Panasonic LUMIX GF3 Mirrorless Camera
The Panasonic DMC-GF3 is a 12.1MP Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera — with Full HD (1080p) video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Panasonic LUMIX GF3 Mirrorless Camera
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Camera Overview — Panasonic DMC-GF3
Key Features — Panasonic DMC-GF3
12.1MP MFT Sensor: The Micro Four Thirds sensor with a 2x crop factor delivers 4000x3000 pixel images suitable for everyday and travel photography.
Micro Four Thirds Mount: Compatible with a broad ecosystem of interchangeable MFT lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, and third-party manufacturers.
3.0-Inch Touchscreen LCD: The 460,000-dot touch-enabled display serves as the primary shooting interface, allowing tap-to-focus and menu navigation without physical controls.
Face Detection AF: Contrast Detection autofocus with Face Detection simplifies accurate focusing during portrait and candid shooting.
Full HD 1080p Video: Records 1080p footage at 25fps or 30fps, covering standard video needs for casual use and online sharing.
Ultra-Compact Body: At 222g and just 32.5mm deep, the polycarbonate body is genuinely pocketable for a system camera with interchangeable lenses.
Camera Specifications — Panasonic DMC-GF3
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Travel, Street, Beginner-Friendly |
| Type | Mirrorless |
| Sensor | Micro Four Thirds (MFT) |
| Resolution | 12.1MP |
| Processor | Venus Engine FHD |
| ISO Range | 160 – 6400 |
| AF System | Contrast Detection, Face Detection AF |
| AF Points | 23 |
| Max Photo Resolution | 4000x3000 |
| Burst Rate | 3.8 fps |
| Max Video Resolution | Full HD (1080p) |
| Max Frame Rate | 30fps |
Description — Panasonic DMC-GF3
The Panasonic LUMIX GF3 is a mirrorless camera built on the Micro Four Thirds system, pairing a 12.1MP sensor with the Venus Engine FHD image processor. Maximum still resolution is 4000x3000 pixels, with ISO sensitivity running from 160 to 6400. The autofocus system uses Contrast Detection and Face Detection AF across 23 focus points, while burst shooting reaches 3.8fps.
Video recording tops out at 1080p at 30fps, with 24fps also available, all at 8-bit depth. Four color profiles — Standard, Vivid, Natural, and Monochrome — apply to both stills and video. The rear 3.0-inch touchscreen LCD at 460,000 dots serves as the sole display interface, with no viewfinder present.
Storage uses SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, and connectivity includes USB and Mini HDMI output. The polycarbonate body measures 107.7 x 67.1 x 32.5 mm and weighs 222g, with no weather sealing. The DMW-BLE9 battery delivers approximately 320 shots per charge.
A built-in flash is included, though there is no hotshoe for external flash attachment.
Pros — Panasonic DMC-GF3
- ✓Compact and lightweight at 222g with dimensions of 107.7 x 67.1 x 32.5 mm
- ✓Micro Four Thirds mount provides access to an interchangeable lens system
- ✓3.0-inch touchscreen LCD with 460,000 dots makes for an intuitive, menu-free shooting experience
Cons — Panasonic DMC-GF3
- ✗No viewfinder of any kind — shooting is entirely reliant on the 3.0-inch rear LCD
- ✗No image stabilization of any type — neither in-body nor digital IS
- ✗No weather sealing on the polycarbonate body
Reviews — Panasonic DMC-GF3
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 Review
DPReview · 2011-08-01 - Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 Review
Photography Blog · 2011-07-26 - Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 Review
Imaging Resource · 2011-08-01 - Panasonic GF3 - Pocket Sized Mirrorless Under $100! (With Photo Examples)
Adam Harig - The GF3 is Lumix’s best kept Secret for Everyday Carry
Rhett Thompson
Videos — Panasonic DMC-GF3
Panasonic Lumix GF3 Review - Panasonic GF3 Review — ReviewLamp