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Handled the new G3

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peppermonkey

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Just a short note.

Went to the Henry's Photographic, Video and Digital Imaging Show today in Mississauga, Ontario (right by the border of Toronto).
They had the new G3 on hand so did get to play with it a bit. Nothing serious.

The smaller grip didn't feel weird at all. Actually, at least in my hands (I have rather small hands), it actually felt better/sturdier to hold than the GH2 they had beside it.

It's definitely feels smaller (compared to G2/GHx) as well and a good match size wise with the GF2 (as the GF1 was to the GH1).

Don't think many would care but looking at photos of the G3 before going to the show, I had a feeling I wouldn't like the look of it but for whatever reason it looked pretty good in real life. If I was in the market for another camera it would definitely be in the running.

As I thought, it was rather annoying that you have to toggle the EVF and LCD but I would get used to it if I had too since I do the same with my GF1 + LVF1.
And yes, the EVF does protrudes just as much as it looks in the photos.

As I mentioned, only looked at it for a couple of minutes so don't really have much else too say, sorry (well, except I sooo wish LVF1 was as good as the built in EVF of the G3...and G1, GH1, GH2).

--
Hubert

My cameras: GF1, TZ3, recently fixed (I think) Minolta Hi-Matic 7s, broken Konica Auto S2(couldn't fix, who the heck GLUES screws in??), K1000 and my wife's old K110D



http://www.flickr.com/photos/peppermonkey/
 
Thanks for the quick review, i have a feeling the EVF auto switch wont be a problem at all, TBH i find the auto switch a pain on all the G system camera's i have owned, simply because when you try to use the LCD on a tripod your hand keeps activating the auto sensor when pressing buttons to setup the shot, so with the G3's touch screen playing such an important role now, maybe the removal of the EVF auto sensor isn't such a bad thing.
--
Mark.
 
I was at the show too and played with the G3. My hands are large (I'm rather tall) and I must say that ergonomically the G3 is almost perfect!! I was shocked. The aluminum body felt warm and smooth, and the grip was just right. Even with the tether (security cord attached to the tripod hole) wire was constantly pulling the camera away, it was easy to hold it securely. Very impressed.

B.T.W. I'm comparing this to my GH2.
 
fta said:
I was at the show too and played with the G3. My hands are large (I'm rather tall) and I must say that ergonomically the G3 is almost perfect!! I was shocked. The aluminum body felt warm and smooth, and the grip was just right. Even with the tether (security cord attached to the tripod hole) wire was constantly pulling the camera away, it was easy to hold it securely. Very impressed.

B.T.W. I'm comparing this to my GH2.
Click to expand...
Very helpful, this allays my concern that it might be so small as to be fussy.

What did you both think of:
  • the balance they've struck between buttons and touch screen?
  • did you have a chance to check out AF speed?
  • did it feel of solid build?
Given their improvement of JPEG colors (IR review, link below), if it had IBIS it would be the perfect upgrade from my E-620. I'm now questioning how important IBIS is to me.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/DMCG3/DMCG3A.HTM

I was very close to buying an E-PL2, but the G3 has put those plans squarely on the back burner.
--
Sailin' Steve
 
I also thought about this but realized I almost always shoot using the EVF when handholding and LCD on tripod with the G1--or sometimes with awkward angles-- so its not really an issue for me. I really don't like the switch on my GF1’s EVF because I have to move my hand some to reach it because my finger is not long enough to reach comfortably. I changed to using the EVF/LCD button on my G1 placed about same place as on G3 and have tried it several days. Works fine for me in the way I shoot. I have the G3 preordered now LOL. Oh, my other concern was the AEL button which I use on almost all shots (similar to how I've shot with Canons for years) but using the fn buttons will be fine for that.

Diane
--
Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic
G1 gallery http://www.pbase.com/picnic/temp_g1
 
As I've been concerned about size but my hands have to be considerably smaller than yours as a woman. I had about decided to buy a GH2 as upgrade but waited for G3 announcement and only the size had concerned me. I have preordered it though. Your observation made me feel better about size.

Diane
--
Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic
G1 gallery http://www.pbase.com/picnic/temp_g1
 
limlh said:
Is the aluminium surface dimpled or smooth? Is the shutter sound louder or quieter than G1?

