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GH2 - worst kept secret - official specs

Terry

New member
Easiest to give link

http://www.dpreview.com/news/1009/10092130panasonicgh2.asp#press


Photokina 2010: Panasonic has announced the DMC-GH2 Micro Four Thirds camera. The successor to the GH1 continues with its 'hybrid' stills/video philosophy but adds a host of tweaks and improvements, foremost of which is a brand new 18Mp multi-aspect ratio sensor offering 16Mp output and an ISO range of 160-12800. The GH2 also inherits many features from the DMC-G2, including a revised control layout and touch-screen control. We've had a pre-production GH2 in the office for a few days, so click through to read all about it in our hands-on preview.

Click here for our Panasonic DMC-GH2 hands-on preview

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Press Release
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Press Release:

Panasonic Introduce new Touch-Control, Creative, HD Compact System Camera at Photokina 2010

Introducing the DMC-GH2 featuring Full HD 1920x1080/60i Movie Recording and the World’s Fastest Level of Light Speed AF* Pursuing Intuition and Enthusiasm

Today at Photokina 2010, Panasonic announced the LUMIX DMC-GH2 as the latest member of the New Generation System Camera LUMIX G Micro System. Fully compliant with the Micro Four Thirds System standard, the LUMIX G Micro System combines a downsized body with advanced functions that achieve both high performance and operational comfort.

Featuring an intuitive touch control, the new DMC-GH2 boasts its world’s fastest*1level Light Speed AF of approx. 0.1 second to capture the subject in spur-of-the-moment in sharp focus*1. The key components, including the sensor and the image processing engine, are totally refined to achieve even higher performance of the camera to render a stunning image with high resolution, beautiful gradation and high sensitivity.

For the compact system camera, recording movie is no longer an additional function but a key feature for saving memories. The DMC-GH2 features full HD 1920x1080/60i smooth, high quality movie recording with powerful 60p output*2. The cinema-like 24p movie with the bit rate of max. 24 Mbps provides overwhelming image quality with richly expressive afterimage. Furthermore, together with the Cinema mode, which is newly added as an option of popular Film mode, 24p movie enables the movie to have a characteristic superior gradation. The new Variable Movie mode makes it possible to record motion images in variable frame rate creating a fast/slow-feed movie. Activating the newly added EX Tele Conversion function, the user can virtually extend the zoom beyond the original limit to get even closer to the subject. This options is available in both photo and movie modes. The simultaneous HDMI output while recording images is convenient for even professional users to monitor images on a separate screen.

The intuitive touch-control shooting, which is popular with the DMC-G2 for its outstanding usability, also comes with DMC-GH2. Combined with easy-to-see free-angle Intelligent LCD and the newly developed Multi Aspect Wide Screen LVF (Live View Finder), the DMC-GH2 achieves highest ever operational comfort for users to concentrate on the shooting.

Expanding variety of interchangeable lenses is another advantage of the LUMIX G Micro System which boasts a total of 11 exclusive lenses including new single focal length lens LUMIX G 14mm / F2.5 ASPH (H-H014), telephoto zoom lens LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS100300) and 3D lens LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12 (H-FT012). The new 3D lens introduced simultaneously is the world’s first 3D interchangeable lens. Now not only seeing in 3D but also shooting in 3D is now available. The popular My Colour mode and the Film mode including new Cinema mode also adds users’ customisation to each photo and movie.

The iA (Intelligent Auto) mode is constantly evolving and the Intelligent D-range Control is newly integrated in the DMC-GH2. The Intelligent Resolution has new “EXTENDED” option for more natural looking shots when printed in large size.

Enforced by the high-performance based on the new components and advanced technologies, the creative DMC-GH2 is now offering even higher level of creative possibility and intuition for every enthusiastic user to explore realms of not only photography but also of videography at the same time.

