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The '''[[Panasonic]] [[Lumix]] DMC-G3''' is a digital [[mirrorless interchangeable lens camera]] adhering to the joint [[Olympus]] and [[Panasonic]] [[Micro Four Thirds System]] (MFT) system design standard.<ref>http://www.four-thirds.org/en/microft/index.html</ref> The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 is the eighth Panasonic MFT camera introduced under the standard and the thirteenth model MFT camera introduced to date by either Olympus or Panasonic.
The '''[[Panasonic]] [[Lumix]] DMC-G3''' is a digital [[mirrorless interchangeable lens camera]] adhering to the joint [[Olympus]] and [[Panasonic]] [[Micro Four Thirds System]] (MFT) system design standard.<ref>http://www.four-thirds.org/en/microft/index.html</ref> The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 is the eighth Panasonic MFT camera introduced under the standard and the thirteenth model MFT camera introduced by either Olympus or Panasonic, as of the G3 product announcement date.


The G3 includes full [[HD video]] recording capability in [[AVCHD]] format accordance with the MFT system design standard. As its name implies, the G3 is a successor to the [[Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2]] designed primarily for users interested in still photography.
The G3 includes full [[HD video]] recording capability in [[AVCHD]] format accordance with the MFT system design standard. As its name implies, the G3 is a successor to the [[Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2]] designed primarily for users interested in still photography. Significantly, the G3 design departs from previous G series designs with a smaller size, new sensor design and new processing power.


Significantly, the G3 design introduces a new, small package design philosophy. Physically, the G3 approximates the size of the then smallest available Panasonic MFT camera, the [[Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2]]. Unlike the GF2, however, the G3 still manages to include an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and an articulated, touch control enabled, LCD panel, making the G3, upon its introduction, the smallest available MFT camera with a built-in EVF.
First, the G3 introduces a new, small package design philosophy. Physically, the G3 approximates the size of the then smallest available Panasonic MFT camera, the [[Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2]]. Unlike the GF2, however, the G3 still manages to include an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and an articulated, touch control enabled, LCD panel, making the G3, upon its introduction, the smallest available MFT camera with a built-in EVF. The G3's smaller physical size limits the space available for manual control buttons and dials, but many previously user selectable functions accessed by dials, wheels and buttons are now accessible via improved touch controls on the articulated {{convert|3|in|mm|adj=on}} LCD panel on the camera back.


Second, newly introduced on the G3, is an improved 16.7 megapixel four thirds sensor, which is a stills oriented derivative of the newly introduced 16 megapixel sensor also found in the top-of-the-line GH2.<ref>http://www.fotopolis.pl/index.php?n=13173&rozmowa-z-michiharu-uematsu-z-firmy-panasonic</ref> This new G3 sensor is an advancement over the previous 12.1 megapixel four thirds sensors used by all Olympus and Panasonic MFT cameras, with the exception of the unique multi-aspect sensors used on the [[Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1]] and GH2 hybrid video/still MFT cameras.
The G3's smaller physical size limits the space available for manual control buttons and dials, but many previously user selectable functions accessed by dials, wheels and buttons are now accessible via touch control on the articulated {{convert|3|in|mm|adj=on}} articulated LCD panel on the camera back.


Another G-3 advance is that [[Auto focus]] speed has increased, and is claimed to be nearly with the [[Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2]], the then fastest available auto-focusing MFT camera made by either Olympus or Panasonic. Also newly introduced on the G3 is an improved 16.7 megapixel four thirds sensor, which is a stills oriented derivative of the newly introduced 16 megapixel sensor also found in the top-of-the-line GH2.<ref>http://www.fotopolis.pl/index.php?n=13173&rozmowa-z-michiharu-uematsu-z-firmy-panasonic</ref> This new G-3 sensor is an advancement over the previous 12.1 megapixel four thirds sensors typically used by all Olympus and Panasonic MFT cameras, with the exception of the [[Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1]] and GH2 hybrid video/still MFT cameras. The new G3 sensor is coupled with a revised [[JPEG]] engine and renders more pleasing out of camera JPEG files, with noticeably better image quality and lower noise at higher ISO than any of the previous Panasonic cameras, with the possible exception of the GH2.
Third, another G3 advance comes with increased processing power that manifests itself in much faster [[Auto focus]] speed and better out of camera [[JPEG]] files. The 120Hz sensor refresh rate (over the G2's 60Hz sensor refresh rate) has increased autofocus speed to be nearly or equal to the flagship [[Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2]], the then fastest available auto-focusing MFT camera made by either Olympus or Panasonic. The new G3 sensor is coupled with a revised JPEG engine which reputedly renders more pleasing out of camera JPEG files, with noticeably better color (e.g., skin tones), with higher image quality and lower noise at higher ISO than any of the previous Panasonic cameras, with the possible exception of the GH2.


