Camera Labs

Hi everyone, this is the official thread for the Panasonic Lumix GF3

See our Panasonic Lumix GF3 review!




World's Smallest and Lightest Digital Interchangeable Lens System Camera DMC-GF3*
Featuring Higher Image Quality and Advanced AF System
* For an interchangeable lens system camera with a built-in flash as of June 13, 2011.

Panasonic is proud to announce a new addition of digital interchangeable lens system camera DMC-GF3 to the LUMIX G Micro System based on the Micro Four Thirds standard. The DMC-GF3 weighs only 222g which again breaks the record of being the world’s smallest and lightest digital interchangeable lens camera even it has a built-in flash*.
LUMIX G Micro System realizes high-quality photo images with real-to-life details through excellent resolution, image rendering and color reproduction. The new DMC-GF3 boasts high image quality with the enhanced Venus Engine FHD and the 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor. Notably, images to be shot in low-lit situations at high ISO sensitivity setting is stunningly clear with highly sharp resolution.
High-speed, precision Contrast AF system of LUMIX G Micro System realizes world's fastest level of approx. 0.18 second**. With the combination of touch-control shooting, focusing is ever more quick and accurate thanks to the newly adopted Pinpoint AF. Furthermore, consecutive shooting is also improved for 3.8 fps in full resolution thanks to the redesigned shutter in the new mount unit.
The DMC-GF3 records 1920 x 1080 full-HD video in AVCHD format which is superior in both compression efficiency and friendliness with AV equipment for playback. Advanced AF system including practical full-time AF and tracking AF is available in video recording so that every user can enjoy high quality video recording with maximum ease.
Newly renovated color mode Creative Control allows users to set color effect more intuitively and finer control in contrast, sharpness, saturation and noise reduction is available with Photo Style.
The acclaimed iA (Intelligent Auto) mode is advanced to be iA Plus mode and both are incorporated in DMC-GF3. In addition to the conventional powerful shooting support functions, defocusing area, exposure compensation and white balance can be adjusted in the iA Plus mode. The iA Plus mode works not only in photo but also in video recording.
The body is made of aluminum which features lightness and high-specific strength. The newly designed body profile incorporates ergonomic grip which offers comfortable hold despite its ultra compact size. With a variety of attractive colors - black, white, red, brown and pink, DMC-GF3 is the camera to fit in the stylish lifestyle enabling to save precious memories in both high quality photo and video.

* For an interchangeable lens system camera with a built-in flash as of June 13, 2011.
** The time for focusing on the subject is measured with the DMC-GF3 attaching LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS014042) to move the lens position to "2m" from "infinity" position. The zoom position is in wide range. Panasonic measurement method.

1. Stunningly Slim, Compact Design Even Fits in a Pocket
With an adoption of new mount, the DMC-GF3 achieves dramatic downsizing by approx. 16.7% (approx. 35cc) in size and 16.2% (approx. 43g) in weight compared with the predecessor DMC-GF2 to break the record of being the world's smallest and lightest interchangeable lens system camera* again. Even though the DMC-GF3 pursued the ultimate compactness, Panasonic did not compromise in the equipment of camera such as built-in flash. Tiny, stylish round-form design adopting aluminum dispels impression for conventional big, heavy and colorless DSLRs. It is stunningly compact but yet comfortable to hold with the new ergonomically studied grip. With the durable metal mount surrounded by a silver-colored ring, the DMC-GF3 boasts sleekly refined profile with a variety of stylish colors - black, white, red, brown and pink.
* For an interchangeable lens system camera with built-in flash as of June 13, 2011.

2. Comfortable Operation in Optimal Design
Despite its outstanding compactness, the operation on DMC-GF3 is smooth and easy with optimum layout of control buttons and the newly adopted control dial.
The touch-screen operation excels not only for shooting but also for playing back images with outstanding visibility. You can play back the image you want out of hundreds of stocks by touching in the thumbnails. To play back images one by one in order, you can drag the image over the screen with a finger to browse the collection of photos as you flip over the pages of the book. Max. 16x of enlargement is also operated easily with touches. Plus, in the Custom setting, user can set ON/OFF of each touch controls such as touch shutter and touch AF, making the camera more comfortable to operate for the user. Every user can be used to DMC-GF3 right after starting shooting with it without hesitation just like they use a compact point-and-shoot camera.
Cameras of LUMIX G Micro System are equipped with highly efficient Dust Reduction System. If dust or other foreign matter gets inside the camera when you're changing lenses, it could cling to the image sensor and show up as a spot in your photos. The Dust Reduction System in the DMC-GF3 helps eliminate this possibility by placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor. Vibrating vertically around 50,000 times per second, the filter repels dust and other particles effectively.

