Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2
Encyclopedia
The Panasonic
Lumix
DMC-GH2 is a digital camera with HD video recording capability that uses the Micro Four Thirds System
. Though commonly referred to as a DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera, it has no mirror or optical viewfinder, but has instead both a fold-out LCD screen and a (somewhat higher resolution) electronic viewfinder. The HD video from this camera is considered by many reviewers to be exceptional: apparently it uses downsampling
from the image sensor, which produces sharper pictures with less aliasing
when compared to other current high-end DSLR's that offer HD video. Recording is to SDHC flash memory card in AVCHD
format, giving high quality HD 1080P video at 24fps with up to 30 minutes per take for the European version, and up to 2 hours per take on the USA or Canadian versions according to data from Panasonic, which is much longer than for comparable DSLRs. The GH2 is also notable for offering 1080/50i and 60i (interlaced) recording modes (compatible with broadcasting) as well as 24p, though 25p and 30p are not supported. Though the micro four thirds system (crop factor 2 when compared to 35mm still) does not immediately offer the extreme shallow-focus effects possible with full-frame cameras when using the standard zoom lenses, equivalent effects are possible using large aperture prime lenses which are available at lower cost than for full-frame cameras, and adapters are available that allow lenses by many manufacturers to be used. Optical image stabilisation is available on the zoom lenses, but only manual zoom is provided for.
which was the first consumer-priced interchangeable lens camera to offer autofocus capability while shooting HD video. Still using the Micro Four Thirds System
, the GH2 improves upon the video recording capabilities of its predecessor and incorporates many upgrades such as a higher resolution sensor and a faster contrast detect autofocus system, owing to the new sensor redeveloped by Panasonic and first implemented in this model. The GH2 also comes with a touch-screen display, a feature that was not present in the GH1. Micro Four Thirds has the same sensor size as the Four Thirds System
but replaces the complex optical path needed for the optical viewfinder with an electronic viewfinder displaying a live view; this allows for smaller and lighter lenses and bodies. Like the GH1, the electronic viewfinder (EVF) in the GH2 uses a sophisticated projection system to achieve a clearer, smoother display than that of compact camera EVFs. As with the GH1 it lacks a separate autofocus (AF) sensor, the GH2 uses contrast-detect autofocus using the readout from the main sensor. When taking still photos, the GH2's AF performance is comparable to the phase-detect systems in competing digital single-lens reflex camera
s (DSLRs). HD video mode also uses this purpose-designed contrast-detect AF system. Just like the GH1, the GH2 supports continuous autofocusing while shooting video.
, giving a crop factor
of about two, so that a 'standard' lens may be regarded as around 25mm focal length. While the format is the same size as the Four Thirds system, the flange to sensor distance
is much shorter, which as well as allowing small camera size, means that almost any camera lens can be used in principle with a suitable adapter, which makes up the required distance. In practice though, electronic focus and aperture control, and image stabilising may not work, though this is not important to enthusiasts who tend to prefer the manual operation favoured by professionals. What is important is that some lenses do not have a built-in aperture diaphragm, this being incorporated into the camera they are designed for. Others have a diaphragm which remains closed unless electronically actuated. Nevertheless, some exceptionally good, non-Panasonic lenses are available that enhance this camera's capability.
The camera has a dedicated video button and a stereo microphone, features not present on competing video-capable DSLRs. The GH2's electronic viewfinder has been widened compared to the GH1's, increasing the number of dots to 1.53 million from GH1's 1.44 million. The wider screen better accommodates the GH2's over-size multi-aspect ratio. This ensures that the user can take pictures in 3:2, 4:3 and 16:9 without significant cropping.
The camera is available in two colors — black (suffix K) and gray (S).
