Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3
Encyclopedia
Panasonic Lumix
DMC-GF3 is the eighth camera in Panasonic's Lumix G-series, adhering to the Micro Four Thirds System
(MFT) design standard, and was announced in June, 2011. The model number implies that it is the successor to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2
. Some critics complain that the GF3 is not a true successor to the GF2 because of further "dumbing down" of the photographer's interface with the camera to a level where the GF3 is more compact camera point and shoot, than a "serious" photographer's interchangeable lens system camera. There were already bitter complaints that the GF2 was not a proper follow-on to what many considered a "photographer's camera" the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1
.
The GF3's lack of manual controls, and extremely small physical size have caused some to argue that the GF3 is not a direct GF2 successor, but an even further branching out of the GF line to become the compact camera oriented model to compete with the Sony NEX line of compact mirror-less interchangeable lens cameras, and to attract "point and shoot" compact camera owners looking for a step up. Some believe that Panasonic unannounced product plans include the intent to split the GF line into two lines, the very compact style GF3 camera, and a more sophisticated, and yet to be released, "serious photographer's" camera, more reminiscent of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. The thinking goes that Panasonic would then have four types of cameras to appeal to a broad swath of consumers: first, the GF3 compact style camera for those moving up from point and shoot cameras, or who are interested in small size above all else; second, a GF1 follow-on "photographer's" camera (a modern rangefinder style stills oriented camera); third, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3
stills oriented type camera, embodying a small, but still well featured body, with a built in electronic viewfinder
(EVF); and finally the full featured, top of the line hybrid stills/video camera represented by a Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2
type camera. The GF3, G3 and GH2 type cameras exist now. Concrete evidence of the four camera strategy may be confirmed in rumors of a GF1 type follow-on camera being introduced in late 2011 or early 2012, with the speculative names of GF7 or GX1.
The Panasonic DMC-GF3 uses a resistive touchscreen
to provide mode selections, and as such that there is not a mode dial on the camera. Many features are no longer controlled by dials and buttons and wheels, but via the 3-inch touchscreen at the rear of the unit..
At the time of introduction on June 13, 2011, the GF3 was the world's smallest and lightest digital interchangeable lens system camera. The "smallest and lightest" crown was soon "stolen" by the so-called PEN "mini", the Olympus PEN E-PM1 announced at the end of June 2011. The E-PM1 was one of a trio of new MFT cameras announced by Olympus in June 2011.
The GF3 has received generally positive reviews for a small camera with a large sensor, and has speedy handling, including very fast auto focus, and good image quality. The GF3 may not have best in class color and white balance under certain conditions, but is very good overall. In general, the GF3 seems to fall below the radar with the advent of the arguably more stylish, and perhaps more capable, and "newer" (by two weeks) Olympus PEN E-PL3
and E-PM1, and the Sony NEX family of cameras, and the recently announced Nikon 1 series of compact interchangeable lens cameras.
The GF3 began shipping in late July 2011 and was configured in several kits
GF3 Kit (Body only) MSRP
USD500.00
GF3K (Body with LUMIX G VARIO 14-42 mm / F3.5-5.6 zoom lens
MSRP USD600.00
GF3C (Body with LUMIX G 14 mm / F2.5 wide-angle pancake lens
MSRP USD700.00
GF3W (Body with two lenses, UMIX G 14 mm / F2.5 and LUMIX G VARIO 14-42 mm / F3.5-5.6 MSRP TBD
GF3X (Body with LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm power zoom lens MSRP USD750.00
Body colors are Black (Code K), Pink (Code P), Red, (Code R), Brown (Code T) and White (Code W)
The GF3 boasts an upgraded processor, so that it can focus much faster than predecessor GF1 and GF2 models, even though it uses the same 12MP four thirds sensor. The GF3 focus and reaction time is on par with its more expensive Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3
sibling, but the GF3 cannot match the image quality of the newer, higher resolution 16MP G3 sensor, especially under low light conditions where higher ISO (greater than 800) speeds are used. However, even though the GF3 uses the older 12MP sensor, the in camera JPEG processing has been improved for better colors and better high ISO performance when compared to the GF 2 and GF1 camera bodies. The GF3 puts small size at a premium, and when paired with a pancake lens made by either Panasonic or Olympus will make a particularly attractive purse or pocketable large sensor, interchangeable lens camera. Examples of such pancake type lenses would be the Panasonic Lumix 14mm f/2.5, the Olympus 17 mm f/2.8 or the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 pancake lenses. The newly introduced Panasonic 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 X series power zoom lens is another very compact lens that, when in storage mode, is no larger than the Pansonic 20mm pancake.