3. Higher Image Quality for an Interchangeable Lens System Camera
LUMIX G Micro System realize high-quality photo images with real-to-life details through excellent resolution, image rendering and color reproduction; high-grade lens and precision AF achieves high resolution, optimal balance of resolution and noise reduction achieves lifelike image rendering and high precision auto exposure and white balance with live light metering results in the faithful color reproduction.
The image processor Venus Engine FHD enhances its performance with an adoption of new noise reduction technology for even higher quality of image. This advanced noise reduction system realized S/N improvement by approx. 3dB at ISO3200 / ISO6400 setting respectively and improved the color reproduction in high sensitivity recording. The result is a picture with stunning clarity if shot in low-lit situations. Furthermore, optimization of the parameter contributes to the increase of resolution.
The image processor also excels in energy consumption. Thanks to optimization and rationalization in electric design, it extends the battery life despite the decreased capacity and size of the battery.
Now the time sequence of shutter charging motor is reviewed and optimized for DMC-GF3, which results in the realization of higher speed consecutive shooting at 3.8fps.

4. Advanced AF System with Speed and Accuracy
All cameras of LUMIX G Micro System adopt Contrast AF for its focus system. The Phase-difference AF system is susceptible to mechanical margin of error. However, in Contrast AF system, focusing is controlled by the image sensor so that no mechanical margin of error occurs to achieve precise focusing. Compared with the Phase difference system AF, the Contrast AF boasts higher accuracy especially in shooting with bright lens with small F value. (e.g. the accuracy of Contrast AF is approx. 90% while Phase difference AF is approx. 60% at F1.4.) This means that the new interchangeable lens of LUMIX G Micro System LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm / F1.4 ASPH. takes best advantage of the contrast AF system.
The DMC-GF3 features the world's fastest level* of Light Speed AF featuring approx. 0.1 second** which is achieved by reducing the detection time for focusing by doubling the drive speed from 60 fps to 120 fps. Not only the accuracy but also the speed excels by far than the high-end DSLRs with Phase difference AF with the advanced contrast AF system in DMC-GF3. Combined with the Touch AF control, setting and focusing at the subject is incredibly easy and quick, never missing the spur-of-the-moment. Taking further advantage of Contrast AF, the DMC-GF3 incorporates Full-area focusing which makes it possible to set focus on any point in the field of view. Frame composition is free and intuitive combining the touch-screen operation.
The touch-control system of DMC-GF3 immediately lets users to set focus to the subject by just touching it on the large, 460,000-dot wide-viewing angle LCD and you can even release the shutter. Once you lock on the subject by a touch, the camera tracks the subject with the AF tracking function even if it moves. Just a touch on the screen lets you select the part and the size of AF area with the 1-area AF. The 1-area AF in Face Detection even allows you to set finer focus on the eyes while capturing human face bright and clear. The Multi-area AF with 23 AF areas allows to set a group of AF point according to the composition. In addition, Pinpoint AF function is incorporated in DMC-GF3 allowing more precise focus setting by further enlarging the focusing area. It assists, for example, setting focus right on the pupil in an eye.
In the MF assist mode, you can enlarge the part by just a touch to select 1x, 4x, 5x or 10x and smoothly move the part by dragging it on the screen. The 4x enlarged view is displayed on the framing screen making it possible to setting fine focus while composing the whole picture at the same time.

* The time for focusing on the subject is measured with LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm / F4.0-5.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-VS014140) to move the lens position to "2m" from "infinity" position. The zoom position is in wide range. Panasonic measurement method.
** Approx. 0.1 sec with LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm / F4.0-5.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S., approx. 0.18 sec with LUMIX G 14mm / F2.5 ASPH. and with LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S..
• To get the best AF performance with DMC-GF3 and LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm / F4.0-5.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-VS014140), the firmware of LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm / F4.0-5.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-VS014140) must be updated to ver. 1.3 or later.

