• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  •  
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.5 megapixels
  • 7.30mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Panasonic GF3 advantages over Ricoh Theta V

  • Rear display
    Yes vs No
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

Ricoh Theta V advantages over Panasonic GF3

  • Less expensive
    $430 vs $700 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Thinner
    22 mm vs 32 mm
    Thinner
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    7 years vs 13 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    14.5 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster shutter
    1/25000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Small, solid, light body; Good image quality; 14mm kit lens is of good quality and very small; Very fast autofocus; Excellent selection of lenses; Very fun to shoot with.

  • Small controls; Touchscreen interface might not be for everyone; Weak flash; Does not work with most accessories from previous models; JPEG image quality falls short of third-generation competition.

The Competition

Compared to Olympus E-P1

Panasonic GF3
Olympus E-P1
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup
  • $800
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Higher effective ISO
Ricoh Theta V
Olympus E-P1
  • $620
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $800
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Panasonic GF1

Panasonic GF3
Panasonic GF1
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $900
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Fast startup
Ricoh Theta V
Panasonic GF1
  • $620
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $900
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Panasonic GF2

Panasonic GF3
Panasonic GF2
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Fast startup
Ricoh Theta V
Panasonic GF2
  • $620
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Panasonic GF3X

Panasonic GF3
Panasonic GF3X
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • More telephoto lens reach
Ricoh Theta V
Panasonic GF3X
  • $620
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Panasonic GF5

Panasonic GF3
Panasonic GF5
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $430
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
Ricoh Theta V
Panasonic GF5
  • $620
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $430
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Larger sensor
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