Crystallisation of advanced technologies to exceed the limit of expressive possibility
Thanks to the high performance, the DMC-GH2 makes the photographic experience even more comfortable and fun. The camera features the world’s fastest*3 level Light Speed AF of approx. 0.1 second*3which is achieved by reducing the detection time for focusing by doubling the drive speed from 60 fps to 120 fps. Not only the accuracy but also the speed excels that of the high-end DSLRs with phase difference AF with the advanced contrast AF system in DMC-GH2. Combined with the Touch AF control, setting and focusing at the subject is incredibly easy and quick, never missing the spur-of-the-moment shot.

The newly developed 16.05-megapixel multi-aspect Live MOS Sensor adopts the high speed digital νMaicovicon. In addition to the high speed, which is an advantage of the CMOS sensor, Panasonic adds its original pixel mix technology. A dedicated process exclusively for νMaicovicon of DMC-GH2 is newly developed by applying the top-class high performance transistor and its interconnection process needed for the high speed operation of digital circuit to make low-noise photodiode and transistor with reduced wiring to achieve both high resolution and high aperture-ratio as in DMC-GH1. The result is both high resolution and excellent S/N with more than 3dB improvement of noise and 200% higher sensitivity in DMC-GH2. Plus, it helps to realize the high speed burst shooting at 5 fps in 16.05-megapixel full resolution using a mechanical shutter and max.40 fps using an electronic shutter.

For the image processor, the new Venus Engine FHD that features exceptionally advanced signal processing capabilities in both photo and movie recording, is incorporated. By separating chromatic noise from luminance noise even more accurately by applying the optimal noise reduction to each, you can capture clear and beautiful images even when shooting at high ISO sensitivity levels. By preventing the colour mixture which tended to occur around the edges, any chromatic noise, not only the in gradation part but also in the edge part, are described clearly. The engine also provides selective noise reduction to the outline part to let it have more naturally-balanced curve without deterioration of the resolution. The Intelligent Resolution technology is another feature of the Venus Engine FHD. With the Intelligent Resolution technology, 3 areas - outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation areas are automatically detected. The outline parts are enhanced effectively to give edges more clearness while giving a moderate accentuation to the texture areas to look more finely detailed. To the soft gradation part, superior noise reduction system of the Venus Engine FHD is applied to make it smoother. Apart from the uniform enhancement of sharpness, the innovative technology Intelligent Resolution precisely performs signal processing pixel by pixel in the most effective way. As a result, images are naturally clear and crisp in both photo and movie recording.

Linking smoothly with the Live MOS sensor, the Venus Engine FHD processes a large amount of signals at high speed, making it possible to record high resolution consecutive shots and full-HD movie recording.

Elevating the potential of movie recording to be a “true-hybrid” digital camera
There are always two options to record spur-of-the-moment scenes – high-quality photos or movies. The user can simply choose the one that saves precious memories most beautifully with DMC-GH2. The AVCHD format features almost twice the recording time in HD quality than the conventional Motion JPEG. A special, dedicated button on the top lets the user instantly start recording movies while shooting photos without having to change any settings. Now the DMC-GH2 can record high-resolution full-HD 1920 x 1080 movies in astonishing smooth 60i, doubling the sensor output from 25p/24p to 50p/60p.*2 The DMC-GH2 also supports 1080/24p native mode with 24 Mbps, the highest in AVCHD format bringing impressive afterimage to the movie. The newly added Cinema mode option (selectable in the Film mode) gives the movie rich, cinema-like gradation. It is possible to choose the suitable frame rate of the movie among 80%, 160%, 200% and 300% according to the recorded contents with the new Variable Movie mode. The Touch AF in movie recording also lets users enjoy professional-like rack focusing. Just by pointing at the subject, the focus is shifted to it.

Now the DMC-GH2 can take a 14 megapixel photo (16:9) while recording movie by just pressing a shutter button, plus you can save a frame of movie as photo during playback.

