Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 12.1 MP Digital Camera
| January 18, 2012 | Posted by admin under Panasonic |
The Panasonic GF3 is a great little camera with better handling than its predecessor, the GF2. Its touchscreen, with its intuitive interface, is also a real bonus.
Panasonic has aimed the GF3 at novice photographers who want to upgrade from a compact. The camera is easy to use and has plenty of automated features, yet it still allows you to take control as your confidence grows. I also think the GF3 is worthy of consideration by enthusiast photographers who simply want a camera to slip into their coat pocket.
As mentioned above, Panasonic has reduced the noise levels in the images produced by its G-series cameras, but as with the G3 performance is best in ‘average’ lighting conditions.
Pros
- Compact and easy to use
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Many lenses available
- Speedy performance
- Touch-screen display
Cons
- Slightly soft kit lens
- So-so low-light performance
- Large kit lens
- No hot shoe or accessory port
- No viewfinder
- The GF3 is a decent compact upgrade, but you may be frustrated by the lack of viewfinder
The GF3 also offers LUMIX Light Speed Auto Focus technology which locks onto your subject quickly, for an accurate shot when you’re ready to hit the shutter. Intelligent Auto and Intelligent Auto Plus modes also come in handy by automatically adjusting the defocusing area, exposure control, and white balance. The GF3 also features the LUMIX Photo Style Mode which allows the user to create popular color effects. In addition, the LUMIX Creative Control Mode, accessed from the mode dial, allows for creative effects to be produced in-camera.
Great option for point and shoot upgraders who are willing to invest into the system
A neatly designed compact and lightweight CSC, the GF3 packs a punch despite its small dimensions.
On top of the 12.1-megapixel resolution, there is full complement of exposure modes and metering patterns, plus an advanced autofocus system that uses anything up to 23 points to get your subjects sharp.
Full High Definition movie capture is also on tap, although it lacks the stereo sound of some other models
Sample Photos
The GF3 produces great images and boasts extensive features and simple yet sophisticated, handling.
Compact system cameras are becoming increasingly popular with quality-conscious photographers. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 is one of the best, not least because its intuitive touchscreen makes it very easy to master.
Video Review
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 offers the type of performance and photo quality in a relatively small design many point-and-shoot graduates will like.
Technical Details
It is stunningly compact but yet comfortable to hold with the new ergonomically studied grip. Operation is also smooth and easy with new control dial and so on.
- 12 Megapixel Ultra Compact System Camera
- Micro Four Thirds 14mm F2.5 ASPH Lens
- 3.0″ Free Angle Touch Enabled LCD
- Built-in Popup Flash
- Multiple Lens Options including 3D Still Lens
- Venus Engine FHD
- 100-6400 ISO
- iA & iA+ Exposure Modes
- 1920 x 1080/60i HD Video Recording
Bottom Line
If you are in the market for a small/lightweight camera that gives excellent picture quality without the bulk of a DSLR, this might just be it. There are some trade offs evidently, but for the results, it’s a no-brainer.
One feature that I wish this camera had is the color block setting where you can focus on one color in the image and then the rest is in black and white. It may have it and I have not found it yet but I do not see anything in the settings that indicates that.