5. Renovated Color Control Functions — New "Photo Style" and "Creative Control”
The DMC-GF3 is artistic not only in form, but also in function. It provides an array of features that let users capture precisely true-to-life images and create their own beautifully expressive images. The popular My Color mode equipped in the LUMIX G Micro System is renewed for Creative Control by handpicking the frequently-used color modes; Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, High Dynamic and newly added Miniature Effect mode. In Miniature Effect mode, the peripherals are defocused while saturation and contrast is emphasized to look the picture like a diorama. The range and location of the area to defocus can be adjustable according to the composition of the picture either in horizontal (landscape) and vertical (portrait) aspect. The video recorded in this mode is played back in 10x fast-forwarding making it more comical to watch*. Now it is possible to adjust exposure compensation in the Creative Control mode.
The conventional film mode is also renovated to be new effect control function called Photo Style. It has Standard, Vivid, Natural, Monochrome, Scenery, Portrait presets while enabling finer adjustment of contrast, sharpness, saturation and noise reduction by each. It is possible to fully customize those settings to make user's own color effect manually in Custom mode.
These two modes - Photo Style and Creative Control - let users at any level of skill enjoy giving photographers' intention to make the picture even more impressive and fun.

* Sound will not be recorded with [MINIATURE EFFECT] in Creative Control Mode and approximately 1/10 of the time period is recorded. (If you record for 10 minutes, the resulting motion picture recording will be approximately 1 minute long)

6. 1920 x 1080 Full HD High Quality Video Recording
LUMIX G Micro System is the camera that records not only high quality photo but also stunning video. The AVCHD format features almost twice the recording time in HD quality than the conventional Motion JPEG. A special, dedicated button on the top lets the user instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without any having to make any extra settings. Now the DMC-GF3 can record high-resolution full-HD videos 1920 x 1080 at 60i (NTSC) / 50i (PAL) in AVCHD (Sensor output is 30p [NTSC] / 25p [PAL])*. Image recording is more flexible fun with the DMC-GF3. In addition to the practical full-time AF, the Touch AF in video recording also lets users enjoy professional-like rack focusing. Just by pointing the subject, the focus is shifted to it and let it stand out to attract attention. Also, the Extra Tele Conversion function virtually extends the zoom range Max.4.2x without deterioration of image quality in smaller resolution.
Even video beginners can record excellent video with the DMC-GF3 because the popular iA and iA Plus modes are also available in video recording. Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) helps prevent handshake when using high-powered zoom. AF Tracking locks on the subject with focus even it moves. Face Detection automatically detects a face in the frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion on it, so it always turns out beautiful. The Intelligent D-range Control offers natural looking by optimizing the exposure for each part of an image, preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights and helping ensure that gradation and details are reproduced beautifully including the blue color of the sky. And Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Portrait, Scenery, Close-up and Low Light modes according to the situation to optimize various parameters for higher visual quality.
With the DMC-GF3, photos can be cropped out from the video and the unwanted part of the video can be removed with a video divide function.

* Full HD (1920 x 1080) videos are output by the image sensor at 30p (NTSC) / 25p (PAL), and recorded at 60i (NTSC) / 50i (PAL). HD (1280 x 720) videos are output by the image sensor at 30p (NTSC) / 25p (PAL), and recorded at 60p (NTSC) / 50p (PAL).
• Motion images can be recorded continuously for up to 29 min 59 sec in European PAL areas.
• Continuous recording exceeding 2GB is not possible when recording motion JPEG. Remaining time for continuous recording is displayed on the screen.
• Use a card with SD Speed Class with "Class 4" or higher when recording motion pictures in [AVCHD]. Also, use a card with SD Speed Class with "Class 6" or higher when recording motion pictures in [MOTION JPEG].
* SD Speed Class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing.

