{"id":1373,"date":"2021-12-10T10:28:27","date_gmt":"2021-12-10T15:28:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/2021\/12\/10\/panasonic-lumix-g3-review\/"},"modified":"2021-12-10T10:28:27","modified_gmt":"2021-12-10T15:28:27","slug":"panasonic-lumix-g3-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/2021\/12\/10\/panasonic-lumix-g3-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Panasonic Lumix G3 Review"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

The all-new 16MP Lumix G3 takes miniaturisation to new levels while providing lightning fast AF performance. Is it the best yet?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n

The Lumix G3 is the latest model in Panasonic\u2019s compact, DSLR-like Micro Four Thirds range. It\u2019s considerably smaller and lighter than its predecessor the G2<\/a>
\n
\nand sports an all-new 16MP sensor, the same super-fast autofocus system as used
\n
\nby the GH2, a 3-inch articulated monitor that offers responsive touch-screen
\n
\ncontrol over the camera, and Full HD movie recording capabilities.
\n<\/p>\n

The G3 sits above the G2 in the G-series range but doesn\u2019t
\n
\nactually replace it. Instead the G2 remains in the range, replacing the now discontinued
\n
\nG10 as the budget Micro Four Thirds option. Alongside the G2, the G3 is further
\n
\nbook-ended by the high-end GH2
\n
<\/a>and slimline GF2.
\n<\/p>\n

With an official launch price of \u00a3630, pre-orders from
\n
\nreputable online retailers are already popping up offering the G3 body with a
\n
\n14-42mm kit lens for around \u00a3600. And as is often the case we expect some
\n
\nfurther discounting may occur after the G3 has been out for a month or two.<\/p>\n

From being a relatively new and therefore niche market that
\n
\nwas created and dominated by Panasonic and Olympus with their joint Micro Four
\n
\nThirds platform, the compact system camera market has since evolved into a much more
\n
\nmass market affair, with new manufacturers keen to join the party and launch
\n
\ntheir own models. It\u2019s therefore a much tougher market to dominate than it was
\n
\n18 months ago. Panasonic clearly understands this and hopes the G3 will keep
\n
\nthe company at the top of the micro system pile.
\n<\/p>\n

To do so it\u2019ll have to compete directly against rival micro
\n
\nsystem models such as the new 14.6MP Samsung NX11 that uses a larger APS-C sized
\n
\nsensor and can be picked up for around \u00a3500, and the 14.2MP Sony NEX-5 that also
\n
\nuses an APS-C sensor and can be bought for about \u00a3550.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also possible to source a very well specified entry-level
\n
\nDSLR for around \u00a3600, although you will of course incur a size and weight
\n
\npenalty over the purposely compact and easy-to-carry micro system genre \u2013 such is the penalty of a proper optical viewfinder and the optics that go with it.<\/p>\n

Does the G3 have what it takes to take its competitors on
\n
\nand win? Let\u2019s take a closer look and find out.<\/p>\n

Internally, the G3 employs an all-new 16MP LiveMOS Micro
\n
\nFour Thirds sensor alongside the Venus Engine FHD (Full High Definition) image
\n
\nprocessor. Metering is taken care of via a 144-zone multi-pattern module while autofocus
\n
\nis covered via a 23-area AF system. Sensitivity ranges from ISO 160-6400, while
\n
\nshutter speeds go from 1\/4000sec to two minutes.
\n<\/p>\n

Continuous shooting speed has been upped to a very credible
\n
\n4fps at full resolution or 20fps at 4MP. Full-resolution images are recorded in
\n
\nthe same 4:3 aspect ratio of the Micro Four Thirds sensor at 16MP, although if
\n
\nyou want to save memory card space, or if the images are only going to be used
\n
\nsmall or for the internet, there are also Medium (8MP) and Small (4MP)
\n
\nresolution options available.
\n<\/p>\n

In addition, the G3 can also crop directly from the sensor to record in 3:2 (at a choice of 14MP, 7MP & 3.5MP resolution), 16:9 (11.5MP, 6MP & 2MP) and 1:1 (11.5MP, 6MP & 3MP) aspect ratios. Images can be stored as lossless Raw (.RW2 format) or compressed JPEG files, with a further option to record each image as both a Raw and a JPEG. There are two compression settings for JPEG files \u2013 Fine and Standard.<\/p>\n

In addition to the regular creative quartet of Program, Aperture-priority, Shutter-priority and fully Manual (PASM) shooting controls, the G3 also offers 16 individual scene modes, two user-defined custom settings, and an all-new Creative Control shooting mode. <\/p>\n

