GF1 Despite the compact style was very popular as a "take everywhere" camera for enthusiastic photographers, its replacement - the GF2, stunned to these users. This was largely due to the fact that Panasonic simplified management, eliminating several of the direct control buttons (including the mode dial, change the drive mode, AEL and DOF preview button) and set-screen
control Touch.This may have been intended to attract the novice photographer, but the fans who felt dumming below. The camera today the classic story seems to have been transformed into a model of happy snapper - although very well built.
New Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, however, could be the camera that GF1 and G2 users to upgrade. Combine the style of the GF-compact camera line with the most advanced management and control of the mini-DSLR-like G-series.
Features
Like other Panasonic G-series cameras, the G3 is a compact camera (CSC), built in the Micro Four Thirds. This means that while the Panasonic G3 accepts interchangeable lenses Micro Four Thirds mount, which has a mirror reflecting the light that passes through the lens can not be directed to an optical viewfinder.
Instead, the scene is made either on the LCD screen on the back of the camera, or the electronic viewfinder (EVF). With the Olympus Pen and GF Panasonic cameras, the viewfinder is an optional accessory, but is built into the Panasonic G3.
Like other Panasonic G-series cameras, the G3 is a compact camera (CSC), built in the Micro Four Thirds. This means that while the Panasonic G3 accepts interchangeable lenses Micro Four Thirds mount, which has a mirror reflecting the light that passes through the lens can not be directed to an optical viewfinder.
Panasonic GF1 (left) vs G3(right) rear view
Panasonic has introduced a new 16.6 million pixel Live MOS sensor for Lumix G3, which uses a new circuit. We are waiting for information about exactly what has been done, but Panasonic says the new circuit and noise suppression in the outcome of photodiodes in sharper images.
Interestingly, a firmware upgrade on the eve of its launch, driven G3 resolution output of 15.70 MP (4576x3432 pixels) 15.83Mp (4592x3448 pixels) and subsequently the G3 '16Mp lists in your choice of size image.
As a Four Thirds sensor type device imagination G3 is smaller than sensor APS-C size (23.6x15.6mm eg the Nikon D5100) and measures 17.3x13mm. Images therefore have a 4:3 ratio, but the G3 can be set to 3:2, 16:9 and 1:1 recording format and crop the image accordingly.
Due to the sub-full frame sensor is a magnification factor of 2x focal length, so the kit lens 14-42mm angle of view produces a similar to a 28-84mm lens on a 35mm camera mm or 18-56mm lens on a Nikon APS-C format (DX) SLR.
Meanwhile, the G3 uses the same Panasonic Venus Engine FHD VI as the Lumix DMC-premium GH2. The Lumix G3 this engine processes each image file in two ways and then combines the results to produce an image with less noise.
Performance in low light has been a problem for Micro Panasonic Four Thirds cameras and the design of a new sensor G3 is designed to improve the situation. However, compared to DSLR APS-C, high-sensitivity setting of ISO 6400 seems a bit low, while the lowest value, ISO 160 is greater than usual.
Despite the double processing, Panasonic G3 is capable of capturing images at full resolution to a maximum speed of 4 fps. When a Class 6 SDHC card, a San Disk Extreme III has been installed around 20 JPEG images of the highest quality RAW and JPEG files simultaneously or 7 seven crudes can be captured before the G3 is slower. If you require faster shot, Super high-speed continuous shooting G3 uses an electronic shutter instead of a shutter curtain to allow 40 images to be taken 4MP at 20 frames per second.
Although the Panasonic is for G3 more experienced photographers of GF2 is, there is still a collection of 17 scene modes (including two baby modes) to adjust image exposure, white balance and prosecution of specific subjects. They are useful when you're starting in photography or want to keep things simple.
In addition, more intelligent Panasonic Auto (iA +) is the way the hand, with a dedicated button on the top plate G3. When this mode is selected using the G3 it is estimated that more camera settings appropriate, use its Intelligent Scene Selector to identify the right scene mode to use and determine whether to activate the MEGA OIS ( Optical Image Stabilizer) and Intelligent ISO Control. The latter reduces motion blur by increasing sensitivity if the subject moves as the shot is taken.
Earlier Panasonic G series cameras have an automatic My Color mode, which has been renamed G3 creative control for Panasonic. Allows user to select one of seven preset picture effects (Expressive, Retro key, high, Sepia and High Dynamic) to apply to the catch.
When the G3 Panasonic is creative control over the mode dial, the exposure control is automatic, but the rear disc above the thumb rest easy access to exposure compensation and the blurring of control functions. The evening is a simple control over the opening.
Experienced users may prefer the style of photo modes (formerly known as movie modes) to the creative control options and different types of pictures you can use any of the advanced shooting modes (PASM), and the video mode.
Panasonic has changed the names of movie modes found in previous G-series cameras to the styles that reflect the growing number of users who have never used the film. As before, it is still possible to change the reduction of contrast, sharpness, saturation and noise are applied with the options: Standard, Vivid, Natural, Monochrome, Landscape, Portrait and personalized. There is no cinema or a multi-Style Multi-option to burn a slideshow of pictures with different styles that apply however.
Since it is a camera without a mirror, Panasonic G3 uses contrast detection for autofocus instead of phase detection. While the detection of contrast is generally accurate it tends to be slower and less decisive than the detection phase, but the company has been working on improving the response of Panasonic cameras AF.
With the Lumix G Vario 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH MEGA OIS kit lens G3 Panasonic says can achieve sharp focus in an impressive 0.18sec, but with the Lumix G Vario 14-140mm f/4.0-5.8 MEGA OIS it peaks at 0.1 sec quick dinner.
Panasonic has also expanded the coverage of the AF so you can now operate on the full image area of the G3 and the AF point can be the position of the right to the edge of the frame.
In addition to the AF tracking, 23 areas, 1-Area and face detection modes AF we have seen before, the G3 has a new AF Pinpoint. When you select the AF point can be placed anywhere on the LCD with a touch of the finger.
Similar to the 1-area AF, but the key difference is that the target area is multiplied on the screen as the shutter button is pressed so you can see the right part of the scene is strong. That could be useful for a wide range of situations, such as life shooting still images or landscape.
No CSC or DSLR is complete without the ability to record video these days and the G3 can shoot full HD (1920x1080 pixels) in AVCHD or motion JPEG files, the output at 30 fps or 25 fps. Full-time AF and AF tracking is available during the shoot, which is not available in GH2 flagship Panasonic.
Whenever enough to produce detailed images to clean up the G3 looks very attractive and has plenty of features that will appeal to amateur photographers. AF controls such as touch and tactile shutter that allows the user to simply touch the screen to activate or turn centered focus and shutter release allow images to be taken more easily in unusual positions. It is also ideal for candid street photography as the photographer may be far from the subject and not draw attention to themselves.
While many prefer an optical viewfinder, at least the electronic search of the G3 is built and is not an optional extra. There is also a pop-up flash (guide number of 10m @ ISO 100) and a hot shoe to accept an external flashgun. It is somewhat surprising that Panasonic has not found space for a sensor eye to detect when the viewfinder is in use and a good built-in electronic level.