Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G3 Reviews, Buy Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G3. Succeeding the G2, the long-rumored Lumix DMC-G3 is Panasonic’s reaction to finally getting the fact that most of the people buying these interchangeable-lens cameras (ILCs) are stepping up from a point-and-shoot rather than sideways from a dSLR. That’s partly what’s driving Panasonic–and therefore Best Buy–to dub these “compact system cameras”; they want people to mentally associate them with the compact cameras they’re replacing.
Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G3 Reviews samples
But calling them compact doesn’t necessarily make them so. While the G3 is substantially smaller than the G2, it’s still pretty large to be considered compact. (I even trip over calling smaller enthusiast models like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 “compact.”) Only Sony’s NEX models, which are about as small as you can make them while still fitting a mount for a decent-size lens, really qualify, and they do so by jettisoning both a viewfinder and a flash.
Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G3 Reviews photos
And in Panasonic’s product line the Lumix DMC-G3 is not considered the compact model: it’s the step up from the GF2 with a built-in electronic viewfinder and a physical mode dial, as well with as a deeper (and I think more comfortable) grip. It retains the same flip-and-twist LCD and relatively well thought-out interface, too. Source news.cnet.com.
Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G3 Hands-on Preview
The G3 represents the start of Panasonic’s third generation of mirrorless camera. In some respects it’s a refinement of the models that have led to this point (it uses the same electronic viewfinder and hinged rear display screen as the G1 and G2). However, behind the aluminium front panel of its slimmed-down, externally-simplified body there lurks a completely new 16.7MP sensor. This makes it the first mass-market Micro Four Thirds model to step away from Panasonic’s 12MP chip.
While some of the new features of the G3 suggest a move upmarket, several of the other changes are indicative of an attempt on Panasonic’s part to make the G series more accessible. This has seen a number of features removed, presumably in order to make the latest camera both less intimidating and less expensive (the recommended price is $100 lower than the launch price of the G2).
Mirrorless cameras are new enough that manufacturers are still trying to work out who they will appeal to most and what balance of features, capabilities and price those people are looking for. The first Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera, Panasonic’s G1, was essentially a miniaturized version of its L10 DSLR, both in terms of features and in terms of appearance. However, as the technology has developed, most Mirrorless cameras have moved away from trying to mimic conventional DSLRs, instead looking to capitalize on the differences they can offer, such as compact size and seamless video integration.