Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 Hands-on Preview

September 2012 | By Amadou Diallo

Preview based on a pre-production DMC-GH3
Image quality tests based on a production DMC-GH3 running Firmware 1.00

Since the introduction of the Lumix DMC-GH1 back in 2009, the GH-series' place in Panasonic's Lumix lineup has been clear; a flagship stills and video model designed for enthusiasts who demand a well-handling, responsive and customizable camera with all the latest technology the company has to offer. The goal was to show that a camera did not need to be the size of a DSLR to perform like one. The enthusiastic and largely unanticipated response to the GH2's movie capabilities by working videographers (Google 'GH2 video hack' to get an idea for how keenly its capabilities are being exploited) has meant that Panasonic must now also consider that its camera is being integrated into professional video rigs.

With the announcement of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3, the quest to offer a smaller-than-a-DSLR alternative has shifted noticeably to one that seeks to maintain its appeal to video professionals and stills photographers for whom small size is easily trumped by accessible manual camera controls, expandability and durability. If that sounds like a description of a DSLR user, we suspect it does to Panasonic as well. The GH3 is the company's largest Micro Four Thirds camera yet, with dimensions that essentially match those of the APS-C Sony SLT-A65.

The GH3 gains a weather sealed (dust/splash proof) magnesium alloy body which now gives Panasonic a camera body to match their moisture- and dust-sealed G X Vario 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH lens and G X Vario 35-100mm F2.8 ASPH fast zooms. Additional highlights include 6 fps shooting (or 4fps with updating live view) and five customizable function buttons. While the camera's still image resolution remains at 16MP, the GH3 has a new Live MOS sensor, three-core Venus 7 FHD processing engine and a new low pass filter. Panasonic claims improvements in high ISO shadow detail, color reproduction and white balance over its predecessor. The GH3 also offers in-camera HDR and multiple exposure image modes, as well as Wi-Fi connectivity that Panasonic hopes to leverage with its remote triggering and image transfer apps for iOS and Android phones. One thing the GH3 loses, however, is the multi-aspect ratio sensor size found on its predecessor, with 3:2 and 16:9 format images being a crop from the camera's 4:3 ratio chip.

There are pro-focused additions to the GH3's video capabilities, with timecode-supported broadcast quality video that is capable of bit rates as high as 72Mbps (for 1080p24). Video pros may want to re-read that last bit. Only the US $3500 Canon EOS 5D Mark III offers higher bit rates and Panasonic suggests its compression might offer better quality. The GH3 gains the ability to shoot in MOV (h.264) format, freeing it from the restrictive frame- and bit-rates laid out in the AVCHD standard. This means the camera can capture files natively as 30p, as well as 60i. There is also the choice of All-I or IPB compression (more of which later in the preview), which Panasonic is hoping will further endear it to videographers currently using GH2s.

The GH3's new EVF is a 1.7 million dot OLED panel with a 16:9 ratio of 873 x 500 pixels. Panasonic lists a robust 1.34x magnification (equivalent to 0.67x on a full frame SLR), and says that because information is transmitted to the panel 8x faster than the GH2, the onscreen image will remain smooth and natural even while panning quickly across a scene. The rear display panel is a 3" 614k dot resolution OLED unit that, like that of its predecessor, is touch-sensitive. For both stills and video shooters looking to extend the camera's abilities, the GH3 offers a 3.5mm mic input (GH2 users had to resort to a 2.5 - 3.5mm adapter), headphone jack, PC sync socket and a new optional battery grip that attaches to base plate providing the option for additional power.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 key features

16MP Live MOS sensor with three-core Venus 7 FHD engine
Magnesium alloy body with weather sealing (dust and splash proof)
1.7 million dot 16:9 ratio OLED viewfinder
ISO 200-12800 (extended range of ISO 125-25600)
6 fps continuous shooting
AF speed of .07 seconds
614k dot 3" OLED rear screen
Full HD 60p/50p video with 30p/25p option
MOV (h.264), MP4 and AVCHD formats
Video bit rates of 50Mbps in IPB and 72Mbps in All-I compression modes
Timecode support in MOV(H.264) and AVCHD formats
3.5mm mic socket and headphone socket
Four channel wireless control for the optional DMW-FL360L external flash
PC socket
iOS and Android app control via Wi-Fi

Key differences from the DMC-GH2

Improved sensor and latest Venus image processor
Weather sealed magnesium alloy body
OLED EVF and rear display (versus LCD)
Capacitive touch screen (rather than pressure-sensitive)
60p video capture (versus 60i /30p)
72Mbps bit rate maximum (versus 24Mbps)
3.5mm mic socket (rather than 2.5mm)
Headphone socket
6 fps continuous shooting (versus 5)
Five custom Fn buttons (versus three) and a second control dial
Compatible with new DMW-BGGH3 battery grip
PC socket for external flash
Interval shooting
HDR and multiple exposure modes

Compared to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2

With the GH2 having gained such a strong following among enthusiasts and videographers, Panasonic has clearly prioritized external controls and accessory compatibility. As such, the GH3 is a noticeably more bulky camera than its predecessor, comparable in size to the Sony SLT-A57. As you'll see in the image below, control points have been redesigned and much of the camera's layout has been re-adjusted for the larger body.

The GH3 is both taller and wider than the GH2. Its more-prominent handgrip has a decidedly DSLR-like look-and-feel about it, and a texturized grip surface now wraps around the right edge of the front plate. The GH3 also gains a control dial just behind its shutter button and a flash sync port on the front. The AF assist light has been moved to a more sensible location where you're far less likely to inadvertently block it with your finger.


The GH3 has a 610k dot OLED side-hinged rear panel display. The taller shoulder of the GH3 allows for a significantly revised control layout. There is a 4-way control dial as well as a larger-circumference thumb dial. The movie record button now sits on the rear camera plate, alongside four of the GH3's five Fn buttons and a focus mode switch.

The GH3 has a wider, deeper handgrip much more like that of an actual DSLR. The mode dial on the left is now dedicated to drive mode, with the GH2's focus modes moved to the rear of the camera (and AF area options relegated to the touchscreen). Three buttons dedicated to white balance, ISO and exposure compensation lie in a row in front of a re-designed Fn button. Stereo mics now sit behind, rather than atop the built-in flash.

