Decision tools · Compare

G3 vs S1

Quick take: The S1 has the highest resolution at 24MP; the G3 is the most affordable; only the S1 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.

Price buttons are affiliate links — GearFrame may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects a score. Learn more

Verdictwhich should you buy?

S1 — Landscape, Studio & Professional Stills On L-Mount: Built like a tank with one of the finest viewfinders ever made — the S1 is the choice for photographers who prioritise build quality and IBIS over AF speed.

Who should buy what
S1 (2019)
is the right camera for you if…
  • L-mount system photographers who want a rugged, weather-sealed full-frame body for demanding conditions
  • Landscape and studio photographers who value exceptional IBIS and an outstanding EVF
  • Video professionals who need V-Log and 4K/60p in a robust, weather-sealed body
  • Leica SL users who want a more affordable second body on the same L-mount system
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
Specification G3Lumix · 2011S1Lumix · 2019
Price £20 usedBest£610 used
Sensor 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS24.2MP full-frame CMOS
Resolution 16.0MP24.2MPBest
Video Full HD 1080/60i4K/60p (crop), 4K/30p (full-frame), 1080p/180p, V-Log (upgrade)
Autofocus 23-area contrast AF with face detection, touch AFDFD contrast-detect AF — reliable but slower than phase-detect rivals
Stabilisation No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)5-axis IBIS — 6 stops
Burst Rate 4fps9fps continuous with AF/AEBest
Battery Life ~270 shots (CIPA)~380 shots (CIPA)Best
Weight 388g (with battery)Best898g (body only)
Dimensions 115.2 × 83.6 × 46.7mm148.9 × 110.0 × 96.7mm
Weather Sealed Not weather sealedYesBest
Viewfinder LCD EVF, 1.44M dotsOLED EVF, 5.76M dots, 0.78× — one of the finest EVFs available
Screen 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 460k dots3.2" touchscreen, tilting
Mount Micro Four ThirdsL-mount (Leica/Panasonic/Sigma)
Memory Cards Single SD slotDual SD UHS-II slots
Connectivity USB 2.0, mini HDMI, 2.5mm remoteUSB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm mic & headphone jacks

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
S1
Portrait
4.7/10
6.6/10
Street
5.8/10
4.8/10
Travel
5.2/10
4.7/10
Wedding & Events
3.2/10
6.4/10
Vlogging & Video
3.6/10
—
Documentary
3.0/10
6.3/10
Sports & Action
4.0/10
6.0/10
Landscape
3.9/10
6.5/10
Wildlife
4.8/10
6.2/10
Casual
4.1/10
3.8/10
Food
5.4/10
6.3/10
Macro
4.7/10
7.3/10
Architecture
4.4/10
6.7/10
Astrophotography
3.8/10
7.0/10
Filmmaking
—
7.1/10

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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