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/14-140mm Lens (Black).
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 10x zoom lens (28-280mm 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.
Fastest Level of Light Speed AF
The DMC-GH2 boasts its high performance to make the photographic experience even more comfortable and fun. It features the world's fastest level Light Speed AF of approx. 0.1 second which is achieved by reducing the detection time for focusing by doubling the drive speed from 60 frames per second to 120 frames per second. Not only the accuracy but also the speed excels by far than the high-end D-SLRs with phase difference AF with the advanced contrast AF system in the DMC-GH2.Combined with the Touch AF control, setting and focusing at the subject is incredibly easy and quick, never missing the spur-of-the-moment.
16.05MP Live MOS Sensor
Panasonic also refined its comprehensive digital imaging technologies for every camera of LUMIX G Micro System to raise the level of image quality that rivals or even surpasses D-SLR cameras. The newly developed 16.05-megapixel multi-aspect Live MOS sensor adopts the high speed digital νMaicovicon. In addition to the high speed, which is an advantage of the CMOS sensor, Panasonic adds its original pixel mix technology. A dedicated process exclusively for νMaicovicon of the DMC-GH2 is newly developed by applying the top-class high performance transistor and its interconnection process needed for the high speed operation of digital circuit to make low-noise photodiode and transistor with reduced wiring to achieve both high resolution and high aperture-ratio as the DMC-GH1. The result is both high resolution and excellent S/N are realized with more than 3dB improvement of noise and 200% high sensitivity in the DMC-GH2.
10x Zoom Lens--14-140mm F/4.0-5.8 (28-280mm in 35mm Equivalent)
This 10x zoom lens has a continuous AF/AE function for both stills and video, MEGA O.I.S. advanced hand-shake correction technology, inner focus direct-drive linear motor for smooth, silent focusing, contrast AF system support, a circular aperture diaphragm, and multi-coated lens elements that minimize ghosts and flare. It accepts 52mm filters.
High Sensitivity Shooting Up to ISO 12800
The key components, including the Live MOS sensor and image-processing Venus Engine FHD, have been totally refined to raise camera performance and render stunning images with high resolution, beautiful gradation and high sensitivity. A maximum sensitivity setting of ISO 12800* allows shooting in extremely dark places.
High Speed Consecutive Shooting
The newly developed Live MOS sensor helps to realize the high speed burst shooting at 5 frames per second in full 16.05-megapixel resolution with mechanical shutter and 3 frames per second even when using the Full-time Live View. Even higher speed burst shooting is available with the DMC-GH2 if electronic shutter is used - 40 frames per second in 4-megapixel.
Venus Engine HD
By separating chromatic noise from luminance noise even more accurately by applying the optimal noise reduction to each, you can capture clear and beautiful images even when shooting at high ISO sensitivity levels. By preventing the color mixture which tends to occur around the edges, any chromatic noise, not only the in gradation part but also in the edge part, are described clearly. The engine also provides selective noise reduction to the outline part to let it have more naturally-balanced curve without deterioration of the resolution. In addition, the spot-type noise which can be often seen in the dark area of the image taken in low light situation or color bleeding on high luminance area generated by the chromatic aberration. The Intelligent Resolution technology is another feature of the Venus Engine FHD and precisely performs signal processing pixel by pixel in the most effective way for it. As a result, images are naturally clear and crisp in both photo and movie recording. Linking smoothly with the Live MOS sensor, the Venus Engine FHD processes the large amount of signals at high speed, making it possible to record high resolution consecutive shots and full-HD movie recording.
Extended Battery Life
The energy-saving Venus Engine FHD and the genuine rechargeable lithium-ion battery work together to extend the shooting time of the DMC-GH2, making it possible to take approx. 320 shots or approx. 330 shots on a single battery charge when using the LCD, and approx. 330 shots or approx. 340 shots when using the LVF.