If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read the Digital Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help you understand some of the terms used).

Conclusion / Recommendation / Ratings are based on the opinion of the reviewer, you should read the ENTIRE review before coming to your own conclusions.

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DPReview calibrate their monitors using Color Vision OptiCal at the (fairly well accepted) PC normal gamma 2.2, this means that on our monitors we can make out the difference between all of the (computer generated) grayscale blocks below. We recommend to make the most of this review you should be able to see the difference (at least) between X,Y and Z and ideally A,B and C.

Comments

Total comments: 418

The GH3 is sill lighter than the Oly EM5 is it not?

Tks

Berni

0 upvotes

No. The GH2 and the E-M5 are almost exactly the same weight, and the GH3 is noticeably larger and likely much heavier (n.b. = although the GH2 is listed on dpr as 33g lighter, the E-M5 weight includes the battery, and the GH2 does not). And bulk-wise, the GH2 is almost TWICE the size of the E-M5 (124x90x76 vs. 122x89x43, respectively). The only reason they're a similar weight is because it's plastic vs. metal construction. Then factor in the Oly's ability to use lighter lenses at longer focal lengths, since the E-M5 has IBIS, and the package is ultimately even smaller (although admittedly only in the super-tele range, and then a difference one can certainly live with).

In sum, it looks from here like the GH3 must be both noticeably heavier than the E-M5 (especially with the weathersealing added), and at least 2.5 times the bulk of the E-M5.

Not that this means the GH3 is the wrong camera to get of the two, especially if you're shooting video. Just to make the size difference clear.

1 upvote

I see that the specs are posted here for the GH3, as well. The GH3 is noticeably heavier and 2.17 times the bulk of the E-M5. Here's the comparison:

GH3:
550g
133 x 93 x 82 mm

E-M5:
425g
122 x 89 x 43 mm

0 upvotes

It is NOT 2.17 times the bulk. That would mean 2.17 times the volume.

To compare 133x93x82 with 122x89x43 as a simple arithmetical calculation is ridiculous.

The two are as near as makes no difference the same size in two out of three dimensions. The GH3 is only significantly bigger front to back, and that because of the grip, which occupies but a quarter of the bodies width.

Apart from the bigger grip the two are as near as makes no difference the same size.

0 upvotes

I'm sorry, but this just isn't true. They are clearly nowhere near the same size. I have the E-M5, and a Canon T2i, as well. The Canon is easily twice the size of the E-M5, and it appears to be about the same size or a little smaller than the GH3 (and the exact same weight). But the E-M5 body is almost exactly the same size as the Panasonic GF3, which I had but returned. Only difference is the additional viewfinder hump, which takes it in one small spot in the middle from about 67mm to 89mm. And discounting the depth of the EVF on the E-M5 also brings the thing down to about 34mm thin. Both of these cameras have areas that protrude to give you these numbers, not just the GH3's grip. In fact, the GH3 has more body mass given over to these protruding areas that inflate the numbers, as it's not just the EVF but also that massive grip that stick out. It's quite clear that this GH3 is the size of a mid-sized DSLR, while the E-M5 is that of a large pocket camera, plus that EVF hump.

2 upvotes

I'm not saying it isn't bigger. But to say it's more than twice the size is just silly.

Look at the data you provided.

Weight goes up by about 25%. Volume (sorry, bulk) goes up by, according to you, +200%...........yeah, Im sure you're right ;~)

Does it really matter?

Can't believe you're going around measuring cameras to the nearest millimetre. Just go and use them instead.

It's a bigger camera. It's not a big camera. End of story.

1 upvote

No need to be rude about it. Yes, it's twice the size. Not twice the weight. It has a lot more plastic, while the OM-D is mostly metal. But yes, "bulk". I understand the definition of the word volume well. The reason I chose not to use it is because I'm not saying it would displace that amount of liquid. What I'm saying is the effective space it takes up is that size. Big protrusions matter if you're comparing cameras. The OM-D body actually fits easily in a front pants pocket. Have you ever tried to do that with a DSLR? The GH3 is the size of a mid-range DSLR.

As for "going around measuring cameras", mine was sitting next to me on the desk. The ruler was in a drawer. I didn't get up from my chair, & it took me all of about ten seconds. I take 100s of photos a day. Camera is getting plenty of use.

No, it doesn't matter much. But someone did suggest that the GH3 was smaller & lighter than the OM-D. So I cleared that up.

It looks great, but it IS a DSLR-sized camera. End of story.

0 upvotes

I finally figured out what makes a Micro Four-Thirder a Micro Four-Thirder:

(1) Cannot lift a camera body as heavy as an APS-C or FF 135 sensor digital camera.

(2) Cannot afford to buy a camera body as expensive as an APS-C or FF 135 sensor digital camera.

There must be a (3) there somewhere, give me a bit o' time to figure it out.

1 upvote

at the size and weight they have made it, if it had a FF sensor we would be all oooh and ahhhh, but unfortunately no, just another camera.

Comment edited 30 seconds after posting

1 upvote

Did I miss something? Wasn't the main advantage of a mirrorless small sensor camera the size and weight? This camera is larger than the D5100, in fact almost as large as the D7000, and it is as heavy as the D5100.

2 upvotes

if size is all you care, GF5 is still available!

0 upvotes

@Olyflyer. If you look at the weight of the body and lens combination the micro four thirds system is still significantly lighter. In terms of size, it actually isn't an issue as most of the micro four thirds cameras with even their kit lenses are not pocketable, except maybe the GF3/5 with the x kit lens. And the GH3 is ~90g heavier than GH2 with the weight of all the lenses remaining the same, so it doesn't add that much more weight.

0 upvotes

If you haven't seen the Bruce Logan (Director) and Philip Bloom (DP) short called Genesis, it's definitely worth checking out as the camera performs superbly and the crew did a superb job with it.

https://vimeo.com/49420579

And for a more informal, street shoot video done also done with the GH3 that also looks fantastic, see the next link.

https://vimeo.com/49420579

3 upvotes

Thanks for sharing!

0 upvotes

What you mean by the next link ? both links you entered are same!

