Panasonic Unveils the GF3: Small, Light, and Minimalistic

After having images of it leaked onto the Interwebs last week, Panasonic’s DMC GF3 Micro Four Thirds camera is now official. Like its predecessor, the GF2, the GF3 packs a 12-megapixel sensor, has a 3-inch LCD touchscreen, and shoots 1080p 1080/60i AVCHD video. In terms of differences, it has a faster processor that allows for faster autofocus times weighs 15% less, is 17% smaller, and is also even more simple than the GF2 — it lacks a hot shoe and has a pop-up flash there instead.

With a super stripped-down interface and dimensions similar to a smart phone, the GF3 may appeal to people who want to shoot with an interchangeable lens camera but avoid all the confusing buttons of a more advanced camera. It’ll be available in July 2011 for $700 with a 14mm lens included, and $600 in August with a 14-42mm lens.