A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Panasonic G3 Comparison Review

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that was revealed to the public in May 2011 and is equipped with a Four Thirds sensor. It offers a resolution of 15.8 megapixel.

camera

Is the Panasonic G3 a good camera? The G3 has a Camera Elo of 1512. This rating puts the G3 below average of all mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (Four Thirds cameras), the G3 also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Panasonic G3 is more than 12 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2011.

Headline Specifications
Panasonic G3
Mirrorless system camera
Micro Four Thirds lenses
15.8 MP, Four Thirds Sensor
1080/60i Video
ISO 160 - 6 400
Electronic viewfinder (1440k dots)
3.0 LCD, 460k dots
Swivel touchscreen
4 shutter flaps per second
270 shots per battery charge
115 x 84 x 47 mm, 336 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

ad

Body comparison with a credit card

The physical dimensions of the Panasonic G3 relative to a credit card are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Panasonic G3 vs credit card front
G3 versus credit card top view
G3 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Panasonic G3 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic G3 115 mm 84 mm 47 mm 336 g 270 n May 2011 599ebay.com
2.
 
Canon M 109 mm 66 mm 32 mm 298 g 230 n Jul 2012 599ebay.com
3.
 
Panasonic G7 125 mm 86 mm 77 mm 410 g 350 n May 2015 649ebay.com
4.
 
Panasonic G6 122 mm 85 mm 71 mm 390 g 340 n Apr 2013 599ebay.com
5.
 
Panasonic GF6 111 mm 65 mm 38 mm 323 g 340 n Apr 2013 499ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic G5 120 mm 83 mm 71 mm 396 g 320 n Jul 2012 599ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic GF5 108 mm 67 mm 37 mm 267 g 360 n Apr 2012 499ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic GX1 116 mm 68 mm 39 mm 318 g 320 n Nov 2011 699ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic G10 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 388 g 380 n Mar 2010 499ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic G2 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 428 g 360 n Mar 2010 599ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GF2 113 mm 68 mm 33 mm 310 g 300 n Nov 2010 549ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
padding

The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Panasonic G3 was launched in the US market at a price of $599. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

logo
Check G3 offers at
ebay.com

Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

The Panasonic G3 features a Four Thirds sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 2.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Panasonic G3 among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.

Panasonic G3 sensor measures

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

scroll hint
Sensor Characteristics
#   Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Panasonic G3 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i21.010.666756
2.
 
Canon M APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.111.282765
3.
 
Panasonic G7 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34484K/30p22.812.490471
4.
 
Panasonic G6 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p21.311.563961
5.
 
Panasonic GF6 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i20.710.662254
6.
 
Panasonic G5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p21.411.661861
7.
 
Panasonic GF5 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.510.057350
8.
 
Panasonic GX1 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p20.810.670355
9.
 
Panasonic G10 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.141152
10.
 
Panasonic G2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.349353
11.
 
Panasonic GF2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i21.210.350654
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
padding

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The G3 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the G3 can use is 1080/60i.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the G3 has an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 1440k dots. The viewfinder offers a field of view of 100% and a magnification of 0.70x. The adjacent tables list some of the other core features of the Panasonic G3 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

scroll hint
Core Features
#   Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Panasonic G31440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
2.
 
Canon Mnone n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.3/s n n
3.
 
Panasonic G72360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
4.
 
Panasonic G61440 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
5.
 
Panasonic GF6none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 4.2/s Y n
6.
 
Panasonic G51440 n3.0 / 920 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
7.
 
Panasonic GF5none n3.0 / 920 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
8.
 
Panasonic GX1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.2/s Y n
9.
 
Panasonic G10202 n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
10.
 
Panasonic G21440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
11.
 
Panasonic GF2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

The LCD screen on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 is flexibly attached to the body. In particular, the LCD is hinged on the side and can be flipped out for odd-angle shots in both portrait and landscape orientation. Also, this fully articulated, swivel type of LCD attachment is often appreciated by videographers for its flexibility. Moreover, v-loggers like the design because the screen can be turned to be front-facing.

articulated screen
Flexible screen on the G3

One convenient feature of the G3 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.

ad

Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
Input-Output Connections
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Panasonic G3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Canon MYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
3.
 
Panasonic G7Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
4.
 
Panasonic G6Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
5.
 
Panasonic GF6-stereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
6.
 
Panasonic G5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
7.
 
Panasonic GF5-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Panasonic GX1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
9.
 
Panasonic G10Ymono / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Panasonic G2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic GF2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
padding

Further information on the features and operation of the G3 can be found in the free online Panasonic G3 Manual or on the Panasonic support site.

ad

Expert reviews

While the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the G3 in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall rankings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

scroll hint
Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic G33/5+ +..75/1004.5/55/5 May 2011 599ebay.com
2.
 
Canon M3/5+....4/54/5 Jul 2012 599ebay.com
3.
 
Panasonic G74/5+ +3.5/580/1005/54.5/5 May 2015 649ebay.com
4.
 
Panasonic G64/5+ +....5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 599ebay.com
5.
 
Panasonic GF6..+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 499ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic G53/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2012 599ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic GF53/5......4.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 499ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic GX13/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2011 699ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic G103/5....70/1004/54/5 Mar 2010 499ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic G2......72/1004/54.5/5 Mar 2010 599ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GF23/582/100..70/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2010 549ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

logo
Check G3 offers at
ebay.com

Panasonic G3 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the G3.

What type of imaging sensor is used in the Panasonic G3?

The camera features a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

Which image processing chip is used in the Panasonic G3 to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?

Panasonic equipped the G3 with the Venus FHD image processor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Panasonic G3?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 160 to ISO 6400.

Does the Panasonic G3 have a selfie-friendly screen?

Yes, the LCD-screen of the G3 is flexible and can be turned to be front-facing for capturing selfies.

What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3?

Panasonic does not publish a shutter rating for the G3. Yet, shutters in comparable cameras from other manufacturers are said to be good for at least 100 000 actuations. It should be noted, though, that this number represents a Mean Time before Failure. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust an expected shutter life of 100 000 shots over, say, three years, one would have to take about 100 pictures each and every day.

How do I find the shutter count on my Panasonic G3?

Panasonic embeds the number of shutter actuations in hidden menus. You can check the number of shots that your G3 has taken up to now by carefully following the steps described on the Panasonic G3 shutter count page.

Does the Panasonic G3 feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Panasonic G3 for flash photography?

The G3's flash sync speed is 1/160 sec.

Which battery does the Panasonic G3 use?

The camera gets its power from the DMW-BLD10 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities with other camera models, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

~
    loader
    ad
    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Panasonic G3
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date May 2011
    Launch Price USD 599
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 225 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 15.8 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4 592 x 3 448 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.77 μm
    Pixel Density 7.04 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 160 - 6 400 ISO
    Image Processor Venus FHD
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 56
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.0
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.6
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 667
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x
    Viewfinder Resolution 1440k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen
    V-logging Friendliness Front-flip possible
    Touch Input Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 4 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support no
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Battery Type DMW-BLD10 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)270 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 115 x 84 x 47 mm
    (4.5 x 3.3 x 1.9 in)
    Camera Weight 336 g (11.9 oz)

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Panasonic G3 Review