The latest model in the G-series features a much slimmer form factor with several upgraded features.
Panasonic just announced its latest offering in the Micro Four Thirds category, the Lumix DMC-G3. The 16-megapixel system camera sports a slimmer chassis, improved Venus Engine FHD image processor and 1080/30p full-HD recording capabilities (25p for PAL). Apart from a faster contrast autofocus system, the new camera’s Live MOS sensor promises enhanced image quality in low-light conditions, and speedy 4fps burst-mode shooting in full resolution. The new G3 will be available in Singapore in black, brown and white. Pricing has yet to be confirmed at this time.
The first thing that you’ll notice about the G3 is its slim form factor. Panasonic has streamlined the Lumix making it 35g lighter.
Top-down view comparison between the G3 and the G2.
(Credit: Shawn Low/CNET Asia)
It also reduced the volume of the snapper by 25 percent compared with its G2 predecessor.
Front view comparison between the G3 and the G2.
(Credit: Shawn Low/CNET Asia)
The Lumix sports a redesigned handgrip that resembles a thicker version of the DMC-LX5′s. Compared with its G2 predecessor, the G3′s handgrip is more recessed. Though it does not hinder its ability to provide a better grip, we think that it may be a problem for shutterbugs with larger hands.
Side view comparison between the G3 and the G2.
(Credit: Shawn Low/CNET Asia)
We like the fact that the new camera didn’t do away with physical buttons. Users get the best of both worlds with an articulating touchscreen LCD that allows fine-tuning of focal points, while physical buttons provide quick access to ISO, white balance and the function settings.
Other key upgrades include an improved touch-to-focus feature, a new image processor and an enhanced Intelligent Auto (IA) plus mode.
Panasonic has improved its Full-area focusing function, which allows users to select focal points anywhere on the screen. Previously, shutterbugs were restricted to selecting focus within the constraints of a small frame half the size of the LCD panel.
The Lumix is also fitted with a new Venus Engine FHD image processor that is supposed to capture better quality images in low-light environments. The G3 comes updated with the new IA plus where users can easily toggle a slider to configure depth-of-field, white balance and exposure compensation.
The G3 is equipped with a inbuilt stereo microphone while the G2 has a microphone input port.
(Credit: Shawn Low/CNET Asia)
While the previous G2 was equipped with an external microphone input port, the G3 comes fitted with an inbuilt stereo microphone instead. We think that this may disappoint those looking to use the camera with an external microphone.
With a more compact form factor, Panasonic naturally had to use a smaller 1,010 mAh Canon LP-E6 battery which leads to lower Sony NP-F330 Battery life. This probably resulted in the G3′s video recording being shortened to 55 mins (from 100 minutes on the G2); and its still image capture being decreased to 270 images (from 360 images).
The G3 definitely impresses with its slim form factor compared with its predecessor. The lack of a microphone input port and decreased Hitachi DZ-GX25M Battery life didn’t bother us that much, though we hope they will improve when units become commercially available. As the preview set is still a prototype, our opinion on the G3′s image quality and performance will be included only in our upcoming review.
Panasonic just announced its latest offering in the Micro Four Thirds category, the Lumix DMC-G3. The 16-megapixel system camera sports a slimmer chassis, improved Venus Engine FHD image processor and 1080/30p full-HD recording capabilities (25p for PAL). Apart from a faster contrast autofocus system, the new camera’s Live MOS sensor promises enhanced image quality in low-light conditions, and speedy 4fps burst-mode shooting in full resolution. The new G3 will be available in Singapore in black, brown and white. Pricing has yet to be confirmed at this time.
The first thing that you’ll notice about the G3 is its slim form factor. Panasonic has streamlined the Lumix making it 35g lighter.
Top-down view comparison between the G3 and the G2.(Credit: Shawn Low/CNET Asia)
It also reduced the volume of the snapper by 25 percent compared with its G2 predecessor.
Front view comparison between the G3 and the G2.(Credit: Shawn Low/CNET Asia)
The Lumix sports a redesigned handgrip that resembles a thicker version of the DMC-LX5′s. Compared with its G2 predecessor, the G3′s handgrip is more recessed. Though it does not hinder its ability to provide a better grip, we think that it may be a problem for shutterbugs with larger hands.
Upside
Side view comparison between the G3 and the G2.(Credit: Shawn Low/CNET Asia)
We like the fact that the new camera didn’t do away with physical buttons. Users get the best of both worlds with an articulating touchscreen LCD that allows fine-tuning of focal points, while physical buttons provide quick access to ISO, white balance and the function settings.
Other key upgrades include an improved touch-to-focus feature, a new image processor and an enhanced Intelligent Auto (IA) plus mode.
Panasonic has improved its Full-area focusing function, which allows users to select focal points anywhere on the screen. Previously, shutterbugs were restricted to selecting focus within the constraints of a small frame half the size of the LCD panel.
The Lumix is also fitted with a new Venus Engine FHD image processor that is supposed to capture better quality images in low-light environments. The G3 comes updated with the new IA plus where users can easily toggle a slider to configure depth-of-field, white balance and exposure compensation.
The G3 is equipped with a inbuilt stereo microphone while the G2 has a microphone input port.(Credit: Shawn Low/CNET Asia)
While the previous G2 was equipped with an external microphone input port, the G3 comes fitted with an inbuilt stereo microphone instead. We think that this may disappoint those looking to use the camera with an external microphone.
Downside
With a more compact form factor, Panasonic naturally had to use a smaller 1,010 mAh Canon LP-E6 battery which leads to lower Sony NP-F330 Battery life. This probably resulted in the G3′s video recording being shortened to 55 mins (from 100 minutes on the G2); and its still image capture being decreased to 270 images (from 360 images).
The G3 definitely impresses with its slim form factor compared with its predecessor. The lack of a microphone input port and decreased Hitachi DZ-GX25M Battery life didn’t bother us that much, though we hope they will improve when units become commercially available. As the preview set is still a prototype, our opinion on the G3′s image quality and performance will be included only in our upcoming review.
Outlook
| Reviewed by: |
 |
| Shawn Low |
| Reviewed on: |
| May 12, 2011 |
more tags: Canon LP-E10 battery, Sony CCD-TRV36E Battery, Canon EOS-1D MARK II Battery, Sony Cybershot DSC-W300 Charger, Samsung BP70A Battery, Jvc BN-VF823 Battery, Jvc BN-VF823 Charger, Nikon EN-EL1 Battery, Canon EOS 5D battery, Sony NP-FF70 Charger Pack, Nikon Coolpix S620 Charger, Canon EOS 350D battery, Casio NP-20 Battery, Fujifilm FINEPIX F10 Charger, Canon LEGRIA HF S200 Battery, Samsung ES73 Battery, Sony CCD-TR716 Charger, Sanyo Xacti VPC-E10 Charger, Canon XL2 Battery, Samsung VP-D85 Battery
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