Panasonic DMC-G3 In-depth Review

Review based on a production DMC-G3, Firmware version 1.0

The G3 heralds the start of Panasonic's third creation of mirrorless camcorders. In some aspects it's a processing of past models; its digital viewfinder and easy-to-open back show are just like the G1 and G2, for example. However, behind the aluminum front side board of its slimmed-down, externally-simplified body can be found a absolutely new 16.7MP indicator. This creates it the first mass-market Small Four Thirds design to shift beyond Panasonic's 12MP processor.

While some of the new functions of the G3 recommend a shift upmarket, many other changes factor to an effort on Panasonic's part to create the G-series more available. A number of functions have been eliminated, presumably to create this design both less overwhelming and less costly (the suggested cost is $100 reduced than the release cost of the G2).

Mirrorless identical contacts camcorders are still relatively new. As such, producers are still trying to figure out their potential viewers as well as the stability of functions, abilities and costs that will have the greatest attraction. Panasonic's Lumix DMC-G1, launched back in 2008, was basically a reduced in size edition of the organization's L10 DSLR, giving identical functions and overall look. More lately, however, mirrorless photographic camera styles are looking to take advantage of the variations the technological innovation can provide, such as lightweight and smooth movie incorporation, rather than trying to imitate traditional DSLRs.

The compact-camera-like side hold is the first, most apparent proof that the G3 suits into this viewpoint. Gone is the popular group that has become conventional for DSLRs, and instead we have a hold that more carefully appears like that of the GF2 - a low information curved expansion that motivates a very different side place on the photographic camera. Actually, the G3 is as near in dimension and overall look to a Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 (with a viewfinder) as it is to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2.

From the GF2, the G3 profits a touchscreen display interface that is a wide enhancement over that seen in the G2. It allows many management over photographic camera configurations as well as immediate on-screen choice of the concentrate factor - something that no DSLR can provide. Further distancing itself from past G-series styles, the G3 allows you to place the AF factor anywhere throughout the whole shape, in contrast to just within a main section.

The G3 also profits enhanced movie capability, related the GF2's capability to outcome either 1080i60 or 720p60 (both from 30fps indicator output). And, while this isn't up to the same requirements as it clip capability of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2, the G3 does obtain that digital camera's picture processor processor and amazing auto-focus rate.

Beyond this, the large of the G3's new functions are step-by-step upgrades - there's a picture-in-picture guide concentrate magnifier choice so that you can concentrate while still watching the overall structure, and a Determine AF function that brings together a small AF area with a zoomed review for accurate concentrating. The G3 also functions subject-tracking AF while capturing movie.

Regrettably however, much has been eliminated from the new design, too. As compared to the G2, the G3 doesn't have an eye indicator for its viewfinder, so you'll have to personally change between it and the back show. It also drops the G2's concentrate factor change and concentrate function handle, along with the choice to get in touch an exterior mic (thus guaranteeing that it doesn't take on the GH2's toes).

Taken as a whole, these changes cause us to suppose that the G3 might substitute both the G2 and the lower-spec'd G10 in Panasonic's collection. It's important to note that its suggested cost also rests exactly mid-way between those two styles.

Panasonic G3 specification highlights:

• 16.7MP CMOS sensor (standard Micro Four Thirds size)
• ISO 160-6400
• 4 fps continuous shooting (20fps at 4MP)
• GF2-style touch screen interface
• 1080i60 AVCHD shooting (from 30p sensor output)
• All-area AF point selection
• Pinpoint AF mode (magnifies focus point to allow confirmation and fine-tune of AF position)
• Tracking AF in video mode
• Picture-in-picture manual focus magnification
• 460k dot articulated LCD
• 1.44M dot-equivalent electronic viewfinder (field sequential type)

Size compared to a typical DSLR

Placed next to the Rebel T3i / 600D - fairly typical in size for an entry-level DLSR - the size difference of the G3 becomes immediately apparent.
A top-down view further emphasizes the distinction; the G3 is considerably smaller in every dimension. Even at this size, however, the G3 is not going to fit in a pocket.

Original Article:www.dpreview.com

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