0 upvotes

Link for "behind the scenes" of the Genesis video showing lighting and camera setup, people and locations.
https://vimeo.com/49500954

0 upvotes

Wow. VERY nicely done. This camera looks like a real beast in the videography department!

0 upvotes

"If you haven't seen the Bruce Logan (Director) and Philip Bloom (DP) short called Genesis, it's definitely worth checking out as the camera performs superbly and the crew did a superb job with it."

It looks like cra*p, you mean? Do'lt even bother with the super-ultra compressed mess on Vimeo. Unwatchable.

So, I downloaded and played out the "uncompressed" version of Bloom short, it's a little over 1/2 GB in size. It's up on the fil.io file hosting site for a free download.

Guess what: It still looked pretty bad. I guess that is what you get when you shoot in MPEG-4 AVC at 20Mbit/sec instead of 50Mbit IPB Interframe or 72Mbit Intraframe.

0 upvotes

I'm surprised there is not an audio in for remote mike and audio out for monitoring sound considering the cameras assumed video quality. Did I miss this in the specifications?

1 upvote

Read the specs once again...

The mike is now a 3.5mm socket, which is good and there is also a headphone socket which is also good.

1 upvote

Guys, it's "mic" not "mike"... :)

"Mic" is short for microphone.
"Mike" is a man's name - short for Michael.

- just saying...

2 upvotes

Tesselator, the proper abbreviation in English is "mike," phonetically. And if it is the first word in a sentence, you need to capitalize it.

"Mic" means nothing by itself.

Just sayin'....

0 upvotes

Nice addition to M43. It's going to be a video monster, and a very good still camera in one package (depending on sensor performance). It's like a mini 7D for M43 format.

Now M43 has a range of options from very small bodies and pancakes to larger setups for more serious photography/videography. The new lenses also make the lens catalogue robust, definitely the most mature among the mirrorless formats.

1 upvote

I think the burning questions that we have or would like to have confirmed by the DPR crew about the GH3 are if the sensor is a Panasonic or Sony sensor and is the GH3 sensor a multi-aspect sensor. If the sensor is not mult-aspect, why did they choose to remove that feature from the GH3 when it was a selling point for the GH1 and GH2?

1 upvote

Multi aspect sensors are bigger sensors than normal fourthird size. Bigger means they generate more temperature under operations (specially in video mode), more difficult and expensive to produce and tweek. The sensor is still bit more versatile, you may like to call it dual aspect as 1:1 and 4:3 are different aspects.

1 upvote

Already confirmed it with a Panasonic US higher up. No multi-aspect sensor, and the sensor is made by Panasonic, not Sony.

4 upvotes

Not that I don't believe you jambaj0e, but I wouldn't mind hearing a second source confirm that it is a Panasonic sensor. I'd prefer that it be a Panny sensor as that would mean more sensor makers out there competing with each other rather than everyone using one source. DPR, can you ask/confirm this is a Panasonic sensor?

I can live without the multi-aspect sensor, but other than the cost factor, I'm really not buying that they are that much more of a heat producer as the GH1 and GH2 didn't seem to have heat problems when other non multi aspect sensor makers cameras did.

0 upvotes

jambaj .. doesn't matter who you talked to! 1:1 clearly indicates its atleaast a dual aspect!

1 upvote

its just a 4:3 aspect. 1:1 resolution is 3456x3456. 4:3 resolution is 4608 x 3456. The same height. you must only be looking at "other resolutions" and missing "max resolution"

1 upvote

LOL! Yes you are right Mattoid, I was only looking at "Other resolutions" .. my bad!
Thanks for correcting me!

0 upvotes

Nothing needs to get confirmed. Just looks the specification on Panasonic's page and you will know it doesn't have a multi-aspect sensor.

0 upvotes

@Button Could be any reason, why predecessor had no heating issue.. Sony had these problems
.. so as a normal law of physics ..
bigger sensors generates more heat .. period!

0 upvotes

On official GH3 Catalog Pany saying,

http://www.lumixlifestyle.co.uk/wp-content/themes/lumixlifestyle/images/gh3-showcase/gh3_catalog_photokina.pdf
Page 17

"Original Heat-Dispersing Design
Right from the design stage, the DMC-GH3 pursued a hybrid
structure for still and video
images. A heat-dispersing
design was used to enhance
video shooting and enable
extended recording of highquality
images."

So probably its part of that origional design, they didnt allowed multi aspect sensor! as the sensor is still bigger than 16MP, they could have possibly stretch the view to different corners! Speically when they have already done it in GH1 and 2!

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

It is a Panasonic sensor, definitely. Panasonic had ordered it and bought it from Sony, so now it's a Panasonic sensor through and through, see?

0 upvotes

I am looking forward to handling this camera and reading the DP review. It looks great.

2 upvotes

I'm a pro Canon shooter heavily invested in the EOS system (since mid-90s), and have recently bought into the entry-level end of m43 to test the waters for more compact gear to use for personal and/or less critical pro work. So I got an EPL1 and some pancake lenses, and can see myself upgrading to high-end m43 gear for those jobs in which the benefits of lighter gear outweigh the image quality from FF or 1.6x crop bodies. So imagine my excitement when I saw this GH3 preview. Until I saw how big it is!

It's the same/size weight as the Canon T3i, which for someone like me, would be a preferable option for a light weight body since I have lenses for it already. I won't be getting a T3i (due to lack of rear dial and size), and I won't be getting this GH3 either (due to size). Maybe a used GH2 or an OMD is in my future. Or wait for the GH4.

2 upvotes

You may like G5 if you like GH2 size. OMD got excellent sensor but it comes with some compromises on handeling, in my opinion, but then no camera is perfect, and handeling is very subjective.

Canon T3i may use your bigger FF lenses, but the experience is completely different. And then you can use your E-PL1 lenses on Pany too.

IMO the decision factor should really be on the basis of how you like the OVF vs EVF. Fast Continuous Live View and other extensive featureset and controls GH3 offers.

0 upvotes

Why don't you add lenses to your calculations? Their f/2.8 glass is 2x+ times lighter and more compact than corresponding Canon lenses even at f/4.

