Panasonic G3 has two types of owner’s manual : Basic and Advanced. The Basic version is consists of 55 pages , cover basic topics from how to attach a lens to taking simple photos. More detailed instructions are available on the Advanced version.
The documents are available for free download at Panasonic
The Panasonic G3 is now in-stock at Amazon and B&H for
Confused in choosing the right camera for you ?
Check this comparison table below to get a better view at them. Basically, They’re almost similar in specs but with some differences.
| Specs | E-P3 | E-PL3 | E-PM1 |
| Sensor | 12.3MP | 12.3MP | 12.3MP |
| Engine | TruePic VI | TruePic VI | TruePic VI |
| LCD Res | 3″ – 610K | 3″ – 460K | 3″ – 460K |
| LCD Tilting | Fixed | Yes | Fixed |
| LCD Touchscreen | Yes | No | No |
| AF Points | 35 | 11 | 11 |
| Continous Shooting | 3fps | 5.5fps | 5.5fps |
| Built-in Flash | Yes | Removable (included) | Removable (included) |
| HD Video | Full HD 1080i | Full HD 1080i | Full HD 1080i |
| Art Filters | 10 type | 6 type | 6 type |
| ISOs | 100-12800 | 100-12800 | 100-12800 |
| Image Stabilization | Yes (Sensor) | Yes (Sensor) | Yes (Sensor) |
| Support RAW | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lens Mount | micro four third | micro four third | micro four third |
| Control Buttons | 2 function buttons, subdial | 1 function button, simplified button structure |
Simplified button structure |
| Camera Grip | Included in package | No | No |
| Exposure Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| WB Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 330 | 300 | 330 |
| Orientation Sensor | Yes | No | No |
| Weight | 369g | 313g | 263g |
| Body Size | 4.8”W x 2.72”H x 1.35”D | Smaller | Smallest |
| Price | $900 | TBA | TBA |
Pretty similar right ? Olympus E-P3 comes with better specs but also the biggest and heaviest of them all. On image quality i think they all similar because they use same sensor and engine processor. For learning purposes , i think they all great ! All cameras offers manual exposure control , bracketing functions, and plenty of in-camera editing tool (Art Filters) to boost your photo skills.
So , it’s a matter of choosing the best specs for your needs and how small/light the camera that you want ?
As predicted before, Olympus finally announces their latest addition to PEN camera lineup. They are PEN E-P3, PEN Mini and PEN lite. PEN Mini and Lite are almost similar in specifications but with smaller and lighter body. Olympus E-P3 will be ready for shipping and priced at $900 , while PEN Mini / Lite’s price will be announced soon.
Olympus PEN E-P3
Olympus PEN Lite / E-PL3
Olympus PEN Mini / E-PM1
Alongside cameras above, Olympus also has announced two new fast prime lenses for micro four third format : M. Zuiko Digital ED 12mm F2.0 and M. Zuiko Digital ED 45mm F1.8
Sigma just announced their latest macro lens : the Sigma 105mm f2.8 EX DG OS HSM. The lens update previous version by adding Optical Stabilizer technology
I guess the suggested price is a bit expensive for a macro lens , especially when Nikon/Canon have it cheaper ( Nikon 105mm VR for $950 ). But if the quality is so much better then , why not? Can’t wait to see the reviews
Press Release:
Ronkonkoma, NY, June 28, 2011 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world’s most impressive lines oflenses, cameras and flashes, is pleased to announce that its newly upgraded 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro lens is now available for the MSRP of $1,400.
The updated 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro lens now features Sigma’s own proprietary Optical Stabilizer (OS) technology, which allows for high-performance, handheld, close-up photography. The telephoto reach makes it a perfect lens for capturing images of insects and small creatures. Additionally, the wide maximum aperture combined with a short telephoto focal length make it very favorable for facial portraiture at lower magnification. A Special Low Dispersion (SLD) lens and one high refractive index SLD lens provide excellent corrections for all types of aberration and distortion.
“This lens is a fantastic addition to our extensive lineup of macro lenses,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “This is our fourth prime macro lens and the second of which that now includes our Optical Stabilization technology, which steadies the image for handheld use. This is yet another example of Sigma’s dedication to providing an array of unique lens that capture incredible imagery.”
Sigma’s Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) feature ensures quiet and high-speed autofocus as well as full-time manual focus capability. This lens also has a rounded nine-blade diaphragm that creates an attractive blur to the out-of-focus areas of the image.
The 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro features a floating focusing system that moves two different lens groups in the optical path to different positions. This system compensates for astigmatic aberration and spherical aberration, and provides extremely high optical performance from infinity to 1:1 macro. The super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting, providing high contrast images. It is also possible to use this lens with Sigma’s APO teleconverters.
This announcement comes as part of an ongoing celebration of the company’s 50th anniversary. Find out about special anniversary activities and features, including product videos, photo sharing, photography tips and monthly chances to win Sigma products by visiting the anniversary web page.
For information about Sigma Corporation of America, visit www.sigmaphoto.com. For more information about sigma’s lenses, visit http://www.sigmaphoto.com/shop/lenses.
Several Olympus E-P3 images has leaked from PhotoRumors.com source. E-P3 looks very similar to previous E-P2 except that it has built-in flash now. The attached lens is new Olympus 12mm f/2.0.
and finally some specs from 43rumors
Amazon has the Panasonic DMC-G3 in-stock for $799 ! quick, only 2 items left .
You can order the camera at Amazon.com
and, Panasonic GF3 is still not in-stock but you can pre-order the camera here
Pentax has announced their latest compact with interchangeable lens , Pentax Q. It’s the first company’s camera that utilize new Q mount and features a compact-camera-sized 1/2.3″ image stabilized CMOS sensor. Built quality should be excellent with its magnesium alloy body. More specs below
Also announced 4 new Pentax lenses for Q mount . They are : PENTAX 02 Standard Zoom,PENTAX 03 Fish-Eye, PENTAX 04 Toy Lens Wide and PENTAX 05 Toy Lens Telephoto.
The camera should be available for shipping in September/October this year and will be priced at $700 ( body + 49mm f/1.9 lens )
Fuji just released a firmware update for Fuji X100. Fuji X100 have several annoying bugs according to DPReview’s review (and others) and thankfully , Fuji listened to them and release this firmware.
The update available for free download here
Ikelite has announced their camera housing designed for Canon EOS T3 / 1100D. The housing made from Ikelite’s trademark heavy-duty clear polycarbonate so it’s durable and corrosion free. It has depth rating of 200 ft / 60m. Access to most camera functions/buttons.
The housing is priced at $1400 and available for pre-order at B&H