To be fair, there are still a lot of differences between the GH and G series, even ignoring the difference in controls. The G3 was clearly designed with small size as key, and price as a significant factor. Something had to give. You can't fit as many controls in a smaller form factor.

And if you look at the evolution of the Lumix m43 cameras, Panasonic clearly felt that simpler, more basic models was the way to go. The GF2 (and 3) and the G3 were clearly aimed more at P&S upgraders than the serious photographers that the GF1 and G1 / G2 were aimed at. From our perspective, that's not a good decision. From Panasonic's, it might have been wise. I wouldn't be at all surprised if the GF2/3 and G3 have outsold their predecessors.

If Panasonic had put the G3 sensor in a G2 body, I would have been a happy camper. They didn't and I wasn't. Tried the G3 and was very disappointed; bought a used GH2 to fill the role I had envisaged for a G2 replacement. Now I have the camera I wanted with good handling and controls but a whole lot of video capability that I'm unlikely to use. Oh, well...not a bad compromise.

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Chuck

Thanks everyone for the input. A lot to think about here, and I'm not sure sure that I'll be going for the G2 anymore. Size really is an issue for me, and I think I may have to compromise. Although I'm not entirely happy with the lack of manual controls and auto EVF/LCD on the G3, a university friend has asked me if I wanted to buy his almost brand new G3 for £220. Seems like a steal, so I think I might go ahead with it.

But I think I'll be visiting a local camera store just to get a feel of it first before I head over there (2 hour journey).

I hope I'm making the right decision!

I thought size was an issue too, always wanted the smallest and best, but I would not trade the G2 for anything (except a G2 with all the OMD advances!) and I dont carry the GF1 around without a bag anyway, so size has become a minor thing over the features and usability. Also the G2 supports the bigger lenses so much better. My G2 & 14-140 drops into my lowepro streamline 100 with room to spare, bag is small and you hardly notice you have it with you.

Pity you cannot compare the G2 and G3 together, I did and there is very little physical difference in real user terms.

Hi. If your fiend has offered you a G3 for £220.00 I would 'bite his hand off' before someone else beats you to it - that is a very very good price - you would be very unlikely to get a G3 for anywhere near tht price on eBay
I was going to suggest a GH1 might be an option if touchscreen was an issue but you seem to have put a high priority on compactness
Having used G3s and GH1s in the past I would recommend both - the G3 being a very good compromise on size and able to be pocketed in a large coat pocket at least with a 14mm or 20mm pancake mounted
The touchscreen is a onus and makes editing out your unwanted frames for instance much quicker

For what it's worth, I got a GF2, 20mm 1.7 and the Oly 14-42 zoom as my first kit, because I was obsessed with small size gear. Eventually I realized that I was always carrying a bag, and the image quality and features were more important to me anyway now that I've gotten more interested in photography for its own sake - so I bought a used G3. I have been very happy with it, coming from a GF2. The EVF and tilt screen turned out to be things I use all the time now that I have them, low light/high ISO performance is improved, and as a bonus it uses the same batteries and cards as my GF2 so I have an ideal dual body setup when I want it. I would absolutely say jump on that deal for a G3, I expect you'll get a lot out of the switch.

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500px | flickr

“The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.” -- Dorothea Lange

I got a GF1 which I use a lot for UW photo and am thinking on a second body for general use, both for myself and my wife. She is in Paris right now and I'm checking FNAC's website for alternatives. I wanted to get the GH2 and a 14-140, but that body isn't available there. Both the G3 and the new Olympus OM-D E-M5 are available, the latter either body only or with the kit lens 12-50.

I'm limited to what I can get on that site, because she won't be able to shop around. If I may take a ride here on my first post in this forum, which one would be a better deal (not in $ terms) given my current set?

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Walmyr
GF1, 7-14, 20, 14-45, 14-140, 45 macro, 45-200

Agreed. Done deal and very happy. Think I'll hold on to the GF1 for a couple of weeks before selling, just in case there's any nasty surprises with the G3.

I'd be very interested in having your feedback, as I'm about to purchase either the G3 (see my post above) or the new Olympus OM-D E-M5 as a second body to my current GF1 and Panasonic lenses.

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Walmyr
GF1, 7-14, 20, 14-45, 14-140, 45 macro, 45-200

Have you considered keeping the GF-1 as a 2nd or backup body? Not sure what the going sale prices are for the GF-1. These early gen sensors are still capable of creating some very high quality images. I think GRID's images of his phototsafari in Tanzania were taken using a GH-1 and GF2. Tech is nice, but the limiting element tends to be the person.