Note: This post will be continually updated with new links. Reload the page from time to time.
Preorders:
Special GH3 page at Amazon (Click here).
GH3 at Amazon (Click here), Bhphoto (Click here).
35-100mm X lens at Amazon (Click here), Bhphoto (Click here).
Reminder: Full new Olympus PEN and Lens preorder links at Amazon (Click here).
previews, hands-on, reviews:
GH3 at Dpreview, PocketLint, Techradar, Special Page at Panasonic, Imaging Resource, Philip Bloom.
35-100mm X lens at ePhotozine,
Hot lens news:
42.5mm f/1.2 optic (85mm equivalent) and a 150mm f/2.8 lens coming in late 2013 or even in 2014 only! Source: Engadget.
Image samples:
GH3 at Panasonic,
35-100mm X lens at Photographyblog, Photographyblog_2, Photographyblog_3, Lumix.ro, Quesabesde,
press releases in all languages:
GH3 at DSLRmagazine, PocketLint, Cnet Asia, Techradar, Panasonic, Engadget, TheVerge, Digitalkamera, Photoscala, ThePhoBlographer, ePhotozine, Lemondedelaphoto, Photographyblog, Quesabesde,
35-100mm X lens at Lumix.ro, SystemKameraForum,
Videos:
GH3 at PhilipBloom, The leaked video. Pampuri.
Poll:
Please read reviews and watch the image samples before to vote!
[poll id=”156″]
202 Responses
Nice, I really like it!
Standard sensitivity is from ISO200 to ISO12800, but you can set sensitivity to ISO125 or ISO25600 by using an extension function.
YES!
The sensor IS multi aspect.
sorry man, it’s not
Multiple aspect ratio sensor
Like the Lumix G DMC-GH2, the GH3 uses a multi-aspect ratio sensor. As you can see in the illustration below, it’s slightly ‘oversized’, meaning that at any given aspect ratio the camera only uses a crop from the total available sensor area.
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/panasonic-lumix-dmc-gh3
Based on specs on the Panasonic web site the 3:2 resolution is 4,608 x 3,072 on the GH3 versus 4,752 x 3,168 on the GH2, whereas both have the same 4,608 x 3,456 4:3 resolution.
This sort of confirms the GH3 does NOT have a multi-aspect sensor. Unrelated note, the site seems hammered at the moment – hard to get a post in
Looks like dpreview has removed most of their statements about multi-aspect ratio. I believe it was in their pre-production model but had to be removed for final model.
DPreview says it IS multy-aspect
But then they state in the Specs that image width doesn’t change…
Dpreview also says it is NOT environmentally sealed. LOL
Where? In specs? In the text I read it is “splash and dust proof”
Right. Not according to official specs. What a blunder by dpreview…
I have confirmation from a friend pretty high up in Panasonic US’s camera division that the sensor is NOT multi-aspect.
No. 🙁
It is too.
It’s not. You can choose to shoot in various aspect ratios like with most cameras, but the sensor is not a multi-aspect sensor. Any aspect ratio other than 1:1.33 reduces pixel count due to cropping.
Link?
NO MULTI-ASPECT:
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/gh3/specifications.html
Max width is for 4:3 everything else is just cropping the height !!
Look farther down for a link to the specs on the Panasonic site. Check the pixel count for each aspect ratio.
GH2 has 18MP sensor. Here’s the pixel count for each aspect ratio:
4:3 4608 x 3456 pixels 16MP
3:2 4752 x 3168 pixels 15MP
16:9 4976 x 2800 pixels 14MP
1:1 3456 x 3456 pixels 12MP
The GH3 sensor clearly crops like every other sensor.
It’s a tragic loss, especially when shooting 16:9!
Not everyone seems to understand what a true multi aspect sensor is and why it matters. The GH 3 has only 12mp in 16:9 whereas the GH2 had 16. Tragic was the adjective I used below too. Sadly makes the switch to Oly much easier.
Prices ???
$1,299 Body Only
Oh no! 1299 euros, then
Is there something new with shipping days? I cant get GH2 here in Czech rep.(sold out) so I have to wait for GH3….
Dont order from Czech then. 🙂 You have whole EU. And even if its shipped from US + VAT, usually you will end with same or better price. But you will have camera in the end, which is what counts.
I think it will take some time before GH3 hit shelves in Czech. As it usually does in our beloved country. :/
No focus peaking?
dpreview still don’t list timelapse/interval sh0oting on the specs page even though the GH3 is capable…
btw
the size and ergonomics are very very similar to the Panasonic L10 🙂
@admin you get my links?
