Nikon V1 vs. Panasonic G3 Shootout

The Camera Store's Chris Niccolls went out with special guest Dave Paul to compare the new Nikon V1 to the Panasonic G3. See how these cameras compare in handling, image quality, video options, lens selection and sensor size.
Shot and Edited by Jordan Drake
Special Thanks to Dave Paul and Shawn Chamberlain
Shot on the Panasonic AF100

[@RobertLeather]

9 Years later the Nikon can be had in NEAR NEW quality for just £45 in the UK and the lenses start around £29 for similar quality. Meanwhile the Panasonic G3 is £75 for the same condition.

[@ssjgeorge]

Great video comparison! One of the best I've seen. Keep up these comparisons. They're awesome

[@davidjewels]

One of the BEST videos I have ever seen and this really helped me understand the Nikon V1 better and also discover the incredible Panasonic G3. You guys did an incredible job in this video which was also a lot of fun to watch

[@carpo719]

And the beauty of both.... you can use vintage lenses :) I am a sucker for manual operation now, I can't go back to autofocus. I have had the G3 for 6 years, replaced the body once with the same model. Affordable, and still takes great pics to this day. One does not need to spend a lot, and you can get one of these now for under $200 with a lens.

[@letni9506]

I'm looking for a small m43 camera for cheap that I can shove the 100-300 lens on for birds that aren't moving much at range. Will this still do the trick in 2020. How does the camera crop. My fz330 looks horrible at anything over 500mm and no crop what so what unless you are a Minecraft fan. These go for 150 quid which seems a real bargain, bit dated or not.

[@MrBlofeld007]

You guys do the best camera review videos. Great stuff.

[@LearningFast]

This is a really great review. Great job. Keep posting the videos.

[@OngakuTurtle2]

didnt know you made a video about the g3 , i start to love your videos more and more... keep it up

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

@jimdidr We didn't include the Nikon adaptor as it is not yet available in Canada. Also, the 2.7X crop factor makes the adaptor really useful solely for longer focal lengths. Even a 50mm lens is a 140mm on the V1. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@johncard007]

Outstanding review with good chemistry. Excellent choice of competing cameras. I have been pondering which of these two to buy as i already own a FZ48 and a P7000. I opted for the G3 as I have been a SLR user for a long time and it seemed a natural progression. Thanks lads.

[@RyanStille]

Wow, great job on this video. I learned a lot about both cameras.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

@ericristad This video was shot almost exclusively with the Panasonic 25mm F1.4 and the Nikkor 35mm F1.4. Autofocus does not work for static shots like this, as it tends to hunt mid-shot. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@Hindholam]

Fantastic comparison.

[@flagger2020]

Interesting looking back at this review from all these years later. I still just my v1/v2/j5s.. and a g9 too.. different use cases. The n1 system was great for filming kids and pets and that ultimately was its target audience.

[@mcrazza]

Good head-to-head review. :) Would like to see more of that.

[@SaadAldousari]

Regardless of the technical stuff, I love you guys :D

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

@apeiron1984 The PanaLeica 25mm F1.4 was our pick for Lens Of The Year. You can read our Best Of 2011 article on The Camera Store site. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@elizarcute]

nice reviewing.you did a great job.you just focus on what viewers want to know and not to anything else unlike other reviewers.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

@sirnubenegra We're working on the GX1 video right now. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@hydroburn249]

i really like how you guys are really objective, and that conclusion is just very rational. "both cameras do things very well in two different fields". i think that's what people need to consider. different cameras for different situations. no one camera is ever the best.

[@Rationalific]

I definitely enjoyed this video, and I see great things in the future for you guys! I think that if you keep producing great videos like this, your stars will rise on KZbin and you'll become another DigitalRevCom. Actually, just like the cameras, you and DigitalRev are good for different things. They have more humor, but sometimes to the point that it's not a proper review. This channel is more helpful overall, yet still retains humor! Keep it up!

[@SomeUnremarkableGuy]

well, this comment aged like a fine vine

[@niccollsvideo]

@mbehring As Canadian citizens, we appreciate your hard work and sacrifice.

[@aerzt752]

How do i render my Lumix G3 FullHD Videos with Sony Vegas ? Greets

[@jayz395]

great job guys, I sold my d3100 regretted it so but another camera, i brought the G3. i love the camera would like a few more buttons to change settings but never mind. Do you think the micro four thirds have a future? or is it a flash in the pan do you reckon would love your opinion.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

@Knoptop I used a Rode NTG-2 shotgun mic in a Rode Blimp. If you're wondering why the camera doesn't move much in this video, it's because I was holding the pole! Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@knoptop]

(this is kidna off topic) but I wondered how you captured the audio while shooting this video?

