Lovin' my GH3 but...

as it always seems to happens when I get a camera (or a haircut), it rains, snows, we get strong winds etc...)

Just a few things I like to point and nothing perhaps others don't already know. I love the external button selection. The ones I want are where I want them and plenty of function buttons to move things around.  If you're used the Panny menu system you'll find your way pretty quick. I definitely welcome the slightly heavier/larger body. I had other GH cameras and always found them a tad too small/light for my liking. I don't like using camera straps preferring to hold my cameras in my right hand and walking around especially shooting events, as I often accidentally pressed other buttons by mistake. The thumb rest behind the camera is large enough so that doesn't happen for me anymore.

No camera compares to it in terms of video choices and thankfully I can choose different selections (.mov, MP4) and I can ignore AVCHD...yay! (if you work with a Mac, this is awersome) The lowest slo mo rate which is 40% is just the right speed for me when I want something slowed down and unlike my FZ200, I can AF focus and zoom with the GH3 in HD instead of the FZ200's limited 720P where you can't autofocus during filming. If any of you have a Rode directional mic the input jack fits right in without an adapter.

As an aside I did a music video with the FZ200 a few weeks ago should someone want to check it out. It was the first time I was the first time I ever did a video as I write songs and do all the instruments and my friend does the vocals etc..I work for an agency that offers a variety of services for troubled youth in our city and this was what I did for an eventual awareness piece. Hope you like it:)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBv5xmSfRHM

Slow motion can also be selected at 48% and 80% (i.e. faster slo mo) but also allows you to speed up video as well. Although the video on the FZ200 is good, it doesn't match low light performance of the GH3 and the FZ200 allows for only one slow speed. I do have a quick link of mundane clips I took sitting in traffic etc.. and had hoped to get decent outdoor shots and movies but the weather has not been on my side.  BTW, if the video skips or stutters, it's Youtube not the camera. I've panned the camera and I'm not getting any rolling shutter...sweeeeet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVpB1UxyoWo

I realize the camera will attract the video enthusiasts but the images are very nice. Like any Panny camera, the question is about what NR and others settings should be at to get the best jpg image quality and I typically turn the NR down and I think this is wise, especially since it gives you fine grain at high ISOs. As for shooting RAW, haven't done that yet as I don't see a Photoshop plug-iny for the GH3 at this time. I'm happy with the JPGs anyways, although I prefer RAW shooting at events.

The one gripe I've experienced is the remote control Wi-Fi with the Ipad. If you shoot video, you can activate the GH3 with your Iphone/pad but you have to stop the video via the camera's video button...not sure why that is, but it sucks and find it annoying. But as is often the case, China comes to the rescue and I'm using a cheap remote to get the job done. BTW, I can't seen to find a spare battery in Canada at this time. If anyone knows where I can score one, please let me know ok? Here's a few shots I've been able to do for now with the 14-140.

ISO 1250

http://www.pbase.com/annefromgatineau/image/147689786/original.jpg

ISO 400

http://www.pbase.com/annefromgatineau/image/147758170/original.jpg

ISO 2500

http://www.pbase.com/annefromgatineau/image/147758570/original.jpg

ISO 2500

http://www.pbase.com/annefromgatineau/image/147758571/original.jpg

ISO 6400

http://www.pbase.com/annefromgatineau/image/147758572/original.jpg