DPreview mentions similar to (Sony) A65, which is not so huge, considerably smaller than A77 (which is also mentioned by DPR).
THIS IS REVOLUTIONARY SPECS…all of you did not know what to say all these days and were writing crap replies. Now eat it. Super specs. It has everything. 4.8x Teleconvertion for non-believers. Timelapse. HDR.
DPR preview is a bit odd… Their Intro specifically says the GH3 hS both multi-aspect sensor and weathersealing – the Specs indicate that it has neither :/
It has EVERYTHING WHy you not read the official specs in Panasonic site? You waiting in messages of a rumor thread to know all? It has everything.
Extended Teleconversion ETC …. does it have it?
2.4x / 3.6x / 4.8x zoom shots in video recording!!!
This machine has EVERYTHING from GH2 plus the double…
Thanks Revolution for the great answer!
My God, i hope i can by it in November!
Most important things:
-Features of GH2 like ETC, Foto in Video, 2.5 Hours Battery Life
-1080p50, 720p50
-cleaner image at ISO 3200, 6400 and 12800, but not killed the details
If they can do this all, i will preorder it as soon as possible…
Ok, but it have 50mps only in “mov”-Format (H.264).
So, can i edit this mov-Format in Premiere Pro CS6?
And can Windows 8 play the Files directly?
the 43/1.2 lens looks appealing, obviously will compete with the Oly 45… is that an OIS switch on the side in that picture?
What happened to 100 ISO? 120 fps?? Camera is MUCH bigger than gh2 :(.. Im happy with gh2 size, but as it gets bigger, im starting to think about cannon.. Maybe I need to actually have it in my hands..
125 ISO
The sensor is likely NOT multi aspect and it’s made by Panasonic!
Just watch the OFFICIAL specifications and the OFFICIAL product page as well…
Think ! about that for one minute Panasonic one of the worlds largest maker of sensors uses a rival companies sensor in its top product. BS
Where did you read that the sensor is made by Panasonic? I didn’t found it.
Although I should admit that this does’t mean necessarily that Panasonic would have mentioned explicitely as the manufacturer, but it’s still a stong hint.
ALL SPECS HERE :
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/gh3/index.html
Everything it is there…just click sometimes…do not wait from messages to find out specs…
I’m pretty stoked with this and will probably pick one up in 6 months or so (assuming there’s a noticeable IQ improvement over my GH2). Only thing I don’t like is the combo of 200iso and max shutter of 1/4000 – the former for long exposures with the 7-14mm (no NDs on that one) and both for wide-open use of my Nokton 25mm (NDs are a pain…).
Size doesn’t bother me when you get as much external control as this obviously has. Plus Panasonic also makes the very capable G5 if you want compact body + EVF…
ISO is 125-25600 extended. So that is oke I think. Or better than feared, but worse than initially expected.
‘Extended’
Which means it’s no different from shooting 200iso and pulling the exposure in post… Not really what you want to be doing for long-exposure landscape work.
GH3 looks absolutly great! Weather Sealed, Two Dials, optional vertical grip, OLED viewfinder – perfect
2 dials? I believe the actual number is 3…
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/gh3/body_intuitive_durable.html
All they need to do now is to convince me that low noise can be achieved at higher ISO for stills… of course IQ shouldn’t be good as well.
flash wirelles control, finally:
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/gh3/still_expandability.html
Hopefully they use the existing Olympus protocol like they do on the hot-shoe.
Then my Metz 58 AF-2 would already be compatible.
Clean HDMI?
“The DMC-GH3 is capable of real-time image output on the external monitor via an optional HDMI mini cable simultaneously while recording video. It is suitable for the professional video making that requires serious monitoring of the imageries. You can choose to output only the recording content or the content with the setting menus individually depending on a display.”
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/gh3/body_expandability.html#hdmi-monitor
Two new prime lenses hinted at from Panasonic looks great!:
http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/17/panasonic-teases-42-5mm-150mm-lenses/
I told you there would be a 40 1.2.
wow those are really interesting lenses!
150/f2.8 and 43/f1.2 is the big news for me. Really shows maturity of system. They need to arrive sooner though! Panasonic and Oly need to show they can build properly fast AF lenses and not just leave it to the independent MF brigade (good as they are).
* No mention just how wide the “wide dynamic range” is in video and in photo(raw) modes.
