Upgrade Guide
Lumix G9→Lumix G3
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Skip it
The G3 offers little measurable spec improvement over the G9. Spend the money on glass instead.
Unchanged or similar
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Resolution16MP (down from 20MP — optimised for low light)
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Weather sealingNot present in new body
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.
| Genre | G9 | G3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | -0.8 | ||
| Street | +0.5 | ||
| Travel | — | ||
| Wedding & Events | -2.3 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | -1.5 | ||
| Filmmaking | — | ||
| Documentary | -2.7 | ||
| Sports & Action | -2.2 | ||
| Landscape | -1.7 | ||
| Wildlife | -1.7 | ||
| Casual | -0.7 | ||
| Food | -0.7 | ||
| Macro | -2.7 | ||
| Architecture | -1.4 | ||
| Astrophotography | -1.2 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | G9 | G3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £999 | £20 used | |
| Released | 2017 | 2011 | ↓ |
| Sensor | Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS | |
| Resolution | 20MP | 16MP | ↓ |
| Video | 4K 60fps, C4K 24fps | Full HD 1080/60i | |
| Autofocus | 225-point contrast-detect DFD | 23-area contrast AF with face detection, touch AF | |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 6.5 stops (6.0 stops dual IS) | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | |
| Burst Rate | 20fps mechanical, 60fps electronic | 4fps | ↓ |
| Battery Life | 400 shots (CIPA) | ~270 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 658g (body only) | 388g (with battery) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Not weather sealed | ↓ |
| Viewfinder | EVF 0.83× 3.68M-dot | LCD EVF, 1.44M dots | |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.04M-dot | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 460k dots | |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds | |
| Memory Cards | 2× SD UHS-II | Single SD slot |
Compare side-by-side
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See G9 and G3 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the G3 against your specific genres — not just specs.
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Camera family history