Upgrade Guide
Lumix GH5→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 GH5. 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 | GH5 | G3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | -0.7 | ||
| Street | +0.8 | ||
| Travel | +0.3 | ||
| Wedding & Events | -2.2 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | -0.9 | ||
| Filmmaking | — | ||
| Documentary | -2.6 | ||
| Sports & Action | -2.1 | ||
| Landscape | -1.0 | ||
| Wildlife | -1.5 | ||
| Casual | +0.2 | ||
| Food | -0.5 | ||
| Macro | -2.4 | ||
| Architecture | -0.5 | ||
| Astrophotography | -1.2 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | GH5 | G3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £352 used | £20 used | |
| Released | 2017 | 2011 | ↓ |
| Sensor | 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS | |
| Resolution | 20MP | 16MP | ↓ |
| Video | 4K/60p, C4K/30p, 1080p/180p; 10-bit 4:2:2 internal; unlimited recording | Full HD 1080/60i | |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect DFD AF, face/eye detection | 23-area contrast AF with face detection, touch AF | |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 5 stops; Dual IS 2 with compatible lenses (6.5 stops) | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | |
| Burst Rate | 12fps (AFS), 9fps (AFC) | 4fps | ↓ |
| Battery Life | ~410 shots (CIPA) | ~270 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 646g (body only) | 388g (with battery) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Not weather sealed | ↓ |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.68M dots, 0.76× magnification | LCD EVF, 1.44M dots | |
| Screen | 3.2" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.62M dots | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 460k dots | |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds | |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Single SD slot |
Compare side-by-side
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