* Suddenly no more mention of XLR in the battery grip in the press release. Also no XLR on the photos of the grip.
* still 29min59sec recording limit this is unacceptable!!!
* flash sync cable. New panasonic flash is wireless. Wireless TTL too? New protocol or Olympus compatible? If not, will the expensive Metz models get an update?
* press release mentions “for uncompressed video audio is PCM”. uncompressed video???
* DLNA via Wifi is cool (#SmartTV/#GoogleTV)
Isn’t that less than 30 minutes recording limit an EU requirement? Don’t all such cameras have to follow it if being sold there?
No, it’s not.
See below.
We don’t have that limitation on US cameras. So yes it is an EU thing. Anything over 30 minutes has to be taxed as a video camera. So if you want one without that limitation, buy it from the US.
The video specs are beautiful. No need for hacks. We video shooters are getting just about everything we need. 72Mbps in 24p and 50Mbps at 60p. Awesome crop modes to use while shooting video. $1299 is a fair price. This makes my T2i look like utter garbage.
> No need for hacks.
30 minutes.
Especially with the Wifi Android/iOS remote this would be a great remote camera when videographing events. But events run way longer then 30 minutes.
like 120+ minutes? I hope you wont use the camera for recording movies at the cinema?
GH3 video spec:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/igor29768/7995717496/in/photostream
I think that the 30min limit is a European ruling thing and Vitaly will no doubt remove that limitation post haste ;-]
It’s not a “ruling”.
It’s a customs criteria.
With >=30min it would be a “video camera” and they would simply have to pay a few percent more customs and thus import sales tax.
For a 1200eur another 12 or 24eur don’t make a difference.
Well generally speaking I would consider customs and excise regulations as a “rule” , you are being a pedant. This rule is also followed by every other maker selling in the EU , including the high end Canon and Nikon gear
Poll is uncomplete. GH3 or nothing? Tough choice…
More detailed video specs:
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/gh3/specifications.html
Pictures with GF3 + 35-100 f2.8 are very funny !
http://www.photographyblog.com/news/panasonic_lumix_g_x_35-100mm_f2.8_hands-on_photos/
Not a very sane combo !
not bad, i thought it would be a bigger zoom! then again, i am still suffering from the zd 35-100 dimensions.
Unless Olympus comes up with body with similar actual ergonomics instead of retarded World War II era tech unergonomics Panasonic is very close to getting sale when they can get camera to shops.
They just need to have sensor performance at competitive level, meaning modern dynamic range and low light noise level. GH2’s sensor produces real nasty banded noise to night time sky photographs starting from around 20s ISO1000 and longer exposure/higher ISO just worsens problem.
come on, dont exaggerate the ergonomics issue, what is next ? custom designed form factors to please the individual needs of each user?
And you stop exaggerating ergonomics of piece of plank designs.
Every single DSLR maker understands what’s the most ergonomical grip shape and puts that to every above entry-level body so there’s zero excuses for failure in that just because of body being DSLM. (+front and rear dial in natural positions of fingers)
I doubt Panasonic would choose not to use a multi-aspect ratio sensor in the GH3. Two sites have stated it does in fact have a multi-aspect ratio sensor.
It doesn’t. Just look at the specs :
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/gh3/specifications.html
[4:3] 4,608 x 3,456
[3:2] 4,608 x 3,072
[16:9] 4,608 x 2,592
[1:1] 3,456 x 3,456
It’s all crop of 4:3.
GH2 for comparison :
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/gh2/specifications.html
[4:3] 4,608 x 3,456
[3:2] 4,752 x 3,168
[16:9] 4,976 x 2,800
[1:1] 3,456 x 3,456
3:2 and 16:9 are wider that 4:3.
Ok, so my 16:9 Pictures are now 12 MP instead of 14 MP…
“How many Megapixels have your Camera?”
“It has 17, but i only use 12 of them. YOu can have the other 5 Millions.”
It is not the MPs that matter here. The sensor is now smaller in non-4:3 modes just like every other m43 camera save the GH2 and GH1. (I for one preferred to shoot 3:2 because I like the look and can get prints for half the price.)
Panasonic have lost a feature that made the GH line special.
It has nothing to do with lost pixels, its about field of view…
Try using a 7-14mm at 7mm and NATIVE 16:9 on a GH1/2 – amazing.
+16,000,000,000
No kidding. It’s amazing! I love shooting 16:9 in vertical mode and those extra pixels add quite a bit.
It’s about a 2x crop factor vs 1.86x.
