Panasonic GF3 reviewed: aging 12 MP sensor, good upgrade for current compact users

When the Lumix GF1 was released lower than a year after Micro Four Thirds first made its debut, it made a massive splash for its size, image quality, and flexibility. Problem is, Panasonic set the bar very high for future GF-series models, and has sadly arise short with its latest update, positioning the GF3 ($600 with 14-42mm kit lens) as an upgrade for compact camera owners while leaving enthusiasts craving for even more. DPReview took the GF3 to task, publishing a completely comprehensive review while finding that while Panasonic’s latest ILC is an effective fit for some photographers, more advanced users is usually disappointed — especially if they’re expecting a rangefinder-like successor to the GF1. We spent a number of hours with a pre-production GF3 earlier this summer , and weren’t blown away by its performance. When testing against the category-leading Sony NEX-C3 , we found the Sony camera to present faster focusing, better high-ISO performance, more accurate white balance, and higher image quality overall. So unless you’re really gunning to save lots of 50 bucks on an ILC with a kit zoom (otherwise you have already got a set of Micro Four Thirds lenses), the $650 C3 is actually the easier bet.

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This post is tagged: compact camera, four thirds lenses, image quality, series models, white balance