Panasonic Announces 12.1 Megapixels Lumix DMC-GF3 Camera Priced $600
2011-06-13 05:44Average Camera Review Rating [11 reviews]
Panasonic today announces the Lumix DMC-GF3 compact camera, only a short eight months after announcing the DMC-GF2. Panasonic claimed that the mirror-free GF3 is the company's smallest and lightest digital interchangeable lens camera with a built-in flash, with its body size comparable to that of a smartphone and weighing just 7.83oz. The GF3 is approximately 16.7% smaller and 16.2% lighter than its predecessor, the GF2. Some of its features have carried over from the GF2. The Lumix GF3 will retain the 12.1 Megapixels sensor and Venus Engine FHD processor of its predecessor. The GF3 will also offer a 3.0-inch touch screen of 460k-dot resolution. An array of finger-friendly options follow, including Touch AF in still and video capture, drag-and-drop quick menu icon customization and touch shutter. On the back panel, a dial has been added around the four-way controller. A 4x magnification manual focus assist is now available, enlarging the area of focus on screen to help with fine tuning. Per usual this Micro Four Thirds camera accepts all compatible Olympus and Panasonic lenses, and the GF3 is driven by a contrast-based AF system. The GF3 will record 1080 HD video in AVCHD like its G-series predecessors. In-camera processing features include Intelligent D-Range control and Intelligent Resolution, putting more control at the user's finger tips over dynamic range and sharpness. Familiar Creative Control modes are back such as retro, expressive and high dynamic. A miniature effect mode is added, a popular feature that creates a model-like effect by blurring elements of the foreground and background.
Panasonic today announces the Lumix DMC-GF3 compact camera, only a short eight months after announcing the DMC-GF2. Panasonic claimed that the mirror-free GF3 is the company's smallest and lightest digital interchangeable lens camera with a built-in flash, with its body size comparable to that of a smartphone and weighing just 7.83oz. The GF3 is approximately 16.7% smaller and 16.2% lighter than its predecessor, the GF2. Some of its features have carried over from the GF2. The Lumix GF3 will retain the 12.1 Megapixels sensor and Venus Engine FHD processor of its predecessor. The GF3 will also offer a 3.0-inch touch screen of 460k-dot resolution. An array of finger-friendly options follow, including Touch AF in still and video capture, drag-and-drop quick menu icon customization and touch shutter. On the back panel, a dial has been added around the four-way controller. A 4x magnification manual focus assist is now available, enlarging the area of focus on screen to help with fine tuning. Per usual this Micro Four Thirds camera accepts all compatible Olympus and Panasonic lenses, and the GF3 is driven by a contrast-based AF system. The GF3 will record 1080 HD video in AVCHD like its G-series predecessors. In-camera processing features include Intelligent D-Range control and Intelligent Resolution, putting more control at the user's finger tips over dynamic range and sharpness. Familiar Creative Control modes are back such as retro, expressive and high dynamic. A miniature effect mode is added, a popular feature that creates a model-like effect by blurring elements of the foreground and background.In addition to the GF3, Panasonic adds the Leica DA SUMMILUX 25mm/F1.4 ASPH lens to its Micro Four Thirds lineup today. It incorporates Nano Surface Coating to help combat ghosting and flare. The lens is comprised of nine elements in seven groups. With a 35mm equivalent of 50mm, the new lens is designed to fulfill the needs of a portrait photographer. The wide f/1.4 aperture should also prove useful to available light photographers. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 will be available beginning in July 2011 in black, red, brown or red. A kit with 14mm lens will cost $699.99 and a 14-42mm kit fetches a retail price of $599.99 (available in August). No pricing is announced at this time for the 25mm f/1.4 lens - Panasonic will release price information 30 days before the lens becomes available in August 2011. Check out the following press announcement for more details:
Panasonic Unveils the LUMIX GF3, the Company's Smallest and Lightest Digital Interchangeable Lens System Camera With a Built-In Flash*
The LUMIX GF3 Body Weighs Just 7.83oz and Produces High-Quality Photos, Full-HD Video Recording Capabilities and Smart Touch-Screen Controls
SECAUCUS, N.J., June 13, 2011 -- /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic today announces its latest compact system camera (CSC), the mirror-free Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF3 is the company's smallest and lightest digital interchangeable lens camera with a built-in flash(*1), with its body size comparable to that of a smartphone and weighing just 7.83oz (body only), less than a standard 8oz cup of coffee. The Panasonic's LUMIX GF3 realizes all the features desired from a traditional DSLR interchangeable lens camera, only it accomplishes them in an ultra-compact body that is lightweight and simple to master.
