Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 Pro Reviews

The GH2 really is as good as Compact System Cameras come. Those doubting the Micro Four Thirds concept will be impressed at the improvement in image quality (as it can genuinely rival a DSLR for much of its ISO range), and the new ‘light speed' AF system is better than on any other contrast-detection system in the market - and that includes all compacts, Compact System Cameras and DSLRs. Using the latest 100-300mm lens gave further scope into how small a 600mm equivalent can truly be, something that the GH2's concept more than delivers upon. However the overall plasticy external finish of the camera does leave something to be desired. Videographers will also be best pleased at the potential scope the GH2's movie mode delivers. The 23Mbps output at 1080p24 quality is immense, and the increased control over the GH1 is also a bonus. The only ‘fault' to speak of here is the ongoing inclusion of a 2.5mm microphone jack (standard 3.5mm in the future please!). All in all the GH2 is the best Compact System Camera that money can buy. But money you will need - at over £1000 it's a serious purchase to contemplate and certainly has more than a lot of DSLR-based competition to fight off too. It certainly wins some battles, but just not quite all.

If discovering all the GH2's features might take a little extra work, we think it's worth it if you're looking for a very small still/video hybrid camera. Considering its more technically inclined target market, its overall still and video image quality, and its smooth and rapid autofocus earn the Panasonic GH2 a bona fide Dave's Pick.

I really enjoyed using the Panasonic Lumix GH2, the camera's handling and performance were huge positives, providing great feedback, control, and responsiveness. Panasonic has produced a camera with an abundance of external controls, buttons, and switches making it easy to change options without having to delve deep into the menus. The camera focuses extremely quickly and the almost instant shutter response, and 5fps continuous shooting make the camera a real joy to use.

I really enjoyed using the Panasonic Lumix GH2, the camera's handling and performance were huge positives, providing great feedback, control, and responsiveness. Panasonic has produced a camera with an abundance of external controls, buttons, and switches making it easy to change options without having to delve deep into the menus. The camera focuses extremely quickly and the almost instant shutter response, and 5fps continuous shooting make the camera a real joy to use.

The GH2 is the best G-series camera to date, and the improvements that Panasonic has made compared to the GH1 and G2, especially as regards AF performance and movie shooting, are meaningful and very welcome. We love the combination of physical control points and touch-screen operation, and ultimately, only murky JPEG output in low contrast environments lets the GH2 down.

The Panasonic GH2 surpasses the quality and performance of a point-and-shoot and just about every entry-level DSLR on the market. A high quality - though not perfect - kit lens, and an excellent 16 megapixel sensor and processing engine help the GH2 succeed. There's a touchscreen for those who want it and a familiar array of controls for those who don't. Right now, it's safe to say that there's nothing else like it.

With the field of Micro Four-Thirds lenses expanding, recommending the GH2 as a viable alternative to a similarly priced DSLR is easier now than it would have been at this time last year, especially for videographers. The GH2 sets a solid foundation with its best-in-class video quality, unique touchscreen controls, and 3D imaging capabilities. As a still camera, it's no slouch, but it falls to clear the DSLR bar. As a video-capture device, however, nothing in its class can touch it right now.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH2 is a Micro Four Thirds camera that offers a plethora of features for advanced photographers to play with, but it also has an automatic mode so that inexperienced users can also get in on all the fun. Its image quality is great and so is its build quality. It has a touchscreen as well as plenty of buttons, and its dedicated manual features are all easily accessible on the camera's body.

The GH2 is an incredibly versatile camera, offering image quality that comes close to a DSLR but in a body that's lighter and more compact. What's more, the flip out touchscreen, mass of manual controls, and instant-on video capabilities make it not just a jack but nearly a master of all. However, there is one whopper of a stumbling block, and that's price. At around £700 for just the body and £1,000 with the versatile 14-140mm lens, it's put in competition with some very capable DSLRs, such as the Canon 550D that do outstrip it on image quality, performance and lens options. Ultimately, it comes down to which you prioritise; all-in-one ease of use, or a more powerful photographic tool.

Yet, with Samsung, Ricoh and Sony all having launched competitors in the meantime, the company has sensibly not rested on its achievements but updated the GH1 with a handful of improvements to create a successor.

The GH2 succeeds in pushing Micro Four Thirds (or indeed any hybrid cameras’) capabilities up a peg or two. The latest autofocus is very fast; so impressively so that it’s impossible not to notice just how good it is. From stills to movie and the GH2 really holds its own as far as moving images are concerned. The touchscreen capability helps to override the ongoing issue of camera shake when attempting to manually focus – here it’s a case of simply putting finger to the focus subject on screen for great transitions (those unfazed by the touchscreen needn’t use it at all as there are button-based work around options for every scenario). It’s not perfect though: the body is nowhere nearly as tough and rugged as that of a similarly-priced DSLR camera, and the GH2’s small size means the 14-140mm lens outweighs the body by quite some degree.

Photo quality fails to live up to the high price, but for videos, the smooth autofocus, extensive options and sublime quality are a winning combination.

Overall the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 is a fantastic all-rounder that delivers the goods for both photographers and videographers alike. If you're a stills shooter who wants to dip their toe into the world of moving images, or a film-maker who wants the best quality video from an interchangeable lens system camera, then the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 will more than meet your needs.

Panasonic is creating a point of reference with the GH2 with which the competition can measure itself. Panasonic’s years of video experience are clearly visible and is very effectively integrated into an existing concept. Photo and video stand effortlessly together at a high level in the Panasonic Lumix GH2, and can live up to the competition. The price/quality ratio, especially in terms of shooting video with a system camera, is changing thanks to the GH2, to its advantage. There is simply no better photo/video combination to be found in this price segment currently, perhaps it can be in the whole camera segment. We congratulate the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 camera

While it’s a little frustrating that Panasonic persists with this bulky frame for its range of Micro Four Thirds machines, the serious advantage it brings is that you can cram more and more goodies inside it, and that’s exactly what’s happened with the Lumix GH2. It’s not going to win any beauty awards but with a 12,800 max ISO, bags of resolution, 23 touch controllable focus points, high spec video shooting, more options than you could cook Christmas dinner for and now a 3D lens, who really cares?