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Announced on 7th July 2011, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 is the newest addition to Panasonic's lineup of Micro Four Thirds System cameras. As the smallest and lightest digital interchangeable lens system camera with built-in flash, it's a stylish and pocketable camera. It's no slouch when it comes to taking photos either, with a high-speed precision Contrast Auto-Focus system capable of focusing in approximately 0.18 seconds. Read on for the full review!
Specifications
| Specification | Panasonic DMC-GF3 | Panasonic DMC-GF2 |
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| Aspect Ratios |
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| Image Sizes |
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| File Formats |
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| Movie Mode |
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| Lenses |
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| Focus Modes |
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| AF-Assist Lamp |
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| Image Stabilisation |
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| Digital Zoom |
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| Exposure Modes |
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| Scene Modes |
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| Creative Control Modes |
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| Sensitivity |
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| Metering |
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| Metering Range |
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| Metering Modes |
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| AE Lock |
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| AE Bracketing |
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| Exposure Compensation |
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| Shutter Speed |
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| White Balance |
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| WB Fine Tuning |
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| Colour Space |
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| Image Parameters |
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| Drive Modes |
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| Buffer |
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| Self-timer |
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| Flash |
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| External Flash |
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| Viewfinder |
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| Orientation Sensor |
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| LCD Monitor |
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| Microphone |
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| Connectivity |
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| Print Compliance |
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| Storage |
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| Power |
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| Dimensions |
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| Weight |
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Appearance and Ergonomics
With the GF3, Panasonic was determined to keep things small and simple. Losing the rear click-dial of the GF2 in favour of a compact-camera style dial with a four-way controller as well as a hot-shoe make this clear. The result is a small, simple, and unthreatening interchangeable lens camera that is accessible to photographers who want an upgrade from their compact cameras but don't want to trouble themselves with technical know-how.
While this makes the GF3 comfortable and familiar to users upgrading from compact cameras, it does have the downside of alienating enthusiasts. The lack of dedicated buttons means that users accustomed to having controls at the tips of their fingers will have to get used to navigating through menus to get to the settings they want. One clear casualty of this is the ISO setting; to change ISO, one needs to use the quick menu and click through a couple of times.
Despite the GF3's dimunitive size, it is comfortable to hold and handle. Panasonic has noted how small cameras can be difficult to handle securely, and has incorporated a thumbgrip to the body. It may not look like much of a feature, but it does make a world of a difference in practice.
Noise Performance
To test the GF3's noise performance, we shot the above scene at increasing ISO levels while adjusting shutter speed to ensure that exposure stayed the same. All shots were taken with the same lens, and cameras were set to their default JPEG settings. 100% crops of the same area are then compared.
Noise control on the GF3 is impressive; images at ISO1600 are very useable, and noise is well-controlled even at ISO3200. Noise becomes obvious at ISO6400 with 100% crops, but if one is shooting only for web the images are still more than adequate.
The chart below displays our noise test results. Do click the image below for the full-sized version.
The GF3 performed similarly to its predecessor, the GF2, in terms of noise performance. To check in on how the GF2 fared in its noise test, read our Panasonic GF2 review.
Additional Features
The strength of the GF3 is its promise of greater image quality without the need for extensive technical knowledge; its iA+ mode, a variant of Intelligent Auto mode that allows additional control, allows users to achieve effects such as blurred backgrounds without attempting to change technical settings. The slider for blurred backgrounds is shown below. In practice, its a very useable system.
Additionally, the GF3 comes with a built-in pop-up flash with a guide number of 6.3 @ ISO160, useful for those situations where you need that little bit of fill flash to add some light into your scene.
Conclusion
For those seeking an upgrade from their compact cameras, the Panasonic DMC-GF3 is a natural step up if one does not want to be burdened by the technical aspects of photography. It offers higher image quality without sacrificing the simplicity and ease-of-use inherent in compact cameras. One might even consider the GF3 to be an interchangeable lens compact; it has the form factor and design intent for it. Although enthusiasts might find the interface limiting, the GF3 is sure to find its way into the pockets of many a happy shooter.
Sample Gallery
(45mm, f/2.8, 1/100s, ISO250, +1.33EV)
This shot was taken with theLeica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 ASPH OIS. As expected, we have the sweets in sharp detail, with a nice creamy background.
(45mm, f/2.8, 1/60s, ISO800, +2.33EV)
Taken with the Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 ASPH OIS. The subject is the glazed surface of a pan-seared foie gras. Look at the crisp detail delivered by the lens!
(14mm, f/2.5, 1/250s, ISO160, +1EV)
Taken with the Lumix G 14mm f/2.5 pancake lens.
And now some test shots from the NDP Rehearsal on 9th July
(14mm, f/2.5, 1/1000s, ISO160)
(14mm, f/2.5, 1/1600s, ISO200)
(14mm, f/2.5, 1/8s, ISO800)
Look at that shutter speed! ISO hasn't been pumped too high either. Respectable low-light performance for the GF3!
