Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 Pro Reviews

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 lost a few features in order to slim down its size, weight, and price, but most photographers looking for a small, DSLR-like camera shouldn’t mind too much. On the plus side, unlike many other cameras in its class, the G3 is equipped with an on-board flash and a built-in EVF. Add a well-rounded feature set and pleasing image quality, and the G3 certainly maintains its place as a player in the mirrorless interchangeable lens category.

Both cameras offer high image quality, quick shooting, good value for money and access to the ever increasing Micro Four Thirds lens range, as well as numerous third party lenses and adapters, making either camera a great choice. The features available with each and what is right for you depends on your needs. If you're after a small camera and don't mind using a rear LCD screen, then the GX1 is an excellent camera with a few extra features that you might find useful, such as an electronic level, higher ISO, remote socket, better continuous shooting, additional external controls and additional filters. If you're not a fan of using the rear LCD, then the G3 offers a great EVF, a tilting rear screen for added flexibility, a more powerful flash and lower entry price, although with slightly less battery life. While the cameras score very highly and produce almost identical image quality to each other, the improved features and handling on the GX1 that give you more direct control over the camera is definitely an advantage and this makes it our Editor's Choice.

The Lumix G3 has a whole lot to like: it's small (but not too miniature), neatly designed, has superb autofocus speed, a vari-angle LCD and decent built-in electronic viewfinder. Even image quality has been slightly improved over the Lumix G2 model despite the increase in resolution. However, image quality's not up there with the likes of the exceptional Lumix GH2 and, although the G3 has a 1080i movie mode, this too isn't as high-spec as it could be; it's more of a point-and-shoot mode. That said, the autofocus during capture eases into place, providing smooth transitions for excellent final clips. The G3's small design will appeal to many, but this has been at the expense of some of the older G-series' external dials and switches no longer featuring on the exterior. However, the G3's biggest issue its new battery's lower power: smaller may be better sometimes, but not at the expense of longevity per charge. Also, considering we're in the age of the Smartphone and surrounded by tablet fever, the G3's touchscreen won't feel quite as responsive as what you may be used to and come to expect. But get to grips with it and there are plenty of features boosted by its inclusion. All in all the advances in autofocus make the G3 one super-fast, sleek-looking camera. It's hard not to recommend and we can certainly see this being one more step towards Micro Four Thirds dominance

Jam-packed with advanced features and delivering blistering speed. The DMC-G3 is the tiny camera that serious photographers will love.

Simply put, the G3 produces some of the finest images we have ever seen from Micro Four Thirds sensor technology. That it is possible to capture pictures with the G3 whose image quality is virtually indistinguishable from an entry-level DSLR is impressive. That you can achieve it in a camera of this price range is nothing short of remarkable. While we have some complaints, the fact remains that the G3 can capture great images, particularly when shooting in Raw mode.

There's a lot to like about the Panasonic G3, starting with the viewfinder. It's big and bright and features diopter adjustment. The camera itself is small and light, virtually an afterthought compared to my D3s with a 24-70 zoom. Image quality is very good - the sensor is the same physical size as Olympus DSLRs and the Lumix lens does a pretty good job of getting the image to the sensor with minimal distortion. AF performance beats a compact and rivals an entry level DSLR, even when working in dimmer conditions. Shutter lag subjectively seems a bit slow, but our stopwatch objectively says otherwise. High ISO noise performance leaves compacts in the dust and gets in the ballpark with the current generation DSLRs. Video performance is among the best I've seen in a still camera. And all this can be yours for the price of an entry level DSLR with kit lens. Is there anything not to like?

The Lumix DMC-G3 is the most well-rounded Panasonic compact system camera to date, offering a great mix of cutting-edge features, improved image quality, intuitive and customisable handling. All of this comes at a price - remarkably a cheap one. £549 body only or £629.99 with the 14-42mm kit lens for such an accomplished camera is great value in anyone's book. For us, the new G3 offers the best balance between the even tinier GF2, the slightly better handling G2, and the videographer-friendly GH2, adding the best still image quality of all G-series cameras, and it's also a cheaper and for many users simply a better alternative to a full-fledged DSLR. Essential!

The Panasonic Lumix G3 features new easier to use creative modes (high key, sepia, etc), film modes (vivid, landscape etc), and most importantly further enhances image quality with a new sensor capable of improved noise performance. Other improvements such as improved focusing and continuous shooting speed, and a more compact body make an appealing system even more interesting, particularly if you want SLR style quality without the typical size associated with SLR sized cameras. The improved focusing speeds, really are impressive, and it makes you wonder when traditional SLRs at this price point are going to catch up, likewise with the easy to use and impressive touchscreen.

We're more blown away by the dramatic improvement in image quality that really vaults the $700 Panasonic G3 to the top of our favorites list.

Panasonic's Lumix G3 is arguably one of the most complete and successful mirrorless 'EVIL' cameras to date. Panasonic has struck the right balance between size, weight, quality, features and price that should see the G3 appeal to a broad range of photographers, including many who would normally consider a traditional entry-level DSLR.

A highly capable, lightweight alternative to an SLR, but image quality isn't flawless and we miss its predecessor’s more hands-on controls.

If you're looking for a camera that's not quite as big as a dSLR but doesn't skimp on hardware controls or features like an articulated LCD, EVF and stereo full HD video, the G3 is one of my top options. But performance is hit-and-miss for shooting action, so you may end up having to go with something just a bit bigger, anyway.

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. Yes, the omission of an external microphone input will sadden some video enthusiasts, and the lack of an eye-sensor is an inconvenience but as an all-rounder, it excels. If you're looking to buy into the micro system camera genre, you should definitely consider the G3.

The G3 is Panasonic’s considered approach to keeping its range up to date and its product line strong, along with the G2 and “daddy” GH2 retaining three options separated by around £100 for those wanting a DSLR alternative with most of the attendant bells and whistles (including viewfinder). The fact that it’s lightweight and accessible, while well built enough to withstand the odd clumsy fumble with it, should find it doing very well with family users.

Panasonic appears to have a winner on its hands. The Panasonic G3 manages to combine the best elements of the G2 and GF2 and as a result is a camera that is likely to find favour with many enthusiasts, especially those who like street and reportage photography. While Panasonic has made strides in noise control and low light performance, the G3's strength is in its small size and high-quality images in 'average' lighting conditions. Sometimes it's hard to put your finger on exactly what you like about the images that a camera produces and while the results from the G3 may not be absolutely perfect, they do have a lovely film-like quality.