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

@jokingmilad It's the Leica M9. It's not that big, but it is fantastic. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

@soringociu Yeah Baby! More talking with hands for my best fans!!! Chris @ TheCameraStoreTV

[@apeiron1984]

Useful comparison! I own a G3 and I love it, but the fps movie shot and slow mo of the V1 is very impressive! Nice. Talking about lenses, I tried for a wek the summilux 25 mm f1.4 builded from Leica for Panasonic and I founded it fantastic!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

@corbraz I'd probably have to go with the Olympus and it's a tough decision for me because I'm a Nikon guy and I also tend to dislike Olympus stuff in general. That being said the E-P3 handles well, has a big sensor and more lenses so for the same reasons as I prefer the G3 I would go with the Pens too. Biggest fault with the V1 was overall feel, I just didn't enjoy shooting with it and in the end you should enjoy the camera your using. Viewfinder is great though. Chris @ TheCameraStoreTV

[@AndySnap]

Excellent comparison video, full of useful information as usual for Camera Store videos. I was tempted to buy a J1 (cheaper!), but then read that Nikon are considering making a more 'pro' level 1 series camera, which may have more external controls. That will be the camera to go for!

[@mamiyapress]

I just looked at your jackets, Dave's is very cool.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

No, there's actually a huge difference. Video capture is 1080P, or 2 megapixels per frame. The high speed capture on the V1 shoots full quality 10 megapixel files at 10, 30, or 60 frames per second. It's like video, but with five times as much information per frame. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@leica842]

Own both but for some reason never did take to the G3. The V1 was my main camera from 2014. Have 4 of them. Now with Sony FE (2019). Still love the V1, although the Sony's are at a different level. For the price these days it's a steal. Was a steal as well back in the day as the one inch sensor was not a commercial success. Loved the fact that it used the enel15 battery which was Nikon's pro battery. Unfortunately Nikon did not see the potential of the mirrorless tech for too long. Still it worked great for me and still does when I need to use it.

[@JeremyLoveTech123]

Hi, I'm getting the V1 in 2 weeks . May i know how does the V1 handles low light compare to the F3 ? respond :)

[@PeopleVoicesForObama]

I have the kit len 10-30 is there any reason for me to buy the 10mm 2.8 other than the compact size? Is it worth it for any nicer bokeh I would get on the 10mm 2.8?

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

@RyanSomelofske The NEX-5n is a good comparison to the cameras. Better in low light than either, but you have to purchase the viewfinder separately. I also think the G3 has an advantage in handling with easier access to camera functions. The Nikon V1 blows them all away for focus speed and framerate. The NEX-3 is a lesser camera than either the Panny and Nikon, but the NEX-7 is, for my money, the best mirrorless camera yet. It just needs to ship. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@Meshwork123]

Fantastic EVF in the Nikon V1.

[@ToppDoggDaBoss]

I like the Camera u used to record this video

[@sclogse1]

In body stabilization on these?

[@LearningFast]

What lens was used to shoot the video with?

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

@mpgxsvcd We used the Panasonic Leica 25mm F1.4 and the Nikkor AF-S 35mm F1.4G. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@oliverkuusma2013]

Does Nikon lenses work on Panasonic G3?

[@MsBarbarellka]

Regards and congrats for the way you compare those products, thats pretty cool. I prefer Panasonic in general, thats how it goes when you are a fan of such big brand. But there is fun, humour, good point of view!

[@fellowcitizen]

4:03 Jordan!

[@mountainhobo]

It would be cool if you could update the comparison with V2 vs. G6.

[@windkraft3093]

Wich one did u took now? Because my two favorites are also Nikon V2 and Lumix G6... Van u recomend me one? :)

[@sirnubenegra]

Please one with Panasonic gx1 vs Olympus ep3.

[@Okay_Okay123]

Great!

[@MyWuffi]

I'd like to have the cam with which you took this vid. You can keep the 2 toys which you are talking about.

[@linglongchen5241]

Very good video with all detail info. Seems like I didn't see the auto focus performance comparison between the two. Anyhow, I feel G3 is slightly more serious for still camera, but V1 has much more fun to play, and better in video. Manufacturers are cleaning out the old models in the last few weeks and both price with basic lens went to $300. I did choose V1 because I will take more video and both are not considered as a really serious camera. So, the fun part of V1 cool features won.