Gotta say….$1099 for the black Olympus 12mm amounts to rape.
I own the lens and it “is” a great lens, one of my favorites, but I think Olympus was pushing the envelope at charging $800 plus $90 for the shade. I obviously have the silver version and totally do not care about the color…it is about taking photographs….BUT …..I think charging $90 for the shade was unconscionable, already. I winched at the expenditure for an item, that is part of the lens as far as this photographer is concerned.
Now, for Olympus to ad $200 just because the lens is black and label it limited….perhaps Oly thinks they are becoming Leica, (wait..Leica doesn’t charge for black, do they?).
How about all of Olympus’ other black lenses…are they now “limited” too. Olympus…are you going to start selling designer blue jeans next??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
🙂
“Stabilizer”?
“STABILIZER”??
“StAbIlIzER”???
What the fu*k???
LOOK AT THIS:
http://www.fotosik.pl/pokaz_obrazek/c4eb765c0012d01a.html
Yes, it is to enable/disable lens OIS (and select stabilisation mode). It doesn’t mean there is IBIS.
Probably just switching on and off the OIS in lenses that have it.
Makes perfect sense to be able to assign that to an fn button if you’re using it very often.
GH3 special site (there are some sample photos): http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/dslm/gh3_special/
The GH3 and the strategy of Panasonic is even mentioned in the Handelsblatt – a newspaper like the Fiancial Times. Everybody here reads this.
Read here more:
http://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/it-medien/photokina-panasonic-plant-den-strategiewechsel/7142980.html
Focus peaking is not mentioned explicitly in the official specs. It’s very bad for me, taking to account how painful manual focusing is without it. Otherwise it could be a perfectly-spec-d camera.
SO, No one exciting about the two new lenses?????????
42.5/f1.2~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~150/f2.8~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That feels right~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
leica should be pana leica ofcourse.
i am excited too, about both of them.
Ridiculous! For that money I can get a real FF camera + a couple of good lenses, which will crap on this toy. The only reason for this GH3 is video and parting fools from their money.
Yeees! For this amount (1300 USD/EUR) you really can have a full featured Full Format camera and a couple of good lenses.
A traditional film camera, obviously.
Haha 🙂
Used 5DI? But hey, go ahead and waste your money, nobody is holding you.
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/panasonic-lumix-dmc-gh3/images/comparedgh2_front.jpg
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-side?products=canon_eos650d&products=panasonic_dmcgh3
Do I miss something? I taught MIRRORLESS means smaller&lighter than MIRRORED 🙂 … not to say cheaper; so look to 650D – same size and weight, bigger sensor and optical viewfinder (maybe not so good on video) on 800$ – which one you would choose? I’m disappointed, I hoped GH3 will by my next camera …
I’d choose the GH3, any day of the week.
The video is just that much better.
I wonder if ISO 125 (“Extended”) comes with any penalty.
The shortest sync speed of 1/160 is pathetic.
The shortest shutter speed o 1/4000 is a disappointment.
No mention of an electronic shutter option, which the G5 has.
VF magnification seems a tad low.
Panasonic site says electronic shutter available. New wireless flash and manual flash control is a surprise. Some suggestion that HDMI output is clean. Since 125 isn’t a standard ISO, it’s certainly just an overexpose-and-pull. Apparently no multi-aspect is biggest disappointment (though still conflicting reports).
That “Special” Amazon page, there’s absolutely nothing on that page 🙂
OMG! The new DMW-FL360L has led light for video!
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/gh3/still_expandability.html
Looks like a restyled Olympus flash.
I think you will find all Panny flash units are little more than rebadged Oly units.
Now all of you with your big hands who are constantly taking pictures in the rain, go out and get the GH3.
I own a GH1 and simply need a replacement for that. Same size, same weight, just a bit better sensor. Or something like the OMD with a fully articulated LCD (and preferably a styling that doesn’t look 40 years old). How difficult is it to do that?
Can you smell quite severe highlight clipping here? I bet you can.
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/dslm/gh3_special/gallery/daniel_berehulak/photos/17.jpg
lg
/Reto
it’s just normal that the sun gets blinked out. i find this much more disturbing:
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/dslm/gh3_special/gallery/ira_block/photos/01.jpg
Does the power grip come with it as part of the kit?
The grip is +300eur
While the video specs are nice, the panasonic stills gallery leaves some to be desired, not to say a lot. The landscape gallery for instance. The colors do not impress me. I’ve used a powershot s90 during my last trip in iceland and the results are equally impressive, if not better… And I am no photographer.
