{"id":1696,"date":"2013-03-02T14:53:41","date_gmt":"2013-03-02T19:53:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/?p=1696"},"modified":"2013-03-02T22:51:39","modified_gmt":"2013-03-03T03:51:39","slug":"review-panasonic-lumix-dmc-gh3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/admiringlight.com\/blog\/review-panasonic-lumix-dmc-gh3\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3"},"content":{"rendered":"

After a quite long two-year wait, Panasonic has updated their flagship Micro 4\/3 camera, and they’ve upgraded almost every single item on the camera. This fall, the new DMC-GH3 was announced and cameras first started becoming available a few months ago. Panasonic is positioning the GH3 as the ultimate top end Micro 4\/3 body, with a redesigned weathersealed body made of magnesium alloy, ultra-high bit rate video and a new sensor that promises improved dynamic range and overall image quality. They’ve thrown in most any feature you could imagine and have priced it accordingly, targeting the prosumer market with a $1,299 price tag. Let’s see how Panasonic’s new king of the hill stacks up.<\/p>\n

\"Panasonic<\/a>
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you\u2019re not familiar with my reviews, I review from a real world shooting perspective. You won\u2019t find lens charts or resolution numbers here. There are plenty of other sites that cover those. I review products on how they act for me as a photographic tool. I am not a videographer, so my reviews concentrate on the still imaging capabilities of a camera. Also, I would like to thank my friends at LensRentals.com<\/a> for providing the camera for this review. Please visit them whenever you need a lens for that once in a lifetime shoot, or just if you want to try a lens or camera out without having to buy it first.<\/em><\/p>\n

Body and Ergonomics<\/h3>\n
\"Panasonic<\/a>
Panasonic GH3 – Front<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The first thing that strikes you about the Panasonic Lumix GH3 is the size. If you are a veteran mirrorless camera shooter, it will look and feel rather huge. If you are coming from DSLRs, you will wonder where all this wonderful size reduction is with Micro 4\/3. The GH3 is roughly the same size as an entry-level APS-C DSLR. It’s noticeably thicker, wider and heavier than something like the Olympus OM-D, and it absolutely dwarfs the small Micro 4\/3 cameras like the Olympus Pen E-PM2.<\/p>\n

Needless to say, it’s not a body that you use if you want to slip a camera in your jacket pocket. However, the lenses you will use on the GH3 are still a fair bit smaller than their DSLR counterparts, so for a system, you still get the benefit of a smaller camera system. One big benefit to the DSLR size of the GH3 is that it handles a lot like a DSLR. Button layouts are reminiscent of more recent Canon DSLRs, with tons of switches that are a little more spaced out and comfortable to reach than they were on the GH2.<\/p>\n

The grip on the GH3 is wonderful. It is extremely comfortable to hold with a nice soft rubber coating. It honestly felt like it had been sculpted from a mold of my hand. Larger Micro 4\/3 lenses like the Panasonic 35-100mm f\/2.8 OIS feel very well-balanced and well controlled on the GH3.<\/p>\n

The build quality of the camera is on a very high level. While the GH2 was made with high quality plastics, it felt somewhat cheap when you first picked it up. There is no such feeling with the GH3. It feels extremely solid, much like prosumer DSLRs from Canon and Nikon, such as the 7D or D7000. The fit and finish are on a high level, with everything fitting and feeling as it should. Well done, Panasonic.<\/p>\n

\"Panasonic<\/a>
Panasonic Lumix GH3 – Back<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The front of the camera features the lens release button, flash sync port (a first for a Micro 4\/3 camera), shutter button and front dial. Turn the camera around, or look on top, and you’re met with an array of controls that will take a little time to get used to, but that are generally well laid out.<\/p>\n

The rear of the camera is dominated by the 3″ capacitive touch display with 614,000 dots. This is an increase from previous Panasonic cameras, but still a little lower resolution then many other cameras. However, I thought the display was crisp, clear and had much better color and contrast than previous Panasonic rear displays. The rear panel can tilt and swivel to allow top down, bottom up or even self-portrait shooting. It’s quite handy, and the switch from the resistive touch screens of previous Panasonic cameras to the new capacitive display is welcome.<\/p>\n

An optional battery grip is available for the GH3 at a price of $299 to add a vertical grip and extra battery. This can aid in long portrait shooting sessions and add some balance for larger lenses.<\/p>\n

One minor handling nitpick is that the speaker for the camera is positioned right next to the right ear when shooting, so if you have focus confirmation beeps on, even at the lowest level, it’s annoyingly loud in your ear.<\/p>\n