7. Advanced iA (Intelligent Auto) mode for More Creative Freedom — iA Plus
The DMC-GF3 has advanced functions that will satisfy experienced photographers, yet is easy enough for beginners of interchangeable lens camera to use comfortably in both photo and video recording with the iA (Intelligent Auto) Plus. Moreover, in the new iA Plus mode in DMC-GF3, defocusing area, exposure compensation and white balance can be adjusted for more flexible control in the iA mode.
The defocus control function in iA mode allows users to adjust the defocus area in the background by just moving a slider to make the subject stand out impressively. With AF Tracking, the DMC-GF3 can lock onto any subject and keep it in focus even if it moves - making it easy to get beautiful, clear shots when a great photo opportunity suddenly arises. Simply aim, lock, and shoot. The Face Recognition function remembers registered faces to give an appropriate AF/AE on the people. In playback, you can choose to display only photos that contain a specific registered face using Category Playback. The Intelligent D-range Control offers even more natural looking by optimizing the exposure for each part of an image, preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights and helping ensure that gradation and details are reproduced beautifully including the blue color of the sky. An automatic backlight compensation function is activated whenever the camera detects the subject in backlight. The Intelligent Resolution technology features even more natural-looking with better-balanced sharpness to the detail part and the edge part, suitable for printing in large size.
In addition to the advanced functions mentioned above, the iA mode inherits fundamental functions users need in a good digital still camera. These include MEGA O.I.S. (included in the lens), which helps prevent blurring from hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which reduces motion blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves as the shot is taken. Intelligent Scene Selector automatically detects the most common shooting situations - Portrait, Night Portrait, Scenery, Night Scenery, Close-up and Sunset - and switches to the appropriate scene mode. The camera automatically switches to the appropriate mode according to the subject touched. For example, a touch on a human face switches to the portrait mode and a touch on the background or scenery to the scenery mode while a touch on the subject close to the camera to the close-up mode.
The user can activate all of these useful, convenient shooting-assist functions by simply selecting the iA mode.
• Some functions in iA mode may not be available depending on the lens that is mounted.

8. Enjoy Watching High Quality Photos and Videos on Large HDTV — VIERA Link Networking Even in 3D
With the world's first* introduction of digital interchangeable lens to make 3D photo shooting possible with an interchangeable lens system camera, Panasonic proposes to enjoy high-quality shooting in 3D with DMC-GF3.
Both still images and motion images in AVCHD and Motion JPEG recorded on SD Memory Cards are easy to view on a Panasonic VIERA TV with dynamic HD resolution. The user simply inserts the card into the VIERA Image Viewer (SD Memory Card slot) on a VIERA TV or DIGA Blu-ray Disc Player*** to play the content. Alternatively, an optional HDMI mini cable can be used to output still and motion images recorded with the DMC-GF3 directly to the TV for easy VIERA Link operation. This makes it possible to take maximum advantage of the camera's playback functions, including slideshows in which both still and motion images are played sequentially, or calendar displays and so on.

* For a digital interchangeable lens as of September 21, 2010.
** AVCHD motion images recorded onto an SD Memory Card or a DVD cannot be played on a device that does not support the AVCHD standard.

9. Rich Options for Further Expandability
The Micro Four Thirds System products are joining today's Four Thirds System products to provide customers with even higher levels of performance in a digital interchangeable lens camera. In addition to LUMIX G lenses, the LUMIX DMC-GF3 can use any interchangeable lens that complies with the Four Thirds System standard via an optional mount adaptor for the unlimited number of lens properties. The LUMIX DMC-GF3 system camera offers a wide variety of options to choose from to match every shooting situation and shooting style.

PL Filter: (Diameter varies depending on the lens to attach)
ND Filter: (Diameter varies depending on the lens to attach)
MC Protector: (Diameter varies depending on the lens to attach)
Mount Adaptor: DMW-MA1, DMW-MA2M, DMW-MA3R
Battery Pack: DMW-BLE9 [NEW]
AC Adaptor: DMW-AC8
DC Coupler: DMW-DCC11 [NEW]
Leather Case (for DMC-GF3 with 14/20 mm lens): DMW-CGK5, DMW-CGK8 [NEW]
Leather Case (for DMC-GF3 with 14-42/14-45 mm lens): DMW-CGK6, DMW-CGK9 [NEW]
Leather Case (for DMC-GF3 with 14 mm lens): DMW-CGK7 [NEW]
Soft Case (for DMC-GF3 with 14/20 mm lens): DMW-CG3
Leather Bag: DMW-BAL1
Soft Bag: DMW-CZ18, DMW-BAG1, DMW-BAG2
Hand Strap: DMW-HSTG1 [NEW]
Long Shoulder Strap: DMW-SSTG7 [NEW] / DMW-SSTG8 [NEW]
HDMI mini Cable: RP-CDHM15, RP-CDHM30

• Some functions on the DMC-GF3 are not available depending on the lens that is mounted. • Some accessories are not available in some countries.