This remarkable reduction in size and weight is thanks to advancements in new mirror-free camera technology, and large DSLR format sensors that are more compatible with a new class of compact Micro Four Thirds (MFT) System lenses. This new class of Compact System Cameras offers a weight and compactness not seen in traditional DSLRs, yielding greater portability and creative control. The DMC-GF3's image quality comes from a large DSLR-sized 12.1-megapixel sensor and newly advanced image processing technologies.
The LUMIX GF3 digital camera is based on the Micro Four Thirds standard of lenses, which includes Panasonic's 3D lens, thus the LUMIX GF3 not only provides outstanding still photos, full-High Definition 1080/60i video, but is also capable of shooting 3D still photos.
The Panasonic LUMIX GF3 produces high-quality photos with true-to-life details, thanks to excellent resolution, image rendering and color reproduction; high-grade lens options; and extremely precise Auto Focus (AF). Plus, the LUMIX GF3 creates the right balance between resolution and noise reduction, thus producing life-like images with accurate auto exposure and white balance, creating rich colors. Taking a page from the renowned LUMIX GH2's image quality, the LUMIX GF3 boasts full sized DSLR like Image quality thanks the same Venus Engine FHD image processor. The Venus Engine FHD image processor makes impressive low noise images from its 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor. Notably, images shot in low-lit situations at high ISO sensitivity setting, are stunningly clear with extremely sharp resolution. The image processor also excels in energy consumption by extending the battery life, despite its smaller size.
Thanks to a new mount, the LUMIX GF3 is approximately 16.7% smaller and 16.2% lighter than its predecessor, the LUMIX GF2. Despite its small size and unlike many CSC cameras in this class, the LUMIX GF3 still maintains a built-in flash and features a new pop-up mechanism that helps prevent the vignetting effect due to short distances between the flash unit and the interchangeable lens. With a newly-designed aluminum body that incorporates an ergonomic grip, and a well-designed control dial combined with a 3-inch touch enabled screen, the LUMIX GF3 is extremely intuitive and easy to use.
"The Panasonic GF3 compact system camera is extremely small and its newly-designed rounded body is quite attractive, which we expect to be popular among those users wanting to step-up from a point-and-shoot, yet who view traditional DSLRs as bulky and overly complex," said Darin Pepple, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "While the size and weight of the GF3 has been greatly reduced, Panasonic does not compromise what is at the core of every LUMIX, which is exceptional photo and video quality with an easy-to-use interface."
All models in Panasonic's LUMIX G Series of digital cameras feature Contrast AF for their focus system, as opposed to phase-difference AF systems, used in traditional DSLRs, which is susceptible to a mechanical margin of focus errors at wide apertures. With a Contrast AF system, focusing is controlled by the image sensor so that mechanical margin of error is reduced to achieve precise focusing, thus boosting higher number of in focus shots, especially when shooting in low light with wide open lens aperture. As a result, when the LUMIX GF3 is used with Panasonic's new wide aperture interchangeable lens, the LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm / F1.4 ASPH, also announced today, the performance of the Contrast AF system is optimally maximized.
The Panasonic LUMIX GF3 features a high-speed and extremely precise Contrast AF system that locks in approximately 0.18 seconds. Taking further advantage of Contrast AF, the LUMIX GF3 incorporates full-area focusing which makes it possible to set focus on any point in the field- of-view. The LUMIX GF3 also features Light Speed AF, an extremely fast AF which measures at approximately 0.1 seconds(*2), which is achieved by reducing the detection time for focusing by doubling the sensors drive speed from 60 fps to 120 fps. With the combination of touch-control shooting, focusing on close up macro or still life objects is evermore quick and accurate thanks to the newly adopted Pinpoint AF that unlike a DSLR, offers near pixel level touch control focusing.
