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While it's not a huge upgrade of its predecessor (and some things are actually worse than they were before), the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 remains a well-designed, responsive, and easy-to-use compact interchangeable lens camera.

While Panasonic has produced a smaller camera, the G3 marks several firsts, maintaining major big-camera features while reducing the camera's size, increasing its novelty and portability.

A compact camera that looks like a DSLR, handles like a DSLR-cum-compact, and delivers images a close second to a DSLR with physically larger sensor and lens. For the convenience factor alone many will consider the G3 a “compromise” worth making and be more than happy with the results.

Once again specialist action and low light shooters will be better served by a traditional DSLR, but everyone else should look very closely at the G3. It's one of the most enjoyable cameras I've used and sets the standard for viewfinder-equipped 'EVIL' cameras.

Panasonic appears to have a winner on its hands. The Panasonic G3 manages to combine the best elements of the G2 and GF2 and as a result is a camera that is likely to find favour with many enthusiasts, especially those who like street and reportage photography.

The Lumix DMC-G3 is the most well-rounded Panasonic compact system camera to date, offering a great mix of cutting-edge features, improved image quality, intuitive and customisable handling, and a very competitive price.