panasonic lumix gf3

the ‘lumix dmc-gf3’ by panasonic

panasonic‘s 12.1-megapixel ‘lumix dmc-gf3‘ wraps the large-format sensors and interchangeable lenses of a DLSR into a camera sized more closely to a point-and-shoot, capable of shooting both video and stills. additional features include a dust reduction system and a 3-inch touchscreen that offers intuitive control of shooting and focusing options.

weighing 7.83 ounces (222g), the camera features a 12.1-megapixel live MOS sensor, long stated by the company to produce high-quality images while minimizing energy consumption. it is capable of capturing full HD 1080i video, and when used with panasonic’s 3D lens, three dimensional still photographs as well.

the ‘gf3’ is based on the micro four thirds standard of lenses and compatible with full-sized four thirds lens via a mount adaptor. the scaled down size of its aluminum body is owed to mirror-free technology, as well as the advance in large-format sensors that are more compatible with the smaller micro four thirds lenses. the device nonetheless retains a built-in flash, designed to ‘pop up’ to prevent the vignetting ordinarily caused by close proximity of the flash unit and interchangeable lens.

the mirror-less device features a supersonic wave filter to protect the sensor from dust

a 3-inch touch LCD screen permits intuitive control of not only menus and playback but also most shooting, focusing, and effects. for example, through the screen users can release the shutter to lock onto a subject for autofocusing and tracking, as well as increase the size of the autofocus area. the device’s menus are customizable using drag-and-drop actions to create personalized quick access to commonly used functions. a hardware scroll wheel to the right of the screen offers a tactile interface for device control, for users accustomed to DSLRs.

like other g-series models, the ‘gf3’ utilizes ‘contrast autofocus’, controlled by the image sensor, rather than the phase-difference autofocus systems used in most DSLRs, boosting focus for low-light, wide-aperature shots. full-area focusing alongside a newly developed ‘pinpoint autofocus’ that offers touch control focusing via the device’s LCD screen.

full view of camera back

a ‘dust reduction system’ places a supersonic wave filter, vibrating about 50,000 times each second, in front of the camera’s image sensor, repelling dust and other particles even while lens are being changed.

‘creative control’ image modes automatically process photos to match ‘retro’, ‘high dynamic’, ‘sepia’ or ‘miniature’ effects, while ‘photo style’ offerings optimize settings for ‘standard’, ‘vivid’, ‘natural’, ‘monochrome’, ‘scenery’, or ‘portrait’ shots.

top view

the ‘panasonic lumix gf3’ will be available beginning july 2011, in black, white, red, and brown and featuring a 14mm kit lens, for approximately 700 USD; and is planned for release in late august with a 14-42mm lens, at a cost of 600 USD.