Manual control over focus is available in the DMC-GF3 and now features a quick 4x magnification feature. By simply touching the subject, that subject is then 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 (Manual Focus) Assist and AF + MF focus modes.
At the heart of the LUMIX GF3's simplified functionality is a large 3.0-inch touch enabled LCD (460k- dot) that allows for intuitive touch control of menus and most shooting, focusing, playback and effects controls. Menus can be customized using simple drag-and-drop actions similar to those on some touch-enabled smartphones. This allows for a custom user interface, giving Quick Menu access to functions that can be tailored to any user's expertise level. Users can also release the shutter using the touch-screen. Once locked onto a subject, the LUMIX GF3 tracks the subject with the AF Tracking feature and another touch allows the user to select the size of the AF area. In addition, Pinpoint AF function allows even more precise focus setting by further enlarging the focusing area. With increased customization, users can set the touch shutter and touch AF ON/OFF based on their preference. Touch-control also makes playback of photos and videos easy to flip through like pages in a book.
For those who miss the tactile feel of a traditional DSLR mode dial, the DMC-GF3 offers an innovative mode thumb wheel that quickly cycles though all available modes with visual feedback provided on the large 3'' touch-enabled LCD.
The LUMIX GF3 records 1920 x 1080 full-HD video in the AVCHD format, which features almost twice the recording time in HD quality than the conventional Motion JPEG. A dedicated video record button on the top lets users instantly start recording video, without having to hassle with any menu settings. The LUMIX GF3 allows for Touch AF in video recording, enabling professional-like features, such as rack focusing. For instance, by touching the subject on the screen, the focus is shifted to the subject.
Contributing to its ease-of-use, the LUMIX GF3 features Panasonic's acclaimed iA(*3) (Intelligent Auto) mode - and the new advanced iA Plus mode - are automatically engaged once the iA button is pressed, helping to make shooting video and photos with the LUMIX GF3 extremely simple - even to users new to compact system cameras. Panasonic's iA features include MEGA O.I.S. (included in several lenses), Intelligent ISO Control, and Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection, AF Tracking, Intelligent D-range Control and Intelligent Resolution. With the new iA Plus mode, the LUMIX GF3 easily enables commonly desired manual enhancements not available from standard camera auto modes such as peripheries defocusing around faces, exposure compensation, and color balance adjustments which are visually adjusted by moving an on screen slider with the user's finger or the thumb wheel.
The LUMIX GF3, like all CSCs in the Panasonic LUMIX G Series, is equipped with a highly-efficient Dust Reduction System. In some system cameras, if dust or other foreign matter gets inside the digital camera while the lenses are being changed, it's possible that the debris could cling to the image sensor and show up as a spot in your photos. However, the Panasonic Dust Reduction System helps to eliminate this problem by placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor that vibrates vertically approximately 50,000 times per second - thus repelling dust and other particles from the LUMIX GF3's sensor.
Two modes - Photo Style and Creative Control - let users at any skill level get creative with their photos. With Creative Control, the user can choose the most-frequently-used color modes (Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, High Dynamic and newly added Miniature Effect(*4) mode) with easy access. In Miniature Effect mode, the peripherals are defocused while saturation and contrast is emphasized so the photos look like a diorama. The Photo Style mode revitalizes the conventional film mode with settings in Standard, Vivid, Natural, Monochrome, Scenery, Portrait presets while enabling finer adjustment of contrast, sharpness, saturation and noise reduction.
The LUMIX GF3, like all the CSC in the LUMIX G Series of digital cameras, is compatible with other Micro Four Thirds lenses and the full sized Four Thirds System standard via an optional mount adaptor. Other accessories available to the LUMIX G Series include external flashes, PL and ND filters, leather cases, straps, and more. The Panasonic LUMIX GF3 will be available in black, white, red and brown bodies for a suggested retail prices of $699.99 with the 14mm lens kit system starting in July 2011, and $599.99 with the 14-42mm lens kit system starting in late August 2011; and. For more information on Panasonic LUMIX G Series compact system cameras, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.
