G3 In The (Light)House

The First HDR

I've been a little distracted the last several days, and the above is why. My new camera, the Panasonic G3, uses the same technology as my replaced GF2, but improves on it. Keeping it mirror-less the main differences are the upgraded sensor (16MP vs 12MP) the fold out/swivel 3 inch touch screen, the eye view finder, and a dedicated mode dial. Though the ISO level peaks out at the same 6400 as the GF2, the noise is handled better and I'm now comfortable to break the 800ISO barrier, where before I wouldn't chance it. Details and colors are far better also. In fact they were so much better I am wondering if I had a faulty GF2. But either way I'm much happier with this camera as I regain two key features of the SX10is that I had been missing: the swivel LCD monitor which makes shots below and above my head a lot easier, and the eye view finder which is helpful on bright days that wash the LCD out.

My new camera, the G3. Note, not my hands.

Another very cool feature, a first for Panasonic cameras, I think, is the use of an electronic shutter which can shoot at up to twenty frames per second for about two seconds. I'm not sure if the two second limitation is due to the camera or the SD card. The downside in this model is that the photos are reduced to 4MP, but as I don't do burst shots often I'm ok with that. The dynamic range is also greatly improved over the GF2. With a +/- of 3EV on the GF2 the G3 has +/- of 5EV which makes for a greater depth of tonality. A tweak in the bracket software now allows me to shoot of 7 shots at +/-1EV for my HDR brackets making it quicker and more to my liking. I wish I could assign where I want brackets taken, but this works. 

Annoyances. There are some. Such as when reviewing photos the screen that constantly pops up at the beginning telling me how to scroll through photos. I can't get rid of it permanently (that I know of) and I can't dismiss it. Though there are multiple custom settings I can't seem to program anything that includes a change in the drive (brackets, burst, timer, etc.) which is kind of annoying. 

Now about the shot. It's a seven(!) shot HDR. And if it wasn't for that annoying handraid running right down the middle I'd make it into a holiday card.