Re: X1ORB & XSAG-1 What next?
This is another good Panny, which will most likely be replaced by the GH3 at some point this year.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/PanasonicDMCGH2/
Conclusion - Pros
Excellent multi-aspect ratio sensor with good resolution and high-ISO performance in compact body
Good build quality and handling
'Hands on' interface offers plenty of physical control points
Advanced and effective touch-screen implementation (but can be ignored if not required)
Large, high-resolution EVF
Much improved CD-AF system (compared to GH1/G2)
Exceptionally 'deep' feature set allows a lot of customization
Fast and responsive operation
Excellent raw image quality at ISOs up to 3200
Versatile 1080i/p video capability with excellent built-in stereo microphone
Exceptional amount of manual control over video shooting
Conclusion - Pros
Excellent multi-aspect ratio sensor with good resolution and high-ISO performance in compact body
Good build quality and handling
'Hands on' interface offers plenty of physical control points
Advanced and effective touch-screen implementation (but can be ignored if not required)
Large, high-resolution EVF
Much improved CD-AF system (compared to GH1/G2)
Exceptionally 'deep' feature set allows a lot of customization
Fast and responsive operation
Excellent raw image quality at ISOs up to 3200
Versatile 1080i/p video capability with excellent built-in stereo microphone
Exceptional amount of manual control over video shooting
Conclusion - Cons
Uninspiring JPEGs in some situations mean Raw conversion needed to get best results
Auto White Balance can be too blue, especially outdoors
24P Cinema mode only available in Manual Movie Mode (set on exposure mode dial)
Although the finish has been improved, plastic body still feels cheaper than some competitors
Only one control dial
No PC flash sync socket
Overall conclusion
The GH2 might not be a revolutionary development (in all essential points it is very closely related to its predecessor, the GH1) but we're confident in saying that it is the best mirrorless system camera that we've ever tested, bar none. With the GH2 Panasonic has finally demonstrated that it is able to compete with the APS-C format competition when it comes both to resolution and critical image quality. Although the GH2's Micro Four Thirds sensor is smaller than those found in cameras like the Canon EOS 60D and Nikon D7000, it runs them both pretty close. Up to ISO 3200 in fact, we'd stick our necks out and say that the GH2 can hold its own against any of the current crop of APS-C format cameras on the market, which is high praise indeed.
Obviously, one of the major selling points of the GH2 is its versatile video mode and in this respect, we have very few complaints. The GH1 was an impressive video camera with a large following amongst both casual and serious filmmakers, and the GH2 improves upon it in several ways. It offers a more convenient codec, and improved high ISO image quality, amongst other, smaller tweaks. Before we tested it, we would have said that the GH2 looked a little overpriced. Having been immersed in its capabilities now for several weeks, we're less concerned. All things considered - the impressive depth of its feature set, effective touch-screen ergonomics and its excellent still and video image quality - we think it represents very good value for money.
Image Quality
In terms of the critical output of their sensors, Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds cameras have tended to lag behind APS-C and full-frame competitors. Typically, in our testing, we have complained about high noise levels at medium to high ISO settings, restricted dynamic range, and poor in-camera JPEG processing.
In specification terms alone, Panasonic has made some major leaps forward with the GH2. At 18MP, it has the highest pixel count of any Four Thirds or Micro Four Thirds camera, and it is is only the second model to offer an output resolution of greater than 12MP. As far as ISO sensitivity is concerned, the GH2's maximum ISO setting of 12,800 (equivalent) is also the highest of any of its brethren. Happily, the advances that Panasonic has made in specification pay off in meaningfully better image quality than we've come to expect from other cameras in the G-series.
As far as noise is concerned, the GH2 offers the best performance that we've ever seen from a Micro Four Thirds camera. Up to ISO 800, images are essentially noise free, and although noise is visible in images shot at ISO 1600 and 3200, it is only at ISO 6400 and above that it really becomes problematic.