Clicking on Creative Control accesses five shooting options: Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia and High Dynamic. These are all essentially digital filter effects that give images a unique albeit preset look. Choosing one of these Creative Controls puts the G3 into fully automatic mode, although you are able to control exposure compensation and alter the depth of field.<\/p>\n

More advanced users may prefer to tinker with the G3\u2019s six individual
\n
\nPhoto Styles. These used to be called Film Styles on previous Lumix
\n
\nmodels and act in much the same way that Nikon\u2019s Picture Controls or
\n
\nCanon\u2019s Picture Styles do, by allowing you to determine the levels of
\n
\nsaturation, contrast and sharpness applied to JPEGs. <\/p>\n

The six
\n
\nPhoto Style presets include: Standard, Natural, Vivid, Monochrome,
\n
\nScenery and Portrait. Accessed via the main Menu or Quick Menu, the
\n
\nPhoto Styles can be applied to both still images and movies. Photo
\n
\nStyles can also be applied to any shooting mode, including fully manual.<\/p>\n

As with all Lumix models, the G3 offers an intelligent Auto (iA) fully automatic point-and-shoot mode, which is supplemented by a new iA mode. This allows the user a bit more control, with access to white balance, exposure compensation and peripheral defocus settings. Oddly, the iA button isn\u2019t located on the mode wheel with the other shooting modes but rather on the top of the body. It does, however, glow blue when activated.<\/p>\n

With a choice of Face Detection to keep portraits sharp, 23-area AF to
\n
\nachieve a good balance, Single-area AF to select a specific point of
\n
\nfocus, and AF Tracking to keep moving subjects in focus, the G3 offers
\n
\nsomething for every situation. In addition, the G3 also offers a new
\n
\nPinpoint AF mode that creates a small square on the screen or
\n
\nviewfinder, within which the camera zooms-in to show a close-up of the
\n
\nspecific point the camera is focused on for. As the name implies, this
\n
\nis to give you pinpoint accuracy when focusing. Finally, there\u2019s also a
\n
\nnew MF Assist function that creates an enlarged box within the
\n
\nviewfinder\/screen that helps you to fine-tune focus manually. <\/p>\n

And of course, this being a touch-screen Lumix, the G3 also offers Touch focus and Touch shutter. Touch focus allows you to determine focus on any part of the scene simply by touching it on the LCD screen, while the latter goes one step further by recording an image once focus has been established.<\/p>\n

In addition the G3 continues to offer the Peripheral de-focus feature seen in previous G-series models. This allows you to select a point of focus with your finger on the touch-screen, while the camera automatically selects a shallow depth of field to throw the background and make the subject stand out more. <\/p>\n

Movies are recorded at 1080i Full HD and 720p HD, both at 30fps, in the super- efficient AVCHD file format. Audio is recorded in stereo courtesy of the built-in microphone positioned on top of the pop-up flash housing, although unlike the G2 there\u2019s no socket with which to plug in an external microphone \u2013 this severely dents this cameras appeal as a true enthusiasts all rounder. Hidden away behind a protective cover, however, is a mini HDMI port for direct HDTV playback, a USB 2.0 port for connectivity and a 3.5mm remote input.<\/p>\n

The G3\u2019s design signals a fairly radical departure from its predecessor. Being 25% smaller and approx 50g lighter than the G2, it could even be said, with ample justification, that the G3 has more in common with the compact-styled GF-series than any of its direct G-series predecessors. Indeed, when we picked up our G3 production sample, our first thought was to liken it to a GF2 with an electronic viewfinder. <\/p>\n

While the aluminium-fronted G3 still isn\u2019t quite pocket-sized (unless you happen to have poacher-sized pockets), it remains far more discreet and significantly more portable than a full-sized DSLR. If miniaturisation is something that appeals or is important to you as a photographer, then the G3 does it very well indeed.<\/p>\n

As a result of the G3\u2019s shrunken dimensions, physical controls have moved around a fair bit from previous G-series models. For example, the old metering and AF mode wheel that was found to the left of the EVF on the G2 has gone altogether, as has the G2\u2019s deep, DSLR-like finger grip, replaced instead by a smaller and more compact-like sculpted grip.<\/p>\n

Despite this, the G3 remains a very comfortable camera to hold and use. We did find that the buttons on the back of the camera are fairly stiff, which is probably more of a blessing than a curse, as it makes accidental presses less likely. The rear thumbwheel isn\u2019t all that easy to operate though, being both stiff and, crucially, a bit too far set into the body for our liking. In contrast, we found the G3\u2019s touch-screen to be highly responsive to our various finger jabs and prompts, although it is difficult to see in bright sunlight.<\/p>\n

