Decision tools · Compare
G3 vs GH5
Quick take: The GH5 has the highest resolution at 20MP; the G3 is the most affordable; only the GH5 is weather sealed.
16 specs side by side·15 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras
How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.
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Verdictwhich should you buy?
GH5 — Video, Filmmaking & Hybrid Shooting: The GH5 redefined what a consumer video camera could do — 4K/60p and 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording made it the independent filmmaker's tool of choice for years.
Who should buy what
GH5 (2017)
is the right camera for you if…
- Independent filmmakers who need 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording without a dedicated cinema camera
- YouTube creators who want 4K/60p, a fully articulating screen, and unlimited recording
- Photographers who shoot primarily stills but need serious video capability as a second
- GH4 owners who want 4K/60p and 10-bit — a significant step up
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | G3Lumix · 2011 | GH5Lumix · 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £20 usedBest | £352 used |
| Sensor | 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS | 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS |
| Resolution | 16.0MP | 20.3MPBest |
| Video | Full HD 1080/60i | 4K/60p, C4K/30p, 1080p/180p; 10-bit 4:2:2 internal; unlimited recording |
| Autofocus | 23-area contrast AF with face detection, touch AF | Contrast-detect DFD AF, face/eye detection |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | IBIS — up to 5 stops; Dual IS 2 with compatible lenses (6.5 stops) |
| Burst Rate | 4fps | 12fps (AFS), 9fps (AFC)Best |
| Battery Life | ~270 shots (CIPA) | ~410 shots (CIPA)Best |
| Weight | 388g (with battery)Best | 646g (body only) |
| Dimensions | 115.2 × 83.6 × 46.7mm | 138.5 × 98.1 × 87.4mm |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | YesBest |
| Viewfinder | LCD EVF, 1.44M dots | EVF, 3.68M dots, 0.76× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 460k dots | 3.2" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.62M dots |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Memory Cards | Single SD slot | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, mini HDMI, 2.5mm remote | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm mic, headphone jack, HDMI |
Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.
How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
G3
GH5
Portrait
4.7/10
5.4/10
Street
5.8/10
5.0/10
Travel
5.2/10
4.9/10
Wedding & Events
3.2/10
5.4/10
Vlogging & Video
3.6/10
4.5/10
Documentary
3.0/10
5.6/10
Sports & Action
4.0/10
6.1/10
Landscape
3.9/10
4.9/10
Wildlife
4.8/10
6.3/10
Casual
4.1/10
3.9/10
Food
5.4/10
5.9/10
Macro
4.7/10
7.1/10
Architecture
4.4/10
4.9/10
Astrophotography
3.8/10
5.0/10
Filmmaking
—
5.8/10
Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →
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