Viewfinder<\/h4>\n

The GH3 sports an all-new electronic viewfinder with a bump in resolution to 1.7 million dots and a switch to 16:9 aspect ratio. The viewfinder is sharp and clear and a visible improvement in resolution over previous Panasonic EVFs, but I don’t think it looks quite as good as the one in the Olympus OM-D. While nice, for some reason I just didn’t feel connected to the scene when using the EVF, while I do when shooting the OM-D. I think some of that has to do with the 16:9 aspect ratio.<\/p>\n

Previous GH viewfinders were 3:2 aspect ratio, and this worked very well given the GH1 and GH2’s multi-aspect sensor, which could shoot 3:2, 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios natively, without cropping. However, the GH3’s sensor is a 4:3 aspect sensor, which is then cropped to 16:9 for movies and for other chosen aspect ratios for stills. As a result, when shooting stills at full resolution, there are black bars on either side of your view in the EVF. While the overall viewfinder magnification still provides a large view, the black bars reinforce the fact that you’re looking at an electronic display, and if feels like you’re viewing a TV rather than a live scene. When switching to movie view, the EVF shows the fully 16:9 image, which is frankly enormous in your field of vision (so much so that you need to move your eye around a bit to see it all), and this feels more natural than in stills mode. As I shoot a hundred times more still photographs than video, I was a little disappointed.<\/p>\n

Next: Operation and Menus<\/a><\/h4>\n

<\/p>\n

Operation and Menus<\/h3>\n
\"Panasonic<\/a>
Panasonic GH3 – Top<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As I mentioned on the first page, Panasonic has outfitted the GH3 with a huge array of direct controls, which makes changing settings very easy. The rear of the camera has four function buttons, and there is a fifth function button on the top of the camera. While I found the default settings for these buttons to be very nice, they can all be customized to a huge variety of functions. Having five programmable function buttons gives you tremendous amounts of control over how you choose to operate the camera.<\/p>\n

The nicest thing is that the top of the camera also features three additional buttons that are fixed to control ISO, white balance and exposure compensation (though I used the rear dial for exposure compensation). The only negative here is that I wish the ISO button was swapped in position with the white balance button, as the white balance button is far easier to reach, and I have a greater need to change ISO often. In addition to the front dial, there is a rear thumb dial and a rear wheel surrounding the menu button, plus a mode dial and drive mode dial (which includes timer and exposure bracketing). Then, of course, there’s the excellent touch screen capabilities as well.<\/p>\n

Needless to say, the GH3 allows for a crazy amount of direct control and customization, which makes it easy to set up to your liking regardless of how you like to shoot. Compared to the OM-D, which often buries some controls so deep in menus you need a map, the GH3 is truly a photographer’s camera.<\/p>\n

The menu system for the GH3 is, as you might expect, also rather extensive, with several main sections that are then divided into multiple pages. The menus are well laid out and logical to use. If you use the traditional buttons to navigate the menus, it can take a long time to navigate to a specific option simply based on the sheer number of options available. This is where the touch screen comes in very handy, as there are page up and down buttons that can be easily manipulated by touch to speed things up.<\/p>\n

The touch screen can be positioned in nearly any angle and position, allowing you to easily shoot from any height or angle. You can easily set focus points by touch, and there is a swipe out menu that allows easy access to other functions without generally clogging the display.<\/p>\n

\"Panasonic<\/a>
Panasonic GH3 – Screen Swivel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While overall, the GH3 is a wonderful camera from a usability standpoint, there are still a few things that are somewhat annoying. First, while previous Panasonic bodies have made the rear dial a push button as well, which allows for easy viewfinder magnification when using adapted lenses, the GH3 removes this capability. Viewfinder magnification has to be done by pressing a few buttons in the AF point selection, or by touching the screen. Also, the rear wheel (that also functions as a four-way controller) is recessed on the right side. This is both good and bad. It’s good because it prevents the heel of your hand from accidentally operating it, but bad because it impedes the usage when quickly moving the wheel.<\/p>\n

Also, a minor nitpick, but potentially problematic if shooting in the rain: the SD card door, which is on the right hand side, opens far too easily. I accidentally had the door spring open on me multiple times in the week I shot with the camera, just from shifting my camera position. I like the side position of this door, but it needs to be firmer and harder to open, much like the one of the Olympus OM-D.<\/p>\n

Performance<\/h3>\n

The GH3 is a quick and responsive camera in most every way. Startup is quick, shutter delay is minimal, the camera isn’t impeded in any way when it’s writing to a card, and can shoot 6 frames per second in RAW, up to 18 RAW images in a burst. If you are willing to shoot JPEG, you can use the electronic shutter and capture 20 frames per second for up to four seconds.<\/p>\n