, producing interference patterns on fine textures. It is widely suggested that this is because the EOS5D (and other Canon SLRs) do not have the processing capability to properly downsample from the high resolution sensor, and instead just use every third pixel. The GH2 on the other hand does appear to downsample without significant aliasing, giving it a special place in the world of video and film making. Downsampling by digital spatial filtering is necessary because the optical anti-aliasing filter, or phase-plate, normally present in digital cameras, has to be designed for the highest resolution stills, and so is not effective for video.
The format, with its crop factor of two, is capable of shallow-focus effects (desirable for the 'filmic' look where backgrounds are deliberately made out-of-focus with good bokeh
, but compared to a 'full-format' camera such as the EOS5D it requires lenses with twice the aperture (half the f-number) for the same depth of focus. In principle this is not a problem, as the lenses are smaller and hence cheaper to make. In practice, 'prime' lenses are available in f/1.4 and even f/0.95 to meet this requirement, but the zoom lenses from Panasonic, with apertures that change from f/3.5 to f/5.6 when zoomed, are not really adequate in this respect, and many users hope for a suitable 'fast' zoom (say constant aperture f/2.8), with image stabiliser, to become available.
With suitable adapters:
Panasonic has not endorsed the hacks.
The hacks are not for the faint of heart. An incorrect application of the hack can "brick" the camera, rendering the camera totally inoperative. There have been anecdotal reports from Panasonic GH1 of hacked cameras being returned with "fried" CPU's. Presumably, the GH2 is susceptible to similar mishaps, although the GH2 has three CPUs as opposed to the dual CPUs on the GH1.
Panasonic
Panasonic is an international brand name for Japanese electric products manufacturer Panasonic Corporation, which was formerly known as Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd...
Lumix
Lumix
Lumix is Panasonic's brand of digital cameras, ranging from pocket point-and-shoot models to digital SLRs.Compact digital camera DMC-LC5 and DMC-F7 were the first products of the Lumix series released in 2001. They are equipped with Leica lenses....
DMC-GH2 is a digital camera with HD video recording capability that uses the Micro Four Thirds System
Micro Four Thirds system
The Micro Four Thirds system is a standard created by Olympus and Panasonic, and announced on August 5, 2008, for mirrorless interchangeable lens digital cameras and camcorders design and development...
. Though commonly referred to as a DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera, it has no mirror or optical viewfinder, but has instead both a fold-out LCD screen and a (somewhat higher resolution) electronic viewfinder. The HD video from this camera is considered by many reviewers to be exceptional: apparently it uses downsampling
Downsampling
In signal processing, downsampling is the process of reducing the sampling rate of a signal. This is usually done to reduce the data rate or the size of the data....
from the image sensor, which produces sharper pictures with less aliasing
Aliasing
In signal processing and related disciplines, aliasing refers to an effect that causes different signals to become indistinguishable when sampled...
when compared to other current high-end DSLR's that offer HD video. Recording is to SDHC flash memory card in AVCHD
AVCHD
AVCHD is a file-based format for the digital recording and playback of high-definition video....
format, giving high quality HD 1080P video at 24fps with up to 30 minutes per take for the European version, and up to 2 hours per take on the USA or Canadian versions according to data from Panasonic, which is much longer than for comparable DSLRs. The GH2 is also notable for offering 1080/50i and 60i (interlaced) recording modes (compatible with broadcasting) as well as 24p, though 25p and 30p are not supported. Though the micro four thirds system (crop factor 2 when compared to 35mm still) does not immediately offer the extreme shallow-focus effects possible with full-frame cameras when using the standard zoom lenses, equivalent effects are possible using large aperture prime lenses which are available at lower cost than for full-frame cameras, and adapters are available that allow lenses by many manufacturers to be used. Optical image stabilisation is available on the zoom lenses, but only manual zoom is provided for.
