Panasonic releases Lumix GF3 Micro-Four Thirds camera

16 per cent smaller and lighter than the GF2, more feature packed and a bit more user-friendly than its predecessors, the recently revealed Panasonic Lumix GF-3 is one of the smallest and lightest digital interchangeable lens camera with a built-in flash. It will be available for an expected price of $699.

This mirror-free Compact System Camera (CSC) offers a body size comparable to that of a smartphone, comes in at less than half a pound (222 g for body only), and has the powerful yet easy-to-master features desired from a traditional DSLR interchangeable lens camera.

The Panasonic LUMIX GF3 produces high-quality photos with true-to-life details, thanks to a large DSLR-sized 12.1-megapixel sensor and newly advanced image processing technologies.

The GF3 provides excellent resolution, image rendering and colour reproduction, plus high grade lens options and extremely precise Auto Focus (AF). The LUMIX GF3 also creates the right balance between resolution and noise reduction, producing life-like images with accurate auto exposure and white balance, creating rich colours.

Taking a page from the renowned LUMIX GH2‘s image quality, the LUMIX GF3 boasts full sized DSLR like image quality thanks to 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 per cent smaller and 16.2 per cent lighter than the LUMIX GF2 released late last year 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.