Unfortunately, there’s no mention of which lenses have been used because actually, some shots DO look good. I think we’ll have to wait to see more but Olympus might still have an edge as far as color rendering is concerned. While this GH3 seems to offer a lot for video amateurs, this still photographer might still have better options.
And there’s no chance of those photographers having tweaked photos to look what they like?
@daymon
the white balance and exposure leaves a lot to be desired in those shots but then that’s the photographer’s responsibility, the GH3 gives you the tools to do it better….
I think it’s a pity that it is heavier than the other m43 cameras, however I like the idea of having the bigger grip and higher capacity battery.
The large number of controls reminds me of my first digital camera, a Minolta Dimage Zi, perhaps there are a few more than needed but it is nice to have the seperate controls for the drive mode and AF mode setting.
It will be interesting to see how long it takes for the camera to make it into the UK’s shops: I haven’t seen a G5 on display yet, so wouldn’t be surprised if GH3s were thin on the ground for a few months.
My first impression is the GH3 is preferable to the EM-5, provided IQ is comparable. I would expect we have some evidence of whether the noise and DR have been improved compared to the GH2 before the GH3 becomes widely available.
If not the discounted GH2 and G5 are likely to look like better buys.
Size and weight = larger
Sensor size (at least for non-4:3 shooters) = smaller
Price = Much larger
Am I missing something? Absent a really impressive increase in IQ I do not see a compelling upgrade. For folks who do not own a m43 camera this might make sense but this GH2 (and GH1/GF1) owner is going to skip this generation.
Given the price increase on the GH3, I wonder how the GH2 would sell side-by-side if Panasonic left it on the market?
It depends on your needs. Some people will appreciate a robust, weather sealed body (which adds a lot to the price). Also the EVF and screen are improved. And the video specs.
IQ? Still to be seen. I don’t expect a significant improvement. So far, the official image samples look as the camera has the same ugly colors and highlight clipping. Maybe there will be a small improvement in high ISO noise, but again i don’t expect a big difference (GH2 is not bad there).
$1500 for the 35-100 lens??!? Wow, the lens prices are slowly getting out of hand. I think anything <= $1000 would be favourable!
Every manufacturer always takes more money from those who want latest product fastest.
And 70-200mm f/2.8s of Canikon cost around 2000.
WHEN IS THE RELEASE DATE??????????????
Nobody mentioned so far if the GH2’s biggest weak point has been addressed: the too small and slow image buffer.
Wit my E-M5 I can shoot around 14 RAW images in a row and the camera writes the data very quickly, so one can continue shooting after only a small lapse.
How many RAW/JPEG images one can shoot on a row?
Also, the supposedly new focus peaking feature is not covered anywhere – does it exist? If not admin’s rumor source wasn’t reliable.
2.8/150 –> HELL YEAH!!!
Any word on availability?
Anyone have info for the Mic on the front page?
Ok found it, it is the DMW-MS2
I think dpreview quietly removed the info about the multi-aspect sensor. Seriously, for one of the highest profile photography sites on the web, this was a quite spectacular error.
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/gh3/specifications.html
The noise levels on black are very very good.
http://vimeo.com/49558910
And the sharpness is really nice.
http://vimeo.com/49558910
No focus peaking !!
Great for video. Forget it for stills.
-Loss of true multi aspect is a tragedy
-Extra size /weight unwelcome
-Doesn’t look like the new sensor is very special
-Ergos are good, but not clever given it is now so big
– no obvious stills advances eg sensor PDAF
– expensive
OMD decision now (easily) made – cheaper,IBIS,lighter, great sensor
Please mention just 1 piece of current PDAF sensor which can achieve a focus speed as fast as 0.07 sec.
How do you know that the E-M5 sensor is better? Just because it’s Sony? LOL!
PDAF is necessary for effective focus tracking. No CDAF system gets close.
Since you ask, Sony do make the best sensors right now so it does help! I suspect the GH3 may have the same sensor as the OMD although samples don’t look so good.