For composing and review purposes the G3 offers both a 3in, 460k-dot LCD monitor and a 1.44m-dot Electronic Viewfinder (EVF). We\u2019ve generally found EVF systems to be a bit of a let-down in the past, with a combination of clunky performance, poor resolution and low-light flickering all contributing to a poor user experience overall. That said, we have to concede that the G3\u2019s EVF \u2013 the same one used on the G2 \u2013 is the best we\u2019ve ever used. <\/p>\n

Not only is it very large and bright, it\u2019s also surprisingly clear and detailed, and covers 100% of the frame. Of course, it\u2019s still nowhere near as detailed as a traditional optical viewfinder, but for fans of mirror-less compact system cameras who want to be able to hold the camera to their eye in the traditional way, it\u2019s the best compromise solution we\u2019ve yet seen on a digital camera. <\/p>\n

In addition to shooting, it\u2019s also possible to use the EVF to navigate through the G3\u2019s menu system, although in practice this proves pretty fiddly. We certainly preferred using the rear LCD when making menu-driven changes, although as there\u2019s no eye-sensor on the G3 (another change from the G2 and G1), you have to use the LVF\/LCD toggle button to the right of the EVF. This does tend to interrupt a smooth shooting process, and we even found having to constantly change from the EVF to the LCD to make menu changes mildly annoying.<\/p>\n

While the menu system itself is easy enough to navigate using the D-pad and thumbwheel, it\u2019s somewhat long-winded and complex. Thankfully there\u2019s a Quick Menu on the back of the camera that allows you to cut through a lot of the more advanced settings, along with dedicated White Balance, ISO, AF mode and custom Function buttons on the back of the camera.<\/p>\n

The main menu isn\u2019t all that user-friendly for novice users though, and we suspect that many first-time G-series users might feel a bit overwhelmed at the sheer array of settings and functions, especially as there\u2019s no built-in guide. Ideally, we\u2019d have liked to have seen some simplified on-screen explanations of what the individual settings and function do as you navigate through the menu. Given the G3\u2019s mass appeal it would definitely benefit from something like the Nikon D3100\u2019s \u2018Guide Mode\u2019, or the Canon 600D\u2019s \u2018Feature Guide\u2019.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re impressed by the G3\u2019s overall performance, especially its super quick autofocus system. Used in good light the G3\u2019s contrast-detect AF system is as good as instantaneous, and also holds up pretty well in less than optimal light too, with a bright orange AF assist lamp coming to the camera\u2019s aid if required. Overall, if you\u2019re looking for a camera that\u2019s quick enough to capture the moment before it\u2019s gone, the G3 is a sound bet. <\/p>\n

One gripe we do have though, is with battery life. The G3 uses a new 7V\/1010mAH battery that only offers enough juice for about three hours constant shooting or approximately 250 shots, whichever comes first.<\/p>\n

Moving on to the all-important question of image quality, Panasonic has
\n
\nbeen at pains to stress the improvements they\u2019ve made with the G3,
\n
\nespecially with regards to low-light performance. Having now used the
\n
\ncamera extensively, we find it hard to disagree with their claims. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Images
\n
\n taken with the G3 deliver plenty of punch, with bright colours, sharp
\n
\nedges, accurate white balance and a noticeably wide dynamic range. In
\n
\npartnership with the Venus FHD image processor the new sensor also
\n
\nresolves plenty of fine detail.<\/p>\n

This is further aided by
\n
\nPanasonic\u2019s Intelligent Resolution technology, which automatically
\n
\ndetects edges, detail and soft graduations and processes them
\n
\naccordingly to leave edges sharp and detail intact.<\/p>\n

Having
\n
\n put the G3 through its paces in a number of low-light situations we\u2019
\n
\ninclined to agree with Panasonic\u2019s bold claim that the new sensor is far
\n
\n less affected by intrusive image noise at high-ISO settings than previous G-series sensors. <\/p>\n

Not
\n
\n only does the G3 perform well in a controlled test environment, but
\n
\nmore importantly it also produces exceptional results in real-world
\n
\nsituations where light is less than favourable. See our ISO Performance
\n
\npages for some real-world examples of the G3 at work and prepare to be
\n
\nimpressed.<\/p>\n

Verdict<\/strong><\/p>\n

Overall, we\u2019re mightily
\n
\nimpressed by the specifications, handling, performance and overall image
\n
\n quality of the G3. Having spent some extended shooting time with it,
\n
\nwe\u2019re confident enough to say that it\u2019s Panasonic\u2019s best G-series model
\n
\nyet. 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\u2019re looking to buy into the micro system camera genre, you
\n
\nshould definitely consider the G3.<\/p>\n