I, for one, is so tired of carrying kgs of gear in wilderness expeditions, that I finally decided to part ways with my old 5D and 9 L lens. And I want proper video with fast AF too.

I was waiting 7 years for the ultimate light and compact photo/video camera with high grade lenses. GH3 and their f/2.8 glass make me VERY happy!

1 upvote

I have an inside guy pretty high up in Panasonic USA, and here are the specs that he confirmed:

Sensor is NOT multi-aspect
Sensor is made by Panasonic, not Sony
HDMI output to ext recorder is clean, uncompressed
No focus peaking
Third wheel dial on the back, bottom right can be programmed to various adjustments for stills/movie

5 upvotes

all good news .. thanks for sharing
but i guess the sensor IS Multi-Aspect, not as versatile as predecessors but still, you can get bit of a hieght if you chose 1:1 3456x3456 over standard 4:3 4608x3072.
Its shame that wider aspect ratios are just crops!

Not Sony Sensor!? I am happy even if that means lower DR than OM-D. Pany will be probably the last to adopt Sony, and that's how it should be, to give more options and competition. Like innovation in Fuji, Pany and Sigma sensors, even if the IQ doesnt match top end Sony in some regards.

HDMI clean video capture is a welcome adition.

With fastest CAF is it really that important to add yet another MF mode (Focus peaking)?

0 upvotes

>With fastest CAF is it really that important to add yet another MF mode (Focus peaking)?

F. YES

1 upvote

@Naveed: Sorry, despite dpreview's crazy claim that it is multi-aspect (presumably sloppily copied and pasted from their GH2 review and since removed), this GH3 does NOT appear to be multi-aspect. (You have your numbers wrong in your comment above.)

The standard 4:3 is 4608x3456. 3:2 is 4608x3072. 1:1 mode is 3456x3456. The different radios are simply crops of the 4:3 image size. Bummer.

Comment edited 25 seconds after posting

1 upvote

Yes Joe, you right .. I was only looking in "Other resolutions"
Cheers!

0 upvotes

Disappointing... :(

0 upvotes

I am very very sorry to see Panasonic has chosen to make the GH-3 larger. My main motivation for moving to M43 was to lose the big clunkers made by Canon and Nikon. Most of my shooting is done backpacking and cycling, so size matters.

Another motivation for dumping my Canon gear was the superior video capabilities of the (hacked) GH-2. Now I'm, once again, faced with lugging an oversized camera in order to get the upgraded video capabilities. And, for all the "bigger is better" folks, I do have large hands and do just fine with small cameras.

One small compensation is that the m4/3 lenses (and the manual focus Nikkors I use) remain small.

3 upvotes

I wonder if it have silent option as G5 ?

0 upvotes

I guess it got electronic shutter!

0 upvotes

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/panasonic-gh3/panasonic-gh3A.HTM

Shutter speeds for still imaging range from 1/4,000 to 60 seconds, plus Bulb. As well as a mechanical shutter, the GH3 provides an electronic shutter function.

0 upvotes

As a GH1 user who's looking to upgrade, the deciding factor for me would be the price of the body only. If they keep it at around 900, it would cool. If they go into the 1300-1400 US$, I would look at other brands.

Although the GH3 seems to be offering a great deal of new features for the videographers, I am not convinced it's a better stills camera. And with the larger body, why not offer a 3.2" screen, instead of the 3.

Bottom line is that, for stills, the larger the sensor the better and M43 have that working against them. Although some indie filmmakers like to work with the GH and it's understandable, I don't know a single pro photographer who would shoot with it.

1 upvote

A very good assesment.

I wrote about the same concerns before the official launch, when I saw the leaked photo of hefty GH3. You can really compare it with recent D600 Nikon or 60D Canon in size, roughly and price is reaching there too.

Have a look on the article where I tried to compare FF with m43
http://www.seriouscompacts.com/f2/merging-system-bounderies-fullframe-d600-fourthird-gh3-12646/

0 upvotes

The dpreview team seems to be really competent these days, they removed the multi-aspect sensor part from their amazing preview. lol

1 upvote

i guess the sensor IS Multi-Aspect, not as versatile as predecessors but still, you can get bit of a hieght if you chose 1:1 3456x3456 over standard 4:3 4608x3072.
Its shame that wider aspect ratios are just crops of 4:3
Probably they did it purposly to avoid reaching some of the very soft edges of the lens or maybe the sensor is not big enough!

Still something is better than nothing!

0 upvotes

Ummm...4:3 is 4608 x 3456. Your numbers are 3:2. All ratios are crops from 4:3

Pete

0 upvotes

You right mate :(

0 upvotes

How does mirror less compare to Sonys slt tech??

0 upvotes

Very close. Just SLT doesnt need special lens design and you can use pretty much everything that Sony or Minolta ever made with AF.

Noise performance should be better with 16 mpix Sonys. But OM-D is pretty close. 24 mpix isnt much comparable.

Well and these mirrorless are smaller and lighter, as are most mirrorless cams. Even tho in case of GH3 is just "lighter" than smaller. But thats actually advantage. Miniaturization of this stuff isnt good thing.. We dont grow smaller fingers. Even old G1 was sorta pain to handle, not mentioning super-small G3. GH3 is pretty much about right size. And it should balance new lens nicely and even old 4/3 lens should be managable on that.

Comment edited 18 seconds after posting

2 upvotes

I must say its much better. It transfer all the light to the sensor. CAF is more accurate and native lens collection is so big, you really dont need to use bigger legacy lenses.

OMD carries Sony sensor and is giving much better results than any APSC I know, which is available in both ISO and DR grounds.

Then in videos m43 smaller sensor is playing clear advantage. You can use them for extended period without getting hot and halt!

The bigger sensor on SLT with light restricting mirror infront of them are taking away the bigger sensor advantage.

0 upvotes

They seem to have crackes the ergos at last....

0 upvotes

The sensor stats in the specification are surprisingly similar to the E-M5's...

Comment edited 35 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

Its quite close, but GX1 sensor is much closer to E-M5. Performance too, even tho most ppl just ignore GX1 after E-M5.

This should be multi-aspect, but its not sure (thats why it has 17 mpix and 16 mpix effective).