Background comparison
The GH2 was released in October 2010 as a successor to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 is a digital mirrorless interchangeable lens camera adhering to the Olympus and Panasonic developed Micro Four Thirds System system design standard...
which was the first consumer-priced interchangeable lens camera to offer autofocus capability while shooting HD video. Still using the Micro Four Thirds System
Micro Four Thirds system
The Micro Four Thirds system is a standard created by Olympus and Panasonic, and announced on August 5, 2008, for mirrorless interchangeable lens digital cameras and camcorders design and development...
, the GH2 improves upon the video recording capabilities of its predecessor and incorporates many upgrades such as a higher resolution sensor and a faster contrast detect autofocus system, owing to the new sensor redeveloped by Panasonic and first implemented in this model. The GH2 also comes with a touch-screen display, a feature that was not present in the GH1. Micro Four Thirds has the same sensor size as the Four Thirds System
Four Thirds System
The Four Thirds system is a standard created by Olympus and Kodak for digital single-lens reflex camera design and development.The system provides a standard that, with digital cameras and lenses available from multiple manufacturers, allows for the interchange of lenses and bodies from different...
but replaces the complex optical path needed for the optical viewfinder with an electronic viewfinder displaying a live view; this allows for smaller and lighter lenses and bodies. Like the GH1, the electronic viewfinder (EVF) in the GH2 uses a sophisticated projection system to achieve a clearer, smoother display than that of compact camera EVFs. As with the GH1 it lacks a separate autofocus (AF) sensor, the GH2 uses contrast-detect autofocus using the readout from the main sensor. When taking still photos, the GH2's AF performance is comparable to the phase-detect systems in competing digital single-lens reflex camera
Digital single-lens reflex camera
Most digital single-lens reflex cameras are digital cameras that use a mechanical mirror system and pentaprism to direct light from the lens to an optical viewfinder on the back of the camera....
s (DSLRs). HD video mode also uses this purpose-designed contrast-detect AF system. Just like the GH1, the GH2 supports continuous autofocusing while shooting video.
Features
The Micro Four Thirds format is about a quarter the size of a 35mm stills frameFull frame
In cinematography, full frame refers to the use of the full film gate at maximum width and height for 35 mm film cameras. It is sometimes also referred to as silent aperture, full gate, or a number of other similar word combinations. It is the original gate size pioneered by William Dickson and...
, giving a crop factor
Crop factor
In digital photography, a crop factor is related to the ratio of the dimensions of a camera's imaging area compared to a reference format; most often, this term is applied to digital cameras, relative to 35 mm film format as a reference. In the case of digital cameras, the imaging device would be a...
of about two, so that a 'standard' lens may be regarded as around 25mm focal length. While the format is the same size as the Four Thirds system, the flange to sensor distance
Flange focal distance
For an interchangeable lens camera, the flange focal distance of a lens mount system is the distance from the mounting flange to the...
is much shorter, which as well as allowing small camera size, means that almost any camera lens can be used in principle with a suitable adapter, which makes up the required distance. In practice though, electronic focus and aperture control, and image stabilising may not work, though this is not important to enthusiasts who tend to prefer the manual operation favoured by professionals. What is important is that some lenses do not have a built-in aperture diaphragm, this being incorporated into the camera they are designed for. Others have a diaphragm which remains closed unless electronically actuated. Nevertheless, some exceptionally good, non-Panasonic lenses are available that enhance this camera's capability.
The camera has a dedicated video button and a stereo microphone, features not present on competing video-capable DSLRs. The GH2's electronic viewfinder has been widened compared to the GH1's, increasing the number of dots to 1.53 million from GH1's 1.44 million. The wider screen better accommodates the GH2's over-size multi-aspect ratio. This ensures that the user can take pictures in 3:2, 4:3 and 16:9 without significant cropping.
The camera is available in two colors — black (suffix K) and gray (S).
