Panasonic 15.8MP DMC-G3 Compact Final Review by TR With Rating 9/10

On May 14 2011, Panasonic announced 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 the final review by TrustedReviews, giving the camera a rating of 9 out of 10:

"Moving on to the all-important question of image quality, Panasonic has been at pains to stress the improvements they've made with the G3, especially with regards to low-light performance. Having now used the camera extensively, we find it hard to disagree with their claims. Images taken with the G3 deliver plenty of punch, with bright colours, sharp edges, accurate white balance and a noticeably wide dynamic range. In partnership with the Venus FHD image processor the new sensor also resolves plenty of fine detail. This is further aided by Panasonic's Intelligent Resolution technology, which automatically detects edges, detail and soft graduations and processes them accordingly to leave edges sharp and detail intact. Having put the G3 through its paces in a number of low-light situations we' inclined to agree with Panasonic's bold claim that the new sensor is far less affected by intrusive image noise than previous G-series sensors. Not only does the G3 perform well in a controlled test environment, but more importantly it also produces exceptional results in real-world situations where light is less than favourable. See our ISO Performance pages for some real-world examples of the G3 at work and prepare to be impressed.

Overall, we remain mightily impressed by the specifications, handling, performance and overall image quality of the G3. Having spent some extended shooting time with it, we're confident enough to say that it's Panasonic's best G-series model yet. If you're looking to buy into the micro system camera genre, you should definitely consider the G3."