Panasonic officially announced its new LUMIX DMC-GF3, its smallest and lightest digital interchangeable lens camera with a built-in flash. Based on Micro Four Thirds standard, the mirror-less camera delivers “all the features desired from a traditional DSLR interchangeable lens camera” in a ultra compact, lightweight body, weighing just 7.83oz. It is 16.7% smaller and 16.2% lighter than its predecessor, the LUMIX GF2, according to Panasonic.
The LUMIX DMC-GF3 sports a 12.1 Megapixel Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine FHD image processor with a new noise reduction technology for capturing low-noise images even in low-light situation. The camera features Contrast AF focus system that locks in approximately 0.18 seconds, and the Light Speed AF, an extremely fast AF which measures at approximately 0.1 seconds as well as the Pinpoint AF function that allows even more precise focus setting by further enlarging the focusing are. Like other Panasonic cameras, the GF3 sports the iA (Intelligent Auto) features, including MEGA O.I.S. (included in several lenses), Intelligent ISO Control, and Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection, AF Tracking, Intelligent D-range Control and Intelligent Resolution. The new LUMIX records 1920×1080 Full HD video in AVCHD format.
The LUMIX GF3 is also equipped with Dust Reduction System. It comes with a laege 3-inch touchscreen display with an intuitive touch control interface and offers mini HDMI output. There are Photo Style and Creative Control modes for users to get creative with their photos. It is compatible with Micro Four Thirds lenses, including Panasonic’s 3D lenes for 3D image shooting, and the full sized Four Thirds System standard via an optional mount adapter.
The Panasonic LUMIX GF3 will be available in black, white, red, pink and brown bodies for $699.99 with the 14mm lens kit system starting in July 2011, and $599.99 with the 14-42mm lens kit system starting in late August 2011.
