• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 750.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • Detailed specifications
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3
  • Nikon Coolpix S9900
Links
Prices: Compare Prices Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor: Panasonic GH2
GH2 vs GH3
 
Successor: Panasonic GH4
GH3 vs GH4
Nikon A900
S9900 vs A900
General
Model Number: GH3 S9900
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: Compact System Camera Compact
Currently Manufactured: No No
Retail Price: $1299.99 $349.95
Street Price: $797.99 $280.00
Date Available: 2012-12-30 2015-03-15
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 19.6 oz (555 g)
includes batteries
10.2 oz (289 g)
includes batteries
Size: 5.2 x 3.7 x 3.2 in.
(133 x 93 x 82 mm)
4.4 x 2.6 x 1.6 in.
(112 x 66 x 40 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: Live MOS CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Panasonic  
Effective Megapixels: 16.1 16.0
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 1.34 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 2.0x n/a
Aspect Ratio: 4:3 4:3
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed  
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)
4608 x 3456 (15.9 MP, 4:3),
3264 x 2448 (8.0 MP, 4:3),
2272 x 1704 (3.9 MP, 4:3),
1600 x 1200 (1.9 MP, 4:3),
640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3),
4608 x 2592 (11.9 MP, 16:9),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9)
Image File Format: JPEG (EXIF 2.3), MPO, RAW, RAW + JPEG JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 6.1 7.0
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 (60i/​50i/​30p/​25p/​15p)
1280x720 (30p/​25p)
640x480 (30p/​25p)
1920x1080 (15p/​12.5p)
640x480 (120p/​100p)
Movie File Format: MOV (ALL-I and IPB), AVCHD 2.0, MP4; with stereo audio MOV (video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, Audio: LPCM stereo)
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 Zoom-Nikkor VR ED lens; 13 elements in 11 groups (3 ED elements)
Focal Length (35mm equivalent):   25 - 750mm
Focal Length (actual):   4.5 - 135mm
Zoom Ratio:   30.00x
Aperture Range:   f/3.7 (wide) / f/6.4 (tele) - ??; Electronically-controlled 3-blade iris diaphragm
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range:   50 cm to Infinity
19.7 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range:   1 cm to Infinity
0.4 in to Infinity
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 4x; up to 2x Dynamic Fine 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: Face priority, manual with 99 focus areas, center, subject tracking, Target Finding AF
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes Yes
Manual Focus: Yes No
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: EVF / OLED No / 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  
Focus Peaking: No No
EVF Resolution: 1,746,000 dots n/a
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.67x  
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 1.34x  
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes No
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 3.0
Rear Display Resolution: 614,000 dots (204,600 px) 921,600 dots (230,400 px)
Touchscreen: Yes No
Articulating Screen: Yes Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen: Yes Yes
Selfie Screen: Yes Yes
Max Playback Zoom: 16.0x  
Top Deck Display: No
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 12800 6400
Minimum ISO (native): 200 125
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, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200*, 6400*; *Available when using PASM modes
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, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Cloudy, Flash, Preset Manual (Custom)
Shutter Speed Range: 1/4000 - 60 sec 1/4000 - 8 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes No
Exposure Compensation: +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: 144-zone Intelligent Multiple, Center-weighted, Spot Matrix, 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 Smart Portrait, Backlighting, Beach, Close-up, Dusk/Dawn, Easy Panorama, Fireworks Show, Food, Landscape, Night Landscape, Night Portrait, Party/Indoor, Pet Portrait, Portrait, Scene Auto Selector, Snow, Sports, Sunset, Time Lapse Movie, Special Effects
Self Timer: 2, 10, 3 shots after 10 seconds 2 or 10 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) Auto, Auto & Red-eye reduction, Flash off, Fill flash, Slow sync
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): 12.0 m / 39.4 ft. n/a
Flash Range Description: Lens dependent; GN = 17m (ISO 200) Auto ISO: [W]: 0.5 to 6.0m (1ft. 8 in. to 19 ft.) [T]: 1.5 to 3.5m (5 ft. to 11 ft.)
Max Flash Sync: 1/160  
Flash Exposure Compensation: +/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps  
External Flash Connection: Hot Shoe, PC Sync Socket n/a
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: Yes No
Uncompressed Format: RAW, RAW + JPEG  
Movie File Format: MOV (ALL-I and IPB), AVCHD 2.0, MP4; with stereo audio MOV (video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, Audio: LPCM stereo)
Included Memory: No memory included 473.0 MB
Included Memory Type:   Internal
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: Yes Yes
NFC: No Yes
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: No Yes
Microphone Jack: Yes No
Headphone Jack: Yes No
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
Remote Control Type: Optional wired DMW-RSL1  
Connections (extended): Mini HDMI (Type-C), 2.5mm Remote Jack, 3.5mm Mic Jack, 3.5mm Headphone Jack Built-in GPS, Micro (Type-D) HDMI
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 7.0
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): Unlimited 5
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 300 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF):    
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary Proprietary EN-EL12
Usable Battery Types: 7.2v 1860 mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary EN-EL12 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: Available in black only.