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Digital Cameras
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- Best compact camera with interchangeable lenses Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 *Est. $900
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- Outstanding image quality
- DSLR-like features in a smaller body
- Full-featured, full-HD video mode
- Excellent HD video quality
- Swiveling touch-screen LCD
- HDMI output
- Performs some tasks slowly
- Must push button to switch between LCD and viewfinder
- No microphone jack
- Short battery life
A smaller, cheaper alternative to the top-rated Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 (*Est. $900 with kit lens) , the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 boasts a lot of the same benefits as its big brother. Image quality is the star here: Even the pickiest experts say photos from the G3 -- one of Panasonic's compact, interchangeable-lens Micro Four Thirds cameras -- look almost or just as good as those from an entry-level, full-size digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. At less than 12 ounces and less than 2 inches thick, reviewers say the G3 is much more portable than a DSLR, and it still allows you to change lenses and shoot great photos.
The G3 comes with a 3x optical zoom kit lens (14-42 mm), or you can buy the body only (*Est. $600) . It can also shoot in 3D with an optional lens (*Est. $225), like the GH2. Both cameras can shoot full 1080p HD video with continuous autofocus, but the G3 drops some features like an external microphone jack and film-like 24p mode. The G3 uses the same processor as the GH2, but a different 16-megapixel image sensor that can only shoot up to ISO 6400 in dim light (the GH2 goes up to ISO 12,800). Performance is generally good in tests -- autofocus is speedy for its class, for example, and the G3 can shoot bursts of 4 frames per second (fps) -- but some tasks take a while, like wait times between RAW image bursts. Many controls are accessed through the tilt-and-swivel, 3-inch touch-screen LCD, which testers say works well, but it does drain the battery: "For any day-long outing, you're going to need a second battery, no question," says Shawn Barnett at Imaging-Resource.com.
Imaging-Resource.com and DPReview.com exhaustively test the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 and publish lengthy reviews. Write-ups at CNET and PhotographyBlog.com are more concise, but tests are still thorough. Amazon.com posts owner feedback about this camera.
| Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G3 16 MP Micro Four-Thirds Interchangeable Lens Camera with 3-Inch Free-Angle Touch-Screen LCD and 14-42mm Lumix G VARIO f/3.5-5.6 Lens | |
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Our Sources
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3's image quality "truly impresses us" and catapults it to the top of this source's recommended list. This extensive test covers just about every aspect of the camera in detail.
Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Shawn Barnett, Dave Etchells, Zig Weidelich and Mike Tomkins, May 12, 2011
2. DPReview.com
The reasonably priced Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 can capture photos that look like a DSLR's -- a feat that DPReview.com calls "nothing short of remarkable." Testers say it will satisfy enthusiasts with its detailed manual controls and customization options, while people who are used to point-and-shoot cameras will like the G3's easy handling and touch-screen interface.
Review: Panasonic DMC-G3 In- depth Review, Amadou Diallo and Richard Butler, July 2011
Ken McMahon compares the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 to its Sony NEX-C3 and Olympus PEN E-PL3 rivals and finds that although it lacks some key features, the GF3 is "lovely" to use and "successfully" integrates touch-screen and physical controls. But Panasonic's decision to stick with a dated 12-megapixel sensor baffles him, though image quality is still "streets ahead of what anyone trading up from a compact will be familiar with."
Review: Panasonic Lumix GF3 Review, Ken McMahon, Oct. 2011
4. CNET
Although she finds its shooting performance just "middle of the pack" and wishes the battery lasted longer, Lori Grunin names the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 to her list of top digital cameras for its "great photo quality" and useful features. It's a little big to be considered compact, though, she says.
Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Lori Grunin, June 24, 2011
PhotographyBlog.com doesn't often give out its 5-star Essential rating, but the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 earns it. The G3 represents a big step forward for Micro Four Thirds image quality, and it comes with an "impressive bag of tricks" at a "remarkably cheap" price.
Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 Review, Mark Goldstein, May 12, 2011
6. Amazon.com
More than 20 owners give the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 overwhelmingly positive reviews here. Criticisms are posted, however; for example, a few owners find it a little too big to take everywhere.
Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 16 MP Micro Four-Thirds Interchangeable Lens Camera with 3-inch Free-angle Touch-screen LCD and 14-42 mm Lumix G Vario f/3.5-5.6 Lens, Contributors to Amazon.com
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