The latest in Panasonic's compact interchangeable lens camera line is the Lumix DMC-G3. Released just about a year after its predecessor, the G2, this new model touts an upgrade in image resolution (16 megapixels instead of 12) and ISO sensitivity; the G3 contains a Venus Engine FHD and is advertised to suppress granular distortion by 66 percent when using high ISO speeds.

Manual control over focus has also been improved with the manual assist and AF + MF focus modes. Images can be in low-light settings up to ISO 6400.

Also new to this camera is a 3-inch LCD touch control screen, which can be used for autofocus tracking and pinpoint AF (determines focal point when you touch the screen). The G3 utilizes the new iA Plus mode that allows users to more quickly access all of the iA features (intelligent resolution, ISO control and scene selector) with the press of a single button and touch-screen adjustment bar.

Like most SLRs, this camera possesses features such as a viewfinder, hot shoe, built-in flash and full 1080p HD video recording capabilities — even in its compact format.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 is available in black, red, white and brown and comes in a kit with the 14-42mm zoom lens for $699.