New Panasonic Lumix G3 Camera First Glance

Small and convenient is now the name of the game when it comes to DSLR cameras. Everybody wants all the power and features of a DSLR but they don't want the conventional large-sized body to lug around. Who's got the answer?

The latest and greatest from Panasonic in their Lumix series of digital cameras is the Lumix G3. If you didn't know that Panasonic produces high quality digital cameras, well you're not alone but you ARE missing out! Panasonic has been using Leica lenses for their smaller point-and-shoot style cameras for quite some time with amazing results, and they are really putting out high quality "DSLR" cameras now as well.

The Lumix G3 is a mirror-less "DSLR", which stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex. Since the camera has no mirror, it's not an SLR, as the "Reflex" refers to the mirror that bounces the image through the lens up to the viewfinder for the photographer to view to line up the shot. DSLRs are moving away from using the conventional mirror design and going mirror-less or using a partially transparent mirror as in the case of the Sony Alpha A33 and A55.

The Panasonic Lumix G3 features a 16MP CMOS sensor, a nice and big 3" LCD touch-screen LCD, and support for the new high-speed SD memory card format so you don't have to worry about bending the pins putting in CF memory cards. It even records full HD video at 30 fps.

The camera isn't a DSLR, it's a "Micro Four Thirds", but what that means isn't all that important. What is important is that this system allows for a much smaller camera body and lens, which means less bulk to carry around with you on vacation or wherever you may go!

There is no sacrifice in image quality, have no fear. The G3 has had a lot of time and money put into its development, Panasonic really wanted to get this one right! The camera shows less "noise" in images and shoots at up to ISO 6400 to give you great shots in a wide variety of situations.

Will the Panasonic Lumix G3 be right for you? Only you can answer that question. Go try holding one at a store and look it over; the best camera is the one that you are comfortable using so that you learn how to use it to its full potential.