39.4 ft. |
| Flash Range Description: | 17 feet (wide, auto ISO), 11 feet (tele, auto ISO) | Lens dependent; GN = 17m (ISO 200) |
| Max Flash Sync: | 1/160 | |
| Flash Exposure Compensation: | +/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps | |
| External Flash Connection: | n/a | Hot Shoe, PC Sync Socket |
| Built-In Wireless Flash Control: | ||
| 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: | No | Yes |
| Uncompressed Format: | RAW, RAW + JPEG | |
| Movie File Format: | AVI (Motion JPG) | MOV (ALL-I and IPB), AVCHD 2.0, MP4; with stereo audio |
| Included Memory: | 16.0 MB | No memory included |
| Included Memory Type: | Internal | |
| Connectivity | ||
| Built-In Wi-Fi: | No | Yes |
| NFC: | No | No |
| Bluetooth: | No | No |
| Built-In GPS: | No | No |
| Microphone Jack: | No | Yes |
| Headphone Jack: | No | Yes |
| External Connections: | USB 2.0 High Speed | USB 2.0 High Speed,WiFi |
| PictBridge Compliant: | No | Yes |
| DPOF Compliant: | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Control: | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Control Type: | Optional infrared | Optional wired DMW-RSL1 |
| Connections (extended): | Mini HDMI (Type-C), 2.5mm Remote Jack, 3.5mm Mic Jack, 3.5mm Headphone Jack | |
| 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): | 1.0 | 6.1 |
| Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): | 6 | Unlimited |
| 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): | 200 shots | 540 shots |
| Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): | ||
| Battery Life, Video: | ||
| Battery Form Factor: | Proprietary D-LI122 | Proprietary |
| Usable Battery Types: | Lithium-ion rechargeable | 7.2v 1860 mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable |
| Batteries Included: | 1 x Proprietary D-LI122 Lithium-ion rechargeable | 1 x Proprietary 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: | Software CD-ROM S-SW122 | PHOTOfunSTUDIO 8.5 PE, SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.1 SE, Super LoiloScope (trial) |
| OS Compatibility: | ||
| Miscellaneous | ||
| Notes & Features: | Sensor-shift image stabilization, Dual shutter release/zoom buttons, 720p HD movies, Optional IR remote, Digital level. Available in Noble Black or Brilliant White. | |