The Extra Tele Conversion function virtually extends the zoom range up to 2.6x, thus the max.728mm in AVCHD Cinema/FSH mode, max. 1092mm in AVCHD SH mode and Motion JPEG HD / WVGA mode and max.1344mm in Motion JPEG VGA/QVGA mode is available with the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm / F4.0-5.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. which is developed to be exclusively compatible with movie recording.
High quality sound can be recorded with Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator, and optional accessory Stereo Microphone (DMW-MS1) can be attached to the camera. A Wind Cut function is also available to block out most of the noise from background wind. The wash-out areas are indicated with lighting highlight when recording movie, too. Image recording is more flexible fun with the DMC-GH2

A new feature of the DMC-GH2 is also capability of image output via an optional HDMI mini cable to the external monitor, which is suitable for the professional image recording that requires serious confirmation of the images.

The intuitive touch-control changes the way of operation with dramatic freedom and comfort
By adopting touch control shooting, the focus is immediately set to the subject by just touching it on the large, 460,000-dot LCD and you can even release the shutter. Once you lock on the subject by a touch, the camera tracks the subject with the AF tracking function even if it moves. Just a touch on the screen lets you select the part and the size of AF area with the 1-area AF. The 1-area AF in Face Detection even allows you to set finer focus on the eyes while capturing human faces bright and clear. The Multi-area AF with 23 AF areas allows the user to set a group of AF points according to the composition. With the Intelligent Scene Selector in the iA mode, the camera automatically switches to the appropriate mode according to the subject touched. For example, a touch on a human face switches to the portrait mode and a touch on the background or scenery to the scenery mode. In the manual focusing, you can enlarge the part by just a touch to select 1x, 5x or 10x and smoothly move the part by dragging it on the screen. The touch operation dramatically shortcuts the action of setting in the menu. The touch-screen operation excels not only for shooting but also for playing back images with outstanding visibility. You can play back the image you want out of hundreds of stocks by touching in the thumbnails. To play back images one by one in order, you can drag the image over the screen with a finger to browse the collection of photos as you flip over the pages of the book. Max. 16x of enlargement is also operated easily with touches.

The large, high resolution with wide-viewing angle rotates 180° to the side and tilts 270° up and down offering approx. 100% of field of view. Both LCD and LED backlight are newly designed to realize vivid, impressive colour reproduction by 25%*4. The primary colours-red, blue and green- are reproduced more clearly and truer to the original natural colours.

The LUMIX G Micro System's large, bright 1,440,000-dot equivalent LVF (Live View Finder) retains the outstanding viewability of an optical viewfinder and can also display information about camera settings that the user can see without taking his or her eyes off the subject. Now the LVF is newly designed to be Multi Aspect Wide Screen LVF for the DMC-GH2. Increasing the display area to 1,530,000-dot equivalent resolution, the new Multi Aspect Wide Screen LVF boasts the 0.71 x magnification and 100% field of view. Reducing the colour breakup by half in principle, the new LVF assures stunning image view for any subject in any scenes. Achievement of 60 fps Live View is made possible by the Live MOS sensor, which takes signals directly from the image sensor and sends them continuously to the LCD, in real time. This allows the user, when composing a shot, to check the framing accurately from corner to corner. The image output between the LVF and the LCD is switched automatically with the eye sensor on the LVF, which features options of sensitivity - high, low and off - to reduce false operation during touching on the LCD.

Pursuing operational comfort, now the number of function button of DMC-GH2 is increased to directly shortcut to the frequently-used settings and also refined externally with various improvements of parts pursuing ergonomics including newly designed easy-to-hold grip.

A pallet of options for both photo and movie to stimulate photographers' creativity
With the introduction of the world’s first*5 3D interchangeable lens to make 3D shooting possible with an interchangeable lens system camera, Panasonic offers users the chance to enjoy high-quality shooting in 3D with DMC-GH2. This new compact 3D-capable interchangeable lens allows easier handling and instant 3D shooting with cameras without a special structure for 3D shooting. It produces 3D images without distortion or time lag between left and right images, even for moving objects. The 3D images, even close-up shots, taken with this lens are easy on the eyes when viewed on 3D VIERA televisions.