--
http://www.pbase.com/lhlim
Click to expand...
The aluminum surface is smooth, the grip area has a rubber/plastic coating that works well. As for the sound, well it was very noisy at the show and it's hard to tell. I think it's the same as the current Panasonic models.
 
sderdiarian said:
fta said:
I was at the show too and played with the G3. My hands are large (I'm rather tall) and I must say that ergonomically the G3 is almost perfect!! I was shocked. The aluminum body felt warm and smooth, and the grip was just right. Even with the tether (security cord attached to the tripod hole) wire was constantly pulling the camera away, it was easy to hold it securely. Very impressed.

B.T.W. I'm comparing this to my GH2.
Click to expand...
Very helpful, this allays my concern that it might be so small as to be fussy.

What did you both think of:
  • the balance they've struck between buttons and touch screen?
Click to expand...
This is one of the things I like about my GH2, the G3 has no MF/AFC/AFS or focus selection mode switch, nor does it have a shot type (single/multi/bracket/timer) switch. That being said, I tried changing through the screen menu. Not too bad. I could get used to it. Honestly, I think this would be the only negative for me, but I think I would adjust just fine
sderdiarian said:
  • did you have a chance to check out AF speed?
Click to expand...
AF speed? Seemed as fast as my GH2!!! SOB! :)
sderdiarian said:
  • did it feel of solid build?
Click to expand...
People are going to hate me for this. I actually prefer the build and feel or the G3. Very solid build. I think once people start picking it up in stores, they will notice the difference between the G3 and G2/GH2. Panasonic did a great job. This camera 'feels' like the GF1/E-P1/E-P2, not like the G1/G10/G2/E-PL1/E-PL2.
sderdiarian said:
Given their improvement of JPEG colors (IR review, link below), if it had IBIS it would be the perfect upgrade from my E-620. I'm now questioning how important IBIS is to me.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/DMCG3/DMCG3A.HTM

I was very close to buying an E-PL2, but the G3 has put those plans squarely on the back burner.
--
Sailin' Steve
Click to expand...
Just a personal opinion, if I didn't have the GH2, since I do 99% still photography, I'd buy the G3 and save some cash. I think it is at the right size. They shouldn't make it any smaller if they are keeping the DSLR form, they have the GFx series to do that.

I think this camera will boost m43 system to the public.

I still like to have a PEN type camera, so I'm interested in seeing the E-P3 later this year. I prefer IBIS for a small walk-around with pancake primes. The GH2 is for the OIS lenses and tripod shooting.
 
One thing I noticed about the G1/2/H2 when it comes to the grip is that my fingers, the part that goes over the grip, seemed cramped because of the small space between the lens and the grip. This may be more psychological rather than reality though... Sorry, that sounds confusing and it's hard to describe. With the new grip on the G3, there is no sensation of being cramped which only adds to the new grip seeming to be more stable in my hands.

Course this is totally dependent on ones hands lol (My Japanese hands are small yet somewhat stubby, lithe piano hands I don't have ;))
Diane B said:
As I've been concerned about size but my hands have to be considerably smaller than yours as a woman. I had about decided to buy a GH2 as upgrade but waited for G3 announcement and only the size had concerned me. I have preordered it though. Your observation made me feel better about size.

Diane
--
Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic
G1 gallery http://www.pbase.com/picnic/temp_g1
Click to expand...
--
Hubert

My cameras: GF1, TZ3, Konica Auto S2, K1000, Yashica Electro 35 GX and my wife's old K110D



http://www.flickr.com/photos/peppermonkey/
 
fta said:
limlh said:
Is the aluminium surface dimpled or smooth? Is the shutter sound louder or quieter than G1?

--
http://www.pbase.com/lhlim
Click to expand...
The aluminum surface is smooth, the grip area has a rubber/plastic coating that works well. As for the sound, well it was very noisy at the show and it's hard to tell. I think it's the same as the current Panasonic models.
Click to expand...
Yup, I concur, it was very noisy there. Lets just say that it wasn't loud enough that it catches our attention.