The G3 was announced in May 2011, and started shipping in June 2011. Available colors, depending on market, were black, chocolate brown, red, and white. [[MSRP]] in the United States for the body and 14-42mm kit zoom lens was USD 700.00<ref>http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/DMCG3/DMCG3A.HTM</ref>
The G3 was announced in May 2011, and started shipping in June 2011. Available colors, depending on market, were black, chocolate brown, red, and white. [[MSRP]] in the United States for the body and 14-42mm kit zoom lens was USD 700.00<ref>http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/DMCG3/DMCG3A.HTM</ref>

Revision as of 14:52, 19 August 2011


Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3
File:Pansonic Lumix DMC-G3.jpg
Panasonic DMC-G3K
Overview
TypeMicro Four Thirds System
Lens
LensMicro Four Thirds System mount
Sensor/medium
Sensor17.3 × 13.0 mm Live MOS
Maximum resolution4592 x 3448 (16.7 megapixels, 15.8 mp effective) 4:3 native; 3:2, 16:9, 1:1 image format(cropped from 4:3 native image format)
Film speedISO 160–6400
Storage mediaSD, SDHC
Focusing
Focus modesAutomatic or Manual
Exposure/metering
Exposure modesManual, Program, Automatic, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority
Exposure meteringIntelligent Multiple (Center weighted, average and spot)
Flash
FlashBuilt-in pop up, GN 10.5m (ISO 160)
Flash bracketing±2.0 EV in ⅓ EV steps 3,5,7 frames* • 1/3 or 2/3 , +/−2.0 EV steps
Shutter
Shutter speed range60–1/4000 sec
Viewfinder
ViewfinderEVF color LCD (1,440,000 pixels equivalent) or articulated 3-inch (76 mm) color LCD (460,000 pixels)
Image processing
White balancecustom modes
General
BatteryLi-Ion 7.2 V, 1010 mAh
Weightbody 336 g; with 14–42 mm lens, battery and card 558 g

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 is a digital mirrorless interchangeable lens camera adhering to the joint Olympus and Panasonic Micro Four Thirds System (MFT) system design standard.[1] The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 is the eighth Panasonic MFT camera introduced under the standard and the thirteenth model MFT camera introduced by either Olympus or Panasonic, as of the G3 product announcement date.

The G3 includes full HD video recording capability in AVCHD format accordance with the MFT system design standard. As its name implies, the G3 is a successor to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 designed primarily for users interested in still photography. Significantly, the G3 design departs from previous G series designs with a smaller size, new sensor design and new processing power.

First, the G3 introduces a new, small package design philosophy. Physically, the G3 approximates the size of the then smallest available Panasonic MFT camera, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2. Unlike the GF2, however, the G3 still manages to include an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and an articulated, touch control enabled, LCD panel, making the G3, upon its introduction, the smallest available MFT camera with a built-in EVF. The G3's smaller physical size limits the space available for manual control buttons and dials, but many previously user selectable functions accessed by dials, wheels and buttons are now accessible via improved touch controls on the articulated 3-inch (76 mm) LCD panel on the camera back.

Second, newly introduced on the G3, is an improved 16.7 megapixel four thirds sensor, which is a stills oriented derivative of the newly introduced 16 megapixel sensor also found in the top-of-the-line GH2.[2] This new G3 sensor is an advancement over the previous 12.1 megapixel four thirds sensors used by all Olympus and Panasonic MFT cameras, with the exception of the unique multi-aspect sensors used on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 and GH2 hybrid video/still MFT cameras.

Third, another G3 advance comes with increased processing power that manifests itself in much faster Auto focus speed and better out of camera JPEG files. The 120Hz sensor refresh rate (over the G2's 60Hz sensor refresh rate) has increased autofocus speed to be nearly or equal to the flagship Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2, the then fastest available auto-focusing MFT camera made by either Olympus or Panasonic. The new G3 sensor is coupled with a revised JPEG engine which reputedly renders more pleasing out of camera JPEG files, with noticeably better color (e.g., skin tones), with higher image quality and lower noise at higher ISO than any of the previous Panasonic cameras, with the possible exception of the GH2.