The DMC-GH2 provides an array of features that let users capture precisely true-to-life images and create their own beautifully expressive images. The DMC-GH2 features the My Colour mode with a total of 7 preset effects — Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, and Silhouette while inheriting the previous Custom mode, which lets users manually, set the colour, brightness and saturation levels. With the Full-time Live View function, users can see how these settings will affect the images before they shoot, which makes it easier to capture the exact mood or atmosphere desired. For even more elaborate effects, users can choose from a total of 10 Film modes including the new Cinema mode, and set the contrast, sharpness and saturation levels for each. A custom function lets users store their favourite settings in memory.

The exposure meter can be displayed in the P/A/S/M shooting modes. The correlation between shutter speed and aperture is shown, with a colour-coded warning that alerts users when the settings are not in the proper range. For newcomers to system camera photography, this makes it easy to learn proper settings both visually and logically, enhancing their photography skills.
The exposure compensation can now be set in ±5 steps and the white balance settings can be memorized in 4 patterns for finer control according to the wider range of shooting situations. Auto bracket mode can be set within ±3 steps and the Multi Aspect Bracket is also available.

Advanced iA (Intelligent Auto) mode to enhance the operability and potential of the camera
The DMC-GH2 has advanced functions that will satisfy experienced photographers, yet is easy enough for beginners to use comfortably. It's ideal for compact camera owners who want to step up to higher-quality photos — but without having to worry about the need of technique. Panasonic achieved this superb ease of use by continuing to improve iA mode — with its shooting assist functions that have proven extremely popular in LUMIX compact cameras — and adding it to the advanced imaging technologies of the LUMIX G Micro System. The iA mode is available not only in photo but also movie recording.

This iA mode is further advanced to include Intelligent D-range Control and new Intelligent Resolution for DMC-GH2. The new Intelligent D-range Control offers even more natural looking by optimizing the exposure for each part of an image, preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights and helping ensure that gradation and details are reproduced beautifully including the blue colour of the sky. An automatic backlight compensation function is activated whenever the camera detects the subject in backlight.

The new Intelligent Resolution technology allows for even more natural-looking images with better-balanced sharpness to the detail part and the edge part, suitable for printing in large size.
With AF Tracking, the DMC-GH2 can lock onto any subject and keep it in focus even if it moves — making it easy to get beautiful, clear shots when a great photo opportunity suddenly arises. Simply aim, lock, and shoot. The Face Recognition function remembers registered faces to give an appropriate AF/AE on the people. In playback, you can choose to display only photos that contain a specific registered face using Category Playback.
In addition to the advanced functions mentioned above, the iA mode inherits fundamental functions users need in a good digital still camera. These include MEGA O.I.S., which helps prevent blurring from hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which reduces motion blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves as the shot is taken. Intelligent Scene Selector automatically detects the most common shooting situations — Portrait, Night Portrait, Scenery, Night Scenery, Close-up and Sunset — and switches to the appropriate Scene mode.
The user can activate all of these useful, convenient shooting-assist functions by simply selecting the iA mode.

Some functions in iA mode may not be available depending on the lens that is mounted.Enjoy watching high quality photos and movies on large HDTV — VIERA Link networking even in 3D

Both still images and motion images in AVCHD recorded on SD Memory Cards are easy to view on a Panasonic VIERA TV with dynamic HD resolution. The user simply inserts the card into the VIERA Image Viewer (SD Memory Card slot) on a VIERA TV or DIGA Blu-ray Disc Player*6 to play the content. Alternatively, an optional HDMI mini cable can be used to output still and motion images recorded with the DMC-GH2 directly to the TV for easy VIERA Link operation. This makes it possible to take maximum advantage of the camera's playback functions, including slideshows in which both still and motion images are played sequentially, or calendar displays and so on. All control is possible using only the TV's remote control. Especially, the pictures taken with the interchangeable 3D lens LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12 can be viewed in 3D via the 3D Image Viewer offering users a whole new exciting experience.
In addition, with the included software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.0 BD Edition, it is easy to view and edit your recorded contents. You may also choose to upload your videos to YouTube or burn them onto a Blu-ray or DVD disc for archiving.