10. Just Shooting Is Not the Goal — Included Softwares
With the DMC-GF3, PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.2 HD Edition for easy organization of photos and videos, the SILKYPIX® Developer Studio 3.1 SE for RAW file development and Super LoiloScope (trial version) come bundled.
The PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.2 HD Edition makes it possible to sort and organize photos not only of those newly taken but also of those stored in your PC with quick start-up and fast read-in of images. The Face Recognition function that recognizes the faces in the picture automatically sorts the photos by the registered faces without picking out each photo one by one when you only want pictures of a specific person. You can also enjoy slideshows with a variety of effects and use your iTunes music library as background music and burn it onto a DVD disc in MPEG2. It is easy to create an edited short video by just selecting the photos and video clips you like with Short Movie Story function. Photos and videos can be uploaded to Facebook or YouTube via the same interface.
The original image data in RAW file format recorded with the DMC-GF3 allows images to be developed according to your intention using highly advanced functions of the SILKYPIX® Developer Studio 3.1 SE software utility. It features unique combination of high resolution and extraordinary color separation performance. The Super LoiLoScope lets you experience high speed HD video editing.

* Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds and Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds Logo marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Olympus Imaging Corporation, in Japan, the United States, the European Union and other countries.
* The "AVCHD" is a high definition (HD) digital video recording / playback format jointly established by Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
* Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
* HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
* YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.
* All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.
* This unit is compatible with both SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards. You can only use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are compatible with them. You cannot use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are only compatible with SD Memory Cards. (When using an SDHC Memory Card on another device, be sure to read the operating instructions for that device.)
* Some accessories are not available in some countries.
* The use of recorded or printed materials that are protected by copyright for any purpose other than personal enjoyment is prohibited, as it would infringe upon the rights of the copyright holder.
* Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Lots to digest there! Nice that the size is smaller than GF2 and they have given it the faster AF upgrade, but on the downside I wish they left out the flash or at least put it somewhere else and flattened the top to reduce size further. I don't know how far it pops up, but the flash is going to be useless for anything other than a pancake I think since any lens size would likely obstruct it. Also a minor disappointment they didn't move the sensor up too as the new one does seem tangibly better overall.

_________________
Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.

I own the GF2 & GH1 lumix. I can say that this GF3 does not appeal to me at all, and im not sure who is going to want it. GF2 already suffers from being too small once you put any lens bigger than 14-42 on it. And removing MORE controls?? The touch screen on my GF2 is pretty useless, just give me the buttons back, or at least make the Qmenu like the gh1!

But I guess they can say its the smallest m43 camera.. YAY.. But its really only pocketable with the 14mm pancake.

At least the GF3 still appears to have a shutter button. Im looking forward to the next breed of GF camera & GH3.

Who knows, maybe the image quality will be stellar, but I assume it would be on par with the gf2?

Oh man, the rounded 'hump' shape is horrible ! It even makes the NEX's look good.

Hi everyone, I've been playing with what Panasonic would like me to describe as a pre-production sample (although it looks and feels pretty good). I've added some sample images and video to the preview...

What has happened to the GF line has me completely dismayed. The first of them was an enthusiast camera with a wealth of wonderful features, the second one had a whole bunch of features stripped away, and now the third one has even more features stripped away.

In your review, Gordon, you trumpet the fact that Panasonic is bringing the camera to a "much wider audience", and that it has "broader appeal". You also say that the body is "better designed" -- but how can that be if useful features have been removed? Later you say the GF3 is a "huge step forward", and that they've "succeeded admirably". Are you serious?

In my opinion, Panasonic has made some huge miscalculations. First of all, they should not have started the GF line as an enthusiast rangefinder-like camera and then turned it into something different. A line of cameras should be consistent from one to the next. The camera should be the same type from one model to the next, and they should all appeal to the same audience. Indeed, the only changes should be that the camera has design improvements and more features from one model to the next. For Panasonic to have started out with a great camera and then diminished it could only serve to disappoint the fans of the first model -- and that's precisely what has happened. Also, the GF1 was a best-seller, so why would they want to change the design formula and the target audience?

