Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 Pro Reviews

It would be a mistake to consider the Panasonic GF3 as “just” a fancy compact camera as it can truly be a DSLR replacement for a lot of people, including me. To be fair, it also has the price of a DSLR, so it’s normal that we expect the same level of performance from it. As I said earlier, it comes down to lifestyle and usage model: I own both type of cameras and that’s really how I think of it. Both are very good at what they were built for, but they are so (physically) different that they are bound to have significant advantages over each other, depending on the situation. From an image quality point of view, the Panasonic GF3 can hold its own when compared to much bulkier camera but it is obvious that DSLRs often have an advantage when it comes to sensor size, variety of lenses and accessories. However, the GF3 will win every time when it comes to portability. Often, the best camera is the one that you have handy. If the Panasonic GF3 is of interest to you, I strongly recommend considering the 14mm f.2.5 kit (or the 20mm f1.7). It is a bit more expensive (up to $700 for the camera+lens), but using the pancake lens gives you the full benefits of having a small camera that can fit in a small pouch or cargo pants pocket. You always have the option of using an array of other lenses if you want to.

The touch-screen Lumix DMC-GF3 is Panasonic's smalllest Micro Four Thirds camera. Its low-light performance and sharpness aren't on the same level as some competitors, but it is still a very capable camera.

The Panasonic Lumix GF3 delivers true quality in an ultra-small package. Taking a different and more consumer-led path from the original and subsequent GF-series releases, the GF3's lack of a hotshoe mount and mode dials, exclusion of provisions for a viewfinder to be attached and the low power built-in flash may be a letdown to more demanding users. Yet for those seeking a small and pocketable camera that's affordable, well equipped, super fast to autofocus, has intuitive touch control and a great movie mode need look no further. It's an impressive camera that ought to not only push forward the Micro Four Thirds standard, but will most likely even take a bite out of the high-end compact market due to its comparable sizing.

If you're ready to make that leap from compact digital cameras to the bigger league, then the compact and lightweight Lumix DMC-GF3 with its extremely impressive images and interchangeable lenses might do the trick, despite a few key omissions.

Bridge cameras "bridge" the gap between two different types of camera. The GF3 tries to bridge the gap between a compact point-and-shoot and an enthusiast oriented interchangeable lens camera. Camera makers have attempted, several times, over the past fifty years, to combine the creative potential and flexibility of an interchangeable lens camera with the convenience and simplicity of a point-and-shoot. Unfortunately, their efforts usually result in a product that isn't a very good example of either camera type. The new GF3 is the best bridge camera I've ever used. It is small enough to be pocketable (with the 14mm prime lens mounted), it is remarkably easy to use, and it is rich in the features that casual shooters love. At the same time, the GF3 can mount an impressive selection of optics and provides lots of pro-level flexibility. The GF3 was designed to meet the needs of a remarkably broad demographic. This camera should appeal to pro and semi-pro shooters looking for a pocketable back-up camera with lots of creative potential, casual shooters looking for an easy to use interchangeable lens camera that automatically makes all exposure decisions and amateur photographers looking to move up from their point-and-shoot to something with a bit more sophistication. Small, versatile and unobtrusive pocket cameras (with superb optics) designed to capture the decisive moment with as little fuss as possible were used to shoot many of the iconic images of the twentieth century - and they were the camera of choice for some of the greatest photographers who ever lived. The GF3 does a pretty good job of updating the straight shooters primary tool for the twenty-first century. The GF3 is capable (with very little effort on the part of the user) of consistently and dependably delivering "pro" quality images. The GF3 successfully combines the look and P&S simplicity of a compact digicam with the larger sensor and lens interchangeability of a DSLR. To put that another way, the GF3 looks and behaves like a compact P&S digicam, but it performs like a DSLR.

For all its benefits, including its fast autofocus system and small, highly portable design, the 12MP Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF3 is a camera that's liable to divide users. On the one hand, this Compact System Camera (CSC) fulfills the promise of Micro Four Thirds sensor technology by offering photographers a high-quality picture-taking device that's tiny enough to fit in a coat pocket. With its impressively sharp, 14mm f/2.5 lens attached, the Panasonic GF3 is the perfect camera for street photography. It's fast and produces consistently good images that will make satisfying prints, even for photos captured at high ISO levels. And while it uses a Micro Four Thirds sensor and accepts interchangeable lenses, the GF3 looks like a casual snapshooter, allowing you to inconspicuously capture candid images without alerting shy subjects.