Our by now familiar TrustedReviews ISO performance still-life scene in full<\/p>\n

ISO 160 shows no signs of noise at all<\/p>\n

At ISO 200 the image remains sharp, detailed and noise-free<\/p>\n

At ISO 400 the G3 is still producing noise-free images<\/p>\n

At ISO 800 most cameras begin to exhibit some noise. Not so the G3\u2026<\/p>\n

At ISO 1600 a small degree of noise and some softening occurs, but overall quality is still very very good<\/p>\n

Noise is more clearly visible at ISO 3200, although the image remains more than presentable as a whole<\/p>\n

At the top setting of ISO 6400 the G3 is producing quite a lot of noise<\/p>\n

Even at higher sensitivities the G3 delivers punchy colour and good detail\u00a0 (1\/8sec @ f\/7.1. ISO 1600, AWB)<\/p>\n

Another shot showing what the G3 can do at higher sensitivities (1\/10sec @ f\/7.1, ISO 1600, AWB)<\/p>\n

At ISO 3200 the G3 is still resolving decent levels of detail, with the image stabilisation helping to keep edges sharp too (1\/15sec @ f\/4.5. ISO 3200, AWB)<\/p>\n

This was taken in very poor light at the top sensitivity setting of ISO 6400. The image is noisy but still usable (1\/30sec @ f\/4.5, ISO 6400, AWB)<\/p>\n

Regular image taken without Creative Controls<\/p>\n

Expressive<\/p>\n

Retro<\/p>\n

High Key<\/p>\n

Sepia<\/p>\n

High Dynamic<\/p>\n

The G3 produces vibrant colours and sharp, snappy images
(1\/160sec @ f\/7.1, ISO 200, AWB)<\/p>\n

Metering is generally very accurate, though this still-life would have benefited from a touch of EV compensation
( 1\/640sec @ f\/7.1, ISO 7.1, AWB)<\/p>\n

In this image we\u2019ve focused on the honeysuckle\u2019s stamen and used a small aperture to throw the background
(1\/800sec @ f\/5.6, ISO 200, AWB)<\/p>\n

In this snatched image of a London tube station, the G3 has overexposed the sky. We did make the train though
(1\/200sec @ f\/7.1, ISO 200, AWB)<\/p>\n

For us, the G3 is all about punchy colour and sharp images
(1\/500sec @ f\/7.1, ISO 200, AWB)<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve pushed the G3 hard here by shooting straight into the sun. To its credit though, the G3 has delivered good result
(1\/500sec @ f\/9, ISO 160, AWB)<\/p>\n

In this London street scene the G3 has delivered good detail, thankfully free of any moire effect
(1\/640sec @ f\/11, ISO 160, AWB) <\/p>\n

Using the G3\u2019s Peripheral Defocus feature is as easy as selecting it and touching the screen on where you want to concentrate focus
(1\/ 400sec @ f\/ 5.3, ISO 160, AWB)<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no specific macro mode, but the G3 is still capable of delivering good close-ups
(1\/800sec @ f\/5.6, ISO 800, AWB)\u00a0 <\/p>\n

The G3 has delivered a good result in this high-contrast scene, even without having to call on the High Dynamic option
(1\/400sec @ f\/8, ISO 200, AWB)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

The post Panasonic Lumix G3 Review<\/a> appeared first on Trusted Reviews<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Author: Audley Jarvis
\nThis article comes from Trusted Reviews<\/i> and can be read on the original site.<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The all-new 16MP Lumix G3 takes miniaturisation to new levels while providing lightning fast AF performance. Is it the best yet? The Lumix G3 is…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_customify_content_layout":"","_customify_sidebar":"","_customify_page_header_display":"","_customify_disable_header":"","_customify_disable_header_top":"","_customify_disable_header_main":"","_customify_disable_header_bottom":"","_customify_disable_page_title":"","_customify_disable_content_vertical_padding":"","_customify_disable_footer_top":"","_customify_disable_footer_main":"","_customify_disable_footer_bottom":"","_customify_breadcrumb_display":"","_customify_header_transparent_display":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[50,56,39,54,55],"class_list":["post-1373","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-camera-reviews","tag-camera","tag-gears","tag-news","tag-reviews","tag-video-camera"],"rttpg_featured_image_url":null,"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"Brokenmount","author_link":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/author\/sysop\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":"Camera Reviews<\/a>","rttpg_excerpt":"The all-new 16MP Lumix G3 takes miniaturisation to new levels while providing lightning fast AF performance. Is it the best yet? The Lumix G3 is…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1373","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1373"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1373\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1373"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1373"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenmount.com\/bm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1373"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}