--
Hubert

My cameras: GF1, TZ3, Konica Auto S2, K1000, Yashica Electro 35 GX and my wife's old K110D



http://www.flickr.com/photos/peppermonkey/
 
Diane B said:
I also thought about this but realized I almost always shoot using the EVF when handholding and LCD on tripod with the G1--or sometimes with awkward angles-- so its not really an issue for me. I really don't like the switch on my GF1’s EVF because I have to move my hand some to reach it because my finger is not long enough to reach comfortably. I changed to using the EVF/LCD button on my G1 placed about same place as on G3 and have tried it several days. Works fine for me in the way I shoot. I have the G3 preordered now LOL. Oh, my other concern was the AEL button which I use on almost all shots (similar to how I've shot with Canons for years) but using the fn buttons will be fine for that.
Click to expand...
Don't have too much experience with the GH2 but I did notice that toggling the EVF/LCD was much more easier/comfortable with the G3 compared to my LVF1 on the GF1. Like you, I would have to take my hands off the camera/lens (depending on which hands I'm switching with) to press the button with the LVF1. Not nearly as much 'work' with the G3.

My wife would kill me if I got myself a G3 so I think I'll wait a couple more generations till I start bugging her on a new camera ;) But regardless, I think you would be very happy with the G3, congrats :)

--
Hubert

My cameras: GF1, TZ3, Konica Auto S2, K1000, Yashica Electro 35 GX and my wife's old K110D



http://www.flickr.com/photos/peppermonkey/
 
Diane B said:
Oh, my other concern was the AEL button which I use on almost all shots but using the fn buttons will be fine for that.
Click to expand...
Whoops, totally forgot about the missing AEL button. Do use that often too...but yeah, the fn button should be fine for that.
Diane B said:
Diane
--
Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic
G1 gallery http://www.pbase.com/picnic/temp_g1
Click to expand...
--
Hubert

My cameras: GF1, TZ3, Konica Auto S2, K1000, Yashica Electro 35 GX and my wife's old K110D



http://www.flickr.com/photos/peppermonkey/
 
I tend to hold the GH2 by the grip, in one hand, when I'm not actively taking photos. I sort of doubt that would be a secure hold with the G3, but I guess I'd have to try it to know for sure.
 
sderdiarian said:
What did you both think of:
  • the balance they've struck between buttons and touch screen?
  • did you have a chance to check out AF speed?
  • did it feel of solid build?
Click to expand...
1) I pretty much agree with fta. The most important buttons seem to all be there and the touch screen menus seems pretty good. I would need more time to really figure out how everything would 'hang' together but I don't think it's too much of a problem if there is one. The one thing I do remember is that the wheel is as mentioned smaller. It works fine but do like the wheel on my GF1 more, it felt better/sturdier, course that could be purely because it's bigger on the GF1...

2) AF speed is...sweet :D (though not sure if it's any better/worse than the GH2)

3) Build? Yes, it feels pretty solid. Felt good in my hands. Not sure if it feels as good as my GF1 but it definitely felt better than the G1.
sderdiarian said:
Given their improvement of JPEG colors (IR review, link below), if it had IBIS it would be the perfect upgrade from my E-620. I'm now questioning how important IBIS is to me.
Click to expand...
I tend to take lots of people shots in lowish light so IBIS wouldn't really help me. Static shots are mostly in good light as well. It would be nice but nut a deal breaker for me.
sderdiarian said:
I was very close to buying an E-PL2, but the G3 has put those plans squarely on the back burner.
Click to expand...
If you are the type to buy the EVF for the E-PL2 and use it all the time, the size difference/shape between the E-PL2 and G3 really isn't much. It really depends on how much you want IBIS vs AF speed, inbuilt EVF, flippy LCD etc. And more importantly which of the two camera feels better in your hands.

For me, G3 would probably win out. Mostly because, although the E-PL2 also feels pretty good in my hands, the UI for the G3 is much more friendlier for me (that's only my opinion of course).

--
Hubert

My cameras: GF1, TZ3, Konica Auto S2, K1000, Yashica Electro 35 GX and my wife's old K110D



http://www.flickr.com/photos/peppermonkey/
 
amtberg said:
I tend to hold the GH2 by the grip, in one hand, when I'm not actively taking photos. I sort of doubt that would be a secure hold with the G3, but I guess I'd have to try it to know for sure.
Click to expand...
Yup, you'll have to try it yourself to really know. For me, G3's grip is much more 'grippier' (is that even a word??) and works better for me.

--
Hubert

My cameras: GF1, TZ3, Konica Auto S2, K1000, Yashica Electro 35 GX and my wife's old K110D



http://www.flickr.com/photos/peppermonkey/
 
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