Reception and Reviews
Though other cameras exist which are generally regarded as superior for ultimate-quality stills photography, where the lack of an optical viewfinder limits focusing accuracy, several reviews and tests of the GH2 indicate that it gives sharper and better HD video than competing SLR's, including the Canon EOS5D which, though favoured for its extreme shallow-focus capability, suffers bad aliasingAliasing
In signal processing and related disciplines, aliasing refers to an effect that causes different signals to become indistinguishable when sampled...
, producing interference patterns on fine textures. It is widely suggested that this is because the EOS5D (and other Canon SLRs) do not have the processing capability to properly downsample from the high resolution sensor, and instead just use every third pixel. The GH2 on the other hand does appear to downsample without significant aliasing, giving it a special place in the world of video and film making. Downsampling by digital spatial filtering is necessary because the optical anti-aliasing filter, or phase-plate, normally present in digital cameras, has to be designed for the highest resolution stills, and so is not effective for video.
The format, with its crop factor of two, is capable of shallow-focus effects (desirable for the 'filmic' look where backgrounds are deliberately made out-of-focus with good bokeh
Bokeh
In photography, bokeh is the blur, or the aesthetic quality of the blur, in out-of-focus areas of an image, or "the way the lens renders out-of-focus points of light."...
, but compared to a 'full-format' camera such as the EOS5D it requires lenses with twice the aperture (half the f-number) for the same depth of focus. In principle this is not a problem, as the lenses are smaller and hence cheaper to make. In practice, 'prime' lenses are available in f/1.4 and even f/0.95 to meet this requirement, but the zoom lenses from Panasonic, with apertures that change from f/3.5 to f/5.6 when zoomed, are not really adequate in this respect, and many users hope for a suitable 'fast' zoom (say constant aperture f/2.8), with image stabiliser, to become available.
Compatible Lenses
- Panasonic: 14–45 mm ƒ/3.5–5.6 lens (28–90 mm equivalent)
- Panasonic: 45–200 mm ƒ/4–5.6 lens (90–400 mm equiv.),
- Panasonic 14–140 mm ƒ4.0–5.8 (28–280 mm equiv.)
- Panasonic 8 mm ƒ/3.5 fisheye lens with a 180° field of view. Lenses support optical image
- Panasonic 3D lens (LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12 (H-FT012).)
- Panasonic 20mm 'pancake' f1.7 (no image stabiliser) (manual focus slips - no end stops)
- Voigtlander 25mm f/0.95 (exceptionally 'fast') (no image stabiliser)
With suitable adapters:
- Nikon 50mm AF Nikkor f1.4 (100mm full-frame equiv.) (no image stabiliser) (fully manual) (solid focus with end stops)
- Four Thirds System lenses can be used with a Micro Four Thirds adapter.
Sound quality and features
An external stereo microphone socket is provided, which, unusually, is 2.5mm and not the standard 3.5mm. Although manual levels can be set in four stages (6 dB increments) the lowest setting is still exceptionally sensitive, such that many high quality microphones overload and cause problems of noise or excessive agc operation. The camera uses AGC (automatic gain control), which cannot be turned off and still comes into action on the lowest level setting above a threshold level which, though considerably above the noise floor, is low enough to prevent the full potential dynamic range of the camera being realised. A 'wind filter' (high pass filter) can be turned off, but the frequency response still rolls off drastically at low frequencies in the 'off' setting. Sound quality using the internal microphones is generally rated as good, though poor by professional standards. Despite these design problems, high quality sound is not impossible with careful external matching of levels and carefully matched low frequency equalisation.Panasonic Releases
Panasonic has annoucned the following firmware update| Version | Release Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
1.1 1.0 |
2011-October Original |
Compatibility update for new Panasonic X class lenses with power zoom feature. 1. Display of the local length When you zoom, the focal distance is displayed and you can confirm the zoom position. 2. Step zoom When you operate the zoom, the zoom will stop at positions corresponding to predetermined distances. 3. Zoom resume When you switch the power switch [ON], the zoom positions when you last switched [OFF] are automatically restored. 4. Selectable zoom speed Users can select the speed of electric-powered zooming. Original |
Hacks
Non-Panasonic authored hacks have been developed and posted on the Internet. The unauthorized hacks primarily enhance video capabilities of the GH2, enabling faster bit rates and more flexibility for the independent film maker. Reportedly, the hacks do not enhance the stills side of the camera, although the hacker has said there is always the possibility that a future hack could work on stills capability.Panasonic has not endorsed the hacks.