1920x1080 60i (NTSC)/50i 9PAL) Full HD Movies in AVCHD Format
There are always two options to record spur-of-the-moment scenes - high-quality photos or movies. You can simply choose the one that saves precious memories most beautifully with the DMC-GH2. The predecessor DMC-GH1 was substantially the first full HD movie recording interchangeable lens system camera with practical AF system. The AVCHD format features almost twice the recording time in HD quality than the conventional Motion JPEG. A special, dedicated button on the top lets you instantly start recording movies while shooting photos without any having to make any extra settings. Now the DMC-GH2 can record high-resolution full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 movies in astonishing smooth 60i (NTSC) / 50i (PAL), doubling the sensor output from 24p / 25p to 60p / 50p.In addition, the DMC-GH2 features advanced Intelligent Resolution technology. Rather than uniformly enhanced sharpness, advanced Intelligent Resolution precisely optimizes signal processing to give the entire image outstandingly natural clarity and fine detail. As a result, images are naturally clear and crisp in movies as well as in photos.
Still Image Recording in Movie Recording W/14MP High Resolution
While shooting an HD movie, simply press the shutter button and the camera will shoot a photo with 14-megapixel high resolution as it continues to record your movie. This makes sure that you don't miss those decisive moments with either photos or movies, or both.
Variable Movie Mode
The image recording is more flexible fun with the DMC-GH2. It is possible to choose the suitable frame rate of the movie among 80%, 160%, 200% and 300% according to the recorded content with the new Variable Movie Mode.
Touch AF in Movie Recording
The Touch AF in movie recording also lets you enjoy professional-like rack focusing. Just by pointing the subject, the focus is shifted to it and let it stand out to attract attention. The DMC-GH2 lets you enjoy a new dimension in movie expression without requiring advanced shooting skills.
Use Manual/My Color/Film Modes
You can use the My Color Mode and Film Mode for shooting movies. They render highly unique expressions by matching the colors to your subject and surroundings. The DMC-GH2 features the Manual Movie Mode, which lets you set the shutter speed and aperture manually to make even more impressive movies. Changing the shutter speed brings special effects to movies, which is especially suitable for shooting fast-moving subjects. The ability to control the aperture is convenient when there are several subjects at different distances and it is desired to have each of them stand out. The Manual Movie Mode gives you a wider range of expressive possibilities to explore. Motion image recording can be started by pressing a dedicated button on the top of the camera - an extremely quick, convenient way to start motion image recording. Most of the camera's settings will be carried over when switched to motion image recording.
Extra Tele Conversion Function
The Extra Tele Conversion function virtually extends the zoom range up to 2.6x, thus the max. 728mm (35mm equivalent) in AVCHD Cinema / FSH mode, max. 1,092mm* in AVCHD SH mode and Motion JPEG HD / WVGA mode and max.1,344mm* in Motion JPEG VGA / QVGA mode is available with the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm / F4.0-5.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. which is developed to be exclusively compatible with movie recording.
High Quality Sound
A stereo microphone, featuring Dolby Digital Stereo Creator, on the upper body records dynamic, true-to-life stereo audio that brings out the power of your HD movies. In addition, thanks to a silence design that helps suppress lens drive noise, the DMC-GH2 records sounds in greater clarity. The DMC-GH2 supports the optional Stereo Microphone DMW-MS1, which clearly captures distant sounds in superb quality to make the HD movies taken by the DMC-GH2 even more lifelike. The Wind Cut function is available to block out most of the noise from background wind. This gives you higher quality sound when taking images on breezy days.
iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode for Movie
Even video beginners can record excellent movies with the DMC-GH2 because the iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode is also available for movie recording. The iA Mode automatically and simultaneously activates 4 advanced detection functions: The MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) to detect hand-shake, Face Detection AF/AE to detect faces in the frame, Intelligent Scene Selector to detect scene conditions, and Intelligent D-Range Control to detect the ambient light. Since the camera automatically optimizes the settings, it lets you shoot stunning HD movies every time.
Interchangeable Lenses
The main appeal of an interchangeable lens system camera is the ability to express a wider range of motion by changing the lens. The LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm / F4.0-5.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. lens that comes bundled with the DMC-GH2H is recommended for shooting movies. In addition to its ability to use the Continuous AF/AE function for recording motion images, a silence design that suppresses lens drive noise records sounds with greater clarity. You also enjoy a level of expression that is possible only from a single-lens reflex camera thanks to the wide lineup of the LUMIX G lenses and LEICA DG lens, which range from ultra-wide angle to telephoto and fisheye models. The optional DMW-MA1, DMW-MA2M and DMW-MA3R mount adaptors further expand the variety of lenses you can use.