Still Image [4:3] 4,608 x 3,456 (L), 3,264 x 2,448 (M), 2,336 x 1,752 (S), 1,824 x 1,368 (When attaching 3D lens in Micro Four Thirds System standard)
[3:2] 4,608 x 3,072 (L), 3,264 x 2,176 (M), 2,336 x 1,560 (S), 1,824 x 1,216 (When attaching 3D lens in Micro Four Thirds System standard)
[16:9] 4,608 x 2,592 (L), 3,264 x 1,840 (M), 1,920 x 1,080 (S), 1,824 x 1,024 (When attaching 3D lens in Micro Four Thirds System standard)
[1:1] 3,456 x 3,456 (L), 2,448 x 2,448 (M), 1,744 x 1,744 (S), 1,712 x 1,712 (When attaching 3D lens in Micro Four Thirds System standard)
I think you just want to write inaccuracies.
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/gh3/specifications.html
Your figures prove you are wrong!!! A multi aspect sensor has different pixel counts for the vertical and horizontal axes. Gh1 and GH2 have true multi aspect sensors. Read my comment below.
he is right. It has multi aspect ratio
Same aspect ratios for Gh2 and Gh3.
GH3 has same exactly ratios in specifications of panasonic site.
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/gh2/specifications.html
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/gh3/specifications.html
You give us a link to see that there is a difference between the GH2 and GH3 in multi aspect ratio
What’s so difficult for you people to understand?
The sensor isn’t multi-aspect.
GH3:
[4:3] 4,608 x 3,456 (L)
[3:2] 4,608 x 3,072 (L)
[16:9] 4,608 x 2,592 (L)
See that? Same width.
The difference in aspect ratios are a result of vertical cropping.
This is not the case with the GH1 and GH2.
GH2:
[4:3] 4,608 x 3,456 (L)
[3:2] 4,752 x 3,168 (L)
[16:9] 4,976 x 2,800 (L)
When taking photos or recording video in 16:9 — using the GH2 — you have a crop factor of 1.86.
Judging by the information above, you will have a crop factor of 2 when using the GH3; no matter what aspect ratio you make use of.
Where is exactly this information you say about the different pixel count of GH2?
I see [1:1] 3,456 x 3,456 (L), 2,448 x 2,448 (M), 1,744 x 1,744 (S),
1,792 x 1,792
So same pixel counts in 1:1
His point is that the pixel counts differ on the horizontal and vertical axes across different aspect ratios.
You only compared 1:1.
You are ALL WRONG. The sensor can do multi aspect ratios. The Software is not yet the official. It will be Software’s update. Sensor is capable.
@brod1er
Great for video. Forget it for stills.
-Loss of true multi aspect is a tragedy>it still has multi-aspect
-Extra size /weight unwelcome > about right for ergonomics especially in dynamic environments
-Doesn’t look like the new sensor is very special > hard to tell at moment
-Ergos are good, but not clever given it is now so big > about same size as L-10 🙂
– no obvious stills advances eg sensor PDAF > not needed, contrast is fast evolving, has 100% autofocus across entire frame
It is not true multi aspect. It just crops the 4:3 frame. You are left with 12mp in 16:9. The GH2 has 16mp AND the same pixel pitch/size. This is a fundamental difference.
> Great for video. Forget it for stills.
-Loss of true multi aspect is a tragedy
You just talked through your hat.
Loss of multiaspect sensor is lot bigger loss for videos than still.
And controls and ergonomical grip of high end DSLR in size of entry level DSLR is far from big.
Talking through his hat is a major advance he typically talks through his ass
That is better than talking out his ass , which is his normal way.
The absence of focus peaking is absolute bullshit! What’s the point in having a nice EVF and a nice OLED screen if you can’t MF decently to follow action? One HAS to buy an external pro video monitor.So add at least 450€ to the 1299€ of the GH£ body
(deleted by user)
$300 too much but nice and safe.
G5 vs GH3
Double the price for a few features more?
I would prefer a G5 for stills. Why?:
-Significantly Lighter/smaller
-Silent electronic shutter
-Half the price
GH3 makes the G5 look good!! So far I own a GH1 and GF3. The GF3 is much better than it is given credit for but I need a replacement for the knackered GH for stills. Sadly The GH3 does not offer much for me. I use the 7-14, 14, 20, 100-300 and Oly 45. An OMD will be great as it has the best IQ, solid build, and stabilises four of my lenses. The G5 is pretty good too but I want IBIS.
mmm just a suggestion if IS is so important to you why buy Panasonic cameras in the first instance
That’s my point. There is little on offer from Panny to forgo the attraction of IBIS (and the EM5 1/250 flash sync, excellent sensor, compact size). When I bought the GH1, it was the best camera with multi aspect sensor, good ergo. EVF – why bother with a PEN? The tables have turned for stills. I can see that the GH3 is very attractive for video. Sorry if that annoys you.
i question and one question only.