The hacks are not for the faint of heart. An incorrect application of the hack can "brick" the camera, rendering the camera totally inoperative. There have been anecdotal reports from Panasonic GH1 of hacked cameras being returned with "fried" CPU's. Presumably, the GH2 is susceptible to similar mishaps, although the GH2 has three CPUs as opposed to the dual CPUs on the GH1.
| Version | Release Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
GH23 |
2011 August |
Ptool 3.62d Latest version |
AVCHD Format (.MTS files)
| Menu Designation | Aspect Ratio | Resolution | Frame Rate | Bit Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 H / 24 L | 16:9 | 1080p 1920 × 1080 |
24p | 24 / 17 Mbit/s |
| FSH / FH (NTSC/PAL) |
16:9 | 1080i 1920 x 1080 |
60i / 50i (sensor output is 60p/50p) |
17 / 13 Mbit/s |
| SH / H (NTSC/PAL) |
16:9 | 720p 1280 x 720 |
60p / 50p (sensor output is 60p/50p) |
17 / 13 Mbit/s |
M-JPEG Format (.MOV files)
| Menu Designation | Aspect Ratio | Resolution | Frame Rate | Bit Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HD | 16:9 | 1280 × 720 | 30 frame/s | ~8 Mbit/s |
| WVGA | 16:9 | 848 × 480 | 30 frame/s | ~3.5 Mbit/s |
| VGA | 4:3 | 640 × 480 | 30 frame/s | ~2.7 Mbit/s |
| QVGA | 4:3 | 320 × 240 | 30 frame/s | ~0.7 Mbit/s |
Micro Four Thirds Camera Introduction Roadmap
| Item | Model | Sensor | Electronic View Finder (EVF Electronic viewfinder An electronic viewfinder or EVF is a viewfinder where the image captured by the lens is projected electronically onto a miniature display. The image on this display is used to assist in aiming the camera at the scene to be photographed.-Operation:... ) | Announced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 is the first digital mirrorless interchangeable lens camera adhering to the recently developed Micro Four Thirds System system design standard... |
4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.1 mp effective) | EVF; 1.4x magnification; 1.44K dots | 2008, October |
| 2 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 is a digital mirrorless interchangeable lens camera adhering to the Olympus and Panasonic developed Micro Four Thirds System system design standard... |
4:3; 3:2; 16:9 (multi-aspect); 14.0 mp (12.1 mp effect) | EVF; 1.4x mag; 1.44K dots | 2009, April |
| 3 | Olympus PEN E-P1 Olympus PEN E-P1 The Olympus PEN E-P1 announced on 16 June 2009 is Olympus Corporation's first camera that adheres to the Micro Four Thirds system design standard. The first camera to use the Micro Four Thirds mount was the Panasonic's G-1 camera.-Features:... |
4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effect) | optional hotshoe optical VF-1; 65 degree AOV Angle of view In photography, angle of view describes the angular extent of a given scene that is imaged by a camera. It is used interchangeably with the more general term field of view.... |
2009, July |
| 4 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 is the third camera in Panasonic's Lumix G-series, using the Micro Four Thirds System. Its body design similar to that of the recently released Olympus E-P1, the GF1 is 35% smaller than earlier G models... |
4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.1 mp effect) | opt hotshoe EVF LVF1; 1.04x mag; 202K dots | 2009, September |
| 5 | Olympus PEN E-P2 Olympus PEN E-P2 The Olympus PEN E-P2 announced on 5 November 2009 is Olympus Corporation's second camera that adheres to the Micro Four Thirds system design standard... |
4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effect) | opt hotshoe EVF VF-2; 1.15x mag; 1.44K dots | 2009, November |
| 6 | Olympus PEN E-PL1 Olympus PEN E-PL1 The Olympus PEN E-PL1, announced on 3 February 2010 is Olympus Corporation's third camera that uses the Micro Four Thirds mount after the Olympus PEN E-P1 and Olympus PEN E-P2.... |
4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effect) | opt hotshoe EVF VF-2; 1.15x mag; 1.44K dots | 2010, February |
