Best Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera 2011-2012

The successor to the GH1 continues with its 'hybrid' stills/video philosophy but adds a host of tweaks and improvements, foremost of which is a brand new 18Mp multi-aspect ratio sensor offering 16Mp output and an ISO range of 160-12800. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 also inherits many features from the DMC-G2, including a revised control layout and touch-screen control.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 is the first camera compatible with Panasonic's brand new high resolution LVF2 viewfinder, sold separately. The GX1 is available in a black or silver body with two kit lens options.

The Panasonic External Electronic Viewfinder for DMC-GX1 is an optional viewfinder for the DMC-GX1 Micro 4/3 camera. Just mount this on the camera's hot shoe and you've got a superb 1,440,000-dot equivalent color viewfinder image, with all of the same information that's displayed on the LCD screen. It displays 100% of the image and works particularly well in bright sunlight (always tough on LCD displays). The viewfinder also tilts up 90Deg. to make low-angle shots easier than ever. Because it mounts on the camera's hot shoe, it can't be used with a shoe-mounted flash on the camera.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 is the successor to the successful Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2. The new micro four thirds digital from Panasonic offers a resolution up to 16 MP plus swivel screen. Thanks to HDMI interface, the contents are alternatively sent directly to the TV. In addition to high-resolution still images, the Lumix DMC-G3 is also records videos in Full HD quality including a microphone with wind protection. A major focus of the successor model is still on the operating speed: according to the manufacturer Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 is twice faster than the G2.

The ISO sensitivity, meanwhile, everything remains the same: still working in a range from ISO 160-6400. Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 digital camera is available in various colors; brown, red and black with the dimension of 7.6 x 5.7 x 6.3 inches ; 2.7 pounds, making it one of the most compact mirror-less digital camera.

Using the touch-screen operation, once a user locks onto a subject, the Lumix G2 enables AF Tracking and will track the subject as it moves within the frame. Then, with a touch on the screen, users can select the part and the size of AF area with the 1-area AF. The Multi-area AF sets a group of AF points according to the composition. While using the manual focus, users can enlarge a subject by touching it and then choosing to enlarge it by 1x, 5x or 10x and then smoothly moving the part by dragging it on the screen. With this touch operation, menu settings can be changed quickly; cutting the time it takes to navigate using standard cursors. However, all setting changes can still be done using the control pad, if preferred.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2: The Unofficial Quintessential Guide provides a wealth of information and professional insights for owners of this powerful HD camera. With its electronic viewfinder and interchangeable lenses, the G2 is capable of not only recording professional-quality still images, but has the added ability to record HD video as well. The mirrorless design enhances the camera's versatility beyond that of most digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras. With the appropriate adapters, it can use virtually any manufacturer's manual focus, legacy lens. It is smaller than a typical DSLR in both size and weight, and retains automatic focusing while recording videos - a capability missing in many DSLR cameras.

This third generation of the Olympus PEN series combines powerful features in an easy-to-use package that will make capturing your life more fun. The new direct record button makes taking videos easier than ever and the new Live Guide functionality makes it simple to learn photography techniques without requiring the skills of a pro shooter.

Hybrids offer the flexibility of interchangeable lenses and a large sensor in a smaller body. The Olympus E-PL1 lightens your load without sacrificing shooting power and this fun and friendly guide helps you better understand your camera's controls, features, and potential. Veteran author Julie Adair King presents you with examples on how to use your camera's main functions in order to create effective and memorable digital photos.

Learn to think more like a cinematographer than a videographer, whether shooting for a feature, short fiction, documentary, video journalism, or even a wedding. DSLR Cinema offers insight into different shooting styles, real-world tips and techniques, and advice on postproduction workflow as it guides you in crafting a film-like look.

The second-generation PEN was launched just five months after Olympus unveiled the E-P1. The biggest difference is the addition of an accessory port, allowing the attachment of an electronic viewfinder and making it the perfect candidate for our quick review format that looks at the differences between this and its sister model.

The PEN EP-2 is the most compact interchangeable lens digital camera that Olympus has ever introduced. It boasts 12 megapixels of resolution, an array of tiny, virtually pocket-sized lenses, and enough sophisticated features and customization options to please the most avid amateur photographer. As the new owner of a PEN EP-2 you want to quickly and easily learn how to use your camera to take outstanding photos. David Busch's Olympus PEN EP-2 Guide to Digital Photography shows you how, when, and why to use all the cool features, controls, and functions of the new Olympus PEN EP-2 camera to take great photographs of anything. Introductory chapters will help you get comfortable with the basics of your camera before you dive right into exploring creative ways to apply the PEN EP-2's file formats, resolution, aperture/priority exposure, automatic exposure features, and additional lenses. Beautiful, full-color images illustrate where the essential buttons and dials are, so you'll quickly learn how to use your PEN EP-2, and use it like a pro!

With its lightweight body, the LUMIX GF1 provides experienced photographers with the ideal digital camera to carry with them at all times. Like its predecessors in the LUMIX G Series, the LUMIX GF1 eliminates the pentaprism found in traditional interchangeable lens cameras. Thus, this mirror-free structure allows Panasonic to dramatically reduce both size and weight.

DAVID BUSCH'S PANASONIC LUMIX DMC-GF1 GUIDE TO DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY shows readers how, when, and why to use all the cool features, controls, and functions of the new Lumix DMC-GF1 camera to take great photographs of anything. Beautiful, full-color images illustrate where the essential buttons and dials are, and tips and techniques that can be applied to any type of photography will help readers take better pictures with their new camera. Whether they are new to digital photography or experienced pros, this book will help readers maximize their camera's capabilities so they'll quickly learn how to their Lumix DMC-GF1, and use it well.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2, the latest of Panasonic's DSL Micro (DSLM) compact mirrorless cameras, is Panasonic's smallest and lightest interchangeable lens system camera--complete with a built-in flash. The Lumix GF2 is compatible with lenses from the Micro Four Thirds standard, meaning the system is small and compact, while not compromising ease of operation or image quality. Even more, the Lumix GF2 is compatible with Panasonic's new 3D interchangeable lens, the Lumix G 12.5mm / F12, so users can take 3D photos.

The NEX-C3 fits between Cyber-shot point & shoot cameras and %u03B1 full-sized DSLRs. Sony's affordable compact interchangeable lens camera, the NEX-C3 is a step below the NEX-5 in video quality, but does have more MP @ 16.2MP vs 14.2MP of the NEX-3 and 5. Its easy to use interface provides powerful creative control for customers stepping up from compact cameras intimidated by DSLR complexity.