Extremely rewarding to use, but noise levels in low light aren’t up to today’s standards

Panasonic's repositioning of its GF range as 'consumer' models aimed at casual photographers looking to upgrade from a point-and-shoot has long been apparent and, in my view, they've succeeded admirably. The GF3 is a lovely camera to use and one of the few models that successfully manages to integrate touch-screen and physical controls. The decision to stick with the ageing 12 Megapixel sensor will doubtless be a disappointment to some who hoped to find the G3's superior sensor deployed here, but its image quality is still streets ahead of what anyone trading up from a compact will be familiar with. The decision to drop the rear thumbwheel, stereo audio mics and hot shoe / accessory port will likely be of consequence to a relatively small number of potential buyers and is compansated for by a camera that is smaller, lighter, faster and easier to use than it's predecessor. It's also a little cheaper than the Sony NEX-C3 and significantly less expensive than the Pen E-PL3. If you don't like the way the GF range is going and long for a 'pocketable' micro four Thirds body with the features that the GF3 has sacrificed, now's a great time to pick up one of the remaining Lumix GF2s. With the same sensor, kit lens and most of the GF3's features in a slightly larger body with additional physical controls it's looking like a real bargain for enthusiasts. Conversely, point-and-shoot owners looking to upgrade to an ILC for better quality without breaking the bank will be very happy with the Lumix GF3.

We like the GF3, but it isn't perfect. It misses out on a silver award by a whisker, due to its aging 12MP sensor, and some questionable design decisions as regards flash and lens mount position. Both issues have the potential to annoy all users, regardless of their experience or their expectations.

The Panasonic Lumix GF3 is currently the smallest Micro Four Thirds camera with built in flash, and offers great image quality in a, dare I say it, ultra compact camera that fits in your pocket. High speed focusing, fast continuous shooting, and full HD video make this a responsive camera to use. The camera features a full manual controls, and the small size makes it easy to take on a casual day out, when you normally wouldn't want to carry a large camera with you. The enhanced hand grip on the front of the camera, and solid build quality make it easy to hold, however we wish it was still as feature packed as the GF2. At least the camera is still capable of delivering excellent image quality.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 offers the type of performance and photo quality in a relatively small design many point-and-shoot graduates will like.

We’ve focused on the highlights here, but, in summary, in looking to downsize its GF1 and GF2 predecessors still further - and admittedly a CSC that you can squeeze into your pocket with lens still attached is the ultimate goal - the GF3 omits some features we would ideally have liked Panasonic to have kept (the hotshoe and accessory port), whilst this time around the opportunity has been missed to add an adjustable LCD. That said, Panasonic claims it currently has a 44% market share with its compact system cameras in the UK, so must be doing something right. And, whilst the GF3 might not include everything we would have put on our wish list, for those making the step up from a point and shoot camera for the first time, this GF series Lumix is its most accessible yet.

The Panasonic GF3 is an ideal alternative to a compact camera. It produces high quality images and has an extensive range of controls long with simple, yet sophisticated, handling. Dynamic range is a little restricted, but on the whole images look great straight from the camera. The only real downside is that there's no viewfinder or means of attaching an external viewfinder, which can be an issue in very bright light. This may not be an issue for many people upgrading from a compact camera as few have viewfinders theses days, but enthusiasts who choose to use a GF3 instead of their SLR may take issue.

Verdict It’s really hard not to like the GF3 – it’s very small, very stylish, very easy to use and is capable of delivering very good image quality too. On top of this it also offers a generous amount of user control, some useful shooting features and excellent HD video recording abilities. Our only real concern is that the removal of the hot-shoe is a step backwards in terms of flexibility. In this respect serious photo enthusiasts may find the G3, although larger and heavier, a better option. For everyone else though, the GF3 and 14mm pancake lens combination is an irresistibly cool combination that feels just right in the hand. If you’re looking for a compact system camera with the emphasis on ‘compact’ and you can live without a hot-shoe, then you’ll probably love the GF3.

Slightly cheaper than the GF2, the new DMC-GF3 continues to take Panasonic's GF-series compact system cameras in a beginner-friendly direction, aiming to appeal to a much wider base of users who are looking for DSLR-like results from an even simpler and more compact design. We do have a few more concerns about the GF3 than the GF2 though, most notably the lack of an external viewfinder, flash hotshoe, stereo sound and fewer external controls, but the majority of the GF3's target audience will probably never notice their absence, while the speedy auto-focus may tempt more advanced users looking for a small and inconspicuous system.

Extremely compact and luxurious, takes gorgeous photos and videos but currently looks overpriced next to the Sony NEX range.