Hands-on preview of the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3

[Ian]

Originally Posted by Alan Clogwyn

There's a few size comparison pics here.

I'm reserving full judgement on the new sensor till it's got it's DXOmark review up, so I can compare on a level field. First impressions though it looks to match the GH2 for noise performance.

I'd need to try the tocuhcreen to see where all the things lost off the top have gone, but I could probably live with i as a day to day body.

I've never liked the Pens or GFs, the whole compact styling thing does nothing for me, I prefer the comfort of a DSLR style body and the built in EVF I like very much, I prefer it to an OVF.

Only thing that does worry me is what this camera heralds for the next top end body, the GH2's successor. Will we see a loss of controls on that and a bigger megapixel count again? That's most definitely not the direction I'd like to see the top end body heading as I'd like to retain quick access to all the important stuff as on my GH1, but gain the improvements n sensor tech and AF being brought in on recent models.

I can open the G3 raws using the version of SilkyPix that was supplied on a CD in the box with the camera. Have you tried SilkyPix?

I would be surprised if they will use the G3 body for the next GH. The GH2 is not a compact system camera in the truest sense - aimed at compact users who fail to be drawn to a DSLR. It's a specialist video-enhanced still camera. But only time will tell.

Ian

[hschnee]

I find the G3 exciting in many respects. Number 1 reason is the new sensor; I also look forward to comparison tests. That "one third of the noise" claim seems questionable--I'll bet it's only referring to one small part of the signal chain, not overall noise in the image--but it seems like a promising development overall.

The smaller body size is generally very appealing, but the small grip looks like it would be a poor match for larger lenses. I can see the appeal to the target market, but I wish Panasonic had put a more substantial grip on the smaller body. Looking at the photos that Alan pointed us to, I definitely find the G3 more appealing than the GF-1--the built-in EVF looks much more elegant, the tilt-swivel LCD is very convenient, and the overall size is quite similar.

My other issues with the G3 are some important (to me) features that Panasonic still seems to leave out. As Rick mentioned, the lack of in-body IS is a major detraction. For a camera that can use all of the great Olympus FT lenses and so many legacy lenses, it makes no sense to rely on lens-based IS. Panasonic should give up on their sacred cow "Mega OIS," IMO, and do what's best for the customer. Also, I didn't see any support for wireless flash on the list of G3 specs.

I've never handled one of the G-series, but like John, I suspect that I would prefer the Olympus offerings. So I'm also excited to see what Olympus have coming next, and hoping it includes the latest sensor developments. Is a 12MP sensor with the technology of the G3 sensor too much to wish for?

- Hal -

[Joergen]

I like the M43 small and light concept, and when the right product (to me) is there, I guess i'll make the shift fra 43 to M43. And the G3 is quite appealling, though i would like an OLY version (with in-body IS).

But my main gripe with the system, PANA or OLY, is the lack of high-grade zoomlenses. I love my 12-60, and from what i have read, there is nothing for M43 of this optical quality. I'm under the impression that the current M43 (zoom)lenses mostly compares to OLY's 43 standard grade lenses. But i'd like to be corrected on this.

[smartwombat]

Originally Posted by Ian

But the camera is even smaller and lighter than the G1 and G2, so that can't be bad, can it?

Yes, that looks too small for me.