At the time of writing this is a ten year old camera, and I'm super impressed with it! Image quality is lovely, and while it doesn't have focus peaking manual focus through the EVF is easy (especially with the zoomed in window). The video capabilities can be hacked to give you better image quality there, though only in 720p or 1080i (which I'd stay away from), so not full HD, but still looks good if you don't need full 1080p. Solidly built, small and easy to use. I'm impressed! I recommend getting an adapter for some cheap vintage lenses for some seriously pretty images on a budget!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I already had the G2 with the standard kit lens. I bought this mainly because of the digital viewfinder which is outstanding, and clearer than my Canon slr. I wanted a small 'walkaround' camera to replace my canon powershot G6 for times when my slr kit would be too much. The Lumix G2 body was fine but the standard kit lens is too big for a 'compact'. I saw the G3 on offer with the much smaller X vario power zoom lens. This was what I needed as a high quality 'compact' camera. I bought it and it is ideal for this purpose. Compact enough to take anywhere but capable of producing quality images that can easily be enlarged to A4 (or better). It even has the articulated screen like my old powershot. So I have now sold my Lumix G2 and Canon G6 and I am very happy with this as a replacement. The full retail price is too high but there are usually offers available that make it more reasonable. I still have my Canon slr for 'serious' photo expeditions but the G3 is a great everyday camera.Read full review
The G3 is a great little camera which combines features of an SLR with ease of use of an automatic. Plenty of control options and changeable lenses for more adventurous photography with ease of use for the family. Small size makes it compact and easy to carry while build quality is high. Worst thing; small size means some control buttons are fiddly or in menus. Best thing; small size makes it easy to carry and control options give creativity. One problem; the family also love using it so I often have to fight three girls to use my camera.
...Then get a micro four thirds camera like this now old model G3. I have a G6 with a 14-140mm lens on it for home and bought this G3 second hand for the work with a 14-42mm lens on it, it is of course a few years out of date - but still a very capable camera. What this camera lacks compared to my very recent G6 is wifi connection, eye sensor and level lines in the viewfinder. Other than that for a second and camera that cost around a quarter of the latest model G7 new it is still a superb choice. The G3 is still a 16mp camera with good range and flexibility. Unlike a bridge camera with a tiny sensor, you can compose professional looking photos and with the larger sensor get a good range of depth of field effects - almost impossible to do with a small sensor. For all those megapixel freaks out there that say 16mp isn't enough - I bet you're looking at it on a 2mp monitor right? (1920x1080) It's not about the number of pixels it's about recording them accurately - and the G range does this very well. I'd rather have 16mp that recorded what I pointed at than 24mp of what the camera guesses it's looking at! You can of course take full control of this camera, but equally you can 'snap' just by pressing the intelligent auto button. There are also two customisable program positions on the mode selector, so for example you can set up a bracketing mode for creating HDR's or a low light mode etc. The plastic lens kit in this package is a little disappointing if you're used to the higher grade magnesium bodied lenses - but the optics are still good - just the smoothness of mechanical operation on the zoom is juddery to say the least. The camera I purchased second hand was pretty close to 'as new' condition. I would highly recommend this camera, especially if you can buy it with one of the higher quality lenses.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
At 16 MP and with the ease of use of the camera it means that despite being a bit long in the tooth it still delivers excellent results. The 14-45mm lens is a quality all round lens giving great value for money. If you are looking for quality on a tight budget this is a great combo.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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