Advanced Output and Editing Features
The DMC-GH2 is newly capable of image output via an optional mini HDMI cable to the external monitor, which is suitable for the professional image recording that requires serious confirmation of the images. You can divide a single video into two parts using only the camera. This is handy for compiling memorable scenes, and deleting unwanted scenes to free up space on your memory card while you are traveling. In addition, you can copy a number of frames during playback of an HD movie to produce high-quality photos thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology. The PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.0 BD Edition and Super LoiLoScope (trial version), which are well suited for playing and editing movies, come bundled with the DMC-GH2. The PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.0 BD Edition lets you sort and organize images that were newly taken and also those that have been stored in a computer, with quick start-up and fast image loading. Movie clips can be uploaded directly to YouTube. And the Super LoiLoScope lets you experience high-speed HD movie editing.
Intuitive Touch Control/Double Live View
Touch-screen operation raises operating ease to an intuitive level. It includes Touch Shutter for shooting, Touch AF for focusing - even when shooting movies - and Touch-scroll Playback for instant image retrieval. Full-time Live View and the versatile AF mode are made possible by Contrast AF system. The DMC-GH2 also lets you comfortably frame your shots with the flexible free-angle LCD and LVF, and catch every shooting opportunity with Light Speed AF. The DMC-GH2 features 3 Function buttons and 3 Custom Modes. A wide range of options are also available for the GUI. You can customize the settings to match your shooting style.
3" Free-Angle LCD W/High 460,000 Resolution
The DMC-GH2 has a 3.0-inch 3:2 460,000-dot free-angle LCD that rotates 180° to the side and tilts 270° up and down, and gives you approx. 100% field of view. This is a highly practical feature for high-angle shots, like when you need to shoot over the heads of people at a parade, and enables accurate, dynamic framing for artistic low-angle shots, like when shooting at nearly ground level. It's extremely convenient when shooting with a tripod too.
1.5 Million Dot Multi Aspect Wide Screen Live View Finder (LVF)
The LUMIX G Micro System's large, bright 1,440,000-dot equivalent LVF (Live View Finder) retains the outstanding viewability of an optical viewfinder and can also display information about camera settings that you can see without taking his or her eyes off the subject. Now the LVF is newly designed to be Multi Aspect Wide Screen LVF for DMC-GH2. Increasing the display area to 1,533,600-dot equivalent resolution, the new Multi Aspect Wide Screen LVF boasts the 0.71 x magnification and 100% field of view. Reducing the color breakup by half in principle, the new LVF assures stunning image view for any subject in any scenes. Together with the 60 fps Live View is made possible by the Live MOS sensor, which takes signals directly from the image sensor and sends them continuously to the LCD, in real time. This allows you, when composing a shot, to check the framing accurately from corner to corner.
Body and GUI Design
Meticulous attention was paid to operating ease when designing the DMC-GH2. The body design allows you to freely customize their settings, using 3 new Function buttons and 3 Custom Modes. The GUI also offers a choice between LCD, LVF, and Touch-screen Operation depending on the shooting style, and each has a logical menu interface that is calculated to make operation easy and intuitive. The DMC-GH2 is sophisticated in form, offers an extensive function set, provides uncompromising performance, and delivers the ultimate in intuitive operating and shooting.
Dust Reduction System
If dust or other foreign matter gets inside the camera when you're changing lenses, it could cling to the image sensor and show up as a spot in your images. Dust entering the camera while changing the lens is one of the biggest problems with interchangeable lens system cameras. The Dust Reduction System in the DMC-GH2 helps eliminate this possibility by placing the Supersonic Wave Filter in front of the Live MOS sensor, between the low-pass filter and shutter. Every time the camera is switched on, the filter vibrates around 50,000 times per second to repel dust and other particles without affecting the camera's internal mechanisms, helping maintain superb image quality.
Small and Light System Camera
The DMC-G1, which is based on the Micro Four Thirds System standard, revolutionized the world of interchangeable lens system cameras in September 2008 as the world's first mirrorless system camera. The Micro Four Thirds System standard was developed as an extended version of the Four Thirds System standard for interchangeable lens system cameras. By adopting this standard and developing a camera that eliminates the mirror box and optical viewfinder unit, Panasonic was able to achieve a drastic reduction in both size and weight compared with conventional digital SLRs. This made it possible to create a new-generation system camera that features Full-time Live View, high-speed, high-precision Contrast AF, HD movie recording, and more. The DMC-GH2 adopts this standard and inherits all of those benefits. You'll find it small enough to take anywhere, yet sophisticated enough to take you as far into photography and movies as you want to go.
Freer Expression for Still and Motion Images
With the world's first* introduction of digital interchangeable lens to make 3D shooting possible with an interchangeable lens system camera, Panasonic proposes to enjoy high-quality shooting in 3D with the DMC-GH2. This new compact 3D-capable interchangeable lens, LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12, allows easier handling and instant 3D shooting with cameras without a special structure for 3D shooting. It produces 3D images without distortion or time lag between left and right images, even for moving objects. The 3D images, even close-up shots, taken with this lens are easy on the eyes when viewed on VIERA 3D TVs. Panasonic made a breakthrough by adding this special way of unprecedented expression in photography with outstanding ease with the innovative technology.
Expansive Customizing Possibilities
My Color Mode includes 8 different approaches to the color in your images, and the Film Mode gives you even more options for shooting HD video. The Scene Mode function lets the camera make the optimal settings for you automatically, so anybody can take superb photos and movies with ease. The Peripheral Defocus Mode for still images is super-easy: Simply touch the subject on the screen. The camera automatically focuses on the AF area you chose while gently defocusing the foreground and background to emphasize your subject. You don't have to change the aperture yourself to take photos with the highly attractive soft focus effect of an SLR camera. There are 5 Portrait modes, 4 Scenery modes, and 4 Close-Up modes, and there's also precise control over white balance, exposure (1/3 stop increments), exposure compensation (=/- 5 stops in 1/3 stop increments), ISO setting, bracketing of exposure, white balance and aspect ratio, and a long shutter speed noise reduction function.
Built-In Flash
In spite of its compact size, the DMC-GH2's built-in flash* has a light intensity that is equivalent to GN13.9, and you can adjust the intensity within a range of ±EV 2 in 1/3 EV steps. It also lets you use 1st curtain sync. flash and 2nd curtain sync. flash to capture nightscapes with a natural flow of light.
RAW Format Capability
You can get original image data, recording the image directly from the Live MOS sensor without any image processing. The SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.1 SE software utility lets you develop RAW data files. For example, you can develop RAW data to create an image with the effect you were trying to capture when you took the shot. You get high-level basic image processing abilities that give you control over such things as unnatural edges from saturated color borders, false colors in structures with intricate detail, and chromatic noise in photos taken at high sensitivity settings. This utility provides a unique combination of high resolution and extraordinary color separation performance. In addition, the DMC-GH2 allows consecutive shots to be taken at up to 4.5 fps in RAW format. Shooting continues even while the image data is being stored in memory. You can select either sRGB or Adobe RGB as your color space.
Advanced Intelligent Resolution Technology
The advanced Intelligent Resolution technology enables the recording of beautiful photo and high-definition movie with higher quality signal processing. With the advanced Intelligent Resolution technology, 3 areas - outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation areas are automatically detected. Apart from the uniform enhancement of sharpness, the innovative technology advanced Intelligent Resolution precisely performs signal processing pixel by pixel in the most effective way according to the area. As a result, images are naturally clear and crisp in both photo and movie recording.
Intelligent D-Range Control
The new Intelligent D-range Control offers even more natural-looking images by optimizing the exposure for each part of an image, preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights and helping ensure that gradation and details are reproduced beautifully including the blue color of the sky. An automatic backlight compensation function is activated whenever the camera detects the subject in backlight.
Intelligent Scene Selector W/Touch-Screen Operation
When the camera's in the iA Mode, the Intelligent Scene Selector automatically sets the Scene Mode to Scenery, Portrait, Macro*1, Night Portrait*2, Night Scenery or Sunset. The camera judges it from the various detection results such as focusing distance, inclusion of human face and brightness level of the circumstance*3. You are free from difficult settings every time scene changes when taking images with these most frequently used Scene Modes to get beautiful results even before you know.
