Value & Verdict

Panasonic Lumix GF3 review – Value

With the release of the GF3 Panasonic has focused on squeezing the price down to an all time low. In fact when fresh on the shelves the GF3 will cost less than the GF2 does some six months into its sales. The GF3’s price points vary from £548 on Panasonic’s official website down to £420 with the 14-42mm lens at other online stores. That puts the camera well into range with the likes of Samsung’s NX-series, and cheaper than Sony’s forthcoming NEX-C3 and any of Olympus’s current PEN models. Unashamedly consumer and shrewdly positioned in the market, the GF3 represents fierce pricing.

Panasonic Lumix GF3 review – Verdict

The Panasonic Lumix GF3 delivers true quality in an ultra-small package. Taking a different and more consumer-led path from the original and subsequent GF-series releases, the GF3’s lack of a hotshoe mount and mode dials, exclusion of provisions for a viewfinder to be attached and the low power built-in flash may be a letdown to more demanding users. Yet for those seeking a small and pocketable camera that’s affordable, well equipped, super fast to autofocus, has intuitive touch control and a great movie mode need look no further. It’s an impressive camera that ought to not only push forward the Micro Four Thirds standard, but will most likely even take a bite out of the high-end compact market due to its comparable sizing.