Are the still equal to or better or worse than the em5.
well actually 3 but who’s counting.
that is the million dollar question.
Video? Better.
Size? Depends on your needs. I’d argue worse, since you can throw the battery grip on the OMD if you want a DSLR sized camera, but you can’t make the GH3 smaller.
Photos? Worse.
What he said.
EM5 for stills, GH3 for video.
Why the O-MD for stills unless you are a big shooter of low light static subjects what do you think you gain? Baring in mind nothing is known of the RAW performance of the GH3
Cartoon colored JPEGs, of course. 😉
No word on availability? ll this talk about specs and no word on the most important thing.. WHEN IS IT AVAILABLE!?
What happened to focus peaking being an FT5 rumor? Stop listening to that source.
Loosing a truly multi-aspect sensor is a bit of a bummer, but not the end of the world. One problem I noticed with the GH2 multi-aspect sensor, is it changed the crop factor from 2 to 1.86. While this is great for getting a bit more in the field of view, it also caused vignetting on some wide angle 3rd party lenses. I suspect this is why they got rid of a true multi-aspect sensor.
The one disappointment I have with this camera is the 1/160 sec synch speed with a flash. I was hoping for at least 1/250 second but wishing for 1/500 sec or 1/1000 sec.
re the 43/1.2 and 150/2.8 …do I see an OIS switch on the side for both of them??
if the price isn’t horrific I’d consider switching my Oly 45mm if that’s the case
What about 4:2:2, 4:2:0 ? Cant find in any specs…
The GH3 is more than twice the cubic volume of the E-M5 and 30% heavier and is not weather sealed and no IBIS. Not a tempting proposition for me.
It’s an absolute no brainer for video but for still photography it offers less.
It’s definitely weather sealed.
I see no mention of weathersealing in the official specifications:
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/gh3/specifications.html
Maybe I just missed it. Anyone able to spot it?
“A splash / dustproof design is achieved by tightly sealing the joints and control components of the body. In particular, careful attention was given to the popup flash. To prevent vignetting caused by the lens, the popup flash incorporates a sliding mechanism that raises the flash to its operating position. The DMC-GH3 has taken thorough measures to prevent the entry of dust and water from this section.”
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/gh3/body_intuitive_durable.html
It looks like, in addition to body-only, it will be available bundled with 12-35 or 14-140. The following are the footnotes from the battery life specs:
—————————————————————————-
1 According to the CIPA Standard with the LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm / F2.8 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. (H-HS12035) (bundled lens in the DMC-GH3A).
*2 According to the CIPA Standard with the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm / F4.0-5.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-VS014140) (bundled lens in the DMC-GH3H).
Oops. If I would have just looked a little further down the page, I would have seen the Sales Packages clearly defined:
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/gh3/body_intuitive_durable.html
The GH3 seems a great camera for those who do video a lot. Also makes great still photo for sure.
But – big and expensive. The later being a clear trend in m43: Cameras and lenses are becoming very expensive. I’ve invested in a FF system recently and am positively surprised that HQ lenses are not that expensive.
Take the Pana 12-35: High quality but not as high as it’s price according to Photozone.
The size of the GH3 is like any APS-C or small FF – is that really what m43 was about?
Neither does m43 have a “rangefinder style” camera with built-in EVF. GH3 and EM-5 are DSLR-style conservatives.
APS-C mirrorless alternatives are now better and cheaper as I see it. Sony is catching up with lenses and Fuji has/will soon have the right lenses. Fuji lenses are very HQ and not as expensive as the new m43…. (take 60mm macro f.i)
m43 seems cold to me – expensive stuff if you want quality and the sensor is the smallest.
> The GH3 seems a great camera… But – big and expensive.
It has controls and ergonomical grip of high end DSLRs in size of entry level DSLR body so it’s far from big. And weight is lower than any DLSR with same controls/ergonomics.
> Fuji lenses are very HQ
Bullshit.
That 60mm is only one which can be called as high quality but still neither is that any stellar lens with edges needing stopping down to reach high sharpness.
18mm’s outside center performance is far from any good DSLR lenses and possibly suffers from too short flange back distance as 35mm lens achieves lower resolution drop outside center… when stopped down to f/5.6!
http://www.photozone.de/fuji_x
You can see the GH3 here from Photokina :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYrF5sagcCk
I had decided to buy the new GH3 , but now , if all those shortcomings I am considering the just released CAnon 6D . A full frame camera that can record 1080p 60fps .