Autofocus performance is outstanding in single shot mode. You can select a focus point anywhere on the screen, in any position, with large or super small focus points, and the camera will lock on to your subject nearly instantly with a fast focusing lens. It is alarmingly fast and critically accurate autofocus, and, in my opinion, is the best single-shot autofocus available in ANY camera on the market today.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for continuous autofocus, as it is still hamstrung by the same limitations as previous models due to the way contrast-detect autofocus works. There are occasions where the AF is quick enough to nab you a few sharp frames in a burst when a subject is running towards you, but it’s going to be a very low percentage of in-focus shots. It does fine when shooting moving subjects moving side to side, as there minimal focus adjustment needed there.<\/p>\n

All in all, with the exception of continuous autofocus, the GH3 feels truly pro-level in its responsiveness and performance. I was never waiting on the camera…the camera was waiting on me.<\/p>\n

Flash<\/h4>\n

The GH3 has a built-in pop-up flash that is built a little more robustly than previous models. Flash exposure was generally good and even, but it’s still a pop-up flash, and so delivers that harsh light that direct flash gives. Unlike the less sturdy, but more functional flash in the Panasonic GX1 or Fuji X-E1, the GH3’s flash can’t be tilted up to provide bounced flash.<\/p>\n

Next: Wi-Fi, and other features<\/a><\/h4>\n

<\/p>\n

Wi-Fi<\/h3>\n

The GH3 is the first Micro 4\/3 camera to feature wi-fi connectivity, and it’s the first camera I’ve used to have these features, though they are becoming more and more common. Due to the very nice added functionality wi-fi can provide, I expect that it will be included in some form on most advanced cameras (and maybe all cameras) in the very near future.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The iOS interface for remote shooting on the GH3<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The wi-fi capabilities on the GH3 allow you to do a whole host of very cool stuff. You can tether the camera to a computer while you shoot, which will automatically transfer your images to your computer, smartphone or tablet. The GH3 will also allow you to connect after the fact and send specific images to a computer, smartphone or tablet for quick editing or e-mailing. You can also send images to a DNLA enabled television without any cords. And, the one that allows for the most creative opportunities, you can connect to a smartphone or tablet and have full remote control of the camera. It’s worth noting that none of the features that connect to your tablet or smartphone require you to have a wi-fi network in range. The GH3 creates it’s own wi-fi network, so you can use these features in the middle of nowhere if you like. You just need to have the Lumix applications on your computer or mobile device (Android and iOS are supported). Setting up the connection can take a little bit of time (I had to re-try the connection from the camera to my iPhone 5 two or three times before it took), but it works as advertised.<\/p>\n

While the image transfer features are pretty self explanatory, I’m going to delve in a little deeper on the remote control. After connecting your camera to say, your smartphone, you open up the Lumix Link app, and you are presented with a full control interface for the camera. If you are using a lens that has power zoom, you can even zoom the lens remotely. On the left side of the app, the camera viewfinder is replicated, it’s truly a remote monitor of the viewfinder display. On the right side is a general camera interface, which then allows for parameters to be changed individually (see the shot above showing ISO selection). Focus point can be changed the same way you would on the rear screen – just touch where you want the focus point to be.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The GH3 capturing an image remotely.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When you want to shoot, you simply press the shutter button in the app, and the camera focuses and takes the picture. This worked perfectly, as you can see in the picture to the left, where I took a picture with the app, of the phone. Note that the ‘please wait’ that shows when you’re shooting the image disappears quickly as the camera resumes sending the live feed to the device.<\/p>\n

What’s so great about this feature is that it gives functionality for free to the photographer that used to require very expensive specialized gear to accomplish, and even then, usually without an actual view of what the camera was recording. (The photographer simply waited for what they thought was the right moment and mashed the remote trigger). This opens up a whole new world of remote shooting to get shots you simply wouldn’t be able to before. The remote shooting application also allows for the ability to attach GPS data from your phone to images and to review images you’ve previously taken as if you were looking at the back of the LCD. I can’t wait for this to be widespread in all cameras.<\/p>\n

Other Cool Features<\/h3>\n

The GH3 has so much packed into it, that unfortunately, I didn’t get to test it all out. However, there are some additional cool features that I was able to try out.<\/p>\n

The GH3 has the ability to do multiple exposures in camera. While many cameras have this feature (my original Olympus E-P1 had it), the GH3 is the first that I’ve encountered that combines the multiple exposures into a RAW file. This can make for lower noise images if you’re on a tripod, as it will average noise out at higher ISOs, and it allows you to make some pretty creative compositions as well, while retaining the advantages of RAW shooting. While the stacking to reduce noise is of limited use, simply because if you’re on a tripod anyway you might as well just use a longer exposure, having RAW capability with multiple exposures is a really nice thing to have.<\/p>\n

