Panasonic boasts that their DMC-G3 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera Kit, with the G Vario 14-42mm f/3.5 - 5.6 lens included, is even better than the company's G2. With an enhanced 16Mp sensor, a Free Angle touch LCD, improved access thanks to the mode dial, and other numerous enhancements, it would appear they're right.
One way in which the G3 didn't change is that it still provides the user with the versatile Micro Four Thirds lens mount for attaching any number of Four Thirds lenses, and then some. That means the photographer will have all the advantages of a large DSLR camera, in a compact body. There's no compromise when traveling - both the ability to move quickly with light weight gear and to take creative images are available when shooting with a Micro Four Thirds camera. And with this kit, a versatile 14-42mm lens allows the photographer to get started taking amazing stills and shooting outstanding videos from day one!
Of course, the G3 also shoots 1080i HD video! What digital camera worth its salt doesn't these days? Knowing that HD DSLR video is the wave of the future and a driving force behind the Micro Four Thirds movement, Panasonic was sure to include 1920 x 1080/60i capture. Features like a built-in stereo microphone and a live viewfinder help the user to capture impressive movies. Using the aforementioned HDMI connection, those same movies can be outputted to an HDTV for immediate viewing on the big screen.
Whether the shooter is capturing stills or video, the lens options for the G3 are impressive. The Micro Four Thirds mount allows for 11 lens options from the Lumix G MFT System. There's even a 3D lens available for capturing 3-dimensional and 2D images simultaneously. In addition, lens adapters are available for mounting Leica M and Leica R lenses and older Lumix full Four Thirds lenses. In addition, many Lumix MFT lenses feature optical image stabilization, which helps to prevent blur or un-wanted motion.
The DMC-G3's 3.0" free angle touchscreen LCD helps the shooter to capture from numerous angles, and to replay video and stills with ease - whether it's an audience of one, or the entire family is gathered around. The touch controls on the LCD allow for navigating the menu, focusing, and playback, along with triggering the shutter. Other noteworthy features include the camera's mode dial and hot shoe. The mode dial enables fast access to common camera modes like Aperture Priority and Manual, and it also provides access to additional settings, including two custom modes, scene modes, and the Creative Control Mode. In addition, there's also a dedicated video button that can activate video capture without requiring that the camera modes change. Additionally, the hot shoe allows for attachment of external flashes.
In addition to being a lightweight, user-friendly Compact Camera System, the G3 also provides the shooter with uncomplicated storage options. The internal memory card slot is compatible with SD/SDHC and SDXC memory cards. Of course, like most digital cameras today, files can also be off-loaded via the camera's USB interface. Other camera connections worth mentioning here include the mini HDMI, an A/V output, and the 2.5mm min jack. The 2.5mm jack allows for connection of an optional remote for hands-free control of the camera.
Available scene modes: Portrait, Soft Skin, Scenery, Architecture, Sports, Peripheral Defocus, Flower, Food, Objects, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Illuminations, Baby, Pet, Party, and Sunset, which can all be controlled from the intuitive touch-enabled LCD
Many Lumix MFT lenses come with MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) built-in. This feature helps prevent blurring from hand-shake. Working together with the cameras intelligent ISO Control, which reduces motions blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves, you're sure to capture images that are sharp
Manual control over focus is available in the DMC-G3 and has been greatly improved over DMC-G2. When magnification is first enabled at 4x by simply touching the subject, that subject is enlarged in a small window allowing you to keep the rest of the image in view as a framing reference. Beyond 4x, that small window fills the monitor so even more control over focus fine-tuning can be achieved. This handy feature is available from both the MF Assist (Manual Focus) and AF + MF focus modes
With the new Creative Control Mode, accessed from the Mode dial at the top of the camera, an expressive look to the image can be achieved without the need for complicated post-processing software. Common effects can be achieved via the touch-control menu as a pre-setting in an easy-to-understand "what you see is what you get" experience. Effects include: Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, and High Dynamic
The noise level of the DMC-G3 offer significant reductions in electronic noise vs. prior models. Noise is significantly suppressed by more than 66%. Notably in shooting at high ISO setting, S/N value is improved by approximately 200% compared with the conventional 12.1-megapixel sensor. The sensor performance improves by 6dB at ISO 3200 and max. 9dB at ISO 6400
The new Venus Engine FHD uses new Intelligent Resolution technology to sharpen edge detail without softening fine details. In addition to maximizing edge and fine detail, the Venus Engine offers Intelligent D-Range Control. Intelligent D-Range Control enables maximum capture of the images full range of brightness, without blown-out highlights and mudding shadows
- Dust reduction system: supersonic wave filter
- Extra tele conversion: Still image: Max.2x (Not effective with L size recording. Magnification ratio depends on the recording pixels and aspect ratio.) Motion image: Max.4.8x (Magnification ratio depends on the recording quality and aspect ratio.)