Finally! This is the first Panasonic GH3 image!!! Click on the image to see a larger version. UPDATE: There is a full video posted on youtube by Panasonic US. UPDATE_2: Now removed by Panasonic!
The specs are the one I posted days ago:
– 16 Megapixel “Wide dynamic range” CMOS Sensor.
– New Venus 7 engine
– electronic shutter
– ISO 100-12.800
– 6fps
– Fastest AF of any interchangeable lens system camera.
– Video Bitrate 50Mbps (72Mbps ALL-I)
– 60/50/30p/25p in MP4, MOV and AVCHD
– 3.5 Mic in
– built-in stereo mic
– Audio out
– Pc control
– Time Code
– 1740k OLED LVF, Touch Monitor OLED 610k.
– external battery grip
– Wifi with remote control through iOS and Android Applications
– external XLR accessory
– Focus Peaking
– Interval shooting and slow motion. Slow Movie extension (40%, 50%, 80%) Fast 160/ 200 / 300%
– Magnesium alloy body. Body is bigger than the [shoplink 16254]Panasonic GH2[/shoplink].
The camera will be announced on Monday September 17th! Stay tuned on 43rumors to follow the announcement live!
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225 Responses
Well, here is also first promo video 🙂
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiSwGHPJw74
WOW! It shows it has fucking lots of controls! Woo-hoo! Exposure comp., ISO and WB direct buttons by the shutter release! Two Fn buttons in the back… A front control wheel and… two back control wheels… Just wow! They are taking what worked for them and what worked for others (Canon, Nikon…). Brillant!
http://i.imgur.com/5rgES.jpg
I wish Panasonic would put a micro four thirds logo on the front, grrrrrrr….
On my GH2 there are the following labels GH2, Lumix, FULL HD, and the gold L this is more than enough branding on the front of a camera why would you want anymore are you likely to forget what type of camera you are using lol. If anything I would want less branding. It looks like they have removed the full hd label on the GH3 i am happy with that
@Fredeek
get rid of the gold L …no one has ever made the letter L into a successful logo that I can think of, better to place the micro four thirds logo there for many reasons, it would make it uniform with Olympus cameras thus re-enforcing the mft standard and it would also help Panasonic sell more lenses…
Errr… Where have the stereo mics gone? I know weather-sealing requires the old mics to be modified but… they have completely disappeared! The only place where they could be and can’t be seen in the video is “under” the flash/EVF housing, just above the lens mount.
Was the promo shot with the camera itself??
There’s my BI-
“Ahem!”
There’s my camera!
No, my!
Sorry, but I saw it first!
Haha it looks exactly like my Panasonic L10’s with my battery grips attached….. just like I thought it would :-]
Nice camera, but still that shitty shutter noise, that’s characteristic of Panasonic.
I’d hope it would have more dampened shutter noise.
Ah well, let’s see what it all brings in real live.
@Digifan
The shutter noise is much quieter than the non mirror less competition and you wouldnt get a fair representation of it from this promo video because they would of used separate audio recordings…
Time for your to clean out all that earwax.
It’s almost like Panasonic has there some mirror in GH2 with its shutter noise being so noticeable even after E-30.
LOL , A DSLR?
Digital Single Lens Mirrorless, not reflex.
Okay!
100 ISO + focus peaking + higher res EVF… LVF … Live View Finder?
It doesn’t look too much bigger than my GH2.
NOW let’s see the full specs and some test images!
That GH3 looks big for a m43 camera
– Video Bitrate 50Mbps (72Mbps ALL-I)
– 30p/25p in MP4, MOV and AVCHD
Cool!!!
Obviously, like the GH2, it will have 720p60 …. so again the framerate specs must be incomplete. But 1080p60 – surely that would have been leaked by now if it was present. Strange omission.
i was hoping for at least 10 fps for fast sport shooting oh well, and IBIS, oh well can’t have everything, the video should be superb.
If Olympus would upgrade there video spec on the EM5 to post stone age I would get that, I mean a 2012 camera with no 720p 60fps, no 1080p 24-60fps, no min 28mbs bandwith I mean olympus did panasonic pay you to cheap out on the video features and quality.
I want the best of both worlds in one camera, no both or either or.
Is anyone listening?
just us
With the battery grip it appears ergonomically well-designed. Of course, have to hold it to find out for sure.
Electronic shutter, but not global shutter. Rats! I was hoping for short sync speeds without having to resort to FP.
I wonder how slowly it focuses my 12-60…
Design is still too close to DSLR to have best ergonomics.
1:50 of that promo video demonstrates nose hitting to body when looking into viewfinder.
Though with Olympus stuck on all retro this is advance.
Now you got an excuse to get that nose job after all! 😉
The guy in the video has an enormous honker.
Esa, you’re always bitching about M4/3 ergonomics, so is there ANY camera you like, ergonomically speaking and regardless of format or system?
I’m just curious to see what you’re basing your little fixation on.
And it’s no fixation when you crave about those analog mechanical era’s rangefinder brick designs or same era’s centered SLR viewfinders?
My design preference is exactly same as it was five years ago meaning legacy free design of good size grip combined to viewfinder which can be lifted to eye as easily as rangefinder’s viewfinder.
Minolta Dimage A1/A2 prosumers had that already in 2003 and shouldn’t be too much to ask for mirrorless cameras of digital age to have same ergonomics instead of copying from World War II era basic designs.
Your preferences are just that, your preferences. Very important to you, but no more then a possibly interesting opinion for the rest of the world.
How many cameras since the A1/2 have followed that same design? Why do you think that number is extremely low?
It seems to me the conclusion is simple, there are not enough people who share your specific take on ergonomics to make it worthwhile for manufacturers to provide for it, they tried, and didn’t get the convincing success that would have made them continue with it. The why of that might be that most people just don’t care enough, but might also be that the techniques used by most people simply don’t require a design like the A1/2 and the gains for most people are irrelevant as a result. (which obviously doesn’t mean it is irrelevant to you)
The shutter sounds very different. I suspect this is electric first curtain shutter, like the NEX-7.
It would be interesting to compare it to the em5 shutter sound, as my GH1 was so loud it would often interrupt my subject. It would also offer some vibration advantages (e.g. shooting the moon with a long zoom, the old design shakes the camera too much).
The video spec supplied by admin does not even correlate with what is in the video.
Yes it correlates. You just missed the Slow Movie extension (40%, 50%, 80%) and Fast extension 160/ 200 / 300%. So it can do 60 and 50p of course! I know added so that people won’t do mistakes again 🙂
And just to point out, as I’ve seen a couple comments on here wondering about the lack of 60p, it advertises 60/50p specifically in the video. It’s like the only technical specification related to video included in it.
BEST PARTS:
-Bigger grip
-Magnesium, weather-sealed body
-Audio out/XLR accessory
-72Mbps bitrate
-Focus peaking
-Electronic shutter
-YouTube clip gives video spec of 60 fps (thank god!)
WORST PARTS:
-Low-res EVF/LCD compared to cheaper Sony NEX-6
-Higher price than predecessor
-Probably heavier (I guess that’s expected)
-No IBIS
> -Low-res EVF/LCD compared to cheaper Sony NEX-6
What might be not that bad thing, considering that all reviewers have complained about the NEX-7’s high res EVF (which now found its way into other Sony cameras too). Users said the same too (including being pretty useless in low light).
P&O probably stayed with the lower res for a reason – and to date nobody but spec sheet moles complained about it.
Well, anything’s possible but you seem to be making a lot of assumptions about models that haven’t been tested or released yet. Yes, it could be better, but generally speaking, higher-resolution screens outperform lower-res ones.
Higher numbers do especially well with marketing sensitive people, far less so with technically inclined people.
A higher resolution screen is only better then a lower resolution screen when:
– the higher resolution does not involve sacrifices with regards to contrast, brightness, dynamic range, ability to control brightness without killing dynamic range, color fidelity etc.
– the to be displayed material is of sufficient resolution to actually make use of the higher screen resolution
– all processing is fast enough to not introduce additional delay due to the larger amount of data needed for a higher resolution display.
All those things are typically ‘hidden assumptions’ when talking about display resolution, but they are highly relevant.
What reviews did you see that complained about the NEX-7’s EVF? Virtually every review I read dedicated an entire paragraph or two just to rave about it. Some going so far a to say they prefer it to optical viewfinders.
I’m very happy that m4/3’s will soon have an EVF that might rival it. Especially now that Fuji is also using Sony’s EVF.
very nice
PRICE.
What’s it gonna cost is the big Question.
$999.99 🙂
Body Only.
$299.99
Grip.
$1199.99 with 14-42X Lens
$1499.99 with 14-140 Lens
$1799.99 with 12-35X Lens
Sure???
Would be surprised if that would be the price for the 12-35mmX-GH3 combo. The lens alone costs $1,299.00!
I meant $1999.99 for the GH3/12-35X Combo.
No way will any combo be over $2000.00
And panasonic has always deeply discounted lenses when part of a kit. Often times the body is “free” (60,000yen for my G1+14-45+45-200 in 2009, similar price with GH1+14-140). I expect the GH3 + 12-35 to debut at 150,000 yen, and drop to 100,000yen sooner rather than later.
I doubt it since GH2 is pretty costly when launch
admin is spot on…
I wish you were right, but there’s no way it comes in that cheap.
Probably closer to $2,500 for the 12-35mm f/2.8 X kit.
I’d pick it up in a heartbeat if you were their salesman, but I’ll still probably end up buying it anyway!
Looks like I was $300 off or I thought the grip would be included at that price, they definitely don’t want to shake up the industry at that price.
$999 would have totally changed the camera industry as we know it, but Panasonic would have basically broke even initially.
Mirror-less m43 could have been king at $999.
Even so $1299 without grip is only about 25% higher.
Olympus is not threaten so n o price cuts, Sony and others are not threaten so no price cut.
Disappointed Panasonic played it safe with pricing, as they would have made a killing on lens, with people buying the body only at $999.
At that price I will wait till CHristmas when it gets closer to $999 and the OLY gets closer to $799.
WHere is Herbert Cain when you need him?
Time for a major GH2 Price drop and clear out sale.
Just an uneducated guess based on market conditions and how much Panasonic wants this to be a hit, their flagship.
And also to show Olympus who is M43 boss still, except when it comes to IBIS, Jpegs and small size choices.
Well I only shoot RAW anyways, unless I’m putting something up on eBay with my iPad, so I don’t have a problem with jpgs.
My hands constantly shake, so I do have a problem with the exclusion of IBIS, but I knew that the GH3 wouldn’t have it.
Appreciate the same tilt/swivel screen – had heard tilt only. Well done promo video – emphasizes joy of shooting versus the camera as a cool hip accessory.
As for the buying the camera – still a wait and see – my GH2 works just fine thanks. (But is grumbling for some company!)
If the Gh3 forces a third new battery type that will be quite annoying!
Tilt only would have been weird and actually bad considering how important video is for this camera.
Please stop asking for ibis in a Panasonic body. it is not going to happen
You should never be ashamed to let a company know what new features you want in there product, and IBIS, or something similar or better is no different.
Hey PANASONIC, I would like a superior built in stabilizer than what Olympus has, I know you can do it, and I am willing to pay an extra hundred for it, get your engineers on it now, even if you don’t release it for a while, never fall too far behind the competition, and than you could charge less for you lenses, sense stabilization will be in the body.
Even a add on module between the camera and battery grip could theoretically add stabilization as an “option> to those that need it with their primes at an extra cost (profit) for you PANASONIC.
Hello are you listening.
Nothing yet on Iphone pad remote control and integration.
I like the new touch the unveiled and would consider a retina ipad if it worked well with this as a controller as well as a screen, maybe remote screen?
Wow! A whole extra hundred dollars to Panasonic’s bottom line? There are no doubt hundreds of engineers now working on your IBIS request only because of your post. All the thousand posts begging Panasonic for IBIS before that didn’t include the hundred dollars that was the incentive needed.
LOL! That was a good one! 😀
“You should never be ashamed to let a company know what new features you want in there product”
And oh yes, a comment here is the way to let that company know. You are only wasting Internet space and our time. If you want tell something to Panasonic, tell them, not us! 😛
What if they read this blog instead of their support “whatever”? In their support “whatever” they can remove it and ignore it, but not here 😀
No, they can’t remove it here, but… they can just ignore it here. Which takes even less effort. 😀
Both is better, Panasonic occasionally come to sights like this to view reaction, and other enthusiast are sure to pass along suggestions word of mouth, so you are correct, but only telling Panasonic alone is not enough, they need to hear it and see it in forums and what not.
wasted space, I think not, even though I disagree with you your thoughts and space taken were just as special and important as mine.
I don’t think a few kilobytes will shut down the internet immediately.
very funny 🙂 I try, $100 was the key word, I will take the entire engineering crew out to Mc’donalds when they are done.
Now they have to do it!
Price is so far still the big unknown factor…
I’m guessing Panasonic will wait until the last minute before pricing this thing in order to keep a watchful eye on their competition. Despite the upgrades we got, I fear it will ultimately look overpriced in the minds of the typical consumer. The NEX-6 should land at around half the price of the GH3, while the D600 will possibly cost only slightly more.
If the other guys’ spec sheets already win out, and IF their final product is a success, the GH3 may not be as fortunate as we all hope it would be.
Love the new button layout, WB, ISO on top near shutter release. Is that Waveform button on top as well? Love the new scroll wheel – much better for zipping through footage. Looks like the microphone port might be right above lens.
no IBIS?
LOL 😀
A little off topic here -but how much resolution can the four thirds lenses handle? Say the 20mm from Panasonic? I’ve never really thought about it till now. Can it handle a 24 megapixel sensor when that arrives?
Stop talking about that Marketing Pixel garbage!
Quantity doesn’t mean quality.
Diffraction starts to have tiny effect to resolution already at f/5.6 with 16MP sensor.
Any extra pixels over that should be there only for this multi-aspest capability.
Besides that more Marketroid’s Pee would just cause additional challenges for DR and noise.
And make the resulting files larger without providing any more useful data.
I’m aware of pixel hype, and in my day to day photography I would not need such huge resolutions, but in my professional life, I could, and that’s why I’m asking.
You say that quantity doesn’t mean quality. And of course quantity doesn’t necessarily mean quality. But what I want to know is if quantity could mean quality.
I wondered to, I got my answer when Nokia showed a compact sensor with a 43 mega Pixel rating.
In other words there is no limit, and it’s great for cropping, however it would slow down processing, maybe be detrimental to highlights, dynamics, and over all quality but give you bragging rights.
If done right 20-24MP would be good for micro four thirds, but would need at least double the processing power to keep the quality at todays level.
why do white people always have to photpgraph black/brown people in these commercials!? (SONY NEX)
HAHA:)
Because that’s exotic! The same goes for local asian commercial often using western models for posing with the cameras and other gadgets.
I am buying this. The debut commercial is fantastic and a pretty song to go along with it, but I wish they’d uploaded it at 1080. Cannot wait, and I am so happy panasonic takes forever to actually ship, I can always count on them to give me enough time to not only get money, but a second job and a few months paychecks on top.
That music was horrific!
AWESOME!! Sadly it will hit the stores only in 2013… but hope I’m wrong…
Anybody know what song that was?
Song sounds a bit like Imogen Heap’s “Hide And Seek” – vocoder version. That one in the Pana-add is a bit “over-produced” for my taste. Try Heap’s song if you liked that one…..
Imogen is pure genius. Hopefully like this camera – we will see soon enough…
I may pre-order. Has next to every thing I want and can realistically expect in that price-range. And Imogen rules…. okay, Lisa Gerrard is not soooo bad too…
Here is an image from the back of the camera
http://imageshack.us/a/img138/631/gh3back.jpg
Two (or three) control wheels and four Fn buttons. Nice
Any word on if it can do 720P @ 120FPS?
Im excited with the Alexa of the poor man
Some idea about improvements in photo still?
Anyone know what the song is in the commercial. I like it.
I dont know, but remember me a song from Kraftwerk, but i dont remember the title.
Far better looking than GH2.
I’m impressed. If it can be hacked. If the HDMI is clean, and the wider dynamic range is true, Panasonic engineers came through again.
I think IBIS is not in the cards because it would seem they are copying the OM-D.
120fps was unlikely.
So all sounds very good.
Lets hope the SD interface is optimized for the higher speed cards.
They should not copy olympus with ibis, they should destroy them with there own 9 axise Hyper Built In OpticalIS/ElectronicIS that will use gps, accelerometer, lens weight and other data with it’s own dedicated processor to make steady ams all but useless.
They already do great with there hd cams in this regard.
The camera itself looks good, of course, but the quality of the video doesn’t look so good. Lots of blown highlights and contrasty. Hope it was’t shot with a GH3
Multi-aspec ratio sensor still?
At around 2:22 it looks like they are watching the video feed live on a laptop?
I knew it! I knew it one day they all – designers of mirrorless, would start making DSLR-looking cameras! 🙂 🙂 🙂
@admin in the video… it said LiveMos sensor… so it’s not CMOS
It’s a version of CMOS sensor.
Isn’t LiveMos a combination from CCD and CMOS??
If you say LiveMos is a version of CMOS sensor, It can be a version of CCD sensor too. Is that correct? so, In my opinion using LiveMos word is more clear.
this is just my opinion
LiveMOS is marketing name.
CCD and CMOS are different and incompatible manufacturing methods.
Love is back into my life!
timecode is interesting, does any of the Canon Nikons have TC? Do we really need that?
Is that an XLR input into the battery grip on the video? Anybody know?
Another pro look camera with tiny sensor.
Just like muscular dood with tiny penis
If Micro Four Thirds had a tiny sensor Nikon 1 wouldn’t have a sensor at all. 😀
The same you say about the guy, I can say for the big sensor DSLR camera about their sharpness…even Philip Bloom suggest to make sharpness after shooting in Premiere!!! WOW This is ridiculous!!! Very tiny pennis this 5dMIII…
I knew it.
All the guys constantly complaining about the sensor size in m43 are in truth having issues with the size of their private parts.
NOW I JUST HAVE TO WAIT TO FIND OUT WHEN CAN I BUY IT AND FOR HOW MUCH!??!?!???!/!?!/1
Some day, perhaps, you’ll find that at least as far as photography is concerned, the size of your penis doesn’t matter much – unless you can use it as a tripod, of course. The whole sensor size thing is getting just as stupid as the megapixel race from a few years ago…
I don’t understand: Electronic shutter, but a clicking sound like a mechanical shutter (the beep I expect to switch off, but the clicking sound …).
You have to activate the electronic shutter. Seems like it only works up to ISO1600 on the G5.
Don’t know if anyone noticed but that looks a lot like Philip Bloom testing the cameras video features!
Yes, its Mr. Bloom
http://i.minus.com/izPJnwaiILXgh.png
+1 Philip Bloom surely has one!
Yes I notice too…it will be interesting to read his test GH3 vs Blackmagic for dynamic range !
Top doesn’t seem to have the stereo mic like on the GH2. wonder where it is then…
take my money please. now! haha
I change my Corrado VR6 for a Lumix GH3, jeje.
I think that they may have let some specs leak but they still have some hidden neat feats to announce…
Oh dear, this thing is huge!
I did a quick comparison here using GH2’s pic from 43.org
http://i47.tinypic.com/2bd07b.jpg
Huge? For smurfs! I’m 5.7 and find the GH2 and EM-5 too small.
at 0.46 in the video it looks rather tiny.. not sure if it is bcoz the man’s hands are large.. but in different parts it looks much bigger yes ..not sure if its all the grips etc..
@Hard2Explain
I’m sure it is reassuringly the “right” size for its target market and not “huge”…
Doesn’t look much bigger at all? What are you talking about?
As a GF2 user, I feel like the size of GH2 is already right.
Totally subjective opinion though.
@hard2xplain
The current GH and O-MD controls are not ideal in constantly changing dynamic situations, the controls are a little too cramped if you are constantly changing focus types, focus points, adjusting EV, changing white balance and ISO etc….
+10
When I’m shooting with the EVF, I either mistakenly hit buttons (change display mode) or need to constantly check which ones I WANT to hit on the 4-way control buttons… I sure wish they’d kept those I dislike the wheel things. There are times when I change the WB by mistake. I shoot RAW, but still a pain in the butt.
Anyway, a little extra real estate wouldn’t hurt.
Judging from the photo and video, the GH3 really doesn’t look too much bigger than the GH2.
Exactly right. For casual shooting i guess the size of the cameras is ok. But if you want to get serious, its just impractical. With my GH2 I have to check all the time to make sure i haven’t accidentally changed a setting here and there. A royal pain. I’ve missed shots because of that.
Try powering it down if you’re keeping it in hands but not shooting at the moment.
GH2’s power up takes less time than need to check that settings haven’t been messed by accidental button presses while carrying it.
I really like the OMD, but it’s just too small in my hands and the buttons too rubbery.
Who will be the first reviewer to say “this camera is more an evolution than a revolution”? Well Panasonic already said it in their video!
Looks like a good evolution. It’s not my camera, but I can see that it is good.
It s funny to see how in this advertisement Panasonic felt the need to mimic the black shiny pictures we saw for the E-M5 advertisement pictures too !
http://olympusomd.com/de-CH/omd/e-m5/overview/gallery/
Hate the fake DSLR look, If you’re proud to be mirrorless, dump the “pentaprism bump” that is only there to fool those “Pro” camera seekers.
Get over it, already.
The DSLM form factor is logical , functional and proven. There’s always the P&S style l body like a PEN or GXx/GFx, or buy a NEX 6 or 7 for a true rangefinder style body.
what time is the announcement supposed to be?
Wheel around the four-way controller?! NOOOOOOO… :((
Seeing this makes me glad I waited to buy a new camera. And even though the new Nikon D600 is tempting, the GH3 will be perfect in a combo with my Panasonic AF100. Just hope they will release an upgrade for the AF100, or even better a AF200.
Thinking the same thing. Glad I held out on the OMD, which was a very close call! Mainly because of ergonomics, but also ISO 50, (presumably) 1/8000 shutter, wifi and focus peaking.
AF100b and AF200 should be released next year.
Oh, and really want an DP2 Merrill! :))))
++ I agree about the OMD ergonomics, coupled with the Byzantine menu structure it makes for a pretty dreadful combo in terms of usability. Otherwise the OMD is great. 😉
Is that the 35-100mm he’s using at 1:06?
– Colin
Please, Panasonic! We want rangefinder-styled Full Frame Micro Four Thirds bodies with 10-axis IBIS, not this piece of shit! Why don’t you hear our prayer?
stop whining
This guy is amazing, he even whines because Panasonic gave us not two but three control wheels! How can you whine to that?
10-axis IBIS? 😀
Full Frame MFT?
JOKING!!!!! Would I put *sarcasm* for every sarcastic comment?
Kesztio, only for posts meant for Ragnarok, I believe. This guy’s s a regular Einstein. Fuming in front of his PC like a rabid dog haha 😉
You have something against me just because I asked you a few times to please stop spamming blogs with your personal off topic links? Well, that’s sad that you are such a person, but I guess I could see it coming.
And about sarcasm @kesztio, well, I can’t actually see your face and hear your voice, so yes, it’s hard to detect sarcasm in Internet, a know fact. That’s why we use /s at some places.
I do have a problem with your vicious, anonymous attacks. And if you cannot tell complaining about lack full frame m43 sensor and 10 axis IBIS is sarcasm, I guess you’re not the sharpest TOOL..
What vicious attacks? I just asked you to stop spamming us with your no-one-cares personal links. First you spam, then you insult. What a nice person.
The only one who is spamming is you – like I told you at photorumors.
Did you notice the response you got from the others at 43rumors for your anonymous attacks? I suggest you leave moderation to those whose job it is.
If you insist on harrassing those who are willing to contribute to the photographic community then be man enough to show your identity, not hiding in the comfort of your mother’s basement in with an ax to grind; taking the frustrations of your own miserable life out on the world.
Stay out of my way and I’ll stay out of yours.
@kesztio
sarcasm generally doesn’t work well on international forums, especially if many of the visitors don’t have English as their 1st or 2nd language… that’s not sarcasm by the way.
HAHA you freaks it is 3am and you are posting ahhahahha you gh3 freaks!!!!!!!!!!!!
ooops I am posting too, I must be a freak too.
…and it’s not 3am everywhere… maybe you are the only freak 😉
freak…here is 12:05 pm…
I can’t afford this and I’m still excited! Woo!
Nice. Perhaps this is the first MFT camera which can replace (and not only complement) my Nikon DSLR.
Concerning the size:
I just overlayed the GH3 image with a similar GH2 image and adjusted them by the lens size and the lumix logo. The width and height seem to be identical. What changed is the thickness of the grip and the “roundness” so the spots left and right of the flash hump are more rounden and filled up.
Overall I dont think it will not consum a lot more space than the GH2 but the grip will be better.
Now just the price has to be right 🙂 Please below 1000€ for the body only.
Lol. Apsc shape/size body and price with tiny sensor just like the em5. Its just so funny.
WOW! great catch admin! as allways! but the video looks to me a little bit boring and amateurish 🙁
The message seems to be:
With the GH3, always take a tripod with you.
What a strange video!
I guess the camera is a lot better.
I don’t know why you think you would always need to carry a tripod. I hardly ever use one these days as Mega OIS copes with most situations. You should also be aware that in circumstances where a tripod is essential it would be just as essential on a camera with IBIS.
Don’t get me wrong.
I am not criticizing the camera or the way it does IS.
I just do not understand what this near-ubiquitous tripod in the video is supposed to express.
i think with all the tripods in the video they try to show professionalism (pros use tripods). same goes for the thicker strap.
Looks like we have Panasonic following Olympus way of alum-mag body ‘n weather proof, to bad there is no IBIS …
I’m really sick of hearing about IBIS. We don’t need it – forget about it. OIS, as used by both Nikon and Canon, is just fine.
This is a great camera and seems to have addressed everything the serious photographers have asked for. I’ll be buying one as soon as it is available. I don’t need to see one I just want one.
Strictly spoken you do not need IS at all, regardless of if its OIS or IBIS. People have been taking pictures and making movies without it for over a century.
But, there are lots of things we strictly spoken don’t need, but which do make life a lot easier and help a lot taking better pictures in difficult situations, and IS is simply one of them.
– The simplified IS on the ‘PEN lite’ is better then nothing
– The lens based OIS as used by Lumix is better then that, as is the IBIS used by the E-Px models and the older E system cameras
– The 5 axis IBIS of the E-M5 is better then all of the previous options. Thats not a matter of opinion, but of physics. It can correct for rotation, which is simply not possible with OIS.
Oh, and Canon and Nikon use OIS because it was the only thing possible in the days of film, and they stuck to it. They aren’t using it because it is better, and objectively it is not better, and physically it cannot be better.
Does it matter? Depends totally on how you use your camera and for what kind of applications.
Is the GH3 a bad camera for lacking IBIS? Hell no, thats just nonsense. It is however less attractive to some people because of this.
Strictly speaking other than static subjects where you cannot use any kind of camera support IS does nothing
“The 5 axis IBIS of the E-M5 is better then all of the previous options. Thats not a matter of opinion, but of physics. It can correct for rotation, which is simply not possible with OIS”
It can very easily be better as it is specifically designed and implemented for the exact lens used. And didn’t Panasonic release a camcorder with a 5axis IS based on an OIS lens.
“Does it matter? Depends totally on how you use your camera and for what kind of applications.”
All systems offer a huge selection of IS lens be it in lens or in body with FF Canon alone covering from 16mm all the way out to 800 { which can be stretched to 1280mm equiv if mounted on an Aps body. Same story with Nikon so it is hardly an issue.
I have the GH2 and will have the GH3 , I currently have in IS lenses covering from 12-35 , 14-45,14-140 and 100-300 and will be looking into the new 35-100. Therefore I will have is lenses covering from {FF equiv} 24mm -200mm { high grade } and from 200 -600mm with a standard grade lens. Below 24mm using the old reciprocal of focal length rule the need for any kind of IS reduces.
In lower light my shooting is mainly of theatre and pop concerts where a higher shutter speed is far more useful than IS making my fast lenses a better choice.If the band are jumping about the stage a slow stabilised shutter speed is useless
“Strictly speaking other than static subjects where you cannot use any kind of camera support IS does nothing”
Ever tried using IS during panning? (and yes, with Olympus IBIS you MUST configure it specifically for this, and with Lumix OIS, you can only use this with the camera in landscape position)
During panning shots, your shutter speed is totally determined by how much ‘speed’ you want to show in such a shot, the actual speed with which the subject moves, and the distance from the subject and background. Consequently you will end up with shutter speeds that by necessity show ‘camera shake’. Now, being able to reduce any up/down errors during panning is a very very useful application of IS, and works on subjects that are not static by definition.
There are many many more examples that show that your take on when IS is useful is extremely limited and incorrect.
What is correct however is that IS (regardless of it being in-body) isn’t a fix-all, and is rather useless in quite a number of situations.
“It can very easily be better as it is specifically designed and implemented for the exact lens used.”
That is the theory yes, but since the camera knows exactly which lens is mounted, the software driving the IBIS can be completely optimized to that specific lens, in theory it could even be provided by the lens itself. OIS can in some cases be a bit better however if we compare it to an IBIS implementation that handles the same axis of movement only.
“And didn’t Panasonic release a camcorder with a 5axis IS based on an OIS lens.”
No they didn’t, that camcorder uses hybrid OIS and IBIS, exactly because of what I said.
It is really very simple to understand, the lens cannot rotate the image around the length axis of the lens, this is simply physically impossible, and consequently it is also physically impossible for OIS to compensate for such rotation. The sensor however can rotate around the length axis of the lens, and consequently can compensate for such rotations.
In theory it is possible to handle the other 2 rotation axis with OIS (resulting in ‘4 axis OIS’) but this makes it extremely complicated, as it means the stabilizing element has to move on a curved instead of a nicely flat plane.
“All systems offer a huge selection of IS lens be it in lens or in body with FF Canon alone covering from 16mm all the way out to 800 { which can be stretched to 1280mm equiv if mounted on an Aps body. Same story with Nikon so it is hardly an issue.”
Ever looked at the difference in price between a 70-200/2.8 and a 70-200/2.8VR2?
Where is my stabilized 50/1.4G?
Just 2 examples to point out that while your facts are correct, your conclusion is not.
“I have the GH2 and will have the GH3 , I currently have in IS lenses covering from 12-35 , 14-45,14-140 and 100-300 and will be looking into the new 35-100. Therefore I will have is lenses covering from {FF equiv} 24mm -200mm { high grade } and from 200 -600mm with a standard grade lens. Below 24mm using the old reciprocal of focal length rule the need for any kind of IS reduces.”
Where is the 20/1.7 OIS?
And I have a G2 as well as an E-M5, with a variety of lenses, both Lumix lenses with and without OIS, and a bunch of Olympus lenses. I’d argue that just when looking at the m4/3 system, I can actually compare based on real world usage, and quite know what I am talking about here.
“In lower light my shooting is mainly of theatre and pop concerts where a higher shutter speed is far more useful than IS making my fast lenses a better choice.If the band are jumping about the stage a slow stabilised shutter speed is useless”
I do a lot of concert photography, and what you say is not incorrect but it is an extreme simplification.
Fast lenses are useful, fast lenses with IS are even more useful, having a choice to have IS with every lens is much more flexible then only having it with certain lenses.
Fast shutter speeds are useful, until you want to show that that drummer is actually playing like a madman and would like some motion blur in his hands and drumsticks. You may well find yourself needing a shutter speed for that that is somewhat uncomfortably slow for hand-holding if you also happen to need a bit longer lens because of distance. This is just one example of why what you say is an over-simplification, there are many many more such examples.
Again, being able to use ANY lens with IS gives you much more flexibility then only being able to use it with specific lenses. Its an extra tool that is always at your disposal even when you suddenly end up using that legacy 135/2.0 lens or such, instead of only when using certain specific lenses.
Yeah, right? Like Olympus was the First to do so…
I was going to get the OM-D now I’m not so sure… grrrrr
The problem is, there is always something better, just over the horizon.
When the GH3 is available, and Olympus is going to announce their ‘OM-D pro’, people will probably say “I was just going to get a GH3 but now I don’t know”
Its the ‘bad’ side of the rate of progress we have, everything is outdated the moment it hits the market. This isn’t really something you can use for deciding on a purchase.
I’m not that much into photography. Can barely take useable photos but I’m excited about this. For me it would be important if the GH3 can perform as well in low light for stills compared to let’s say Sony NEX6 or Canon 7D despite the smaller sensor…
Video is pretty good. It seems that Panny tries to do the right thing.
P.S. DSLM (Single Lens Mirrorless) is by far the best moniker I have heard for the mirrorless. EVIL is good one too, but ILC and CSC are just too non-descriptive/lacking association with something concrete. The DSLM is just one letter away from DSLR.
+1100
I also prefer a MILF to a MILC. 😉
New GH3 seems to be an excellent execution of product strategy for high-end HD video market where jpeg, IBIS and body size doesn’t matter that much, and also excellent for trekking professionals (carrying a tripod?). However in terms of strategy for GF and GX upgraders from point&shoot, they will mind more, as they are used to using jpeg directly (no raw processing), IBIS and compact camera size. And the other potential customer group of DSLR “downgraders” or “back-up’ers” might still look for built in EVF in GX, or even not look this way, as they now can stay with an EVF and/or big sensor in a compact body (Sony NEX, RX, Fuji, etc.).
Hence, I wouldn’t be surprised if:
1.) jpeg will be (is?) improved in all G cameras
2.) IBIS will be introduced in GF and GX
3.) EVF will be introduced in GX body
Maybe Panasonic will even be inspired by the RX100 recipe or RX1 recipe, e.g.:
4.) Introduce GF “mini” with fixed zoom lens like retractable 14-42mm power zoom, but more compact in total size
5.) Introduce GX “mini” with fixed prime lens like existing 25mm f1.4, but more compact in total size
As for G5 it like GH3 also seems to be an excellent execution of strategy for its segment, which is more the “middle”, competing with entry-level DSLRs and at the same time offering great HD, though still not a very compact camera.
IBIS useful for prime lenses without OIS, like e.g. 14mm f2.5, 20mm f1.7, 45mm f1.8, 75mm f1.8, etc.
> 4.) Introduce GF “mini” with fixed zoom lens like retractable 14-42mm power zoom, but more compact in total size
Have you seen the GF5? or GF5+14-42X?
Man, it’s puny already.
You can’t make it smaller without sacrificing usability completely.
Addendum: Chances are there is another uncovered market segment, which Panasonic could target. I don’t see any rugged compact in the market with a decent IQ like what a m4/3 sensor could deliver. Maybe a weather sealed GX or GF “mini” could accomplish this.
A 1,000,000 time, YES!
Something like an Olympus Tough (I LOVE mine!), but with a M4/3 sensor would be fantastic!
Very very nice specs…this will be a top video cam. Thanks admin for all your site and work…Have you ever heard of built-in neutral filter ? it could be a great spec(better than external neutral filter with vignetting with wide angle lens…)
One of worst video promo Ive ever seen in my life. Terrible music ! Youtube? 720p only ? Doesnt show the camera , really …
Hope will have better material by monday
But the GH3 is not official announced yet…you think they will stay only in this video?…No…
You changed the specs so they were not complete before. You said that it only had 30p before. Now it says it has 60p. You can’t change the specs and then say you were right all along. I still think you do a great job though.
He did not change the specs he added to what was already there, he did not take away or change anything, some more features will be verified and revealed that are not yet, and the specs will be “updated” again.
updated with new information is different from changing already listed info into something different, so he can update and say he was always right, as long as he does not take or change anything just add.
Nope. Adding is changing.
Nope adding is adding.
changing is taking something already listed in turning it to something else in this case.
if he had changed 24 and 30 into something else that would be a change.
if he updates as he always does on his website and changes nothing but adds more info as it becomes available that is updating, otherwise he could never update anything or no manufacturer could ever list hidden features later, that they may not have at the beginning.
this may have 120FPS 720p, but it may be hidden if panasonic announces it and the admin updates that, that is an update not a change as 720P 60FPS is still legit.
But you make a good point and in other cases i would agree that any addition deletion or “change” of one thing to another would be a change, but in regards to a product that is still in the progress of being released, with more info trickling in, I disagree, so maybe we are both right and it’s only how each individual looks at it.
How dare he make corrections on his own website!
I’m still carrying some baby weghit from my 1st baby but i have only put on 3stone with 5children so thats not too bad (i think) After my little man is born i will knuckling down and losing that 3stone and a bit more.I’m not sure how these celebs do it, after my 1st baby i felt like my hips were wider even when i’d lost the baby weghit!! xxx
Does anyone think GH3 is a little bit like Leica R9?
It looks very nice to me!! :)))
please make it stop ! i promise to buy one if you make the video stop.
Haha, Panasonic is so nice – using Olympus lenses for filming (you can see Olympus 14-35mm f/2 lens used in several instances).
Why is that? Panny 12-35mm not that great? Hehehe 😛
I think it got mixed reviews… not sure what lens to get with the gh3 🙁 weather sealed 14-140??
check this video out with the 12-35 its really cool
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkM5lK2tItc
I didn’t see any reviews that didn’t find it an extremely high-quality lens, although some consider it overpriced.
Isn’t the Olympus 14-35 the one that costs more , weighs more , is larger than even FF lenses , starts at 28mm equiv,and it also performs dreadfully on the adapter with regards to AF.
Lets compare for mFT use:
The 14-35 costs £1800, weighs 915g and is 123mm long
The 12-35 costs £869 , weighs 350g and is 73mm long
The differences you see between these two lenses is exactly the reason that Olympus FT was such a failure and Mft has been such a success. If I wanted to carry that amount of weight I would be using a bloody great FF camera like the Nikon D800.The Panasonic will give you maybe 95% of the performance of the Olympus { on a Panasonic body} at less than half the price,just over a third the weight and 60% the length. FT is dead you need to move on with your bazooka lenses
Price ref : http://camerapricebuster.com/Panasonic_12-35mm_F2.8_ASPH_Power_O.I.S_Lumix_G_X_Vario_Lens_pc.html
mmmm Lets have a look at the differences
Panasonic
12-35 weighs 350g length 73mm cost {UK/EU} £869 starts at 24mm equiv
Olympus
14-35 weighs 915g length 123mm cost {UK/EU}£1799 starts at 28mm equiv
If you look at the differences you can easily see why your beloved Olympus FT system has all but died. The best gear was to heavy,too big and way too expensive. Why would you not just buy a FF set up if you want this type of size and weight .Olympus never learned despite the tiny sales , Olympus FT fanboys never learned.
IF you are going to opt for a smaller sensor with the image quality issues that can cause . You want it to be smaller , lighter and sold at a comfortable price. My GH2,+ 12-35 and the 20mm costs the same as I would have to pay for the 14-35 .That is why mFT has done far far more than FT ever could.
http://camerapricebuster.com/Olympus_ZUIKO_DIGITAL_ED_14-35mm_f2.0_pc.html
Carrying around that huge tripod sorta negates that mobility caper
It says electronic shutter.
What about global shutter?
As a conclusion, all these GH cameras are just toys…Good video quality, but no raw, not 120 fps…With high def screen upcoming everywhere (retina), the HD video will be just obsolet very soon.
I want to make serious things with my cam, so I will just buy a red epic, put some leica lenses / Nikon lenses on it, 5K 120 fps / 2K 300 fps, can be upgraded in the futur.
Just annoyed by all these pany toys.
lol 0/10
My Panasonic “Toy” sure takes some Great pics for being a “Toy”…
Buy what you want… but know this… a pro can make art with a toy but an amateur couldn’t create art with the most expensive tools.
Goodbye!
Spending as much money as possible is not going to meaningfully improve your output. If you’re good at what you do, great. If not, you’re hopeless.
Can somebody please explain what is ALL-i?
about IPB Frame, you can read this
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_compression_picture_types
Looks pretty good – but a couple things stick out…
The OIS does not do a very good job of smoothing handheld video out compared to the 5-axis in the EM5. That was my experience with the GH2 and the 14-140, looks like its no better on the newer lenses. The “cinema” portion with the dude that looked like Bloom didn’t push the codec much, but at about 2:55 the train whipping by is leaning to one side – hello jello. But that’s to be expected.
I will reserve judgement until a full test, and I’d like to see the other accessories. Mostly I’m just interested in the IQ and DR, which the GH2 really couldn’t compete with the EM5. If the GH3 can match the EM5, I’ll get one to pair with the OMD. Otherwise hopefully this makes Olympus boost the video capabilities of the EM5.
That WAS Bloom
Wow this seems more like a love story for a camera than a presentation video! Think it was the music but it made me laugh nonetheless. Looks like it’s going to be a very solid camera though.
The floodgates are wide open. Canon 5D has lost its throne with the slew of more competitive cameras appearing on the market regularly. Video producers need to stop requesting specific products because DPs shouldn’t get stuck using the same camera. A lot of shooters will migrate from 5DM2/3 and 7D because of the limitations, thus the end of any industry standard.
It would be wise for producers to have few precise requirements when considering a DP: be skillful, have a reel, and shoot 24p. Last week was BMCC, then Sony, followed by D600, today GH3, tomorrow Oly. No camera will reign, DPs are free from grappling with cumbersome equipment. Producers should stick to their role as content administrator and let techies focus on gear.
Shutter noise, shutter noise, shutter noise.
That EVF resolution makes me think it shows you a 16:9 Quarter FHD 960×540 image with a few pixels left over on top or bottom for exposure/settings info display.
If the 1080 signal is downsampled by a factor of 4:1 then we should get a really clean looking image on the EVF in video mode!!
Of course I could be absolutely wrong, but if I’m not then panasonic have done good!
My reasoning:
1740k = 1,740,000 dots
/3 (RGB) = 580,000 dots
Quarter FHD = 518,400 dots
At first I was thinking that the new XGA EVF from sony would be preferable to this one but if panasonic has given us an EVF optimised for video and 16:9 then the lower resolution could actually become an asset (if it means cleaner downsampling)!