The G3 was announced in May 2011, and started shipping in June 2011. Available colors, depending on market, were black, chocolate brown, red, and white. MSRP in the United States for the body and 14-42mm kit zoom lens was USD 700.00[3]

About the Micro Four Thirds System

The Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system design standard was jointly announced in 2008[4] by Olympus and Panasonic, as a further evolution of the similarly named predecessor Four Thirds System system [5] pioneered by Olympus. The Micro Four Thirds system standard uses the same sized sensor (nominal 4000 pixels by 3000 pixels) as the original Four Thirds system. One potential advantage of the smaller MFT system sensor (when compared to market leaders Canon and Nikon APS-C and full frame sized) is potentially smaller and lighter lenses. The smaller MFT sensor allows for a reduced image circle which allows the development of smaller and lighter native lenses. The MFT sensor has a crop factor of 2.0 when compared to 35mm film equivalent full frame sensors. By comparison, the more popular consumer (as opposed to professional) DSLRs such as those made by Canon, Nikon and Sony have 1.5 to 1.6 crop factor APS-C sensors, which means larger and heavier lens designs. For example, a typical Olympus MFT M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens weighs 112g, is 56mm in diameter and 50mm in length.[6] The equivalent Canon APS-C DSLR EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 kit lens weighs 190g, and is 69mm in diameter and 80mm in length[7]

While the older Four Thirds system design standard allowed the incorporation of a single lens reflex (SLR) camera design including a mirror box and pentaprism based optical viewfinder system, the MFT system design standard sought to pursue a technically different camera, and specifically slimmed down the key physical specifications which eliminated the ability to include the traditional complex optical path and the bulky mirror box needed for a SLR optical viewfinder. Instead, MFT uses a compact electronic viewfinder (EVF) and/or LCD back panel displaying a Live view from the main image sensor. Use of an EVF and smaller four thirds image sensor format and allows for smaller and lighter camera bodies and lenses. The MFT system standard also specifically includes seamless switching between still photography and HD video recording recording as a design criterion.

MFT cameras are physically slimmer than most interchangeable lens cameras because the standard specifies a much reduced lens mount flange to imaging sensor plane distance of just 20mm. Typically this so called flange focal distance is over 40mm on most interchangeable lens cameras.[8] The MFT system design flange focal length distance allows for, through use of an adapter, the possibility to mount virtually any manufacturer's existing and legacy still camera interchangeable lens (as well as some video and cine lenses) to an MFT body, albeit using manual focus and manual aperture control. For example, many theoretically obsolete 35mm film camera lenses, as well as existing current lenses for APS-C and full frame DSLR's are now usable on MFT cameras. As an example, an older (i.e., used, obsolete and low priced), but still high quality, 50mm f/1.8 "standard" lens from a 35mm film camera can be used on a MFT camera body. With MFT sensors having a crop factor of 2.0, the old 50mm f/1.8 "standard" lens becomes the 35mm film camera equivalent of a high-speed (although manual) 100mm f/1.8 telephoto portrait lens. So the MFT system allows the re-use of expensive lenses that may have outlived their 35mm film format camera, and can be used on a modern digital camera body capable of both still and HD video recording. Similarly, the MFT system design allows current DSLR lenses to be used as well, although only with manual focus and aperture control.

Recording Formats

Still Photography Formats

Recording File Format Image Quality Aspect Ratio Image Size

JPEG (DCF, Exif 2.3)
RAW
DPOF compatible
MPO (When attaching 3D lens in Micro Four Thirds System standard)

RAW
RAW+Fine
RAW+Standard
Fine
Standard
MPO+Fine
MPO+Standard (When attaching 3D lens in Micro Four Thirds System standard)

4:3





3:2[disambiguation needed]





16:9





1:1[disambiguation needed]

[4:3] 4,592 x 3,448 (L) [16M]
3,232 x 2,424 (M) [8M]
2,272 x 1,704 (S) [4M]
1,824 x 1,368 (When attaching 3D lens in Micro Four Thirds System standard)

[3:2] 4,576 x 3,056 (L) [14M]
3,232 x 2,160 (M) [7M]
2,272 x 1,520 (S) [3.5M]
1,824 x 1,216 (When attaching 3D lens in Micro Four Thirds System standard)

[16:9] 4,576 x 2,576 (L) [11.5M]
3,232 x 1,824(M) [6M]
1,920 x 1,080 (S) [2M]
1,824 x 1,024 (When attaching 3D lens in Micro Four Thirds System standard)

[1:1] 3,424 x 3,424 (L) [11.5M]
2,416 x 2,416 (M) [6M]
1,712 x 1,712 (S) [3M]
1,712 x 1,712 (When attaching 3D lens in Micro Four Thirds System standard)