Rich options for further expandability
The Micro Four Thirds System products are joining today's Four Thirds System products to provide customers with even higher levels of performance in a digital interchangeable lens camera. In addition to LUMIX G lenses, the LUMIX DMC-GH2 and LUMIX G Micro System can use any interchangeable lens that complies with the Four Thirds System standard via an optional mount adaptor DMW-MA1 and with the prestigious Leica M/R Lenses via DMW-MA2M or MA3R. This gives the user access to the unlimited number of lens properties.
 

hot

Active member
I'm a little bit desillusionated (have GH1) .. to few new features to buy. Price too high .. perhaps body only available, but also too high.

3D lens also not very convincing :-(

If someone has NO G2/GH1 ... then sure it's a fine camera, but instead .... noooooo.

Thanx ... > $1000 saved :))))))
 

clay stewart

New member
It looks (new battery) kind of cool with the different smoother body (new battery) and rubber grip (new battery) and I'm sure it has improved on the video and (new battery) hopefully for stills too, (new battery) but it did go up to 160 ISO from 100, (new battery), which I don't like too much. I wonder, if they really had to make a lower capacity battery, or if it was just a way to get more money out of it's loyal customers. I just can't seem to get that out of my mind.:) I guess i really haven't read anywhere that the GH1 batteries can't be used, but I fear the worst. I hate having to buy and carry two sets of batteries.
 
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f6cvalkyrie

Well-known member
As I'm not really into video (and have a dedicated videocamera anyway), it seems to me that this GH2 (and the G2 as well) are not enough progress to justify for me to take the plunge.

I'm still very happy with me good old G1 :D

C U,
Rafael
 

MRfanny

New member
agreed..what is up with the new battery? (new battery) I'll still have a play with one in store for the sake of it though =) that touch screen focus does sound mighty nice and HDMI out. i wonder if it still has banding issues like the GH1
 

Diane B

New member
I had thought I might consider upgrading my G1 to the GH2 but I don't think it offers me enough to do that. The little bit of fun/personal video I do is handled now by the GF1 LOL so I don't think I need to upgrade that end of it and for stills I just don't see enough new advantages. I don't even see a reason to upgrade to the G2 so guess I'll just be patient and see what comes over the next year. I don't even see a lens that excites me. I thought perhaps the 14 f/2.5 but I just don't think it will get enough use as I rarely even pull out the 17 or the wide end of 14-45. More likely I'll look for some more legacy lenses with some character.
 

Jonas

Active member
The GH2 news are to me a mix of relief and disappointment. I had hoped for more and better. Now I don't need to do anything - the G1 works fine.
The last word on this has to wait though, future reviews and user reports may make me reconsider.
 

Howard

New member
Am I missing something? If the auto focus speed is actually increased substantially and the higher resolution sensor provides a big improvement in IQ over the the sensor in the G2 and GH1, aren't those big enough reasons to justify upgrading?
 
V

Vivek

Guest
Am I missing something? If the auto focus speed is actually increased substantially and the higher resolution sensor provides a big improvement in IQ over the the sensor in the G2 and GH1, aren't those big enough reasons to justify upgrading?
Buy one and post some samples taken with the GH2.
 

clark666

New member
I am looking to upgrade my E620 so it might be worthwhile. It has to have better IQ than the E620 and nothing else works with my 4/3s lenses except for the E-5.
 

photoSmart42

New member
Am I missing something? If the auto focus speed is actually increased substantially and the higher resolution sensor provides a big improvement in IQ over the the sensor in the G2 and GH1, aren't those big enough reasons to justify upgrading?
That's a mighty big IF. The AF speed increase sounds good, but we don't know enough about the IQ improvements at this point. It's just higher resolution, and preliminary testing said it's only about a 1-stop improvement in ISO, with no word on DR improvements. I certainly wouldn't call that a big improvement. Let's see what comes out in the production firmware - the initial photos I've seen look questionable in terms of software processing, seeming to confirm my concerns about introducing the same sort of software processing issues we got with the G2.

