Panasonic Makes Official the Lumix DMC-G3 Micro Four Thirds Camera

Panasonic has just updated its G-series line of Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lens cameras to feature the company's brand new Lumix DMC-G3 which is touted as the company's smallest and lightest snapper with an electronic viewfinder.

The Lumix G3 improves the specs of its predecessor as it packs an updated CMOS sensor with a resolution of 16MP (12.1MP in the G2) which can capture up to four full resolution pictures per second while in burst mode.

The video capabilities of the camera have been also improved over the G2 as Panasonic's newest Micro Four Thirds model gained 1080p AVCHD video recording support as well as stereo audio recording capabilities.

The rest of the camera features remained unchanged from those of its predecessor as Panasonic focused on making the G3 as compact as possible.

As a result, the Lumix G3 packs the same 3-inch hinged rear display with touch capabilities found in the G2, which can be used to focus on the subject, tweak exposure, white balance, depth of field, and other camera settings.

The body of this latest Panasonic camera is made from aluminum and weights 11.8 ounces, ten percent less than its predecessor.

“With the Lumix G3, Panasonic offers an extremely light compact system camera that is easy to use, thanks to a touch-control LCD, yet still maintains powerful and creative features to appease the more advanced photographer,” said Darin Pepple, senior product manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company.

“With new features that enhance photo and video quality, the Lumix G3 offers exceptional image quality that a photographer at any level would be excited about using to capture their experiences,” concluded the company's rep.

Panasonic will sell the Lumix DMC-G3 together with the 14-42mm Zoom Lens Kit and pricing has been set at $699.99. Availability is slated for June 2011.