AF Tracking W/Touch-Screen Operation; Quick AF
Once the AF subject is selected by touch control, it continues to track the subject even if it moves until you press the shutter. When you're taking pictures of active children, pets, sports scenes or subjects in a moving object, this function eliminates the need to press the shutter button halfway down repeatedly to readjust the focus. The AF Tracking makes sure you don't miss those once-in-a-lifetime shooting opportunities. The DMC-GH2 features the Quick AF*1. Ordinary AF is activated when the shutter button is pressed halfway, while the Quick AF starts operating as soon as the camera is pointed toward a subject. This dramatically reduces the shutter delay time and lets you take images quickly*2. Its super-fast focus is ideal for capturing quick photos of active children and pets. By setting the camera to the Quick AF, images of sudden shooting opportunities won't be out of focus or blurry.
Face Detection AF/AE W/Face Recognition
The DMC-GH2 features the Face Recognition, a function that "remembers" faces. Register the person from the menu by taking his/her full-face portrait with his/her name. Once complete, if the familiar face appears into your frame again, the camera will display the name you specified for that person and prioritize focus and exposure so that the registered face is bright and in sharp focus*1. Up to 3 persons' names can be displayed at once. In playback, you can choose to display only photos that contain a specific registered face using the Category Playback. The Face Recognition makes sorting archiving incredibly easy. The Face Detection also features the Digital Red-eye Correction (Red-eye Removal). The camera takes care of the red-eye effect that often happens when shooting with a flash, to ensure attractive facial expression.
MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)
The MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) that's built into Micro Four Thirds lenses detects and compensates for blurring caused by hand-shake*. So, you can get sharp, clear shots every time you shoot. It also works for zoom shots and macro shots, which are especially susceptible to hand-shake, and lets you shoot in dimly lit rooms or evening illumination, without a flash, to preserve the mood. With the DMC-GH2, you can select whichever of 3 stabilization modes that suits your needs. By choosing the setting that best matches the situation, you get beautiful, blur-free shots with ease.
Intelligent ISO Control
The Intelligent ISO Control function* in the DMC-GH2 made possible by the Venus Engine FHD detects subject movement and automatically adjusts the ISO setting and shutter speed to best suit the movement and light conditions. When it detects subject motion, it automatically raises the ISO setting and increases the shutter speed to prevent motion blur. On the other hand, when the subject is still and no movement is detected, it takes beautifully natural photos with a low ISO setting. The Intelligent ISO Control gives you stunning images with ease because there's no need for complicated settings.
3D Image Viewer/VIERA Link
Both still images and motion images in AVCHD recorded on SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards are easy to view on a Panasonic VIERA TV with dynamic HD resolution. You simply insert the card into the VIERA Image Viewer (SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card slot) on a VIERA TV or DIGA Blu-ray Disc Player to play the content. Alternatively, an optional mini HDMI cable can be used to output still and motion images recorded with the DMC-GH2 directly to the TV for easy VIERA Link operation. This makes it possible to take maximum advantage of the camera's playback functions, including slideshows in which both still and motion images are played sequentially, or calendar displays and so on. All control is possible using only the TV's remote control. Especially, the pictures taken with the interchangeable 3D lens LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12 can be viewed in 3D via the 3D Image Viewer offering users a whole new exciting experience.
Expandability W/Optional Accessories Featuring Zoom Lever
The DMC-GH2 offers a wide variety of options to choose from to match your shooting situation and style, including filters, mount adaptors and external stereo microphones. The newly added DMW-ZL1 zoom lever enables light-touch zooming when shooting movies. In addition, stylish carrying bags and shoulder straps are available. These accessories let you further upgrade the system according to your shooting style and preference.
Playback Functions
Just press the Playback button on the camera back to switch the DMC-GH2 to playback mode. Now you're ready to enjoy crisp, clear images on the 3.0-inch, 460,000-dot LCD. Images are bright and easy to see, even outdoors on a sunny day. Along with the ordinary playback screen, there is a variety of information screens, such as a shooting information detail display, a histogram display, and highlight display. You can also mark images as favorites, and keep them protected not to accidentally delete. The DMC-GH2 can play a slideshow with music. Choose from 4 types of music: Natural, Slow, Swing and Urban. Then, select the transition effect to match your music.