Lumix
Lumix is Panasonic's brand of digital cameras, ranging from pocket point-and-shoot models to digital SLRs.Compact digital camera DMC-LC5 and DMC-F7 were the first products of the Lumix series released in 2001. They are equipped with Leica lenses....
DMC-GF3 is the eighth camera in Panasonic's Lumix G-series, adhering to the Micro Four Thirds System
Micro Four Thirds system
The Micro Four Thirds system is a standard created by Olympus and Panasonic, and announced on August 5, 2008, for mirrorless interchangeable lens digital cameras and camcorders design and development...
(MFT) design standard, and was announced in June, 2011. The model number implies that it is the successor to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 is the sixth camera in Panasonic's Lumix G-series, using the Micro Four Thirds System. The model number implies that it is the successor to the DMC-GF1, although critics complain that the GF2 is not a true successor to the GF1 because the photographer's interface with...
. Some critics complain that the GF3 is not a true successor to the GF2 because of further "dumbing down" of the photographer's interface with the camera to a level where the GF3 is more compact camera point and shoot, than a "serious" photographer's interchangeable lens system camera. There were already bitter complaints that the GF2 was not a proper follow-on to what many considered a "photographer's camera" the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 is the third camera in Panasonic's Lumix G-series, using the Micro Four Thirds System. Its body design similar to that of the recently released Olympus E-P1, the GF1 is 35% smaller than earlier G models...
.
The GF3's lack of manual controls, and extremely small physical size have caused some to argue that the GF3 is not a direct GF2 successor, but an even further branching out of the GF line to become the compact camera oriented model to compete with the Sony NEX line of compact mirror-less interchangeable lens cameras, and to attract "point and shoot" compact camera owners looking for a step up. Some believe that Panasonic unannounced product plans include the intent to split the GF line into two lines, the very compact style GF3 camera, and a more sophisticated, and yet to be released, "serious photographer's" camera, more reminiscent of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. The thinking goes that Panasonic would then have four types of cameras to appeal to a broad swath of consumers: first, the GF3 compact style camera for those moving up from point and shoot cameras, or who are interested in small size above all else; second, a GF1 follow-on "photographer's" camera (a modern rangefinder style stills oriented camera); third, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 is a digital mirrorless interchangeable lens camera adhering to the joint Olympus and Panasonic Micro Four Thirds System system design standard...
stills oriented type camera, embodying a small, but still well featured body, with a built in electronic viewfinder
Electronic viewfinder
An electronic viewfinder or EVF is a viewfinder where the image captured by the lens is projected electronically onto a miniature display. The image on this display is used to assist in aiming the camera at the scene to be photographed.-Operation:...
(EVF); and finally the full featured, top of the line hybrid stills/video camera represented by a Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 is a digital camera with HD video recording capability that uses the Micro Four Thirds System. Though commonly referred to as a DSLR camera, it has no mirror or optical viewfinder, but has instead both a fold-out LCD screen and a electronic viewfinder...
type camera. The GF3, G3 and GH2 type cameras exist now. Concrete evidence of the four camera strategy may be confirmed in rumors of a GF1 type follow-on camera being introduced in late 2011 or early 2012, with the speculative names of GF7 or GX1.
The Panasonic DMC-GF3 uses a resistive touchscreen
Touchscreen
A touchscreen is an electronic visual display that can detect the presence and location of a touch within the display area. The term generally refers to touching the display of the device with a finger or hand. Touchscreens can also sense other passive objects, such as a stylus...
to provide mode selections, and as such that there is not a mode dial on the camera. Many features are no longer controlled by dials and buttons and wheels, but via the 3-inch touchscreen at the rear of the unit..
At the time of introduction on June 13, 2011, the GF3 was the world's smallest and lightest digital interchangeable lens system camera. The "smallest and lightest" crown was soon "stolen" by the so-called PEN "mini", the Olympus PEN E-PM1 announced at the end of June 2011. The E-PM1 was one of a trio of new MFT cameras announced by Olympus in June 2011.
The GF3 has received generally positive reviews for a small camera with a large sensor, and has speedy handling, including very fast auto focus, and good image quality. The GF3 may not have best in class color and white balance under certain conditions, but is very good overall. In general, the GF3 seems to fall below the radar with the advent of the arguably more stylish, and perhaps more capable, and "newer" (by two weeks) Olympus PEN E-PL3
Olympus PEN E-PL3
The Olympus PEN E-PL3 announced on June 30, 2011 is Olympus Corporation's seventh camera that adheres to the Micro Four Thirds system design standard...
and E-PM1, and the Sony NEX family of cameras, and the recently announced Nikon 1 series of compact interchangeable lens cameras.
The GF3 began shipping in late July 2011 and was configured in several kits
GF3 Kit (Body only) MSRP
MSRP
MSRP may refer to:* Manufacturer's suggested retail price, in business* Message Session Relay Protocol, a protocol used for multimedia communications* MSRP Motorsports, a former name of the HP Racing NASCAR team...
USD500.00
GF3K (Body with LUMIX G VARIO 14-42 mm / F3.5-5.6 zoom lens
Zoom lens
A zoom lens is a mechanical assembly of lens elements for which the focal length can be varied, as opposed to a fixed focal length lens...
MSRP USD600.00
GF3C (Body with LUMIX G 14 mm / F2.5 wide-angle pancake lens
Pancake lens
A pancake lens is colloquial term for a flat, thin lens , generally a normal or slightly wide prime lens for a camera. There are pancake lenses for two kinds of cameras: Compact System Camera and single-lens reflex .- Motivation :...
MSRP USD700.00
GF3W (Body with two lenses, UMIX G 14 mm / F2.5 and LUMIX G VARIO 14-42 mm / F3.5-5.6 MSRP TBD
GF3X (Body with LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm power zoom lens MSRP USD750.00
Body colors are Black (Code K), Pink (Code P), Red, (Code R), Brown (Code T) and White (Code W)
Features
The GF3 is one of the world's smallest and lightest interchangeable lens system cameras. Designed in accordance with the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system design standard, the GF3 is capable of both still and High Definition video, and is able to use a wide variety of MFT lenses supplied by both Olympus and Panasonic, as well as numerous third party lens suppliers who have committed to the MFT system design standard. With certain of the system pancake lenses, the GF3 is small enough to fit into a pocket, and yet is capable of delivering images that rival lower end digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras that are much bulkier in both size and weight.The GF3 boasts an upgraded processor, so that it can focus much faster than predecessor GF1 and GF2 models, even though it uses the same 12MP four thirds sensor. The GF3 focus and reaction time is on par with its more expensive Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 is a digital mirrorless interchangeable lens camera adhering to the joint Olympus and Panasonic Micro Four Thirds System system design standard...
sibling, but the GF3 cannot match the image quality of the newer, higher resolution 16MP G3 sensor, especially under low light conditions where higher ISO (greater than 800) speeds are used. However, even though the GF3 uses the older 12MP sensor, the in camera JPEG processing has been improved for better colors and better high ISO performance when compared to the GF 2 and GF1 camera bodies. The GF3 puts small size at a premium, and when paired with a pancake lens made by either Panasonic or Olympus will make a particularly attractive purse or pocketable large sensor, interchangeable lens camera. Examples of such pancake type lenses would be the Panasonic Lumix 14mm f/2.5, the Olympus 17 mm f/2.8 or the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 pancake lenses. The newly introduced Panasonic 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 X series power zoom lens is another very compact lens that, when in storage mode, is no larger than the Pansonic 20mm pancake.
