Upgrade Guide
Lumix S9→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 S9. Spend the money on glass instead.
Unchanged or similar
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Resolution16MP (down from 24MP — 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 | S9 | G3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | -2.6 | ||
| Street | -1.1 | ||
| Travel | -1.0 | ||
| Wedding & Events | -2.8 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | -3.4 | ||
| Filmmaking | — | ||
| Documentary | -3.9 | ||
| Sports & Action | -2.4 | ||
| Landscape | -2.6 | ||
| Wildlife | -1.9 | ||
| Casual | -2.2 | ||
| Food | -2.2 | ||
| Macro | -3.4 | ||
| Architecture | -2.7 | ||
| Astrophotography | -3.8 | ||
| Fun & simple | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | S9 | G3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £999 | £20 used | |
| Released | 2024 | 2011 | ↓ |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS | 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS | |
| Resolution | 24MP | 16MP | ↓ |
| Video | 4K/60p (10-bit), C4K/60p, 1080p/240p | Full HD 1080/60i | |
| Autofocus | Phase-hybrid AF with subject recognition | 23-area contrast AF with face detection, touch AF | |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 5 stops | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | |
| Burst Rate | 30fps electronic | 4fps | ↓ |
| Battery Life | ~310 shots (CIPA) | ~270 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 403g (body only) | 388g (with battery) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed | |
| Viewfinder | None — rear screen only | LCD EVF, 1.44M dots | |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen (touch drag AF) | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 460k dots | |
| Mount | Leica L mount | Micro Four Thirds | |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-II slot | Single SD slot |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See S9 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 S9
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Camera family history