Upgrade Guide
Lumix GX9→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 GX9. Spend the money on glass instead.
Unchanged or similar
-
Resolution16MP (down from 20MP — optimised for low light)
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 | GX9 | G3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | -0.4 | ||
| Street | -0.7 | ||
| Travel | -0.2 | ||
| Wedding & Events | -0.3 | ||
| Filmmaking | — | ||
| Documentary | -0.7 | ||
| Sports & Action | -0.5 | ||
| Landscape | -0.3 | ||
| Wildlife | -0.5 | ||
| Casual | -0.2 | ||
| Food | -0.2 | ||
| Macro | -2.2 | ||
| Architecture | -0.3 | ||
| Astrophotography | -0.2 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | GX9 | G3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £428 used | £20 used | |
| Released | 2018 | 2011 | ↓ |
| Sensor | 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS (no low-pass filter) | 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS | |
| Resolution | 20MP | 16MP | ↓ |
| Video | 4K/30p, Full HD 60p | Full HD 1080/60i | |
| Autofocus | Contrast AF with DFD; face/eye detection, 49-area, touch AF | 23-area contrast AF with face detection, touch AF | |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis sensor-shift IBIS, 4 stops (Dual I.S.) | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | |
| Burst Rate | 9fps (6fps with continuous AF) | 4fps | ↓ |
| Battery Life | ~260 shots (CIPA) | ~270 shots (CIPA) | ↑ |
| Weight | 450g (with battery) | 388g (with battery) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed | |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, tilting, 2.76M dots | LCD EVF, 1.44M dots | |
| Screen | 3.0" tilting touchscreen, 1.24M dots | 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
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See GX9 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.
Other upgrades from the GX9
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Camera family history