It kind of leaked yesterday, but now Panasonic made the Lumix DMC-G3 official. The micro four-thirds camera is the successor to the DMC-G2, and apart from improving just about every technical feature, the new model is more compact and now boasts a touch-based UI.
The G3 features an all-new 16MP Live MOS sensor, full HD video recording, stereo sound in AVCHD, 66% less noise thanks to higher ISOs, and burst shooting at 4FPS in full resolution. Sized at 115.2 x 83.6 x 46.7 mm and weighing 336g (body only), the G3 is Panasonic’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens camera to date (it’s 25% smaller than the G2).
The biggest selling point should be the 3-inch LCD touchscreen. It allows users to not only browse through menus and adjust settings (exposure, white balance etc.) by touch but also to focus on the subject by touching it on the display.
Make sure to head over to Ephotozine for a first (and very detailed) hands-on with the camera (they like it, especially the touchscreen).
Panasonic plans to start selling the G3 next month for $700, 14-42mm zoom lens included (in white, black, red, and brown).