A fake GH3 rendering.
Vitaly Kiselev, the Panasonic camera hacker posted a roundup of GH3 rumors floting around the web. And he added his firmware suggestions too. Here is the list via Personal-View:
GH3 Preliminary specs (really rumors and speculations, nothing official :-0 ):
- Wheather sealed, metal body
- Shutter button located similarly to G5, same power zoom rocker
- 920k or better capacitive touch screen
- Improved EVF (like full 1080p)
- 1080p50/1080p60 at 28mp
- 1080p120/1080p100 special modes (limited time usage), 720p120/720p100 unlimited
- WiFi direct with Android and iPhone applications with remote video capture
- 1/3.5″ mic input and headphone output
- Supplied with new wheather sealed kit
- And optional battery grip, of course.
Mine suggestions:
- Improve video encoder making it independent from bunch of fixed settings, improve it’s performance
- Make special dedicated expert screen for video settings, allowing to set any combination of encoder parameters, without any hacks
- Make proper electronic follow focus with speed selection, ability to set predefined positions, etc, driven from mobile phone or using rocker
I would be so happy with these specs!!!
—
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Black G5 at Amazon (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here)
Silver G5 at Amazon (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here)
45-150mm lens in Black at BHphoto (Click here) and in Silver at BHphoto (Click here).
LX7 in Black at Amazon (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here) in White at Amazon (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here)
Other compacts, the FZ200 at BHphoto (Click here), the FZ60 at BHphoto (Click here).
82 Responses
I always happened to like the dial to be in the front of the grip(GH1), not in the back. This felt much more comfortable, imo.
Why no info on the most important part , the sensor ?
No sensor revolution means failure , no worth to upgrade !
.
I only want “focus peaking”, also on GH2.
Over cranking would be nice
You can wait forever. At least on GH2. They simply don’t need Focus Peaking – it’s not going to rise their sales. And remember, they want you to BUY native lenses, not USE old manual ones.
It could help, it would allow for MF with native m43 lenses without resorting to magnified view to see if you are in the ballpark. For a certain style of shooting, I could see the appeal (in the meanwhile I will stick with focus-recompose via AF).
+1000
Focus Peaking!!!!
Higher resolution EVF and LCD.
Clean up the interface!!! It’s not as bad as the Oly interface, but needs a lot of work.
It will probably be an incremental upgrade, but that’s not a bad thing given how good the GH2 is. I’ve been extremely happy with mine.
Now that the G5 has come out, I’m relieved to see that Panasonic is committed to improving the ergonomics of the body style, so one would assume the trend will continue with the GH3.
They or Oly should still release a true rangefinder style body (think NEX-7) with a built-in EVF.
totally agree about higher resolution EVF and LCD and the range finder style body with built in EVF.
I’d also like them to make continuous AF usable.
“It will probably be an incremental upgrade, but that’s not a bad thing given how good the GH2 is.”
I would hope not. This really can’t be an incremental upgrade if Panasonic want’s to compete. The GH3 needs to be an aggressive step forward both technologically as well as in terms of build quality.
Incremental improvements won’t be enough to sway enthusiasts into purchasing a GH3 instead of competing cameras like the EM-5. Most of these high end competitors have unique and desirable features (sensor IS, hybrid EVF, superb image quality, etc.) and Panasonic has to give us a compelling reason to purchase their top camera instead.
I wouldn’t buy an EM5 for several reasons. Mainly, I’m spoiled by the handling of my GH2.
Primarily, the interface and ergonomics. I’ve handled one and didn’t like the feel. Adding an external grip to make it handle better is just a bad design decision. I love the Control Wheel (especially when shooting with manual lenses in M mode… 90% of my shooting) and all the dedicated buttons.
No mic jack. No pop-up flash (I rarely use a flash and would never buy or lug an external unit). I want a fully articulated display. I scoffed at first, but after using it for a while wouldn’t live without one.
@pete… Just to perfectly clear, when I mention a true rangefinder body, I mean a NEW camera, not screwing up a proven design.
@jeff as if Panny would screw up an existing body….. whoops
Jeff,
Personally I agree with your sentiments; I’ve also had difficulties with the Olympus interface – in my case an E-PL1 (a lot could have changed since then of course).
My comments were more general, namely that Panasonic might find it difficult to sell a GH3 without a unique feature. If it has more or less the same image quality, same focus speed, screen, etc, then I suspect many would just choose the EM-5 which has a stand-out feature to clinch the deal – a state of the art, sensor based stabilization system. Or an APS-C mirrorless with the promise of better image quality.
Of course the current GH2 and an incremental upgrade of that camera will continue to satisfy photographers in need of the specific features that the GH line offers.
I was thinking more of those looking for their first high end mirrorless body and/or those not so heavily invested in any particular lens system. They might look at the feature set without either a clear idea of what they need or a bias towards any particular manufacturer. Statements like “every lens stabilized” or “largest sensor” can be pretty compelling arguments when there’s not much else to differentiate the choices.
“Most of these high end competitors have unique and desirable features (sensor IS, hybrid EVF, superb image quality, etc.)”
Hybrid EVF won’t happen in current m43’s protocol.
Sensor IS, won’t happen either. I have my opinion on IS. Useful, but not always and often best switched off. I am not sure that some of the most zealous IBIS promoters understands that, but thats not an other issue..
As for image quality: GH2 is only an incremental leap away from EM5. Adding quality ISO 80 would be a treat.
I hope the GH3 is not as ugly as the GH2, though (and this is coming from a GH2 owner).
I love the ergonomics and operation of my GH2 and of my previous GH1. A few tweaks would be nice in both, but I don’t want to see radical changes just for the sake of change.
While not arguing about the GH2 ergonomics, which seem to please many users, I also think the GH design does not look very pleasant because it reminds of cheap plastic dslrs. I am curious if they will improve that aspect with the new GH model.
+1 on focus peaking. Peaking and maybe a jump in resolution would keep me from jumping to Sony. I’m a still photographer, so the video is not so important to me, but I am looking for a jump in image quality compared to my GH1.
@jeff as if Panny would screw up an existing body….. whoops
120fps sounds GREAT!!
Out of curiosity, are there 120Hz display devices where you can see the difference, or are people planning on using this for slow motion?
slow motion. Would love to have that feature, not just 720p, but 1080p.
yes, slowmotion use, would be a complete camera with it
So as expected:
– Improved body (metal, weather sealed)
– Improved screen and EVF
– Improved video specs
I also expect a slightly improved sensor.
I posted that some time ago and someone called me Oly fanboy 🙂
The truth is that the GH2 is a solid camera that does well what it does, so it’s not easy to make a revolutionary improvement.
Maybe Panasonic should consider to have Phase Detect AF in the sensor for video now that Nikon and Canon have it.
Ah, and improving the colors….
Neither Canon nor Nikon show spectacular results using Phase Detect AF pixels on sensor. Both Oly and Panasonic flagship mirrorless cameras are still faster than the ones from Canon/Nikon mirrorless system.
Yeah Contrast AF is really fast in comparison, but work well consistently.
sorry but no!
I own the GX1 and have used a friends G3 and the Nikon V1 TOASTS the Pannies for continuous focus. Initial acquisition is great but when it moves…. try taking a bird in flight. The V1 can do it the Pannies aren’t in the same league.
I’d like to know how the E-M5 compares.
The V1 is in a class by itself there (CAF)…check the Steve Huff reviews. …but when it comes to sensor size (shadow details) choice of lenses, etc…the V1 falls flat on its face (well not flat..it has very decent image quality given the sensor size). Pete..the OM can not compete with the V1 in continuous AF speed, either…(but that camera has a lot of other charms!). It is targeted at the mass consumer market just like the Canon M…except Nikon go down with some seriously cool styling and a viewfinder and that in credible fast focusing..so soccer Mom and people with toddlers can get it all. Nikon won there all right.
cheers Bob.
interesting about the E-M5. I got a chance to handle one in a shop Sunday amazingly small.
I think the V1 competes pretty well with the 12mp m4/3 sensor (something Steve Huff’s reviews bear out I think), I have a foot in both camps! Love the m4/3 primes, love the CAF of the V1 with the 30-110!
I’d like to dump my dSLR! but alas there isn’t an m4/3 that can do birds in flight.
‘… try taking a bird in flight.’
Ah yes, bird in flight, the bane of the CDAF. 😉
I regulary shoot BIF with the Gh2. I do not understand your problem actually. Just use spot focussing. With the 100-300 mm I have had good results in the 5 days that I have the lens. Also moving subject like cars coming to me are doable. I am pretty sure V1 is better, PDAF is superior, but it is not black and white. I think I have 70% of the shots in focus, I estimate. Others can do better and missing a great shot would be frustrating. But I am happy with my results.
You can see them on dpreview search on my name and look in the gallery and read my comments…
Lets not forget that the V1 is benefiting from more being in focus at any one time all the time.
mike – a fair point but honestly it really is much quicker.
yes slowmotion use, would be a complete camera with it
Panasonic, where hell are the 1080@24p/25p/30p modes ? You always make the life of videographers harder by various extents, depending on the model…
720p120 = sold Cant believe its taking so long to get some higher frame rates, lets hope the rumor is true..
Focus Bracketing would be nice
Built in ND filter
WiFi and 120fps are interesting but not a deal breaker for me. As a GH1 owner, I’m more interested in IBIS. The OM-D would be my perfect camera if its video capabilities were at least like my hacked GH1 ones.
+ better sensor a la omd5, 12+ stops latitude
+ custom gamma curves
+ focus peaking
… for video, of course
The “electronic follow focus” Vitaly talks about would be awesome, but I don’t think Pana will do that anytime soon.
How about wireless flash control(+faster flash/sync speed?) and separate inputs for shutter release and Microphone.
I fear “WiFi direct” and the 3.5mm jack are just a rumor and won’t come true.
Wasn’t there anything about a wireless flash protocol in combination with a new upper class flash gun being released?
It would be great if the GH3 could use the existing master/slave flash protocol the Olympus uses or at least have a protocol at all.
I’ve been waiting for remote video capture via a phone for a while. I will be so upset if Olympus do not include this in their pro grade OMD…
No IBIS ? I’ll go olympus.
IBIS could indeed be very handy for the fast primes like 25mm f1.4, 75mm f1.8, etc., e.g. for indoor or night video. Should switch off automatically when using lenses with built-in optical stabilization.
Panasonic will never add IBIS. We’ve gone over this so many times.
Poor rumors still,
I would prefer know about an improved sensor, rivaling Oly E-M5
loosing my hopes in the GH3 for this year
Seems nobody really knows anything about the GH3 – its all speculation. I am seriously thinking about switching to Oly given the well known improvements in the EM5 (I don’t do vid) but can wait for Panasonic to show their hand. The GH line has few benefits now. Only variable aspect sensor and ergonomics are left. I would want the following in the GH3:
– significantly better sensor
– high res LCD and EVF
– silent & fast electronic shutter but not global shutter
– PDAF or other focus tracking technology
I actually think Panasonic will make a big advance with the GH3, but I have no idea what it will be!
Lovin’ those specs.. I hope they are close to the truth… maybe add in IBIS (which is almost guaranteed to have) and better DR and you have a real killer.
still just guessing
– Improve still images
– More options for aspectos ratios; 2.35:1, 1:85:1
+1
2.35 in video would be very nice.
I’d rather panasonic release an official anamorphic 1.5x or 2x lens.
That would probably be very expensive, but yes it would be a nice option too.
I meant a 1.5x or 2x conversion lens, that is, not a native anamorphic lens (which I agree would be very expensive).
seeing those prices for cinemasope converters, i already find them expensive enough….but i checked ebay only sofar
If this rumor is correct, sounds more like the GH3 will be based on the G5 body, only all metal and weathersealed.
Wonder if the weathersealed kit lens referred to is the existing 12-35/f2.8 or a new one? I do like the rumor it will have a higher resolution EVF and assume the higher rez LCD is swivel one from G5?
A “LOG” profile to record as flat as possible
I have and like the GH2. But it has some warts and areas where it needs to be improved. The list of enhancements listed above is nice and I’d like to see all of them, but hot points for me are:
– User interface MUCH better integrated and simplified. The GH2 seems like it was developed by two separate teams – one photo and one video – and then merged at the last minute.
— The settings need to be saved as two SEPARATE sets – photo and video.
— The shutter button should be for photo’s ONLY. The video button should be for videos ONLY. While shooting a video, hitting the shutter button will take a full-res still image REGARDLESS of video settings.
— Saved custom settings should be PERMANENT. (In the GH2, the custom settings revert to default settings under some conditions when you turn the camera off and then back on.)
— STANDARD miniature phone jack and headphone jack. The GH2’s sub-miniature jack is cr@p! About the only external mic that fits if the Panasonic mic and that’s mediocre.
— MANUAL audio control with ability to completely disable AGC.
— Improved color and DR. The GH2 is OK, but the OMD raised the bar for image quality and is now the standard for u4/3. If the GH3 is at or higher than the OMD, then it’s good. If color and DR is no better than the GH2, then I’ll buy an OMD for stills and keep my GH2 for video.
Regards,
Dan.
p.s. I like the overall body shape and button position of the GH2. IMO, the current shape is MUCH better than a rangefinder-style body.
p.p.s. The OMD is so nice that I may buy one in addition to a GH*.
I have the GH2 and share your ideas. When it comes to the sensor, they really need to do two things in addition to your suggestions:
– 20 MPixel sensor
– That sensor with DR and noise specs from the OM-D.
Could think of a couple more I guess, but this would make it a succes (and global shutter…).
Put that Sony sensor in it. I would buy this baby so fast.
Dan!
Thanks very much for your comment. I was searching for critical suggestions re GH2 improvement. Seems you’re mostly happy with your camera, and main improvements you want to see are in user interface and settings. So, I think it would be not wrong decision for me to buy GH2 when it falls below $700 (ideally $600) after GH3 announcement.
The most important is the SENSOR ! The GH2 is as good as the NIK 7000, no the GH3 should be as good as the OM-D, or NEX 7, or even better….I think it’s only a software problem to be improved….Hardly wait September
The GH2 is not as good as the D7000 and neither is the O-MD.Look at the real RAW files with NR off if you want to see the truth. The O-MD is a fraction better than the GH2 at low ISO { CLUE: If you need to push shadows 5 stops and post 100% crops to show the difference it is no big deal } at high ISO just under one stop better RAW performance.The Sony APS 16mp sensor in the likes of D7000/Pentax K5 etc does a bit better than this.
My sister had the Nik 7000 and it is better than my GH2. Better Dr, better high ISO. High ISO may be a stop or so, but better still. If GH3 reaches Nik7000 level and offer an ISO 50 or ISO 80 setting with very good DR, I would be really pleased.
The main thing should be a VERY GOOD SENSOR, to compete with NEX7 and OMD, also a better EVF, or to be better, water sealed could be good but lenses have to be also….
What about multi-ratio sensor?
Yes, definitely need the multi-aspect. I don’t want them to change the sensor unless it is multi-aspect.
Electronic Level Display
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvMWuQX12fI
I know this is not video-related, so 99,99% it won’t change in the GH3, but please please Panasonic extend that ridiculous 2/4 minutes BULB mode limit, and let me choose if I’m willing to wait for the same amount of time that the shoot take for noise reduction..
The best would be the E-M5 in a Panasonic GH2 body with the Panasonic menu interface 🙂
And the SAME hackneyed ‘DSLR’ form factor? Bleh! That’s more of the same amateur stuff. let’s see someone give us a small ‘box’ at last.
The only hope is GX2. And receding hope for the EP5.
True. But based on rumors of a diminutive Pro M43 that’s a Hasselblad 500cm form-factor in 2013, Anyone that announces such a gem in PhotoKina will steal the show. Sure peaking and other niceties like a pro Audio unbalanced in etc would sweeten the deal.
The best specification the GH3 could have would be if it was made mostly of glass and said something like “Zuiko 300:4” on the front.
i prefer diamond (stronger) for the body. must cost 1000 with 12-35.
2013 is going to be a good year for cameras. So many neat developments. Take the best of the GH3 and EM5 and put it in a NEX7 style camera. …. Or maybe Olympus have a special surprise with the next PENs.
removed
I like the improvements Vitaly listed.
-I also want IBIS because I want to use third party lenses.
-Improved sensor for lowlight and better DR
-regular mic jack so I can use a 3.5mm to XLR adapter (dual systems can go to hell).
Can’t wait for this camera. If only it was APS-C.
Also, anyone know a good telephoto zoom lens for the GH line? Something around 50-150 or 70-200mm but with a fixed aperture? It should not cost over $600-700 though. Please no panasonic or oly lenses.
I was ready to change systems for E-M5 if it offered decent video. I hope GH3 will be a match for E-M5 in terms of photo quality and construction because Panasonic already offers decent video. integration with android would also be a dream come true.
Wow… “1080p120/1080p100 special modes (limited time usage)”
If the GH3 can do 1080p/120 for limited times, then shouldn’t we expect 720p/240 for limited times as well?
1920 x 1080 x 120 = 248,832,000 pixels per second
1280 x 720 x 240 = 221,184,000 pixels per second
This would be a killer feature that makes SUPER slow motion a reality, and sets the GH3’s video capabilities apart from any other in its price range!
What would make me consider:
– dual dials (the current single dial with button press is a personal pet peeve of mine)
– dedicated joystick/nipple to move focus point.
– taking multi-aspect sensor up a level to a square sensor – so no need to rotate the camera to take portrait aspect photos.
– focus peaking but using zones, a la Capture One interface.
Otherwise, think I’m happy with the OM-D/GH2 combo I have for now.
This won’t matter much to previous GH owners, but here’s hoping they improve the sucky, poorly organized user manual. Almost every camera feature of the GH2, rather than be completely described, had a list of several cross references to other pages with their own further cross references.
i want gh3 become fullframe 🙂
No HUGE difference that would make me UP and sale my GH2 and get GH3 right away!!!
however the subtle difference are nice: weather sealed body, rocker zoom, Head jack which I miss…
BIG points for GH3 are 720 at 120 fps mode! and optional battery grip which I hope can fit GH2!!!!!!!
I will keep my GH2 and probably get GH3 so I have 2 GH cams on set to make production go by faster…
I will go crazy if the GH3 mega pixels went up to 18 or 20, Built in HDR for photography, and Frame capture speed went up to 9 frame per second or above! as I plan on advancing my photography side with the GH2