0 upvotes

Wow, I can't believe they completely f*cked up the ergonomics on this one. Idiots.

0 upvotes

Completely? Care to give an example?

Looks OK to me, although the thumb ridge may bring the FN2 button into accidental contact.

1 upvote

Ergo are perfectly fine on this camera. Some may not like its looks, but thats subjective!

1 upvote

Edit: missed a bit.
Good camera, rather big, maybe a bit ugly and doesn't seem to offer more for stills photographers.
For video? Brilliant!

Comment edited 3 minutes after posting

2 upvotes

Thoughts? existing GH2 users, will you upgrade?!

0 upvotes

Definitely unless Olympus brings out modern ergonomical design high end body in coming months instead of The Flintstones show era's analog mechanical limitations.

Below even entry level DSLR ergonomics and controls are GH2's biggest design flaws.

2 upvotes

I am more likely to upgrade to Olympus' OM-D E-M5 as most of the lenses I use are without IS, and so the IBIS will make a huge difference. I actually don't use the video function of the GH2 - I got it because it was, at the time I bought it, the G body showing the best low ISO image quality, and I liked the ergonomics of it after having owned the almost identical G1. The OM-D seems slightly less ergonomic to me, but the IBIS will make up for that many times over.
The GH3 looks huge to me - aren't they passing into entry-level APS-C territory now with the body size? I don't think that's a good thing as portability due to smaller bulk and weight is what M43 is all about, and though your lenses will be smaller, a bigger body starts negating the benefits of the smaller format, and some would-be M43 buyers might even get the much smaller Sony RX-1.

3 upvotes

I'm on the fence...I will wait for a more full review with a production model that is "cosmetically finished". I was hoping for something the same size or slightly smaller than the GH2. So if it is bigger, it better pack a bigger punch. I do like the live monitoring for the mic though

2 upvotes

I am GH1 user, I didnt upgraded with GH2 and will only upgrade to GH3 after seeing its sensor performance and quality, most importantly in DR and ISO below 1600. Even if it will match OMD, I am sold. Featureset is impressive, but am not keen/ desperate!

2 upvotes

Can't afford to.
Seems like an impressive upgrade though.

0 upvotes

No multi-aspect sensor, one of the best things about the GH2. It's not only left out, but DPR doesn't even mention it.

0 upvotes

Look at the square AR dimensions!!

2 upvotes

Wasn't the main selling point of m43 the small size? After looking at this camera, you might as well buy a DSLR like a Nikon D3200 or Canon 650D.

1 upvote

There are lots of other body styles available too if you think this one is too big, and you also need to consider lens size.

2 upvotes

With that logic you should be complaining to Canon and Nikon that their same size entry level DSLRs have worser controls and less ergonomical grip than GH3.

1 upvote

M43 lenses are much smaller. 90% of the weight f my bag is lenses, not the body...

In my view, a camera is either pocketable (like my E-PM1, which I shall be replacing with an E-PM2), or it isn't, like my old D3 and new OM-D. If it isn't pocketable, then the size is not an issue. The size of a full set of lenses IS an issue however.

9 upvotes

Size and weight. GH3 is pretty lightweight. And if you want pocketable camera, you want GX1 not this. :)

You might buy dSLR, but they will be 1) much heavier 2) have much bigger and heavier lens. Besides 650D and D3200 are not really worth it.. if you want good dSLR you need to aim much higher.

1 upvote

And, HELLO!, do none of you shoot in imperfect conditions? THIS one is WEATHERIZED!

2 upvotes

If I really have to switch to DSLR, I wont consider crap cropped compromised APSC. I may think about FF!

http://www.seriouscompacts.com/f2/merging-system-bounderies-fullframe-d600-fourthird-gh3-12646/

0 upvotes

Hello, please correct me if I'm wrong:

- no more multi aspect aspect ratio sensor
- no mention on minimum shutter speed option in auto ISO
- no mention on zebra and/or some kind of realtime liveview highlight clipping
- no mention on focus peaking
Any comment is welcome.

0 upvotes

Hello, please correct me if I'm wrong:

- no more multi aspect aspect ratio sensor

This is not clear. The specs indicate it is not multi-aspect. Dpreview claims it is.

- no mention on minimum shutter speed option in auto ISO

There is no selectable minimum shutter speed for auto ISO and it only goes up to ISO 3200.

- no mention on zebra and/or some kind of realtime liveview highlight clipping

I think the GH2 had this and I suspect it might still be in the GH3.

- no mention on focus peaking
No focus peaking didn't make it into the camera in the end.

Any comment is welcome. Your Welecome

Comment edited 25 seconds after posting

1 upvote

Thanks for the answer,
I have checked the specs on the panasonic.co.uk website
http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_GB/Products/LUMIX+Digital+Cameras/LUMIX+G+Compact+System+Cameras/DMC-GH3/Specification/10546806/index.html?trackInfo=true
and definitely there is NOT more the multi aspect:
"
Still Image:
[4:3] 4608x3456(L) / 3264x2448(M) / 2336x1752(S) / 1824x1368 (with 3D lens in Micro Four Thirds System standard) / [3:2] 4608x3072(L) / 3264x2176(M) / 2336x1560(S) / 1824x1216 (with 3D lens in Micro Four Thirds System standard) / [16:9] 4608x2592(L) / 3264x1840(M) / 1920x1080(S) / 1824x1024 (with 3D lens in Micro Four Thirds System standard) / [1:1] 3456x3456(L) / 2448x2448(M) / 1744x1744(S) / 1712x1712 (with 3D lens in Micro Four Thirds System standard)
"

3:2 16:9 and 1:1 are cropped from 4:3

so DPR seems to be wrong on this,
and too much announcements:
there were a lot of errors today in the previews so I'm not surprised...

Comment edited 3 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

No minimum shutter speed in auto iso is a real shame in recent bodies!
It's a zero-time firmware feature to enable, there is nothing to develop, it needs only to add a menu entry with custom multiplier for the shutter value in the auto ISO routine.
Very disappointed...

0 upvotes

It will be most likely hackable as any other Panasonic camera. :D

0 upvotes

Wrong Nero!