*1 For an interchangeable lens system camera with a built-in flash as of June 13, 2011
*2 Approximately 0.1 sec with LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm / F4.0-5.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S., approx. 0.18 sec with LUMIX G 14mm / F2.5 ASPH. and with LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S..
*3 Some functions in iA mode may be unavailable depending on the lens that is mounted
*4 Sound will not be recorded with [MINIATURE EFFECT] in Creative Control Mode and approximately 1/10 of the time period is recorded. (If you record for 10 minutes, the resulting motion picture recording will be approximately 1 minute long).
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
* Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds and Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds Logo marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Olympus Imaging Corporation, in Japan, the United States, the European Union and other countries.
* The "AVCHD" is a high definition (HD) digital video recording / playback format jointly established by Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
* All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.
* This unit is compatible with both SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards. You can only use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are compatible with them.
About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company, is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company's Eco Ideas programs. Company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 Sample Photos on Flickr
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 Camera Reviews Roundup
| DPI: "The Panasonic Lumix GF3 is a small interchangeable lens camera that packs plenty of features into a compact form factor. The Lumix GF3 has a large 12 megapixel image sensor, 3 inch touchscreen and simplified control layout since the more expensive Lumix GX1 has taken over the duty of succeeding the original GF1 camera (as confusing as it may seem). The Lumix GF3 is geared towards casual users who want an interchange..." - Apr 01 2012 More » | |
| Photoxels: "The Panasonic GF3 has very good image quality (including very good low-light performance) up to ISO 800 with plenty of details preserved and good colors, with very usable ISO 1600 and usable ISO 3200. Higher ISOs suffer from lots of noise and detail loss. One of the many advantages of a DSLR is the ability to use interchangeable lenses suited for specific jobs. In its "X" incantation, the GF3X comes with t..." - Dec 05 2011 More » | |
| Camera Labs: "The Panasonic Lumix GF3 takes the mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (ILC) to a much wider audience. It pushes the GF series further towards the casual photographer and away from the enthusiasts at which ILCs were initially aimed. What that means in terms of specification is a body with the same sensor and LCD screen as its predecessor and the loss of some key features including the rear thumb push-wheel, h..." - Oct 17 2011 More » | |
| PopPhoto: "The first thing you'll notice about the GF3 are its curves. Straying from the block-like design of the GF2, the stylishly little GF3 could be called downright sexy. Given its lack of a hot-shoe and accessory port, this camera carves out a new space in Panasonic's approach to ILCs. More advanced shooters looking for a rangerfi nder-style body should take note that Panasonic says it will keep the GF2 in its line. More..." - Oct 16 2011 More » |
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 Reviews Roundup [Total 26 Reviews] »
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 Camera Recent User Reviews
Makes me feel like a pro :), Sherezz Grant - May 15 2013
This is a very nice camera. I'm very satisfied. I finally feel like I have the power of a DSLR in my hands except that it's much more compact and more like a typical point and shoot. I haven't yet fiddled with the features in the camera as yet, but I've gotten pretty great results so far with the camera in automatic. I wish I knew more about the pancake lens before I bou...
Great intro to micro four thirds, A. Gray - May 02 2013
This is a great little camera at a great price. The included pancake lens is very wide angle, but it works great indoors where space is cramped and light may be low. The small size allows you to keep it in your pocket as well....
great camera, Ashley Schneider "grad student" - Mar 24 2013
pictures are amazing every time, so many great features. Lots of support videos and reading online to use as a reference too...
really nice little camera, WLSinWI "wls" - Mar 13 2013
This is a micro four thirds system (MFT)It is designed to use a larger sensor than the typical point and shoot and so gives better pictures plus it has interchangeable lenses that work on all MFT cameras. Currently Olympus and Panasonic offer camera bodies so you can mix and match to your liking... I bought this on a closeout sale cause the price was so great and I'm gla...
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