[@jallexander82]

what camera you used to shoot this video?

[@zoomman]

after watching so many videos about Nikon V1, I'm finally convinced that it's a great camera for me. Thanks for reviewing two of my bestest choice. Actually, G3 is not bad at all, too. But the V1 is Bad Ass Sexy!! Thank You So Much!

[@graceng8569]

What does SOR mean?

[@MCDownlow]

Kann mir mal jemand übersetzen, welche nun besser ist? Vor allem bei den Fotos mit Salz und Pfeffer. Für mich sah die Nikon detailreicher aus, aber die Pana hatte nen anderen Winkel und Sonneneinstrahlung. Und bei der Geschwindigkeit mit dem Hund. Kann mir nicht vorstellen das die Nikon so viel schneller ist, waren das wirklich Bilder? Oder war das aus nem Video Bilder rausgeschnitten?

[@PAULINODROID]

alguien tiene un lente de esta que me regale ?

[@coldmack22]

I would agree the NEX-7 could be the best mirrorless, but it's a bit on the pricey side, and would be well suited with the sensor with the 16mpx from the NEX-5.

[@dragoon0828]

Nikon's 32mm f/1.2 = 86mm f/3.2 lens for a full-frame system. Olympus' 45mm f/1.8 = 90mm f/3.6 for a full-frame system. Both have weird focal length equivalents, but I'll take 90mm over 86mm. Game Winner: The Nikon costs $900 and the Olympus cost $400.

[@pacomobi7169]

great camera! I've been using it for some weeks:-). about tested cameras - I choose Panasonic G3 :-)

[@amrabdi]

The GH line is more Panasonic's line for video, as it has more manual control. I think one plus for the G3 is the lower base price vs the Nikon V1. It actually about the same price as the J1.

[@Serenoj69]

@jimdidr Nice and balanced. Personally what I missed is that the nikon is much more expensive and that it lacks a swiveling display. Lacking DOF was also somehting to note to me. But okey: nice, balanced and fun to watch. Knew you are canadian by the way you say "out" haha....We see a lot of Canadian icespeedskater here in The Netherlands so that is how I know. Thanks a lot!

[@action4health]

You may consider Nikon D5100. It seems to be bigger but the image quality is better. It is also under promotion at this moment

[@reddorf]

What would you say is the best for shooting long exposure shots, particularly waterfalls, streams, the sea etc?

[@daviddoner7316]

The G3. But you will need a ND-Filter

[@marike1100]

@mipmipmipmipmip The GH2 does 60i in 1080, just like the Nikon. But it does have way more frame rates, like the all important 24p (or 25p if you are in Europe).

[@Serenoj69]

@jimdidr Oke, på Norsk (hoper jeg): hva mener du med "you wanted to say that too". Det forstar jeg ikke.

[@LasstUnsSpielen]

I cant help it but I love the Nikon 1 ^^

[@WACONimages]

Fast forward to 2022! Half year ago I bought a V1 + 4x lenses + the original small flash for €95,-. Even today I think the Nikon V1 has just such a great design. A bit of an Apple with Braun design blending. The V1 is also pretty sturdy + heavy for such a small camera and the battery life is rather good. I have (too)many cameras but still like to pickup the V1 with the 18mm/f1.8 and brings me joy + quiet good images. Even the HD video might be outdated with 4K allover now but the HD video is pretty good still.

[@mp4podcastDOTcom]

@mipmipmipmipmip Some what. Sensors are always getting better and they can make smaller sensors that are better in low light. What's not good today will be better in the next year.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

@jallexander82 Panasonic AF100

[@LearningFast]

I thought the guy on the left was going to drop the camera. That would have made a good outtake.

[@coldmack22]

@Danaceb over priced compared to what?

[@Suparirg]

Before Dpreview

[@iflipmac]

Nice comparo, tho I think the g3 was a clear winner; it's cheaper, has more direct access to settings, better handling especially with the articulated touch LCD, more lenses and they are smaller, and the IQ is better w/ more resolution and us basically on par with a D5100/600D

[@Gadgetbig]

Have u noticed, in all this camara vs videos, they never say whih one is better, just both very good

[@GiulioSciorio]

Really all the small cameras will work good nowadays but people will often fault the camera for their own lack of photographic skills. However with a camera like the Nikon 1 its much easier to get confused with a junk menu and features that appeal to no one. Add to that a price thats far more expensive then most m43 cameras and a poor lens selection and you got a challenging camera to sell not to mention use.

