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  Panasonic's new LUMIX DMC-G3 camera is one of the new "mirrorless" Micro Four Thirds format cameras. The sensor is smaller than an APS-C sensor (usually 15x24mm) but still much larger than a typical point-and-shoot camera. Bigger sensor generally means lower visual noise (better in low light) and better apparent resolution. This camera still has an impressive 16 megapixels. The included kit lens is 14-42mm (28-84mm in 35mm equivalent). The lens is patterned after legendary Leica optics. There's even an optional stereoscopic 3D lens. Other lenses are available, as well. The camera has built-in optical image stabilization, and a dust reduction system that vibrates the sensor to shake off dust. The intelligent auto setting takes control of the whole camera, picking the perfect settings for everything. You can remove those controls one level at a time or go full manual if you like. There are creative enhancement options, from vivid colors to sepia to changing contrast, sharpness and more. The camera can shoot at 16 Megapixel resolution at up to 4 frames per second or at reduced resolution at up to a lightning-fast 20 frames per second. The widescreen touch screen LCD is 3 inches diagonal and can swivel and twist to allow easy high- and low-angle shots as well as self-portraits, and even around corners. The camera also shoots 1080i HD video. That swiveling LCD comes in handy for that as well. Autofocus is very quick, Panasonic's engineers came up with a contrast-based focusing system they claim rivals that of a professional SLR. If you prefer manual focus, the screen can automatically offer a 4x zoom in on a subject to make that easy and accurate.  

16-megapixel compact mirrorless system; Micro Four Thirds format camera

Kit includes 14-42mm Lumix f/3.5-5.6 lens; capture high-quality photos in 3D with optional lens

3.0-inch free-angle LCD with touch control; new Pinpoint AF feature

1080/60i HD video capability in AVCHD format; Venus Engine FHD enables Intelligent Resolution technology

Intelligent Auto and Intelligent Auto Plus (iA, iA+); more burst shooting options; new Photo Style Mode

For more information or to purchase a Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G3 digital camera, visit Amazon.com.