Panasonic Lumix DMC GF3
Panasonic · Mirrorless · 12.1 MP · Micro Four Thirds · Full HD video

Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Panasonic |
| Model | Lumix DMC GF3 |
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. | June 13, 2011 |
| Camera type | |
| Camera size | 108 x 67 x 32 mm |
| Camera weight | 264 g |
Optics38/100 | |
About the OpticsThe Panasonic Lumix DMC GF3 scored 39/100 in our evaluation. Measuring 108 x 67 x 32mm and weighing 264g (0.58lbs), the GF3 is a compact and lightweight option for photographers. When compared to today’s market, the GF3’s specifications are outdated, as camera technology has significantly advanced since 2011. Despite this, the GF3 remains a decent choice for those seeking a simple, entry-level mirrorless camera at a lower price point. Panasonic Lumix DMC GF3 Overview and OpticsThe Panasonic Lumix DMC GF3 receives an optics score of 38/100. With a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, this camera falls short in today’s market where higher megapixel counts are common. The shooting speed of 3.2 frames per second is also inferior to competitors, hindering its performance in capturing fast-moving subjects. The Venus Engine FHD processor powers the GF3, but its DXOMARK sensor score of 50 is low compared to other cameras. The Micro Four Thirds sensor size and Micro 4/3 lens mount are standard for this category. However, the lack of image stabilisation negatively impacts the camera’s ability to produce sharp images, especially in low-light situations. The 4:3 aspect ratio is a typical format for compact cameras, but it may not cater to those seeking wider or more cinematic shots. Ultimately, the Panasonic Lumix DMC GF3’s optics fall short in today’s competitive market, with several areas requiring improvement to meet the demands of modern photographers. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 12.1 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4000 x 3000 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
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. | |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 3.2 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. | |
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. | None |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A |
Video56/100 | |
About the VideoThe Panasonic Lumix DMC GF3 video capability receives a score of 56 out of 100. This camera offers Full HD video resolution, with maximum dimensions set at 1920 x 1080. The highest video frame rate available is 60fps, which ensures smooth motion capture in videos. Comparing to the current market standards, the GF3’s video specifications may not stand out, as many cameras now offer 4K resolution and advanced features. However, the GF3 still performs well for casual users who prioritize simplicity and ease of use in their camera. The GF3 does not have built-in time-lapse functionality. This might be a drawback for those who enjoy creating time-lapse videos. Despite its limitations, the Panasonic Lumix DMC GF3 remains a reliable choice for users who seek basic video capabilities in a compact camera. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. | |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. | |
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 |
Features49/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Panasonic Lumix DMC GF3 receives a feature score of 49/100. With a screen size of 3 inches and a resolution of 460,000 dots, the camera offers a decent display for its users. Additionally, the GF3 comes with a touchscreen, providing a more intuitive user experience. However, the camera lacks some modern features such as a flip screen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth. These missing features may impact the camera’s versatility and convenience, especially in today’s market where connectivity and flexibility are highly valued. Taking all of these factors into consideration, the Panasonic Lumix DMC GF3 has some useful features, but falls short in providing a complete experience for users who demand advanced capabilities and seamless integration with other devices. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | |
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. | No |
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. | |
| 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. | No |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. | |
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 |
Storage & Battery16/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Panasonic Lumix DMC GF3 receives a storage and battery score of 16/100. This camera offers a single memory card slot, compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. While this is standard for many cameras, it may not be sufficient for users requiring more storage. The battery life of the Lumix DMC GF3 is 300 shots, powered by a DMW-BLE9 battery. This battery life is relatively low compared to modern cameras, and the lack of USB charging further limits its convenience for extended use. The Lumix DMC GF3’s storage and battery capabilities may not meet the demands of today’s market, as it falls short in battery life and storage flexibility. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | DMW-BLE9 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 300 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |