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Are you lost, and looking for that Goldilocks digital camera--the one that's not too big, but not too small? That shoots high resolution photos, but also superb video? With manual fine-tuning controls, but fully automatic point-and-shoot functions, too? With a zoom lens that's not too short or too long? That has high-end features, but not a high-end price? Boys and girls, meet the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 Digital Camera W/14-42mm Lens (Silver).
This mirrorless Micro Four Thirds camera has a large 17.3 x 13.0mm Live MOS sensor that records 16.05MP of high resolution goodness, a 3x zoom lens (28-84mm equivalent in 35mm), 1920 x 1080 60i HD Video with Dolby stereo sound, a multi-function Touch Screen for control of both stills and video, and extremely fast auto focus in a camera 1/3 smaller (4.88 x 3.53 x 2.98"/12.4 x 8.96 x 7.58 cm) and lighter (13.82 oz/392 g) than most DSLRs.
It has MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) to eliminate blurry photos from low shutter speeds/shaky hands, a 3" free-angle LCD with 460,000 dots, high sensitivity up to ISO 12800, and an advanced dust reduction system to protect image quality. RAW capability in still images gives you ultimate control for the best pictures possible.
There's a lot more, of course. Like 3D shooting capability with the Lumix G 12.4mm/F12 interchangeable lens, a built-in flash with 1st and 2nd curtain sync, and iA (Intelligent Auto) mode that makes all settings automatically to give you optimal results without worrying about shutter speeds or exposure. Both stills and video can be customized with Scene and Color modes for a vast range of creative options. A Cinema mode allows you to shoot 1080/24p video with 24Mbps, a Variable Movie mode lets you choose the frame rate, from 80% to 300%, there are a variety of color modes (including 3 different black and white settings), and, you can even shoot a high resolution 14MP photo at the touch of the shutter button, while recording video! A wide range of optional accessories such as an external stereo microphone, a zoom lever for smoother zooms in video recording, external flash, HDMI cable, etc. might make the DMC-GH2 just right for you.
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Camera Format | Micro Four Thirds (2x Crop Factor) |
| Resolution |
Effective Pixels: 16.05 Megapixels Max Resolution: 15.9 MP: 4608 x 3456 |
| Sensor Type / Size | MOS, 17.3 x 13.0 mm |
| File Formats |
Still Images: JPEG, RAW Movies: MPEG-4 AVCHD |
| Memory Card Type |
SD SDHC SDXC |
| Image Stabilization | Mechanical |
| AV Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | Yes, NTSC |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 |
| Video Clip Length | Up to 140 Min |
| Audio Recording | With Video |
| Focus Control | |
|---|---|
| Focus Type | Auto & Manual |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder Type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% |
| Display Screen | 3" Rear Screen LCD (460000) |
| Screen Coverage | 100% |
| Live View | Yes |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| ISO Sensitivity | 160-12800 |
| Shutter | 60 - 1/4000 sec |
| Remote Control | DMW-RSL1 (Optional) |
| Metering Method | Multi-zone metering |
| Exposure Modes |
Modes: Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority Compensation: -3 EV to +3 EV (in 0.33 EV steps) |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, Cloudy, Daylight, Flash, Halogen, Kelvin, Shade |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 40 fps |
| External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Self Timer | 2 sec, 10 sec |
| Connectivity | 1/8" Microphone, AV Output, HDMI C (Mini), USB 2.0 |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery | 1x Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack |
| Operating/Storage Temperature |
Operating 32 to 104 °F (0 to 40 °C) |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 4.88 x 3.53 x 2.98" / 12.40 x 8.97 x 7.57 cm |
| Weight | 13.82 oz / 392 g Body only |
| Kit Lens | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length |
14 - 42 mm Comparable Four Thirds and Micro 4/3 Focal Length: 28 - 84 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/3.5 - 5.6 Minimum: f/22 |
| Angle of View | 75° - 29° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 12" (30.48 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.16x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:6.25 |
| Groups/Elements | 9/12 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Filter Thread | Front: 52 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.39 x 2.50" (6.07 x 6.35 cm) |
| Weight | 5.82 oz (165 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Reviewed by 9 customers
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 Digital Camera W/14-42mm Lens (Silver):
I was considering something more like the Canon 7d for filming documentaries. I have worked in broadcasting for 18 years and I've just really been wanting to do some projects with a Dslr camera. I talked to someone who owned both the Canon 7D and the Panny GH2. He kept pushing me to take a serious look at the GH2. So glad I did. First, the camera has a clean hdmi output so I can use an external recorder. Second, I have just been blown away with the image quality.
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 Digital Camera W/14-42mm Lens (Silver):
This camera like most Panasonics is great value for the money. It gives professional results and the Lumix-leica lenses are excellent. Very good for low light level pictures and the important features are intuitively accessible.
But like most Panasonic machines not to mention many other brands of digital cameras it is also over-engineered. There are many features on the camera which seem more designed to show off engineering cleverness than rather than assisting better photography. This makes the learning curve for the camera more difficult than it needs be, a factor not helped by the almost unintelligible camera manual.
Although i haven't yet taken advantage of it, a big plus is the superb video quality.
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 Digital Camera W/14-42mm Lens (Silver):
I am a wedding and commercial videographer. I recently bought this camera to be a B cam for my Canon XH-A1. After a few days of using the camera (and with the proper accessories) I realized that this little guy can do the job better then my xh-a1. The quality of the image is fantastic!
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 Digital Camera W/14-42mm Lens (Silver):
My main purpose for purchasing the GH2 was for the video aspects. Honestly there's nothing that compares to it simply because you're not limited to 12-15 minute clips like you are on other DSLRs that can do 1080p 24p. That said it doesn't come without limitations. The quality is definitely not quite on par with my t3i but it's close enough that with a little grading in post I can make it work. The big issue for this cam and all m43s right now is lack of available lenses. There simply isn't a good low light zoom lens with fixed aperture which is a staple for any filmmaker on the move. Right now I have 6 lenses for this cam. The kit lens and 5 old manual Canon FD lenses. The kit lens is what it is and it shouldn't be overly criticized or analyzed. It's great for a walk around in good lighting for family pics and even simple pro jobs. It's sharp and fast enough for standard situations. For video it's pretty much useless and that's where the FD lenses come in. They're flat out awesome if you're on a tripod or are very good with a steadycam but if you're going handheld or shoulder mounted it's very helpful to have IS to smooth out the little shakes. I'm sure these will come in time but until Sigma or Tamron get on board they're going to be way overpriced like all other Panasonic lenses. For now, learn to steady your cam well and stick to Canon FD lenses and you'll get by. I suspect by the end of the year there may be an economical adapter that allows electronic control of other mounts like the Sigma 17-55 OS for Canon or Nikon. That's pretty much my goto lens for most shooting except artsy low DOF shot in which case I break out the 50mm 1.4 FD. Bottom line, yes, buy this cam especially if you're shooting events and need more than 15 minutes consecutive shooting. If all you're doing is non-event filming tho and can get by with the shorter clips I'd look at the Canon T3i. That's my secondary cam and it's a better filmmakers choice but not good for event videography.
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 Digital Camera W/14-42mm Lens (Silver):
All around excellent digital beast. Video quality is superb and unbelievably sharp. Stills are solid. The size and compactness of this camera is great for travel and when you run into a canon dslr. Knowing this camera is capable of video the canons only wish they had...for now.
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 Digital Camera W/14-42mm Lens (Silver):
This is the mighty follow up to the already famous GH1 which people have been using hacked to up the data rate. Well the GH2 doesn't have any of the previous model's issues of codec mud. The data rate/codec is solid, has even less aliasing - nearly undetectable, no low noise fixed pattern issues, and 24p is now correctly identified with the right pull down flags when importing into NLEs like Final Cut Pro. The GH2 is an epic little photo/video camera that is still little known. In fact, I believe its the smallest large sensor 1080p24 video camera in the world. Did ya know that? Besides having cinema quality video capabilities, its a rip roaring photo camera as well - the rapid capture is lightning fast now - faster than the 5DMkII at this point. The GH2 is now my favorite video camera above HVX200, Vixia, 5DMkII/7D. If sync'd/monitored audio is a concern, upgrade to the AF100 camcorder. Both together are bound to be a powerful combo A/B cam setup.
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 Digital Camera W/14-42mm Lens (Silver):
Very happy with the customizability (is that a word) of this camera. A bit plasticky build, but video is really nice. Very pleasantly surprised with the still quality as well. I intend about a 50/50 usage for video/still. GREAT for that...so many options with this cam...so much to learn!
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 Digital Camera W/14-42mm Lens (Silver):
Had the chance to use a test unit, saw a few available here on B&H. Grabbed one immediately, have had great experiences with this camera. Relatively easy to use, nice image quality and a fairly good price!
You can get adapters for all sorts of lenses, so save on the camera body like this one and put your money into quality lenses.
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Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 Digital Camera W/14-42mm Lens (Silver):
I opened this camera Christmas Eve and was able to charge the battery and start using immediately. The photo quality is amazing. The videos are as sharp as my Sony HD camera.
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