Author Topic: User opinions of the GF3 (Read 1941 times)

jedperkins · « **on:** September 06, 2011, 04:45:40 PM »

I have convinced myself that I am going to get the GF3X with the new pancake zoom and the 45-175mm zoom as my all-in-one , light weight kit. I know that the GF3 has its faults, but it won't be a replacement for my EP-3 and VF-2 when I want to do serious photography, use my legacy lenses, etc. I think that part of it is just that I really want these new lenses, and I think that to take full advantage of them you need a Panny body.

Probably my biggest concern is the under powered flash, because as far as I can tell there is no ability to adjust the flash EV. I like to use fill flash from time to time and I find that the EP-3 is only adequate as a fill in daylight beyond 4-5 feet if I pump up the flash EV to great than +1.0. I have decided that I will just live with that but with the GF3, but I would love to hear from some real-world users about what they like or don't like about the camera.

FYI, I am going to make this same post on a few of the other MFT forums as there don't seem to be too many GF3 users posting anything anywhere, so don't be surprised to see this in more than one place.

- jed -

voyager · « **Reply #1 on:** September 06, 2011, 04:54:07 PM »

The only thing I can tell you is that the flash really won't be that much of an issue. You're not going to get good results with any flash unless you know how to properly use it, and the flash on the GF3 is plenty for proper usage.

BJ · « **Reply #2 on:** September 12, 2011, 11:20:17 AM »

This is the one camera that has my interest. From the few examples I’ve seen the image IQ looks about as good as any Micro Four Thirds. Never thought I’d look at a “touch pad” camera but the system seems to be pretty good. Wish there were more examples done in RAW, it does RAW correct? I want a walk around small camera to replace the DSLR. This may be it.!
Pap

voyager · « **Reply #3 on:** September 13, 2011, 01:20:39 PM »

Yes, it does RAW. The image quality is also just as good as any other Panasonic Micro Four Thirds camera. The touch pad system works incredibly well, it's just difficult to press the buttons sometimes.

BJ · « **Reply #4 on:** September 14, 2011, 08:03:51 AM »

Voyager, thanks for the information. I found it for $599.00 which seems like a good price.
I need to look at it of course.
BJ

lisandra · « **Reply #5 on:** September 14, 2011, 05:21:01 PM »

Look for it with the new pancake zoom, you can't beat the portability of that combination! Plus the new kit pancake is sharper than any other kit lens.

voyager · « **Reply #6 on:** September 15, 2011, 03:45:30 PM »

Quote from: BJ on September 14, 2011, 08:03:51 AM

Voyager, thanks for the information. I found it for $599.00 which seems like a good price.
I need to look at it of course.
BJ

You might also want to check out the Olympus E-PM1, which is roughly the same size. Comparing the two will probably be a good idea.

BJ · « **Reply #7 on:** September 16, 2011, 04:39:34 AM »

lisandra & voyager,
Thanks for the responses. The price I had was for the older kit lens unfortunately and wasn’t a good price after all. None of the dealers have the Olympus E-PM1 currently in stock. I can wait, I’ve held off this long trying the Micro Four Thirds, a bit longer won’t hurt.
Thanks again, BJ

lisandra · « **Reply #8 on:** September 16, 2011, 10:53:31 PM »

The E PM1 (I think) is a bit smaller even comparing it to the GF3. With the new panckake zoom its the ultimate big sensor travel cam!

asterinex · « **Reply #9 on:** September 17, 2011, 12:53:08 AM »

I'm also looking for a new m4/3 model and after reading many reviews. It turns out that the E-P3 in most cases comes out as the better cam opposed to the GF3
Some reviews with E-P3 as winner :
http://www.ephotozine.com/article/olympus-e-p3-vs-panasonic-gf3-vs-sony-nex-5-vs-samsung-nx11-17084?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ephotozine%2Freviews+%28ePHOTOzine+Reviews%29
The most complete camera, offering both functionality, compact size, image quality, good handling with an abundance of features, and with the fewest number of weaknesses is...
Olympus PEN E-P3
The Olympus PEN E-P3 wins the Editor's Choice award as the most complete mirrorless camera available.
The Olympus PEN E-P3, with ultra fast focusing, the quickest switch on time, a great high resolution touch screen, excellent image quality, built in anti-shake that will work with ANY lens, (isn't this the whole point in having an interchangeable lens camera?) and interchangeable grips, is an obvious choice, as the best......

http://www.aputure.com/blog/2011/09/02/panasonic-lumix-dmc-gf3-vs-olympus-pen-e-p3-review/

Em5 Pete · « **Reply #10 on:** September 17, 2011, 07:39:32 AM »

Quote from: asterinex on September 17, 2011, 12:53:08 AM

The Olympus PEN E-P3, with ultra fast focusing, the quickest switch on time, a great high resolution touch screen, excellent image quality, built in anti-shake that will work with ANY lens, (isn't this the whole point in having an interchangeable lens camera?)

Not really, Interchangeable lens camera's have been around for over 100 years!

Just recently has IBIS OR ILIS has been introduced into to photography as far as a time-line comparison.

Photographers understood, that a shutter speed of at least the focal length would stop minimum movement.
1 over the focal length.. so with a 50mm lens. 1/50s would be a suggested minimum.

Don't misunderstand me... I have had camera's with built-in IS, and IBIS is a nice feature when using slow lenses in dimmer light.. But, that doesn't limit the lens usability... THE MOUNT DOES.
The m4/3, NEX, mounts have a lens registration of about 1/2 the distance of an SLR type camera, so ANY lens will mount and focus with the right adapter...
And ANY lens will focus also, with or without IBIS. The OPTION of "IBIS" or "ILIS" is the photographers choice.

I buy camera's based on other features, I don't consider IBIS as the 1st thing I must have (Old School I guess)... but many do... and that is OK..

User opinions of the GF3