Panasonic Firmware Releases
Panasonic has announced the following firmware update| Version | Release Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
1.1 1.0 |
2011-October Original |
Compatibility update for new Panasonic X class lenses with power zoom feature. 1. Display of the local length When you zoom, the focal distance is displayed and you can confirm the zoom position. 2. Step zoom When you operate the zoom, the zoom will stop at positions corresponding to predetermined distances. 3. Zoom resume When you switch the power switch [ON], the zoom positions when you last switched [OFF] are automatically restored. 4. Selectable zoom speed Users can select the speed of electric-powered zooming. Original |
See also
- Olympus PEN E-P2Olympus PEN E-P2The Olympus PEN E-P2 announced on 5 November 2009 is Olympus Corporation's second camera that adheres to the Micro Four Thirds system design standard...
- Olympus PEN E-PL2Olympus PEN E-PL2The Olympus PEN E-PL2, was announced in early January 2011 at the CES. This is Olympus Corporation's fourth camera that uses the Micro Four Thirds mount after the Olympus PEN E-P1, Olympus PEN E-P2 and Olympus PEN E-PL1. At the time it was announced, it had a US dollar MSRP of $599.99...
- Olympus PEN E-P3Olympus PEN E-P3The Olympus PEN E-P3 announced on June 30, 2011 is Olympus Corporation's seventh camera that adheres to the Micro Four Thirds system design standard...
- Olympus PEN E-PL3Olympus PEN E-PL3The Olympus PEN E-PL3 announced on June 30, 2011 is Olympus Corporation's seventh camera that adheres to the Micro Four Thirds system design standard...
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 is the third camera in Panasonic's Lumix G-series, using the Micro Four Thirds System. Its body design similar to that of the recently released Olympus E-P1, the GF1 is 35% smaller than earlier G models...
Micro Four Thirds Camera Introduction Roadmap
| Item | Model | Sensor | Electronic View Finder (EVF EVF EVF may refer to:*Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation*Electronic viewfinder*Erythrocyte volume fraction or hematocrit*Embryonic ventral forebrain-2... ) | Announced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 is the first digital mirrorless interchangeable lens camera adhering to the recently developed Micro Four Thirds System system design standard... |
4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.1 mp effective) | EVF; 1.4x magnification; 1.44K dots | 2008, October |
| 2 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 is a digital mirrorless interchangeable lens camera adhering to the Olympus and Panasonic developed Micro Four Thirds System system design standard... |
4:3; 3:2; 16:9 (multi-aspect); 14.0 mp (12.1 mp effect) | EVF; 1.4x mag; 1.44K dots | 2009, April |
| 3 | Olympus PEN E-P1 Olympus PEN E-P1 The Olympus PEN E-P1 announced on 16 June 2009 is Olympus Corporation's first camera that adheres to the Micro Four Thirds system design standard. The first camera to use the Micro Four Thirds mount was the Panasonic's G-1 camera.-Features:... |
4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effect) | optional hotshoe optical VF-1; 65 degree AOV AOV -Technology, science, and medicine:* AoV or aortic velocity, the speed of blood flow in the aorta of the heart, a maximum measurement of can be noted as AoVmax or more commonly as Vmax* Air operated valve* Analysis of Variance, also known as ANOVA... |
2009, July |
| 4 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 is the third camera in Panasonic's Lumix G-series, using the Micro Four Thirds System. Its body design similar to that of the recently released Olympus E-P1, the GF1 is 35% smaller than earlier G models... |
4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.1 mp effect) | opt hotshoe EVF LVF1; 1.04x mag; 202K dots | 2009, September |
| 5 | Olympus PEN E-P2 Olympus PEN E-P2 The Olympus PEN E-P2 announced on 5 November 2009 is Olympus Corporation's second camera that adheres to the Micro Four Thirds system design standard... |
4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effect) | opt hotshoe EVF VF-2; 1.15x mag; 1.44K dots | 2009, November |
| 6 | Olympus PEN E-PL1 Olympus PEN E-PL1 The Olympus PEN E-PL1, announced on 3 February 2010 is Olympus Corporation's third camera that uses the Micro Four Thirds mount after the Olympus PEN E-P1 and Olympus PEN E-P2.... |