[@samseite]

f/3.2 ? seriously ? i've been read & watch some article,blog,and youtube ofcourse. and many calls it 32mm f/1.2 are equivalent 86mm with f/1.2 so, if v1 + 105mm f/2.8 VR makro = 283mm VR makro f/2.8 with same min focus distance, i tried this, and works great, and i'm sure its f/2.8. please correct me if i'm wrong(sorry for bad english)

[@joeframo3347]

Hello Chris tell Jordan I said hello

[@jim0_o]

You guys are so Canadian, Fun loving rational people not even hosers. Tho the Nikon V1 seems to lose out a lot of these tests, if you have a Nikon DSLR from before wouldn't the extra selection of lenses be to you advantage? (with a converter that is) Anyway Early days I don't have the belief that these sorts of cameras will take over for DSLRs any time soon.

[@bryanncampbellca]

Thanks for wearing a poppy :)

[@pinitsunipan]

I prefer the nikon. Good performance with a 10mp chip.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Sony NEX-5n. Great in low light, and you'll have full manual control and autofocus. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@oscarcll]

@Rationalific I agree, and sometimes Kai's jokes are just too juvenile. I think CameraStoreTV has the right balance of information and humor. One advantage of DigitalRev though is that they have more tourist attractions in Hong Kong than in Calgary (sorry Calgary).

[@PhuLy8788]

For serious video shooting, you need either to go with Sony or Panasonic !

[@markshirley01]

still bad ham humour - but credit you've stayed with it

[@j.asalazar9534]

Panasonic G3

[@SlurpSilencer]

Isn't it obvious that they were already biased towards the G3 at the start of the video?

[@r3san]

nex5n ftw

[@MasticinaAkicta]

I dunno about the V1.. it has a nice few things .. but ..yeah it kinda lacks "pro" feel. Where are the quick access buttons for things like ISO? So I leave the V1 to moms...

[@IkaikaArnado]

Do you guys ever have anything bad to say about cameras?

[@FrankAbyss]

you gave it away when you argued who was going to have the G3...Funny videos guys...Thanks!

[@alexandercvetanov8327]

Nikon 1 is so cheap system now.....but its pretty nice.I like it.I have nikon v1 for less than $300.The lenses are very decent and also very cheap.Its pretty decent system for kids who are interested in photography.

[@gusatvoschiavon]

i imagine new subscribes come here and be confuse when Chris calls dave a "guest"

[@greenmushi666]

Nikon V1 is a bit of a gimmick camera to me, with 'slow-Mo' and 'beauty Mode' which are identical anyway ! (apart from quality) and 'speed up' mode. ALL can be done on a 'video editing software' So, in my opinion the G3 is better and light input to the cmos at 16mp which will help in 'Low Light' and the G3 has a Low Light noise distortion reducer to make blacks and dark colours more uniform. G3 Wins Hands Down.

[@DonFather]

hahaha. nice opening!

[@mikeismad61]

Great video guys ! Just confirms how Nikon have missed the boat and you haven't even covered the issue of PRICE - the G 3 is way way cheaper or look at it another way a 2nd lens and flash for free ! Sorry Nikon back to the drawing board What are they called the 1 series - cause there will only even be 1 series ! Nikon will move on from these mistakes end 2012... Watch this space !

[@_Just_Some1]

Nikon :)

[@fwijffels]

You guys just wanna sell more and more camera's... It's almost like a tellsell commercial on tv... BTW: When you're calculating focal length with certain sensor sizes, don't forget to calculate the aperture ;) So a 10mm f2.8 on the Nikon V1, is comparable with a 27mm f/7,56(!) lens on a full frame camera.

[@aikanae1]

By a movie camera. They only spend 2 min discussing still photography qualities.

[@mobiletechkid]

That v1 costs 1000 vs the lumix g3 700

[@keithlhiker]

Well its settled. The Nikon 1 system is a viable camera and for certain people its the best choice period. Hopefully the "sensor size is everything" crowd will quite down a bit as more folks actually use these camera's and see for themselves. So why I am sure that the matter is settled? Well simply put, us Canadians are incapable of B.S. Its in our DNA to speak the truth and empathize with people who have a different opinion. ;) I will eventually make it back to the promised land!

[@mg2380]

Just ordered a NIB V1 for $260. You can get them for a steal right now. Anyone interested, check out Bens Outlet.

[@samseite]

beat nikon 1 lens 32mm f/1.2