1:1 is not cropped of 4:3, rest are.. please double check if you like!

1 upvote

Sorry Nero .. :)) you were right ... my bad!

0 upvotes

I love everything about the GH3 except the price and the compact sensor in a mid size camera.
Compared to the Sony A77 with 16-55 f2.8 - The GH3 has a smaller sensor (size and pixels) and the same size body. And it costs a lot more with the G X 12-35 f2.8 lens. Thanks for pushing the price of the Sony A77 down so I can afford it now. I don't do profesional film shooting.

Comment edited 20 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

Ummmmmmmmmm...

- A77 - 732g with batt and card
- GH3 - 550g with batt and card

- A77 + 16-50/f2.8 - 1309g
- GH3 + 12-35/f2.8 - 855g

How is that even vaguely the same size?

3 upvotes

Size is hardly same as A77's when both width and height are 1cm smaller.
Further weight is 25% lower than that of A77 and with more lenses in bag difference in total weight becomes fast noticeable.

Again prices of all new things are always higher than year after release.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

2 upvotes

I would have preferred they kept the smaller body but I guess the Gx series can stay with the small body. Always seemed to be a lot of overlap between the GHx and Gx series, I suppose the GH series is more 'professional' with better ergonomics on a bigger body.

1 upvote

nickthetasmaniac...you put numbers about weight and then you talk about size? what's wrong with you man?

But yes, the GH3 is still light given it's size.

1 upvote

An excellently specified camera with some good fast lenses available for it, and I can understand why they made it bigger. But still a four-thirds camera and all that entails in a package the size of an APS-C DSLR is too big. The main reason I might go four-thirds is compact size, but the more compact-size models available aren't as well specified as this semi-pro model.

0 upvotes

Entry level DSLRs have at least same size but worser controls and ergonomics.
So if anything you should be complaining to Canon and Nikon instead of Panasonic for providing digital age tech camera which actually challenges DSLRs in controls and ergonomics.
Especially when SLR brands force you to get even bigger body if you want controls and ergonomical grip.

2 upvotes

> but the more compact-size models available aren't as well specified as this semi-pro model.

If you do not need video, then E-M5 is the pick. It is more compact and very well spec'ed.

Not everybody has small hands. Nor everybody is comfortable with the shallow two-three finger grip.

GH3 fills IMO important niche of a large m43 camera body. (OK, how well it fills it is yet to be "reviewed.")

Even more so, many of the entry level DSLRs have rather terrible ergonomics - small grip, crammed controls - needlessly traded for (the marketing fad of) compact dimensions. They work OK with kit lenses. But attaching any larger/heavier lens, results in unbalanced and unsteady camera/lens combination.

1 upvote

Interesting specs and control features. Price should not be an issue for people who absolutely need the high bitrate video codecs and so on. After all, the cost of the camera is only a wee, tiny, itty-bitty, puny fraction of the cost of the promotional videos now appearing.

However, for non-olympians who grovel below the fabled heights, have bills to pay, and haven't the time, budget, or considerable array of complementary equipment for commercial productions, none of the extras are worth the cost or trouble. Uncompressed live video capture is about as sensible for the hobbyist or prosumer as spending a comparable sum to have an arc welding machine in the home garage, Formula 1 tires on the Camry.

However, to read about the GH3 has a salutory sobering effect. Suddenly, one realizes that there are simple, saner alternatives. It will also be good if the passion of some to "upgrade" prompts low prices for second-hand or new GH2s, GX1s, G5s, and other fine brands and models.

4 upvotes

Just have to say that your second paragraph is both funny and poetic. I don't often say this about random comments, but very well written!

2 upvotes

Yes but the other fine brands and models within Pany are not as satisfying :(

2 upvotes

The only reason to go with big camera and small sensor is profit margin, since sensor cost ramps up exponentially as size goes up.

Kudos to Sony for going with bigger sensors in smaller bodies, in stead of the other way around.

1 upvote

For smaller bodies Panasonic has GF series. As well as Sony offers bulkier A-mount bodies

4 upvotes

Sales and production volume reduce sensor expenses to a tiny fraction of unit costs The NEX6 or a57 cameras, with APS-C sensors, are relatively inexpensive. GH13 production volumes are likely to be small, so prices must be high to cover the cost of design and production of the custom elements. A larger sensor would not have a critical difference, cost-wise, but be incompatible with the lenses and increase the moie, heat, and rolling shutter problems with the video.

4 upvotes

err...it's the same size as an APS--C SLR camera but with a small M43 sensor - might as well get a proper camera then.

3 upvotes

with proper optics in hand (equiv. 24-70/2.8 & 70-200/2.8) this gem IS a proper camera, isn't it? :)

Comment edited 20 seconds after posting

6 upvotes

Name ONE APS-C body that features this level of manual control and build quality/sealing and weighs just 470g body-only, or more to the point, weighs 870g with body, card AND a 12-35/f2.8...

12 upvotes

I've taken very proper images with my OM-D. APS-C is not that much bigger to give much higher IQ.

0 upvotes

Micky how big is the sensor in your APS-C is? :))

0 upvotes

Don't feed the Trolls.

0 upvotes

Actually very surprised, this camera seems to be much more targeted at still photographers than video photographers. I think the compression options are worse than the hacked GH2. H.264 is not as efficient and All-I is glorified motion JPEG.

I'm not sure what they will think of the size either, this thing is HUGE. I was seeing people put GH2s on remote helicopter rigging, the added weight and size would definitely effect that.

1 upvote

Very good points. However, weight is not that much increased from GH2, the size is considerably larger. However the overal height is still comparable, its the right shoulder that got higher and overal width. But I personally don't mind this stretch, if it performs well and it does clearly handle better!

0 upvotes

Nice camera and specs its going to sell very well once people get over the vapor's on the size I think its a well thought out package.
It's about the same size as the T3i. ( Not so high though)

GH3 = 133 x 93 x 82 mm
T3I = 133.1 x 99.5 x 79.7 mm

Bigger will be better for the more pro video lenses. Add grip and you have a nice size package. ( Excluding Lilliput Nationals)

Comment edited 14 minutes after posting

3 upvotes

>> However, weight is not that much increased from GH2, the size is considerably larger.