4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effect) | opt hotshoe EVF VF-2; 1.15x mag; 1.44K dots | 2010, February |
| 7 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 is the sixth digital mirrorless interchangeable lens camera introduced that adheres to the recently developed Micro Four Thirds System system design standard, and the fourth Panasonic model MFT camera introduced... |
4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.1 mp effect) | EVF; 1.04x magnification; 202K dots | 2010, March |
| 8 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 - Introduction :The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 is a digital mirrorless interchangeable lens camera adhering to the Olympus and Panasonic developed Micro Four Thirds System system design standard.... |
4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.1 mp effect) | EVF; 1.4x mag; 1.44K dots | 2010, March |
| 9 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 is a digital camera with HD video recording capability that uses the Micro Four Thirds System. Though commonly referred to as a DSLR camera, it has no mirror or optical viewfinder, but has instead both a fold-out LCD screen and a electronic viewfinder... |
4:3; 3:2; 16:9 (multi-aspect); 18.3 mp (16.0 mp effect) | EVF; 1.42x mag; 1.53K dots | 2010, September |
| 10 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 is the sixth camera in Panasonic's Lumix G-series, using the Micro Four Thirds System. The model number implies that it is the successor to the DMC-GF1, although critics complain that the GF2 is not a true successor to the GF1 because the photographer's interface with... |
4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.1 mp effect) | opt hotshoe EVF; 1.04x mag; 202K dots | 2010, November |
| 11 | Olympus PEN E-PL1s | 4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effect) | opt hotshoe EVF VF-2; 1.15x mag; 1.44K dots | 2010, November |
| 12 | Olympus PEN E-PL2 Olympus PEN E-PL2 The Olympus PEN E-PL2, was announced in early January 2011 at the CES. This is Olympus Corporation's fourth camera that uses the Micro Four Thirds mount after the Olympus PEN E-P1, Olympus PEN E-P2 and Olympus PEN E-PL1. At the time it was announced, it had a US dollar MSRP of $599.99... |
4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effect) | opt hotshoe EVF VF-2; 1.15x mag; 1.44K dots | 2011, January |
| 13 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 is a digital mirrorless interchangeable lens camera adhering to the joint Olympus and Panasonic Micro Four Thirds System system design standard... |
4:3 / 16.6 mp (15.8 mp effect) | EVF; 1.4x mag; 1.44K dots | 2011, May |
| 14 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 is the eighth camera in Panasonic's Lumix G-series, adhering to the Micro Four Thirds System design standard, and was announced in June, 2011. The model number implies that it is the successor to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2... |
4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.1 mp effect) | N/A | 2011, June |
| 15 | Olympus PEN E-P3 Olympus PEN E-P3 The Olympus PEN E-P3 announced on June 30, 2011 is Olympus Corporation's seventh camera that adheres to the Micro Four Thirds system design standard... |
4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effect) | opt hotshoe EVF VF-2; 1.15x mag; 1.44K dots | 2011, June |
| 16 | Olympus PEN E-PL3 Olympus PEN E-PL3 The Olympus PEN E-PL3 announced on June 30, 2011 is Olympus Corporation's seventh camera that adheres to the Micro Four Thirds system design standard... |
4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effect) | opt hotshoe EVF VF-2; 1.15x mag; 1.44K dots | 2011, June |
| 17 | Olympus PEN E-PM1 | 4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effect) | opt hotshoe EVF VF-2; 1.15x mag; 1.44K dots | 2011, June |
| 18 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 | 4:3 / 16.68 mp (16.0 mp effect) | opt hotshoe EVF LVF2; 1.4x mag; 1.44K dots | 2011, November |
External links
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 Product site
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 Press Release
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 Review - dpreview.com
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 Preview - cameralabs.com
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 Review - imaging-resource.com
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 Review - photographyblog.com