Secondly, Panasonic is assuming that photographers who want to upgrade from a point-and-shoot model want something simple and basic but with better image quality. I disagree. When the user of a PAS camera is ready to upgrade, it means that he or she wants something much better than a PAS camera. I am in that group, and what I want is a camera with the functionality of a DSLR in a smaller body. I do NOT want just another PAS camera with a bigger sensor. In short, I want an enthusiast's camera.

Both you and Panasonic are misjudging the camera-buying public. You, as a reviewer, should NEVER praise a camera which is worse than its predecessor, but that is exactly what you are doing in your review. I'm dumbfounded that you would do such a thing. Are you trying to score points with Panasonic? Your reviews should be written with your readers in mind, not the manufacturer. If you lose your readers, it's not going to matter what Panasonic thinks of you.

Sorry mate, but I don't subscribe to that opinion at all and before there are more conspiracy theories, I'm not on Panasonic's payroll, nor am I trying to get on it. As I read it, some praises are sung of the GF3's improvements while criticism is made on aspects that people may not like. I think making people aware of the benefits AND drawbacks of a product is good journalism. Failing to do so sounds either like an incomplete review, fanboyism or the fine work of News International.

Personally I do feel the GF3 is a step backwards in it appearing as less of an enthusiast camera but more as something to look nice - frankly, I would never have guessed that it was the successor to the GF2 just by looking at it - but an opinion is just being stated of the camera and I don't think your disagreement with that opinion warrants a hellfire and brimstone response or is there an expectation for everybody to agree with you in an obsequious manner?

_________________
Bodies: Canon EOS 550D w/ Magic Lantern
Lenses: Tokina AT-X 116 Pro DX f/2.8, Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM, Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II, Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Accessories: YongNuo Speedlite YN-468 Flash, Neewer Macro LED Ring Light, Meike Battery Grip, YongNuo RF-602 Wireless Flash Trigger & Receiver YongNuo WR-128 Wireless Remote Control

I was feeling passionate (and angry) last night, and probably over-stated my case. I understand that each camera has to be judged on its own merits, but it seems to me that Gordon is congratulating Panasonic on this horrible shift in their product line.

My own disappointment is a factor here. When the GF1 came out, I didn't have much money to spend, so I didn't buy it. I also didn't like that the camera's JPG processing was so poorly done. So I waited for the next model, only to see that it was much worse; and now this latest model is worse still. I'm still hoping that Panasonic will come out with a rangefinder like camera. (And if they do, I hope they don't dumb-down that line of cameras also).

However, I stand by my contention that a manufacturer should not receive praise when they worsen a product, though I should have said it less angrily. On the other hand, Gordon has a political situation on his hands in that he is dependent on Panasonic for review samples of their products. Panning a product too completely might affect that delicate relationship. But this speaks to a separate issue, which is: Just how independent are review sites like Camera Labs?

Each to their own but if somebody reviewed a product that has improvements over its predecessor but they felt that it is inferior as an overall package and refused to acknowledge the said benefits, that would kill my interest in the review as I feel the reviewer has their own self-serving agenda.

Unless there are grounds for a one-sided review, to give one without praise or one without criticism just feels incomplete and begs the question of what else is missing from it.

_________________
Bodies: Canon EOS 550D w/ Magic Lantern
Lenses: Tokina AT-X 116 Pro DX f/2.8, Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM, Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II, Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Accessories: YongNuo Speedlite YN-468 Flash, Neewer Macro LED Ring Light, Meike Battery Grip, YongNuo RF-602 Wireless Flash Trigger & Receiver YongNuo WR-128 Wireless Remote Control

Caleb, I'm sure we've gone through this before. I am completely independant. If I'm not, then no-one would read my articles and I'd be finished. Remember if I'm not supplied cameras to test I could always buy important models to review, so it's no problem if a company gets annoyed with me and refuse to supply anymore. I'd sooner keep my integrity.

Second, I didn't write that review, Ken did. You can see his name in big letters at the top of every page. So those are his opinions. I'd have hoped you'd have also noticed the sample videos and images were completely different to those in my reviews from New Zealand. How much of the review have you actually read?

My personal take is this: I think some enthusiasts including myself would like a small camera with lots of features, so I am personally disappointed the GF series has become dumbed-down. But that's Panasonic's prerogative.

