Panasonic 15.8 Megapixels DMC-G3 Compact Hands-on Review by CNET UK

Panasonic today announces the LUMIX DMC-G3, the world's smallest Compact System Camera with a build-in Electronic View Finder. The Panasonic G3 features a 15.8 Megapixels sensor, fast auto-focus speed of up to 0.1 second, 3-inch free-angle touch-screen LCD (460,000 dots), 4fps continuous shooting and full HD 1920 x 1080 50i movies. The Venus Engine VI FHD, incorporating the image processing technology Advanced Intelligent Resolution and Intelligent D-range Control, allows photos and high-definition movies to be captured with superior signal processing. The LUMIX G3's burst shooting capability has been improved to support up to 4 fps in full resolution and 20 fps at 4 Megapixels. It can also record in Full HD AVCHD 1920 x 1080, 50i, higher quality movies with minimal noise using the Full-time AF and AF Tracking functionality. Here are the key features:

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G3, made of aluminum, will be available in a variety of attractive colors, including black, red, white and brown, starting in June 2011. The retail price of the LUMIX G3 with the 14-42mm Zoom Lens Kit will be $699.99. Here's the summary of hands-on preview by CNET UK:

"Inside the camera is a new Live MOS sensor, which Panasonic reckons significantly reduces image noise. A new autofocus system is designed to make the camera focus and take pictures more quickly. When you half-press the shutter, the sensor speeds up, so autofocus is much faster. 'Pinpoint autofocus' magnifies the image on the screen, so you can confirm that your picture is pin-sharp before taking the snap. In our tests, snapping shots proved extremely fast, with no lag at all between pressing the button and capturing a picture. The G3 bumps the video resolution up to 1080p, with Dolby Digital stereo sound and a dedicated button for instant filming. That means you don't need to put the camera in video mode -- just press the button and it will instantly start recording. There's an HDMI connection so you can watch your videos and view your photos on a high-definition television.

The touchscreen lets you focus on something by tapping it, or even take a picture with a prod. We like the idea of touchscreens, but the G3's interface is far from perfect. The problem is that you have to constantly move between the physical buttons and the touchscreen. When you want to change a shooting setting, you can't tap the on-screen icon of the setting you want to change -- instead you have to press the relevant button on the right of the camera, which calls up your choices on the screen, and then you tap on the one you want.

The system makes sense when you're used to it, but we think there's still some work to be done to really make the best of the touchscreen. It's not as seamless and intuitive as the iPhone's touchscreen interface, for example. While we're at it, the thumb wheel on the right shoulder is rather small and fiddly to turn. When it arrives in shops, the G3 will have assorted scene modes to choose from, such as portrait or night mode, and various colour options, including retro or vibrant styles, but we weren't able to test them. Outlook We're big fans of Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds cameras, which consistently offer sturdy build quality, a wide range of features and excellent pictures. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 looks set to live up to its pedigree."