Panasonic Lumix GF3 Review: A Tiny Used Micro Four Thirds Camera

If you buy through an affiliate link in this article, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Is the Panasonic GF3 worth buying?

The Panasonic Lumix GF3 is a fun option if you want a very small, used interchangeable-lens camera for photos. It has a 12-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, RAW capture and a built-in flash. I like how tiny it is, but its shallow grip and older touchscreen make it less comfortable to use than a larger camera.

My video was published in 2023 as part of a budget-camera series. A GF3 could be found under $100 at the time, but that isn't a current price or a promise you'll get a complete kit for that amount. Check today's listings, condition and whether a lens and charger are included.

Watch my Panasonic GF3 review and photo examples.

Panasonic GF3 specifications

Feature	Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3
Released	2011
Sensor	12.1-megapixel Micro Four Thirds Live MOS
Lens mount	Micro Four Thirds
Photos	RAW and JPEG
Screen	Fixed 3-inch touchscreen
Flash	Built-in pop-up flash
Video	Up to 1920 x 1080 AVCHD; recording details vary by region
Connections	HDMI and AV OUT/DIGITAL

Check the exact regional model and settings. Panasonic's GF3 owner's manual and service specifications are useful references for the original camera.

Photo quality and RAW files

The GF3 captures 12-megapixel photos and can save RAW files when you want more flexibility editing them. That resolution is lower than many newer cameras, but it can still be useful for everyday photos if it meets your output and cropping needs. Watch the examples in my video to decide whether you like the results.

It's a Micro Four Thirds camera, which gives a roughly 2x full-frame field-of-view crop. For example, a 25mm lens gives approximately the field of view of a 50mm lens on full frame. The actual focal length doesn't change, and a lens affects the total size of the setup.

Small body, limited grip

The GF3 body is tiny. Without a lens, I could fit it in my hand and in a pocket. Add a lens and the size of the full setup depends heavily on the lens you choose, so don't assume every GF3 kit will be pocketable.

The tradeoff is that there isn't much grip. In my hands, several fingers hung off the bottom, and I didn't find it the most comfortable camera to hold and operate. It has a simple control layout with a rear dial and a few buttons, along with a built-in flash. If possible, try one with the lens you plan to use before deciding whether the small size is worth it.

Screen and controls

The 3-inch touchscreen lets you navigate and adjust some settings. I found it a little awkward and not especially responsive, but it's there if you want to use it. The screen is fixed, so it doesn't flip around for selfies or tilt for low-angle framing.

If an articulating screen, a larger grip or more physical controls are high priorities, consider those needs alongside the GF3's small size. Its appeal is strongest when portability is the point.

Micro Four Thirds lenses and adapters

The GF3 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, so you can choose a compatible native lens or experiment with adapted lenses. A small native lens can help keep the kit compact, while the right adapter can make many older manual lenses usable.

Check the exact mount and lens before buying an adapter. Electronic aperture, autofocus and stabilization support vary by combination; a simple mechanical adapter doesn't add those features. Include the cost and size of the lens and any adapter in your decision.

If you enjoy older lenses, my guide to cinematic vintage lenses covers more options to explore.

Can the GF3 shoot video?

Yes, but I wouldn't buy it primarily for video. In the video I mentioned 1080p at 30 fps; the more precise description for the NTSC model is 1920 x 1080 AVCHD recorded as 60i with 30 frames per second of sensor output, according to Panasonic. PAL versions use different rates. That is not the same recording format as a straightforward 1080p30 progressive file, so check the model and your editing workflow.

The camera has one HDMI socket and a separate AV OUT/DIGITAL socket. In my video I mistook the two ports for two HDMI outputs; Panasonic's manual identifies them differently. Don't assume the HDMI connection provides a clean live signal for streaming without checking the exact camera and setup.

If video is the main goal, I'd put more of the budget toward a camera suited to that job. The GF3 makes more sense to me as a compact photo camera that also happens to record video.

What to check when buying used

• Body and lens: Confirm whether the listing includes a working Micro Four Thirds lens or is body only. A lens can change the total price and size substantially.
• Power: Check for a battery and compatible charger, and ask whether the battery holds a charge.
• Condition: Inspect the screen, lens mount, controls, card compartment and flash. Ask for sample photos or a recording test if possible.
• Cards and files: Confirm the correct card and that you can transfer and open the photos or video on your computer.
• Returns: Compare seller descriptions and return terms, especially for an older camera.

You can browse used Panasonic GF3 listings. Search results can include different kits and conditions, so check each listing carefully. My used-camera buying guide covers more ways to compare sellers.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Panasonic GF3 shoot RAW?

Yes. It can save RAW photos as well as JPEGs, giving you a choice depending on how you prefer to edit.

Does the Panasonic GF3 have a flip screen?

No. Its 3-inch touchscreen is fixed in place.

Does the GF3 have a built-in flash?

Yes. It has a built-in pop-up flash.

Does it shoot 4K video?

No. Its maximum listed video resolution is 1920 x 1080. The NTSC Full HD AVCHD mode records 60i with 30 fps sensor output; check the regional model and format.

Will a GF3 fit in a pocket?

I could fit the body in a pocket without a lens. A mounted lens changes the size, and whether the complete kit fits depends on the lens and your pocket.

My verdict

The GF3 is an interesting little camera if you want inexpensive interchangeable-lens photography and value a small body. I would accept its dated screen, limited grip and older video format only if its actual used price and condition make sense for the kit. Look at the photo examples, check what comes with the camera and decide whether its size fits the way you like to shoot.

Watch more camera reviews on Adam Harig and FoxTailWhipz.