For better or worse they've retargeted the GF series at beginners. And I certainly believe the GF3 is perfectly aimed at the point-and-shoot upgrader market which they are targeting. And that's the point. It's not aimed at you or me anymore. It's aimed at a different market, and for these folk it succeeds. You and I can be upset by this, but they know their market.

It's just disappointing there's no GF-sized small camera from Panasonic with high-end features. Maybe the solution would be to have two small cameras one for enthusiasts, a bit like Olympus have done.

PS - at the end of the review, didn't Ken say for those who miss the features, there's still the GF2?

Well, the GF2 was also dumbed-down from the GF1.

I admit that I didn't read every page of the review; I rarely do. But some of the remarks in the conclusion just amazed me. I also didn't look to see who wrote it. I thought that you wrote all the reviews. I thought your site was a little like DC Resource -- i.e., a one-person project.

As I said, I was in a state at the time I posted. I must have been angry at something else. Actually, I'm angry at Panasonic. You see, there's one feature that is left off of all the Olympus cameras that I really want: the ability to use a power adapter so I can do studio work without running through batteries. Olympus -- astonishingly, in my view -- is leaving that feature off all their small camera. So getting a Pen camera isn't possible. That leaves me with Panasonic if I want a 4/3 camera, but I don't like the changes they've been making. I actually looked into getting a GF1, but the price went up after the GF2 was released because it became apparent the GF1 was a better camera. I could shell out more money and get a G1 or GH1, but I hate that hump on the camera, which is an imitation of DSLRs. I really want the rangefinder styling.

Now the NEX cameras are coming available, but like Panasonic, Sony is designing their cameras to be tiny with limited features. Who are these point-and-shoot camera users who want to upgrade to a camera that doesn't have a lot of features? I don't know any. By the time they are ready upgrade, such people WANT all the bells and whistles.

The NEX-7 might be a possibility, but I haven't seen any raw images from that camera yet, and the JPGs are too soft and mushy looking.

I guess I need to apologize for popping my cork. I was just in a mood. (Although, really, my opinion that a camera that has lost a ton of features shouldn't be praised too much hasn't changed.)

Caleb, no problem, just take a deep breath before posting if you're feeling angry!

I agree, an AC power adapter socket would be a great idea. Do they offer one of those AC adapters which fits in via the battery compartment?

I'm also personally in agreement with you regarding the removal of features from the GF series. It's a shame in my view as I would like to see a small but high-end ILC from each manufacturer, but clearly with the GF series, Panasonic is now aiming at a different market. And to be fair, it's not all about removing features from the GF1 and GF2. They have also made it smaller and lighter and added a touch-screen - and while I'm normally not bothered about touch-screens, the ability to tap on a subject to pull focus while filming is brilliant.

But yes, again the GF is now aimed at different people than us, but Ken and I need to write reviews for the target audience, which for that particular model is an entry-level audience. That's why it was recommended as we believe it succeeds for that market. We did make sure there plenty of mentions of the older models though and how it differed.

Hopefully we'll see more high-end but small ILCs in the future. A lot will depend on the success of the NEX-7, so it's a shame the Thailand floods will delay it to market.

PS - Cameralabs is mostly a one-man operation, but Ken McMahon reviews a number of point-and-shoots which I don't have time to cover myself. He's also covering the entry-level ILCs.

If you really like the GF1 style body there's good news on the radar. 43rumors claim there will be the GX1 announced within a few weeks or so which is the form factor successor to GF1.

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Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.

Since we're speculating, what features would everyone like to see on a GF model for enthusiasts?

The feature set of the original GF1 was very good. However, there are a few specific things that are important to me. As mentioned, I need to be able to plug the camera into the wall so I'm not always using up batteries in the studio. Second, I want a camera with either no anti-aliasing filter, or a very light AA filter. The typical "look" of images from cameras with Bayer sensors is one that I don't care for. By that I mean soft images that have been sharpened, have halos around dark objects, and look grainy from the sharpening process (or have visible artifacts). It is a look I've come to dislike, and even some very high-end DSLRs produce images like that. Sigma's cameras produce images that please me, but their compact cameras are poorly designed, and their flagship DSLR is priced for millionaires. I also like noise-reduction that can be disabled, and good JPG processing so I won't always have to shoot raw.