Red Dot Photo Review - Panasonic Lumix GH2

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The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 is a new Micro Four Thirds compact system camera with a 16 megapixel multi-aspect Live CMOS sensor capable of Full 1080p HD video with continuous autofocus at variable frame rates, including cine standard 24fps.

Successor to the DMC-GH1 model, the Panasonic Lumix GH2 also brings the following great features:

• Extremely fast contrast-detection autofocus
• Touchscreen control system with touch-based functions like Touch AF/AE and Touch Shutter
• Fast 60fps Live View
• Multi-aspect electronic viewfinder
• 3-inch swivel and tilt LCD screen
• Optical Image Stabilisation to help combat camera-shake
• ISO range of 160-12800
• Supersonic Wave Filter to remove unwanted dust
• Capable of 3D photos/movies (using 3D lens created by Panasonic)

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 comes in either black or two-tone black/grey.

In this review, we will be using the 14mm F2.5 pancake lens. This lens is well built feel with a metal mount.

Below are some sample photos that were shot for this review using the constant ISO 200.


click on the picture to view it.

As evident from the sample photos, the lens is at it's sharpest at F/5.6.

Next up for review is the GH2 camera body. The GH2 uses EVF (electronic view finder) and it is very small and light.

It is very easy to carry around as an everyday use camera.

It is able to shoot in 3D with the 3D lens from Panasonic. It comes with a 3" touch-screen LCD and has an ISO range of 160-12800.

The unique feature of the camera is its touch-screen capabilities - AF/AE and shutter can be controlled by touch.

The GH2 also has AF tracking which makes it easier for users to track fast moving subjects.

It also supports video taking with stereo sound and can record AVCHD videos of 1080i and 720p.

The GH2 is very easy to use as there is a quick menu containing most of the commonly used settings. The touch screen makes it even easier to access and use the quick menu.

Below we have sample photos of the ISO range in 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400 and 12800.


click on the picture to view it.

The ISO performance is good compared to it's other competitors.

There is a workable range of 160- 3200 where quality is acceptable.

However photos taken above ISO 6400 - 12800 shows loss of detail with the introduction of significant digital noise & grain.

Conclusion/Ratings

Pros

• Small and Light
• Full HD movies with stereo sound recording
• AF tracking
• Touch based functions
• Quick menu
• Able to shoot and display 3D photos/videos
• Realistic colors
• Mic/shutter jack

Cons

• The metering and AF control dial is quite small
• Adjusting the shutter speed and aperture can be slightly confusing.

RATINGS

Design - 5/5
Features - 5/5
Ease-of-use - 4/5
Image Quality - 4.5/5
Value for money - 4.5/5

Overall - 4.6/5