Upgrade Guide

Lumix GM1→Lumix G3

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

You own

Lumix

GM1

£284 used

2013

→

Upgrade to

Lumix

£20 used (-£264)

2011

⚖️

Situational

One clear hardware improvement over the GM1. Worth it if that specific upgrade aligns with what you shoot.

What's new in the G3

Unchanged or similar

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	GM1	G3
Price	£284 used	£20 used
Released	2013	2011	↓
Sensor	16MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS	16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS
Resolution	16MP	16MP
Video	Full HD 1080i/24p	Full HD 1080/60i
Autofocus	Contrast AF; face detection, 23-area, pinpoint, touch AF	23-area contrast AF with face detection, touch AF
Stabilisation	No IBIS (lens-based O.I.S.)	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)
Burst Rate	5fps (4fps with continuous AF)	4fps	↓
Battery Life	~220 shots (CIPA)	~270 shots (CIPA)	↑
Weight	204g (with battery)	388g (with battery)	↓
Weather Sealed	Not weather sealed	Not weather sealed
Viewfinder	None (screen only)	LCD EVF, 1.44M dots
Screen	3.0" fixed touchscreen	3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 460k dots
Mount	Micro Four Thirds	Micro Four Thirds
Memory Cards	Single SD slot	Single SD slot

Compare side-by-side

See GM1 and G3 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the G3 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the GM1

Related buying guides

Camera family history