Upgrade Guide

Lumix G3→Lumix G97

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Lumix

£39

2011

→

Upgrade to

Lumix

G97

£649 (+£610)

2024

✅

Worthwhile

Clear improvements over the G3. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.

What's new in the G97

Suitability by genre

Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.

Full spec comparison

Spec	G3	G97
Price	£39	£649
Released	2011	2024	↑
Sensor	16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS	20.3MP Four Thirds CMOS
Resolution	16MP	20MP	↑
Video	Full HD 1080/60i	Unlimited 4K/30p, V-Log L pre-installed
Autofocus	23-area contrast AF with face detection, touch AF	Contrast-detect AF with Depth-from-Defocus, face/eye detection
Stabilisation	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)	5-axis IBIS (4-stop)
Burst Rate	4fps	6fps (continuous AF)	↑
Battery Life	~270 shots (CIPA)	300 shots (CIPA, estimated)	↑
Weight	388g (with battery)	530g (with battery and card)	↓
Weather Sealed	Not weather sealed	Not weather sealed
Viewfinder	LCD EVF, 1.44M dots	EVF, 2.36M dots
Screen	3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 460k dots	Fully articulating touchscreen
Mount	Micro Four Thirds	Micro Four Thirds
Memory Cards	Single SD slot	Single SD (UHS-II)

Compare side-by-side

See G3 and G97 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the G97 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the G3

Related buying guides

Camera family history