The third generation of Lumix mirrorless cameras and in a sense, the cameras of this class in general, because Panasonic started the countdown of generations with the first “non-mirror” Lumix DMC-G1 , opened with Lumix DMC-G3 model, is interesting because the search of optimum form and contents of compact camera with interchangeable optics continued in it too. The G3 is not simply an upgrade from previous generations, although there are some obvious improvements, but in no small measure another experiment, and on many features at once. The result of the experiment was very good and deserves the closest attention.
Resolution – 16 MP, Zoom – 14-42 mm, Display – 3″ F3,5-5,6, O.I.S.
The important innovation of the third generation is the shift from the paradigm of copying SLRs to copying compact cameras we wrote about the meaning and necessity of such a decision in this section many times and it seems we have been heard ! . DMC-G3 body was smoothed, simplified, the prominent handle was replaced by barely visible, but still comfortable casting.
On the whole the camera clearly approximated the design of the typically compact GF2: at the time of its release the G3 was the smallest and lightest “system” camera with a viewfinder. Technical equipment and ergonomics have avoided major simplifications: the camera has a built-in flash guide number 10.5 at 160 ISO , an electronic viewfinder, an adequate set of hardware controls and a rotary 3-inch touchscreen.
The latter not only serves as a great “window on the world”, but also greatly improves handling and opens up a number of unique shooting options, including focusing and point-and-shoot.
Another useful solution – the rejection of “politically conditioned” restrictions in functionality. Judging by the characteristics and opportunities and presumably, by price G3 confidently maneuvers between G2, G10, more recent GF2 and – carefully avoiding the competition – top-end and most expensive model GH2 in the line. That is, it contains the most complete and powerful features, which you can get for reasonable money.
So, the camera is equipped with a new 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor and part of the electronics of the older model GH, and the recording speed 4 full-size frames per second surpasses the series G and GF just over 3 fps , but inferior Lumix GH2 5 fps . The device writes video 1920×1080 pixels in 60i mode interlaced scanning from the original signal from the sensor with 30 or 25 frames in AVCHD format and even with stereo sound, but lacks some unique features “geared” to video GH2 such as work with an external microphone .
Special mention should be made of the super-fast focusing Precision Contrast, which allows you to bring the focus to a minimum delay of about a tenth of a second with the lens 14-140 mm or about 0.18 seconds using “kit” 14-42 mm . Continuous tracking autofocus mode eliminates the delay altogether, but is available in movie mode.
It is also interesting to note the further development of automatic shooting control technologies and various “image decorators” for not very experienced users after all, amateur photographers should be the main buyers of compact cameras .
The G3 has advanced proprietary iA Intelligent Auto, which makes it easy not just to take pictures, but to apply a broad range of controls for special artistic effects , touch-scene and object recognition, a fun Art Effects mode with digital filters, and color adjustment and editing tools.
To express themselves the amateur photographers invented several unconventional color variants of the camera body itself by the way, it was made of light but firm aluminum : red, white and brown in addition to the classic black.
The price for the camera at the same time is surprisingly low for Panasonic – consistent lowering of the initially overpriced products seems to be part of the experiment too. Having entered the market with a vastly inflated ego, Panasonic has now consistently lowered the cost of its products.
And it’s a winning move: if the feature-rich, high-quality, and photographically interesting Lumix G3 is priced right, it could become a market favorite in the near future.
Anyway if you’re thinking about getting a small but serious camera, pay attention to Lumix G3.
Has the drop in price and increase in demand for the Lumix DMC-G3 mirrorless camera been driven by improved features and functionality, or are there other factors playing a role in this shift?