Panasonic Delivers Large With The Tiny Lumix DMC-G3

Article by Wayne Rasku

Is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 the talk of your photography circle yet? The new model has the look and feel of a high-end point and shoot camera, but it is really a powerful SLR-type camera, including interchangeable lenses.

You have to hand it to Panasonic. They are never going with the flow. Always trying out new ideas and technology. This four-thirds, mirrorless camera is a prime example. Though new, the reviews are coming in very early, and they seem to agree that this camera is deserving of excellent marks. In spite of the fact that Canon and Nikon are the recognized top producers of digital cameras, in particular DSLRs, this fresh new Panasonic G3 is turning heads.

There are two previous models of this camera, the G1 and G2, but judging by the camera geek reviews, this one may be the most fantastic in this line.

If you are considering an entry-level camera that can compete with digital SLRs in terms of image quality and versatility, then continue on.

In physical appearance, the G3 has the look of a point and shoot camera rather than a pro model. This is due to the four thirds mirror-less engineering which removes the need for a mirror. Less space needed for camera parts equals a smaller camera body.

Even though Panasonic was able to create a littler camera, they kept a large image sensor. The size of the 16MP sensor about matches that of digital SLR cameras in the APS-C group. Panasonic engineers have significantly improved the technology of this sensor compared the the DMC-G2. Actually, compared to digital SLRs in the entry-level category like the Canon T3i or Nikon D3100, this one compares favorably. In addition, it does this at a price that is well below those cameras.

Panasonic G3 Key Points

Photographers who are buying their first exchangeable lens camera will plausibly like the petite, compact size of this camera, however if you are already familiar with a more conventional digital SLR, you will unquestionably experience a shock at first due to the small size and feel. The size could be a benefit for those who are small. You will definitely feel less fatigued at the ending of an entire day of photography.

One of the top features is the LCD panel. It is a full swivel screen that makes shooting from all weird angles extremely simple. Another added benefit of the LCD panel is touch-screen technology.

You will have more control over menu and navigation using the touch-screen technology, as well as being able to interact with the camera in Live View. The photographer can touch the point on the live view screen to focus on that individual point. Zoom in as well just by touching a point of interest in your composition. The zoom feature is very good in close-up shooting situations.

Even though the camera has enough settings to satisfy the most control hungry photographer, it is possible just to use the iA setting and not have to worry about any other selections. You can take advantage of all the benefits of point and shoot technology. But even in iA (this stands for “intelligent Auto), you have some control if you want it. Just touch the LCD panel to change a setting or two.

The fervor is mounting with regard to the new cameras that are being produced. Will this camera style replace the traditional digital SLR models with their mirrors? Probably not, but time will tell. However, if you are interested in being part of photography history, or if new gear gives you a buzz, this could be your next camera.

Question by : Digital SLR & The Panasonic Lumix G2, whats the difference?
I was thinking of getting the G2 cause it seems pretty awesome, but I heard its not a D-SLR, I’m not very Camera-savy so can anybody tell me the difference? and if anybody has got one, would you recommend it?

Best answer:

Answer by Rob Nock
Hi Edward,

The main difference between the Lumix G2 and a DSLR is that the G2 does not have an optical viewing system. Other compatible cameras in this class include the Olympus Pen E-P1, E-P2 and E-PL1 plus all the Panasonic Micro Four Thirds models. (See Link below). Similar cameras in this class but using an even newer proprietary lens mount are the Sony Nex-3 and Nex-5 (Second link). Most of my points in this answer will address the Olympus/Panasonic models as they have collaborated on these designs while Sony is pursuing their own development path. Other than lens mount most of the points would apply to the Sony designs as well. NOTE: The Sony design uses a somewhat larger sensor which has some advantages but may eventually limit how small their cameras can be.

http://www.four-thirds.org/en/microft/body.html

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SearchCatalog?storeId=10151&langId=-1&catalogId=10551&in_dim_search=&keyword=Nex&x=15&y=7

The big advantage to this relatively new class of cameras is that they can be much smaller, lighter and can take advantage of a number of simpler and more affordable lens designs.

The most significant drawback to the Electronic View Finder used is that there may be a slight delay in seeing what is actually occurring in front of the camera, other limitations are that it depends on more electronic processing so it consumes more power. It also user a different lens mounting system (Micro Four Thirds) so there are relatively few lenses available that take full advantage of the cameras features.

The processing delay (known as “shutter lag”) is a common limitation with many point and shoot cameras and is one of the notable advantages of SLR and DSLR cameras which have nearly instantaneous response to a shutter press (except when in “Live View” mode). The lag is a result of two things ~ 1] the processing time required to convert the image from light to an electronic signal and write it to the display screen and 2] the time it takes the camera to lock focus and exposure before releasing the shutter after the shutter button is pressed.

The power consumption issue is addressed by improved circuit design, more powerful & efficient batteries and more sophisticated software for power management.

The lens mount issue is mitigated by two main factors ~ 1] Micro Four Thirds is an extension of the Four Thirds lens system and can accommodate (via an optional adapter) all of the 4/3 lenses made by Olympus, Panasonic and Sigma. 2] Micro 4/3 and 4/3 are very flexible mounting systems and can also accommodate thousands of older 35mm lenses In fully manual mode.

Digital SLR cameras use an optical viewing system that operates at the speed of light, for all practical purposes instantaneous imaging, except when switched into “Live View” mode where the image is displayed on the EVF. This design, by its nature requires a mirror plus a porro-prism or porro-mirro to orient the image in an optical viewfinder, the mirror flips up out of the optical path when the shutter release is pressed and, usually, returns to position after the shutter closes. This causes the camera to “blink” during the exposure. The advantages to this are extremely fast reaction times, fast and accurate focusing, very flexible systems and the ability to make extremely robust designs. The main disadvantage is that the mirror mechanism requires a deeper camera body. This limits some lens designs, particularly for extreme wide angle lenses which have to be constructed as a sort of “backwards telephoto” to stay out of the mirror’s operating area.

Many experienced users and professional photographers are very skeptical of the development of the new class of cameras but I would point out most professionals were very reluctant to move to digital 10~15 years ago but the vast majority have since either switched to or, at least added, digital photography to their capabilities.

HTH. Feel free to email me if you have any other questions.

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