AVCHD Format (.MTS files)

Menu Designation Aspect Ratio Resolution Frame Rate Bit Rate
NTSC Full HD 16:9 1080i

1920 × 1080

60i

(sensor output is 30p)

FSH: 17 Mbit/s
NTSC HD 16:9 720p

1280 x 720

60p

(sensor output is 30p)
(60p done with frame dup)

H: 13, L: 9 Mbit/s|-
PALS Full HD 16:9 1080i

1920 × 1080

50i

(sensor output is 25p)

FSH: 17 Mbit/s
PALS HD 16:9 720p

1280 x 720

50p

(sensor output is 25p)
(50p done with frame dup)

H: 13, L: 9 Mbit/s

M-JPEG Format (.MOV files)

Menu Designation Aspect Ratio Resolution Frame Rate Bit Rate
HD 16:9 1280 × 720 30 frame/s ~8 MB/s
WVGA 16:9 848 × 480 30 frame/s ~3.5 MB/s
VGA 4:3 640 × 480 30 frame/s ~2.7 MB/s
QVGA 4:3 320 × 240 30 frame/s ~0.7 MB/s

Micro Four Thirds Camera Introduction Roadmap

Item Model Sensor Announced
1 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.1 mp effective) 2008, October [9]
2 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 4:3; 3:2; 16:9 (multi-aspect)/ 14.0 mp (12.1 mp effective) 2009, April [10]
3 Olympus PEN E-P1 4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effective) 2009, July [11]
4 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.1 mp effective) 2009, September [12]
5 Olympus PEN E-P2 4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effective) 2009, November [13]
6 Olympus PEN E-PL1 4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effective) 2010, February [14]
7 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.1 mp effective) 2010, March [15]
8 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.1 mp effective) 2010, March [16]
9 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 4:3; 3:2; 16:9 (multi-aspect)/ 18.3 mp (16.0 mp effective) 2010, September [17]
10 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.1 mp effective) 2010, November [18]
11 Olympus PEN E-PL1s 4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effective) 2010, November [19]
12 Olympus PEN E-PL2 4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effective) 2011, January [20]
13 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 4:3 / 16.6 mp (15.8 mp effective) 2011, May [21]
14 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.1 mp effective) 2011, June [22]
15 Olympus PEN E-P3 4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effective) 2011, June[23]
16 Olympus PEN E-PL3 4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effective) 2011, June[24]
17 Olympus PEN E-PM1 4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effective) 2011, June[25]

References

  1. ^ http://www.four-thirds.org/en/microft/index.html
  2. ^ http://www.fotopolis.pl/index.php?n=13173&rozmowa-z-michiharu-uematsu-z-firmy-panasonic
  3. ^ http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/DMCG3/DMCG3A.HTM
  4. ^ http://www.dpreview.com/news/0808/08080501microfourthirds.asp
  5. ^ http://www.four-thirds.org/en/fourthirds/whitepaper.html
  6. ^ http://www.four-thirds.org/en/microft/standard.html#i_014-042mm_f035-056_ii_olympus
  7. ^ http://www.dpreview.com/products/canon/lenses/canon_18-55_3p5-5p6_ii
  8. ^ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flange_focal_distance
  9. ^ http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prModelDetail?storeId=11301&catalogId=13251&itemId=292233
  10. ^ http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/popup/pressrelease/gh1.html#1
  11. ^ http://www.dpreview.com/news/0906/09061601olympusep1.asp
  12. ^ http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/popup/pressrelease/dmc_gf1.html#1
  13. ^ http://www.dpreview.com/news/0911/09110501olympusep2.asp
  14. ^ "Olympus unveils the affordable Pen". Digital Photography Review. 2010-02-03. Retrieved 2010-02-03.
  15. ^ http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/popup/pressrelease/g2g10.html#2
  16. ^ http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/popup/pressrelease/g2g10.html#1
  17. ^ http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/popup/pressrelease/gh2.html
  18. ^ http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/popup/pressrelease/gf2.html
  19. ^ http://olympus-imaging.jp/product/dslr/epl1s/index.html
  20. ^ http://www.dpreview.com/news/1101/11010622olympusepl2.asp
  21. ^ http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/popup/pressrelease/g3.html
  22. ^ http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/popup/pressrelease/gf3.html
  23. ^ http://www.olympus-global.com/en/news/2011a/nr110630ep3e.html
  24. ^ http://www.olympus-global.com/en/news/2011a/nr110630epl3e.html
  25. ^ http://www.olympus-global.com/en/news/2011a/nr110630epm1e.html
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