Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 review

02.08.11

The GF3 is certainly highly portable. Measuring 108 by 67 by 33mm, and weighing 264g with the battery and SD card, the camera is, in comparative terms, a tiddler. In fact, according to Panasonic, it's 16.7 per cent smaller and 16.2 per cent lighter than the company's previous Micro Four Thirds model, the Lumix DMC-GF2 .

But that's all relative -- stick the GF3 next to a compact camera and it won't come off so well in terms of size and weight. And you should remember that these measurements are for the camera's body only. Depending on the lens you strap on the front, the size and weight could increase considerably.

Still, the GF3's design is smart and minimalist. The gently curved edges and moulded, matte body are understated but very cool. It's available in a surprising variety of colours -- black, brown, red and silver -- although it's worth remembering that the lenses themselves only come in black.

The rear of the unit is taken up almost entirely by a large, 3-inch LCD screen. It's a high-res, 460,000-pixel display that offers approximately a 100 per cent field of view. It's also touch-sensitive, and Panasonic's control system is both simple to use and responsive. The touch-based focus and tracking features are a big bonus.

Source: CNET UK