I can live with the $900 body-only price since I'd be trading in my GH1 that nearly worth that much, so it wouldn't be a big out-of-pocket expense. If the IQ isn't any worse than the GH1, I'll upgrade. Not interested in video.
 

kwalsh

New member
Why all the long faces? It is a truly, super, hyper, mega-awesome camera that all you GH1 users must absolutely acquire! You really, really, really must get this camera! You are dying for it, your life just won't be complete without it.

Oh, and once you have it please sell me your GH1 body for $300...

Ken
 

Diane B

New member
For me AF speed is irrelevant most of the time. IF IQ is "substantially" improved, possible but I'll have to see that first. My mind is always open but i've stopped doing small upgrades in gear. I'm a lot more patient these days LOL

Am I missing something? If the auto focus speed is actually increased substantially and the higher resolution sensor provides a big improvement in IQ over the the sensor in the G2 and GH1, aren't those big enough reasons to justify upgrading?
 

bavanor

Member
I think this new anouncement for the GH2 sounds great. I will probably get one to complement my G1.

What I think is a disappointment is that this sensor didn't make it to the olympus E-5. Why of why did you put an old sensor in a flagship 4/3rds camera when you could of used this one. Oh well.
 

ustein

Contributing Editor
>higher resolution sensor provides a big improvement in IQ over the the sensor in the G2 and GH1

How do you know. But this would be a reason to like the GH2, if it provides a big improvement!


* 16MP sensor
* Native 24p recoding with improved bit rate (the hack can do this with a GH1)
* HTMI video output (for filmmakers this is big)
* Claims lower noise (this could be big)
* Overall a moderate but welcome update (Panasonic addressed quite a few complaints)
 
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Vivek

Guest
What I think is a disappointment is that this sensor didn't make it to the olympus E-5. Why of why did you put an old sensor in a flagship 4/3rds camera when you could of used this one. Oh well.

E-3 to E5 (albeit with an old chip) is a huge improvement, I think.

The problem is many camera companies think that people who bought a G1 would buy a G2 and such.

The Sony NEX-5 is a step up from the G1 for me. If a Canon 60EIS comes through, then that will be a better camera to have compared to the half blind NEX-5.

This is no different than having to buy a GH2 from GH1 as one needs to buy a new battery anyway. Batteries in the EU are very very expensive.
 

Jonas

Active member
(...)
* Overall a moderate but welcome update (Panasonic addressed quite a few complaints)
Yes, I agree. I also like the touch screen which no-one is forced to use but anyone can benefit from in certain situations. The buttons seem to be placed better. If the high ISO noise is improved one stop, if the banding is gone, if the DR is improved - then all that is just fine (and tempting).

But, we have this thing with a new battery and still one control wheel only, the camera is still not weather sealed, there is no orientation sensor, there is...

In the end it is down to personal needs and preferences. Panasonic addressed some things but left others. I'm sure the GH2 overall is the best Gx camera yet.

And again, boring you all... when working with the camera getting the exposure correct and optimized I often need to adjust shutter speed, aperture, EV-comp and ISO. One more wheel to turn shouldn't be too much to ask.

/Jonas
 

photoSmart42

New member
I'd be interested to find out what this means:

A maximum sensitivity setting of ISO 12800* allows shooting in extremely dark places.... * The picture size may be reduced [for ISO 6400 and ISO12800].
Reduced by how much? What are the native ISO settings and what are the 'extended' settings?

They also claim in their press release a "more than 3dB improvement of noise and 200% high sensitivity" in the new camera. 3db is 1 stop, but is the 200% sensitivity adding another stop on top of that?
 
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