Panasonic’s Lumix G3 Is A Micro Four Thirds That Focuses Like An iPhone

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Looking for a new camera with the look and power of a DSLR, but in a smaller digicam footprint? You might want to check out Panasonic’s new Lumix G3 Micro Four Thirds.

Ditching the more point-and-shoot inspired aesthetic of most micro four thirds and instead resembling a micro sized DSLR fit for a hobbit-sized humanoid, the aluminum-made Panasonic Lumix G3 comes with a 16.6MP sensor… a substantial upgrade over the 12MP Panasonic has favored in previous models.

That’s a monster of a sensor, but wait for reviews: often times, more megapixels means more noise, so that sensor upgrade may actually be a sensor downgrade.

Another change is that the G3 drops the eye-sensor of the Lumix G1 and G2. That’s disappointing: previous Lumixes would neatly switch between the rear LCD and the view finder when you put your eye up to the latter. Now you have to toggle it manually. Boo.

Gone also is manual focus controls. Now you need to use the touchscreen to manually focus, similarly to the iPhone.

Other additions include stereo mics for video, which eliminates the option to connect external microphones.

If you’re interested, the Lumix G3 is available now in colors ranging from black, red, white and brown. It comes with a 14-42mm zoom lens, and will cost $700.

[via Gadget Lab]

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