Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G3 with 14-42mm lens

Photo answers review

Photo answers rating

We think it’s fair to say that a camera’s pixel count is a lot less relevant nowadays, with buying decisions more often based on the overall specification rather than just pixels. In the Compact System Camera market, however, a divide has remained between Four Thirds and APS-C sensor technology, with the physically larger APS-C chip offering higher resolutions and cleaner images. Panasonic is working hard to bring the Four Thirds standards close to that of APS-C chips, and the LUMIX G3 takes a big step in the right direction.
 
Features

The LUMIX G3 sports a brand new, higher resolution Live MOS 16MP Micro Four Thirds sensor that’s combined with the Venus Engine FHD image processor. This combination closes the gap between the two chip formats, as Panasonic has worked hard to deliver better noise control with this latest sensor. There’s a lot more to the G3 than just a new sensor but there is also a lot less in terms of physical size, as the camera is 25% smaller than the G2. On top of that, the G3 offers a vari-angle 3in LCD with touch-screen control, Full HD video with Dolby stereo sound and impressively fast advanced contrast autofocus. The logical conclusion may well be to assume that the G3 has been introduced to replace the G2, but it’s actually the G10 that falls from the range, with the G2 being repositioned to offer a cheaper option. 
 
Performance

Camera in hand, the first thing that impressed us was that significant reduction in physical size. This doesn’t mean that handling is more fiddly though, as the easy-to-navigate touch-screen simply means that physical controls have been minimised and therefore the space to house them. The screen also provides control over the focus points, but in a significant upgrade to the G2 you can control focus over the entire area of the screen. There’s touch shutter, Pin Point AF, tracking AF and multi-area AF that offers 23 focus points. Focus is very fast and can be used for both still and video capture. An LCD viewfinder offers an alternative to the LCD screen, if you prefer a traditional feel. A traditional mechanical shutter drive speed of 4fps is complemented by an electronic 20fps but the resolution drops to 4MP. On the top of the camera, a built-in flash provides a limited GN10 output but is useful for fill-in light, and you can utilise the hotshoe for optional flashguns if you want more flash power.

www.panasonic.co.uk
 
Photo Answers’ verdict

You could buy a DSLR for less than you pay for the G3, but you don’t get the great overall package that the G3 delivers. It’s compact, takes great images and is full of useful technology.
 
Key spec

Street price £649 with 14-42mm lens

Effective resolution 16MP

Sensor type Live MOS

Lens mount G-Micro Four Thirds

Exposure modes PASM, iA+, scene, Full HD movie

Metering modes Intelligent Multiple, spot and centre-weighted

ISO range 160-6400

Shooting speed 4fps (20fps with electronic shutter at 4MP)

Card type SD/SDHC/SDXC

LCD monitor size 3in flip/touch-screen

Aspect ratio 3:2, 16:9, 4:3, 1:1

Live View Yes                      

Built-in stabilisation POWER O.I.S. built into 14-42mm lens

Weight/size (wxhxd) 336g/115.2x83.6x46.7mm