Uh….the 6D does not record 1080/60P, my friend. Nor does it have a headphone port. It’s a bit of a joke, really, especially compared to the D600.
Sure you right…just checked ….
Lets hope for those IQ on GH3 go well…
For 1300 $ I cannot find anything near it in specifications.
How about at G5 at half price no weather seal, and the codecs need hacking, other than that the same.
You give up full manual controls in video which is pretty much everything.
When the GH3 Will be available?
From the 2 videos, one of Philip Bloom and the second in Vimeo from another tester, I can say for sure that this sensor has by far better noise behaviour than GH2 sensor.
GH3 is by far better in low light as John Jarkof said in Moscow.
I have a friend who is pretty high up in Panasonic US, and he has confirmed the following to be correct:
No multi-aspect sensor
No focus peaking
Major bummer!
Is this a sony sensor? and is picture quality as good as the em5?
My guy says it’s a Panasonic sensor, not Sony’s.
The RAW IQ looks amazing at ISO1600.
Is it the same sensor of the OM-D? Highly unlikely.
I seriously doubt “it’s a Sony”.
RAW IQ @ ISO1600 is amazing where it concerns noise.
Rats, I really wished this had a multi-aspect sensor. Oh well, it still looks like an amazing camera for video and stills.
Just seen the Uk price on WEX website, £1549 for body only, wtf, that’s an insane price. I’m still in shock 😮
Fools and their money are soon parted. Panasonic will find some customers on the novelty wave and then drop the prices. Nerds will keep discussing the megapixel without actually trying the toys. In the meantime, smarter folks will keep taking great shots with older gear – maybe an old 5D with legacy lenses.
I know that the different tax set ups influence our prices in the UK but that is BS $1299 = £800 £1549 = $2514 that is robbery. Panasonic is dreaming no one in their right mind would pay this price.I am not even in my right mind and I wouldn’t pay it lol
When you take into account that the GH3 matches and exceeds features found in cameras 4 times its price and with the new codec will deliver PRO level video recording – yes… fools and their money will be parted if they don’t understand what this camera delivers against the competition. Hey – you don’t have to even use a 5D … my Olympus E300 with its kodak sensor still allows ME to take incredible photos. But if you are after video recording then you’ll understand what the GH3 is about.
Panasonic’s website says that the ISO is expandable to ISO125 and 25,600:
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/gh3/still_image_quality.html
Just confirmed by my guy, HDMI output to external is UNCOMPRESSED!!
And the third wheel on the back, bottom-right can be set for many types of adjustments in stills and shoot.
With the recent China-Japan conflicts, how is this going to affect the GH3 production? We are seeing production facilities for Japanese brands in China being attacked.
Yeah, I heard the Chinese were pretty upset about the lack of focus peaking
Oh boy. Wait until they find out there is no viewfinder in the E-PL5.
But I wonder if they can do something about the lack of black Olympus prime lenses.
Is there any information on the new FL360L Flash Unit? I won’t lie, this is certainly a surprise I wasn’t expecting!
It’s an Olympus FL-600R.
I want at least this noise at 72MBps from the sensor…equivalent with the noise that is here in the 176MBps GH2 :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWjWJ2RWQ78
2 years and they could not update their multi aspect sensor or add ibis, or keep the price under a $1000, for videos the GH2 hacked or G5 with a future hack are better values at half the price new, for photos the em5 is superior at $300 less.
It can be truth* but the question is: is there a camera that puts all of that together? Or you rather buy several cameras?
*still too early to state some of the things you are saying
The multi aspect sensor maybe is problem for moire and aliasing, problem of downscaling maths…maybe one scale is better
Has anybody else noticed the new “Touch Pad AF” feature? It looks like you can use the rear screen as a touchpad to move the AF point while you’re looking through the EVF, instead of the 4 directional buttons. It actually sounds like a pretty cool feature. They could expand on it for other functions, too.
It sounds like a very nice addition indeed.
I have one ‘issue’ with it tho. I’d prefer a setup where I don’t have to move my hands away from a ‘shooting position’ for changing focus point. Cameras like for example the E-5 and E-M5 allow for this by using the 2 control dials instead of the arrow buttons. I wonder, does the GH3 support that as well?
http://www.om-d.org/article.php/20120604204310871
Anyone knows if the GH3 does indeed have PAL/NTSC switch for video?
You are ALL WRONG. The sensor can do multi aspect ratios. The Software is not yet the official. It will be Software’s update. Sensor is capable.