Panasonic Debuts Their Smallest G-series EVIL Camera to Date: the Lumix DMC-GF3

Panasonic continues to impress us with their powerful G-series of "EVIL" (Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens) cameras, and the Lumix DMC-GF3 is no exception. The smallest interchangeable lens camera they've released to date (6/2011), the GF3 replaces the GF2 of old with some worthy upgrades. First off, this unit is 16.7% smaller and 16.2% lighter than its predecessor, and Panasonic claims the unit is comparable in size to a modern day smartphone. Other appealing features include the same 12-megapixel Live MOS sensor found in other G-series cameras (like the DMC-GH2), along with a new 3.0-inch touchscreen LCD, 1080/60i full HD video recording, Micro 4/3 lens mount system, and loads of exposure options to meet the needs and abilities of most any user.

For more info on the GF3, see our full-page Preview. We'll be updating this page once we get our hands on a full production camera for testing.

The DMC-GF3 will come in red, brown, white and black. We should start to see it hitting shelves next month with the 14mm pancake lens for $699.99 US, and sometime in August with the 14-42mm zoom lens for just $599.99.

Alongside this announcement, Panasonic has released information about an all new Micro 4/3 lens, the LEICA SUMMILUX DG / 25mm F1.4. This powerful and fast prime lens offers some of Panasonic's latest technologies, like their Nano Surface Coating, which they claim "helps dramatically minimize reflection at the entire visual light range (380nm-780nm)". With a 50mm equivalent filed of view, the 25mm F1.4 offers a very natural view of your subjects, making it a great lens to have with you for a wide variety of shooting needs. 

Look for the LEICA SUMMILUX DG / 25mm F1.4 to be available sometime in August 2011; pricing is to be announced at a later date.