GH3 vs GH2,
Width: 7% more (133 vs 124 mm)
Weight: 25% heavier (550 vs 444 g)

0 upvotes

Stop lying, Bradley!
AVCHD is nothing more than overhyped specification for image quality limiting low bitrate subset of H.264 compression.
GH2's worst video quality problems solved by hacks were caused precisely by it using AVCHD specification!

And decades old JPEG has lower compression efficiency than newer compressions like H.264:
http://sonnati.wordpress.com/2010/10/19/h-264-for-image-compression/
Sure normal consumer doesn't do anything with intra-frame encoding because of it storing lots of redundant data but for professional video shooters inter-frame compressions are problem for heavier editing work.

2 upvotes

Esa, you may have a different opinion or different information to contribute, but that doesn't give you an excuse to accuse someone of lying.

2 upvotes

The product shots are less than inspiring showcasing scuffs and finger prints. I'm surprised Panasonic would let these fly as they raise doubts for potential customers about the surfaces on the camera.

0 upvotes

I also noticed that, but actually I am happy seing these scruffs, as it tells me DPR really tested this camera well before launching this preview, in other words it gives confidence that its not a photo stolen from some camera rumor/leak website :))

1 upvote

Also note that DPR say that the handgrip is not in the final material in their footnotes to the "main" photos of the camera. I wouldn't worry about it. I expect the final grip will be some kind of textured rubber, much like the GH2.

0 upvotes

You can see the texture difference on the rubber on the grip side (smooth) and the opposite side (textured). Definitely not final production grade.

0 upvotes

I think it still begs the question about allowing so-so quality samples of the fit/finish to be the first thing we see. I'm cool with it but it does make me wonder if Panasonic was even close to being ready for this unveiling. Sloppy work is usually due to either not caring or being desperate to beat a deadline.

0 upvotes

Read the text above the image of the camera:

"Note that this pre-production unit of the GH3 is not a cosmetically-finished version."

1 upvote

Well on the Pany website you should be able to see the finished product atleast! this probably is to give DPR good enough time to play with it before the release!

0 upvotes

The big number for videographers is 80 mbps. Clearly Panasonic is aware of many of the Vitaly hacks, many of which give similar high bit-rates to previous Panasonic cameras (GH2, GF2, etc). Having seen Philip Bloom's GH3 impressive film it's clear that this camera will be extremely attractive to many videographers who don't have the budget for a RED, C300 or FS700 based production.

One of the first Panasonic cameras other than the LX7 to offer 1080p60. This give the GH3 an awful lot of frame rate options and allows it to compete with Sony's offerings.

The design? Clearly Panasonic knew that one criticism of the GH2 was that it didn't look like and wasn't made like a serious professional photographic tool.

2 upvotes

80mbps in All-I compression isn't even close to the quality the hacked GH2s were pushing out, they were using AVCHD which is more heavily compressed and they were running over 100mps

1 upvote

Agree bradley .. but pushing the limit is a hackers aim. Officially supported settings came from loads of testing that make sure the reliability and stability of the system is not compromised. 80 mbps officially supported by conservative Pany means a lot to me. Hackers still got some scope here, but as a general user, I am not pushed this time to crack my firmware.

0 upvotes

@bradleyg5 Both the hacked and non-hacked GH2 uses AVCHD. And there is not only one hack. The Driftwood Orion hack, which is a popular modified Vitaliy hack produced 77 mbps. The others that had even higher bit-rates were also less stable, and featured larger file sizes. So there is always a trade-off. A stable 80 mbps all I-Frame is a great compromise and a big improvement over the GH2's 28 mbps out of the box.

2 upvotes

Yes, the hacked GH2 may sound equal or better than stock GH3. But who says there will be no hacks for GH3? :) I doubt Panasonic's engineers with the stock firmware have exceeded the potential of hardware - usually there's so much more such products are capable of.

Comment edited 5 minutes after posting

1 upvote

I hope Panasonic remembers that the hacking community is one of the biggest reasons on why the GH2 has lasted so long in the face of so many competitors.

If the GH3 comes firmware encrypted it won't matter how much better the new camera is, many will just keep their GH2's.

0 upvotes

If max resolution = 4608 x 3456 (4:3 ratio), then Effective pixels

= 4608 x 3456 = 15 925 248 Pixels = 15 925 248/1024/1024 = 15.1875 MegaPixel.

For 3:2 ratio max resolution = 4608x3072 = 14.156 MegaPixels
For 16:9 ratio max resolution = 4608x2592 = 11.39 MegaPixels

Not 16.1 megapixels like in specification. It is narketing game from vendor.

2 upvotes

Or an inattention of dpreview. There is a native 4:3 sensor in the GH3, no real multi-aspect.

0 upvotes

One megapixel is exactly one million pixels according to wikipedia ;)

1 upvote

Seriously? A megapixel is a million pixels, not 2^20 pixels.

1 upvote

Reminds me of a joke where a CS major runs into a wall 119 meters past the finish line of a 5k race...

0 upvotes

Anyone seeing anything about focus peeking?

1 upvote

No idea mate, only on rumor sites!

0 upvotes

Better look at the Panasonic product page and the specs there. I think it's more accurate.

0 upvotes

This preview appears to have a lot of errors. Multi-aspect vs. the stated resolutions, AEB on a function button when there's a dedicated spot on the left-top side dial, weather-sealing, and probably more. The G5 preview had errors, too. DPR is getting (has gotten?) sloppy.

2 upvotes

Why does it have to be so ugly? Hire a Pentax Fuji designer (Not Marc Newson :p)

2 upvotes

I think the design is ok, same as the GH2. I couldn't care less how it looks.

1 upvote

I meant my remark for people with a sense of taste ;)

1 upvote

Because the K30 is a beautiful example of good design.

0 upvotes

>Because the K30 is a beautiful example of good design

It really is if you compare it to the Pentax k-01 lol

1 upvote

Fuji designers are best, but if this is the case go for OMD.
Pany is all about handeling and featureset!

none of Pentax camera superceeds Pany in my opinion.

0 upvotes

I'd prefer it to have a wide-angle high-res EVF over just a sexy look, 10 times out of 10.

