CameraReview
CompareCamerasLensesAction CamerasGuides
Panasonic Lumix DMC G3
42
SCORE
Panasonic · Mirrorless · 16 MP · Micro Four Thirds · Full HD video

Panasonic Lumix DMC G3

General 42Optics 42Video Performance 56Features and Benefits 49Storage and Battery 16
From $249 — 2 offers
KEY FACTS
BrandPanasonic
ModelLumix DMC G3
Released2011
Announcement date12/05/2011
Camera typeMirrorless

General 42

Brand
Panasonic
Model
Lumix DMC G3
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2011
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
12/05/2011
Camera type
Mirrorless
Camera size
115 x 84 x 47 mm
Camera weight
336 g

Optics 42

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
16 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
4592 x 3448
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
Live MOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
13 x 17.3
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Micro Four Thirds
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
4 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Micro 4/3
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Venus Engine FHD
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
4:3
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
16030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
64003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
16030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
64003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
6044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
400080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
230300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
No
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Electronic
Viewfinder dots
144000009900000
Read our notes on optics

The Panasonic Lumix DMC G3 receives a score of 42/100 for general specifications. Launched in 2011, this mirrorless camera measures 115 x 84 x 47mm and weighs 336g, or 0.74lbs. Originally priced at $599, its features may not be as competitive in today’s market.

Despite its age, the Lumix G3 still offers decent specifications for casual photographers. However, more advanced users may find newer models with improved features more suitable for their needs.

Panasonic Lumix DMC G3 Overview and Optics

The Panasonic Lumix DMC G3 receives an optics score of 42 out of 100. This camera features 16 megapixels, a shooting speed of 4 frames per second, and a Live MOS sensor type. The Venus Engine FHD serves as its processor, and the camera has a DXOMARK sensor score of 56. The sensor size is Micro Four Thirds, and the lens mount is Micro 4/3. However, it lacks image stabilization and has an aspect ratio of 4:3.

When comparing these specifications to today’s market, the Lumix DMC G3 falls short in certain aspects. For instance, the absence of image stabilization is a notable disadvantage, as many modern cameras offer this feature to improve image quality. Additionally, the shooting speed of 4 frames per second is quite slow compared to newer models.

Despite these shortcomings, the Lumix DMC G3 still offers a decent performance for a camera in its class. It may not be the top choice for those seeking high-end optics, but it is a viable option for photographers looking for a budget-friendly camera with essential features.

Panasonic Lumix DMC G3 Video Performance 56

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
Full HD
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
1920 x 1080
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
60 fps
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
No
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
AVCHD, Motion JPEG
Read our notes on panasonic lumix dmc g3 video performance

The Panasonic Lumix DMC G3 achieves a video score of 56/100. This camera offers Full HD video recording with a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The camera provides a maximum video frame rate of 60fps, ensuring smooth and detailed footage. However, the G3 does not include built-in time-lapse functionality.

Compared to other modern cameras, the G3’s video capabilities may not be as impressive. While the Full HD resolution is satisfactory, many contemporary cameras now offer 4K video recording. The lack of time-lapse functionality also limits the creative possibilities for users. Nonetheless, the 60fps frame rate remains a strong feature for capturing smooth action sequences.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC G3’s video features are decent but not exceptional in today’s market. Users seeking advanced video capabilities may want to consider other options, while those prioritizing photography over videography may still find the G3 suitable for their needs.

Panasonic Lumix DMC G3 Features and Benefits 49

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
Yes
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
No
Screen type
TFT LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Yes
Screen size
3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
4600001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Yes
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
No
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No
Read our notes on panasonic lumix dmc g3 features and benefits

The Panasonic Lumix DMC G3 receives a feature score of 49/100. This score reflects the camera’s specifications and how they stand up in today’s market. The G3 has a 3-inch touchscreen with a screen resolution of 460,000 dots, offering a decent level of detail for composing and reviewing images. The camera also features a flip screen, providing flexibility for shooting at different angles.

However, the G3 lacks some modern connectivity options that are found in many current cameras. It does not have GPS, WIFI, or Bluetooth capabilities, which may limit its appeal to those who value easy sharing and geotagging of their images.

Taking all these specifications into account, the Panasonic Lumix DMC G3 offers a fair set of features that may suit some users, but it falls short in comparison to more advanced cameras with better connectivity options available in the market.

Panasonic Lumix DMC G3 Storage and Battery 16

Memory card
SD / SDHC / SDXC
Dual memory card slots
No
Battery type
DMW-BLD10
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
270 shots1505000
USB charging
No
Read our notes on panasonic lumix dmc g3 storage and battery

The Panasonic Lumix DMC G3’s storage and battery receive a score of 16/100. This camera has one memory card slot, compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. In today’s market, having a single memory card slot is common for entry-level and mid-range cameras, so it meets the standard expectations.

However, the battery life of the Lumix DMC G3 falls short, lasting for only 270 shots. The battery type is DMW-BLD10, and it lacks USB charging capabilities. Compared to other cameras in the market, this battery life is relatively low, and the absence of USB charging can be an inconvenience for users.

Despite its decent storage capabilities, the Lumix DMC G3’s battery performance is a drawback for potential buyers.