| 7 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 is the sixth digital mirrorless interchangeable lens camera introduced that adheres to the recently developed Micro Four Thirds System system design standard, and the fourth Panasonic model MFT camera introduced... |
4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.1 mp effect) | EVF; 1.04x magnification; 202K dots | 2010, March |
| 8 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 - Introduction :The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 is a digital mirrorless interchangeable lens camera adhering to the Olympus and Panasonic developed Micro Four Thirds System system design standard.... |
4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.1 mp effect) | EVF; 1.4x mag; 1.44K dots | 2010, March |
| 9 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 | 4:3; 3:2; 16:9 (multi-aspect); 18.3 mp (16.0 mp effect) | EVF; 1.42x mag; 1.53K dots | 2010, September |
| 10 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 is the sixth camera in Panasonic's Lumix G-series, using the Micro Four Thirds System. The model number implies that it is the successor to the DMC-GF1, although critics complain that the GF2 is not a true successor to the GF1 because the photographer's interface with... |
4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.1 mp effect) | opt hotshoe EVF; 1.04x mag; 202K dots | 2010, November |
| 11 | Olympus PEN E-PL1s | 4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effect) | opt hotshoe EVF VF-2; 1.15x mag; 1.44K dots | 2010, November |
| 12 | Olympus PEN E-PL2 Olympus PEN E-PL2 The Olympus PEN E-PL2, was announced in early January 2011 at the CES. This is Olympus Corporation's fourth camera that uses the Micro Four Thirds mount after the Olympus PEN E-P1, Olympus PEN E-P2 and Olympus PEN E-PL1. At the time it was announced, it had a US dollar MSRP of $599.99... |
4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effect) | opt hotshoe EVF VF-2; 1.15x mag; 1.44K dots | 2011, January |
| 13 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 is a digital mirrorless interchangeable lens camera adhering to the joint Olympus and Panasonic Micro Four Thirds System system design standard... |
4:3 / 16.6 mp (15.8 mp effect) | EVF; 1.4x mag; 1.44K dots | 2011, May |
| 14 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 is the eighth camera in Panasonic's Lumix G-series, adhering to the Micro Four Thirds System design standard, and was announced in June, 2011. The model number implies that it is the successor to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2... |
4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.1 mp effect) | N/A | 2011, June |
| 15 | Olympus PEN E-P3 Olympus PEN E-P3 The Olympus PEN E-P3 announced on June 30, 2011 is Olympus Corporation's seventh camera that adheres to the Micro Four Thirds system design standard... |
4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effect) | opt hotshoe EVF VF-2; 1.15x mag; 1.44K dots | 2011, June |
| 16 | Olympus PEN E-PL3 Olympus PEN E-PL3 The Olympus PEN E-PL3 announced on June 30, 2011 is Olympus Corporation's seventh camera that adheres to the Micro Four Thirds system design standard... |
4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effect) | opt hotshoe EVF VF-2; 1.15x mag; 1.44K dots | 2011, June |
| 17 | Olympus PEN E-PM1 | 4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effect) | opt hotshoe EVF VF-2; 1.15x mag; 1.44K dots | 2011, June |
External links
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 site
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 Press Release
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 Review - dpreview.com
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 Review - imaging-resource.com
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 Review - photographyblog.com
- Announcement