0 upvotes

A good design encorporates both.
I don't want an EVF, unless i can have an OVF as well. So until dslr get hybrid VF's I won't go for EVF.

0 upvotes

> I don't want an EVF
Ahh, you're interested in aesthetics, not GH3.

1 upvote

There is no multi-aspect sensor: http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/gh3/specifications.html
The GH2 still had it: http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/gh2/specifications.html

Otherwise Panasonic would mention it somewhere. Well, they don't.

2 upvotes

Well spotted. The 4608 maximum horizontal resolution proves it isn't even a hidden feature.

0 upvotes

I guess DPR ows us some confirmation on this!

0 upvotes

Placed my order with Amazon. Still time to figure out if it fits the bill or not.

0 upvotes

It looks like from the Multiple aspect ratio sensor diagram they maxed the 1 to 1 at the 4/3 size so 17mp is needed instead of 18mp. I'm OK with that.

0 upvotes

Ok this is not good news.

Audio 44.1kHz Mono (Internal Mic), Linear PCM

Mono! Really?

1 upvote

Yes, doesn't sounds right. Maybe they decided to compromise on it, as mostly pro use external mic, which helps reducing lens creepin noises too. If you are only recording your voice for notes, is mono tooo bad!?

0 upvotes

Typo, it's the built in speaker that's mono. The internal mic is stereo, per panasonic website.
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/gh3/specifications.html

Comment edited 14 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

DPR should clarify.

The top shot of GH3 clearly shows the L and R mics.

I would be highly surprised if Panny had put two mics on the cam - only to mix them later into single channel in the firmware.

0 upvotes

I don't know of any DSLR-type camera that records excellent audio, so don't think we should be disappointed that this one won't, either...mono or stereo. At the very least, a small, durable and dedicated stereo recorder such as the Oly LS-7 gives you way-better-than-decent audio and allows external mic hookup (with 1/8" connector only). A unit like the Zoom H4n allows for external mic w/XLR connectors.

0 upvotes

I am not happy with the size of this thing. I might as well go and buy a Smallish DSLR instead of this one.

3 upvotes

Yes, and your "smallish" DSLR will have "largeish" lenses.

To me, features and still and video quality will make me overlook a small increase in body size.

5 upvotes

Video is never high on my list. And I am a Prime lens guy. You call this is A SMALL increase in body size?
The very core of the Mirrorless premise was smaller bodies. This one looks like it is on steroids.

Comment edited 6 minutes after posting

2 upvotes

Video is very high on my list. And I shoot with a variety of lenses. Look at the comparison photos. The camera is a little bulkier, but not really much bigger. Would you have preferred they built another plasticy body the same size of the GH2, or a more robust and metal-bodied camera the size of a GH3?

I have a GH2 and it feels so fragile with its plastic body that I feel I have to baby it. The hand grip is also on the wimpy side, made for people with small hands. I welcome the GH3 and its better ergonomics.

Comment edited 48 seconds after posting

2 upvotes

well its still much lighter and overal kit will be lighter, indeed. I wish if it could be bit smaller, but this still has no impact on my buying decision. It got magnesium body shell. Otherwise instead of getting a sluggish compromised APSC DSLR why not a FF??

Read my article on comparison if you like: http://www.seriouscompacts.com/f2/merging-system-bounderies-fullframe-d600-fourthird-gh3-12646/

1 upvote

>I have a GH2 and it feels so fragile with its plastic body that I feel I have to baby it.

I have twice dropped my GH2 from a height of 4 to 5 feet onto a ceramic tiled floor (don't ask:( ).

It bounced, the doors on the body flew open, the SD card and battery skidded across the floor. The first time it fell on to the right side of the body, the second smack onto the lens.

In neither case was any damage done, not a mark and perfect working order. None of the Nikon f1 through F5 bodies I used during 40 years as a pro would have stood up to those falls without damage.

You may not like the feel of the plastic bodies but weak they are not!

1 upvote

Agreed, bluelemmy. Plastic absorbs, rather than transfers impact. Metal gives us a sense of higher quality, but transfers impact and vibrations more strongly to the very delicate components it's designed to protect.

0 upvotes

I see from the list that the GH3 does indeed have ETC.

Ex Tele Converter

1 upvote

Does the GH3 have the ETC modes in video?

1 upvote

It's listed as a programmable function for the buttons.

0 upvotes

Yes it has multi aspect ratio sensor!

2 upvotes

Not so sure about that.

1 upvote

That's good, almost essential to me.

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

1 upvote

Haha, the sensor dimensions hint it isn't multi-aspect. Might be just marketing bs.

0 upvotes

The article claims it does, but if you look at the resolutions listed, 3:2 appears to be the same old 4:3 with the sides cropped off. I can't make much sense of that if it's really multi-aspect.

1 upvote

Panasonic doesn't mention the multi-aspect feature anywhere: http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/gh3/index.html

0 upvotes

Well its clearly explained in the preview with details. As DPReview clearly had this camera and they prepared this article, and if they are saying it is ... what's the point of speculating??
Just chill .. it got one ... :)

0 upvotes

Just chill... it dont got one... check the panasonic specs...

0 upvotes

Intro specifically says multi-aspect sensor but specs say 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 are all 4608 pixels wide...

Once again, please explain?

1 upvote

Yeah, kind of odd...

0 upvotes

My E30 can produce nine different aspect ratios (4:3, 3:2, 16:9, 6:6, 5:4, 7:6, 6:5, 7:5, 3:4) but it doesn't have an oversized sensor. It just creates in camera crops.

I suspect this is exactly the same way the the GH3 achieves those three aspect ratios.

A true oversized sensor (like the Panasonic LX3 has) will provide approximately the same file size in each aspect ratio. In camera crops will not.

1 upvote

Spec list does not have multi aspect senor sizes and says no weather sealing.

1 upvote

in the intro you state that "The GH3 gains a weather sealed (dust/splash proof) magnesium alloy body...", but then in the specs you say "Weathersealing - No".

Please explain?

2 upvotes

Looked like everyone wants to try out the new GH3. Look at the sweaty fingerprints on the grip!!!

2 upvotes

Total comments: 418