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Panasonic GF3 Announced

June 13, 2011 By Eric Reagan

The Panasonic Lumix GF3 is the latest in the compact Micro Four Thirds GF-series – and it’s the smallest yet.  Panasonic says the GF3 is over 16% smaller than its already-small predecessor, the GF2.  The GF3 has a 12.1MP sensor, a 3-inch Live View touchscreen LCD and can also capture 1080/60i AVCHD video.

The compact shooter has a sensitivity range of ISO 160-6400.  While the GF3 offers a pop-up flash, there is no hot shoe to be found as in the former GF1 and GF2 models.

The Panasonic GF3 will be available in July with a 14mm f/2.5 kit lens for around $700. In August, the GF3 will be available with a 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens for around $600.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

Clearly, Panasonic is aiming at a more mainstream market with this latest iteration.  And, frankly, that’s probably a better fit for this series anyway – even as big of a fan that I was of the GF1.

This new GF3 looks to be a nice entry into interchangeable lens world for a lot of casual photographers.  That said, given Panasonic’s outstanding track record with its Micro Four Thirds series, don’t expect this camera to be a slouch.  If you’re not the type to use an external flash and don’t have to have a viewfinder, the GF3 can likely be used to get some high-caliber shots for even the most discerning eye.

Alongside the GF3, Panasonic has also introduced a Leica-branded 25mm f/1.4 lens in the Micro Four Thirds mount.  According to Panasonic, the Leica 25mm f/1.4 is designed to take full advantage of the contrast AF functionality in its Lumix G Series cameras like the GF3.

No word on price for the new Leica lens, but we should know something in July. The Leica 25mm f/1.4 is set to be available in August.  (Update: An Amazon listing shows a pre-order for the lens with the price as $1100.)

More product shots of the GF3 in the gallery below.




Filed Under: Panasonic Tagged With: GF3, lumix, micro four thirds, Panasonic

 

Comments

  1. James Dehnert says

    June 14, 2011 at 3:15 pm

    Personally, I think GF line is headed in the wrong direction. At least I picked up a GF-1 while I had the chance, and I’m also glad to see more lens options. I did hear a rumor that there might be more technical model in the future. It would be nice to get a few things back off of the screen and back onto the body for quick changes.

  2. bob solomon says

    June 17, 2011 at 12:23 pm

    No external flash for a $700 camera? No viewfinder for it? Market is those Canon buyers who think the G-12 is too big a bargain?

Trackbacks

  1. Leica 25mm ƒ1.4 Lens for Micro Four Thirds | t3knoDorKs says:
    June 13, 2011 at 10:04 am

    […] be priced. Being a Leica, it won’t be cheap. In fact, Amazon’s pre-order page — according to Photography Bay — was quickly inventory it for […]

  2. Leica 25mm ƒ1.4 Lens for Micro Four Thirds | hot gadget news says:
    June 14, 2011 at 7:05 pm

    […] Being a Leica, it won’t be cheap. In fact, Amazon’s pre-order page — according to Photography Bay — was briefly listing it for $1,100. Leica Summilux 25mm ƒ1.4 product page […]

  3. LightroomNews: preset per LR, OnOne Perfect Layers, Panasonic Lumix GF3, Sony A35, Nik Snapseed, X-Rite i1Display Pro, Vincent Laforet | LightroomCafe says:
    June 24, 2011 at 2:04 am

    […] La GF3 sarà disponibile a luglio in kit con un obiettivo 14mm f2.5 (28mm equivalente), e in agosto con uno zoom 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 (28-80mm equivalente). Trovate una bella gallery fotografica a questo indirizzo. […]

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