Pelao,
Thanks for the link. I enjoyed reading your impressions. From what little I've been able to read from other sources, I thought, and hoped, that using the touch screen was optional. The touch screen doesn't appeal to me that much, though I can imagine it might come in handy for shooting macro or video.
I also agree with you about the GF2 going in the wrong direction. The GF2 was a disappointment.
The G3 does seem like a contender though, and I look forward to seeing detailed reviews as they become available, and even better, getting my hands on one to try out. But a GF3 with better manual controls would really do it for me. So many compromises!
Yes - the compromises! I wanted my GF! with a built-in VF and a better sensor.
But I have been working through in my mind how I shoot, and whether or not the G3 compromises are really a big deal in likely actual use. I usually shoot in A Priority. I sometimes change ISO, though I often leave it on auto with a max of 800. What I do change a lot are aperture and exp comp (I love having a live histogram tucked in the corner).
On the G3 the ISO button works as before. So do aperture and compensation. AE lock can be assigned to the top Fn button.
What I would miss is being able to see, for example, the drive mode at a glance because it no longer has a physical control. In reality though, a quick glance at screen or VF will tell me the current setting.
What I gain is a first-class built-in VF (which I really wanted) and an articulating screen for shooting flexibility. Oh yes - what appears to be a better sensor.
I really need to read more reviews too, and hear more about the RAW files. In particular I really hope there are field reviews from real photographers to read alongside the nerdy (but useful in some ways) lab reviews.
I think if I had not actually held it, and had that 20 minutes with it, I would be pretty neutral from the pictures and previews. Most reviewers underplayed the loss of physical controls on the GF2. They just did not get it. They are taking a similar tone on the G3, but in this case the main dial remains, and there are two fully programmable Fn buttons.
Of course, I also need to play with the camera some more.