For still shots, I think you’d probably just want higher resolution all the time.
> At first I was thinking that the new XGA EVF from sony would be preferable to this one but if panasonic has given us an EVF optimised for video and 16:9 then the lower resolution could actually become an asset
Lower resolution with low image size isn’t asset.
3:2 viewfinder aspect ratio would be lot better compromise. That would show 4:3 stills in more reasonable size than 16:9 low screen.
i hope they didn’t remove the stereo mic! that would a be a backwards move!!
This camera is already obsolete.
If you want steady-cam-like hand held video you have to buy the Olympus OMD.
No, buy a steadycam.
if you want video by an omd if you want superior film like production by a gh3, and a steadycam.
No, I said video, not film like production. Simple hand held videos of family and friends.
The HD video output of the OMD more than meets my needs. In fact, when I share those videos on youtube so people can actually see them, I have to down sample.
I represent 99% of the market for which the video output of the OMD is actually too good. But your point is taken, if you want to shoot films then you should spend $1600 dollars on the GH3 and then $800 dollars on a steady cam.
That’s great, man, but the OM-D is unfortunately close to useless for serious video / film work (could’ve been pretty awesome with a few changes). GH cameras are drastically better in that regard. It’s nice to have IBIS, but it isn’t significantly smoother than the IS in Pany lenses. With the bad codec, the OM-D’s video can look pretty janky at times.
Seriously Andrew.
The OM-D EM5 can’t make pro video ?…
Come on go watch this before saying untrue information https://vimeo.com/48286425
Also what you think the GH3 can do more than the OMD EM5 ? it has the same sensor, exactly the same stuff, a 30p can be easily used as a 24p in postprod and you don’t see any difference.
Also don’t forget that the EM5 is also weather sealed, it has IBIS that is extremly interesting in video mode, the bitrate video in MJPEG is unlimited !! very interesting details, the image processor is the best of the M43 even Panasonic, too bad that Olympus don’t go more far, Olympus is better than Panasonic this time and even in video.
Also the footage was recorded in 720p !! go check
I don’t defend the EM5 but the GH3 is a big fail in here… we are supposed to see better features etc… Panasonic release almost the same stuff than EM5 with lack…
the EM5 have a better video compression than the GH3, you know that the EM5 is one of the best hybrid even DSLR that take a maximum of detail without compressing too much (a nice encoder)
Again before saying bad stuff about the EM5, try to work with it…
I have had no problems using the OIS of Panasonic { I have the 12-35,14-45,14-140,100-300 , and 45mm macro} in typical family/social settings.Just as have most other users. Until the E-M5 the IS in the Pens with regards to video was all but useless, and it will continue to be so as they look to have the same IS system of old.
Sorry Anon,
but I think you are not being objectif. I have a love/hate relationship with my GH2. It has the best video image that I have seen in a DSLR but it has a crappy build quality. I broke my first GH2 on a shoot and had to replace it just around the time that the OMD was released. And I was loving the OMD. It had everything I needed. Until videos started appearing. And they weren’t even comparable to the GH2. I even considered buying a 7D for it’s tank build quality, but when I compared video quality the GH2 (hacked) always was far superior. So I eventually bought another GH2, with the consequence of having to treat it like a porcelain cup. For me the GH3 is the OMD or the 7D but with standard the bitrate of a hacked GH2 and an audio output. So the best DSLR so far.
People who can’t see the difference between the OMD en the GH2 need to buy a better quality screen, one used for editing. I’m sorry, I wished what you say was true, because then I would be shooting with the very well build OMD instead of the plastic GH2.
Greetings
Looks just fine, especially like the design to reduce the EVF protrusion in back and less of a hump on top with the raised sloped sides in an attractive tough magnesium body. The std grip is more substantial than that on the EM5 which needs a optional $300 grip to match. Judging from the pictures I would say the GH3 is not much larger than GH2 with same height, about same width but less depth, so packing volume ie LxWxH might even be slightly less.
The big question for me is the sensor as no mention of multi aspect design and it is 16mp not 18mp? My guess is it is very similar to that in the EM5 and that Pany may be manufacturing the sensor in their facilities under licence from Sony?
Panasonic and Sony are major rivals and it would do irreparable damage to Panasonic reputation if they did this. Contrary to what some of the more fanciful the E-M5 users claim. The E-M5 is no miracle it performs in relation to the Sony APS sensors exactly as one would expect. It is still behind the APS cameras by just about the level you would expect given the size difference.
It is less than one stop ahead of the GH2 in DR or high iso if you compare honest tests. Considering the GH2 was released in 2010 it seems very reasonable that they would be able to at the very least match the E-M5. The talk about the E-M5 is pretty OTT with some poor souls saying it is as good as the latest FF cameras. The difference from the long running 12mp sensor to the E-M5 is very significant and this is perhaps why so many make wild claims about the E-M5. Now I have the E-M5 and the GH2 there is a noticeable gain but not huge by any measure. The real stand out of the E-M5 for me is the amazing IS system
let’s say the truth, the GH3 came without innovation as some was expecting,
– Global shutter that aims to eliminate Rolling Shutter artifacts.
– IBIS for enhaced video when shot with primes and handheld.
these are major to take for consedration in the next coming GH5 😀
Assuming that the height of GH3 has not been increased from 3.5″ scaling the picture indicates a width of about 4.9″ about same as existing GH2. Note this is same height as EM5 only GH3 with higher shoulders has more room and space for its buttons and controls.
My hopes are Pany will follow up with the pro GXL rangefinder style with EVF based on this body. Note shift in lens mt to far side makes this more practical than modifying GX1 body to fit an EVF?
So will the GH3 allow PAL/NTSC dual boot (switchable framerates)?
Of course not.
I heard the video was removed, to replace the crappy song.
A lot of people actually liked that song (me included). Some in here even asked for a link to download it so i guess it’s not that bad 😉
It’s back up for those interested. Not sure how long it will last though…and yes, the song is pretty terrible (unless you like that kinda thing).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mOfJVOACFA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mOfJVOACFA