The GH3 has a built-in HDR mode that unfortunately does require you to use JPEG. The camera also has a built-in intervalometer for time lapse shooting. Some reports have shown this feature to be inexpertly implemented, with some odd timing issues, but Panasonic has promised a fix in a soon-to-be-released firmware update.<\/p>\n

Next: Image Quality<\/a><\/h4>\n

<\/p>\n

Image Quality: Dynamic Range and Color<\/h3>\n
\"Sarcophagus<\/a>
Sarcophagus – Panasonic GH3 with Olympus 17mm f\/1.8, ISO 1600<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of the biggest restrictions for Micro 4\/3 for years was the limited dynamic range of the image sensors. Olympus finally made great strides in the dynamic range department with the OM-D and subsequently, the E-PL5 and E-PM2. Thankfully, the GH3 is very similar to the OM-D in this regard. It is rumored that the sensor in the GH3 is the same sensor that is found in the OM-D, and I have no problem believing that. The two cameras are extremely similar in image quality, and when working with the RAW files from the GH3, it felt the same as using the OM-D files. There is ample headroom on the highlights in the RAW files, and good shadow recovery as well. Unfortunately, it was literally overcast every single day I had the GH3 in my possession, so I have no sunny landscapes with wide contrast ranges to show you, but the image on the right features an overhead spot in a deeply shadowed room, and was taken at ISO 1600 (which further reduces dynamic range), and the GH3 was able to keep detail throughout the image. The GH2 and previous Panasonic cameras would not have fared as well.<\/p>\n

With the new sensor, the odd slightly green color cast that was the hallmark of the GH2 is also gone. While the GH2’s color cast could be removed by creating a custom color profile for your RAW converter, it’s not needed with the GH3. Colors were accurate and well represented.<\/p>\n

The GH3 also has nice and accurate white balance. While not always perfect, it handled the vast majority of lighting situations with aplomb and generally needed minimal adjustment during RAW development.<\/p>\n

Image Quality: Noise<\/h3>\n
\"Skeleton<\/a>
Skeleton – Panasonic GH3 with Olympus 17mm f\/1.8, ISO 12,800<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Noise is relatively well controlled with the GH3. With RAWs, the camera produces ever so slightly more visible noise than the Olympus OM-D, but they are very similar in profile, and it would be next to impossible to notice in any situation other than viewing images side by side at 100% on screen. Noise control is a little better than previous Panasonic cameras like the GX1 and GH2, and provides high detail and relatively low noise up through ISO 1600. ISO 3200 is still usable with proper exposure and processing, and even ISO 6400 can be used for many purposes, though care must be taken to avoid underexposure or sharpening too much. ISO 12,800 is generally OK for web use or 4×6 prints if you don’t mind some grain, but ISO 25,600 is a step too far, as noise just becomes a little too overwhelming at that point.<\/p>\n

Overall stills image quality is on a very high level for a Micro 4\/3 camera, and is pretty darn good for any camera. Overall, it is the equal of the Olympus OM-D from a sensor standpoint.<\/p>\n

The GH3 also produces relatively clean JPEG images. While I didn’t test high ISO JPEGs all that much, the lower ISO JPEGs I made were well detailed with almost no visible compression artifacts and a very natural and pleasing look. This is a step up from Panasonic’s earlier JPEG processing, though I’d still rather shoot RAW.<\/p>\n

Video Mode<\/h3>\n

One of the main draws to the GH3 is its video capabilities. Unfortunately, I’m not much of a videographer, so this is a stills focused review, but let’s take a moment to look at the GH3’s video capabilities.<\/p>\n

The Panasonic GH2 was praised for its very high end video quality when it was released in 2010. In many ways it was superior to the majority of full frame DSLRs with video capability, and the GH3 takes this to a new level.<\/p>\n

The GH3 is capable in shooting in most any HD video mode you can think of, from 1080p in 60p, 24p or 60i in AVCHD, to ultra-high quality MOV format with 72 Mbps recording rates in 1080p\/30p or 24p. As you may guess from the high bit rates, video quality is outstanding, with smooth gradients and very high detail.<\/p>\n

The camera allows a huge amount of control, from full manual to shutter and aperture priority, and continuous autofocus during recording is handled smoothly and without distraction.<\/p>\n

There are audio input jacks to attach external audio recording devices (though I don’t own any to test it). Videographers will definitely want to give this camera a hard look.<\/p>\n

Next: Conclusion and Sample Images<\/a><\/h4>\n

<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h3>\n

Pros<\/h4>\n