The GH2 is the new top model with the highest resolution viewfinder and the first with the new 16 megapixel sensor. She also takes over from her predecessor GH1 the role of the video specialist. The new multi-format CMOS in the Micro Four Thirds format offers 16 megapixels, and the 12-megapixel CMOS is also used in the other G models.
Like the GH1 sensor, the new CMOS chip also has an oversize so that the GH2 can keep the maximum angle of view constant at the three aspect ratios 4: 3, 3: 2 and 16: 9 offered. If the GH2 costs 850 euros, you get the entrance model G10 for 450 euros, which contrasts with the competition even a built, if synonymous quality convincing electronic viewfinder with integrated flash. The G2 looks similar to the GH2, also offers a fold-and-tilt 3-inch touchscreen and a high-resolution viewfinder. Price: 580 Euro
All three models indicate their proximity to the classic SLR. Unlike the GF1 (600 euros), in which Panasonic is oriented to the appearance of typical compact cameras. Thus the GF1 has no viewfinder (dom), is with 285 g particularly light and measures only 119 x 71 x 36 mm. The even slightly smaller GF2 was not available until editorial deadline.
Panasonic currently has 11 Micro Four Thirds lenses in the program. In addition, the Micro Four Thirds optics from Olympus and Leica M, R and Four Thirds lenses can be connected.
Equipment In the GH2, Panasonic uses the advantages of the new sensor to extend the sensitivity range from ISO 3200 (GF1) or ISO 6400 (G10, G2) to ISO 12800 (GH2). While Olympus integrates the image stabilizer in the housing, Panasonic assigns this objective to the lenses. All four Lumix-G housings are made of plastic. Only the GH2 has a generously shaped handle with a anti-slip top with leathery grain and is not only therefore the highest quality.
Less secure is the GF1 in the hand, since Panasonic its handle only by a minor bulge implies. With the three SLR-close models, a flash with guide number 9 can be extended above the viewfinder. The GF1 has only a weaker flash with LZ6 to the left of the accessory shoe and hides the flash correction deep in the menu - this triggers the GH2 significantly more elegant: With it, the user can set the flash correction to one of the three definable function buttons Br>
Even the older G2 convinces with a realistic, sharp viewfinder picture (480000 RGB pixels, 0.7 effective magnification). The GH2 viewfinder is even higher with 511200 RGB pixels, offers 100% facial, 0.71x effective magnification, providing a very clear, sharp preview without any visible raster. With the G10 viewfinder, however, it is difficult to judge the sharpness correctly (67333 RGB pixels, 0.52x magnification). Nevertheless, it represents a surplus value, after all, it even shows a recognizable preview, even if it looks in the viewfinder of a SLR already zappenduster due to lack of light. Owners of a GF1 can retrofit the optional plug-in device for these cases (about 200 euros).
Regarding the monitor, the differences are less serious - apart from the fact that only the G2 and GH2 are equipped with the touchscreen, which can be extended by 180 degrees and can be rotated by 270 degrees. For all fours, a 3-inch display with 153333 RGB pixels shows a neat, coherent image. In darkened rooms, the live-view preview remains low-noise, still relatively strong in bright daylight. G2 and GH2 override the smaller ones with a slightly better anti-reflective monitor surface and an eye sensor to automatically switch between monitor and viewfinder operation.
Autofocus and speed The contrast autofocus takes into account 23 AF points and works as reliably as quickly. The GH2 provides an excellent short shutter delay, including an AF of only 0.28 sec., And a low light passable of 0.48 sec. In the standard mode it can process 4.3 B / s, but limited to 10 images in series. G10 and G2 have a trace back at 3000 lux with 0.31 s, but at the front with 30 lux with 0.32 s. Create picture series with good 3 B / s. The GF1 can not keep up with the performance of their siblings, achieving 0.63 / 0.51 s tripping time and 2.3 B / s in series.
Panasonic is a professional manufacturer of professional video recording systems, including the G2, the G2, the G2 and the G10. The GH2 is capable of recording video at 1920 x 1080 pixels and optionally 25 full or 50 half images / s. The other films with a maximum of 1280 x 720 pixels and 30 B / s. The GH2 can also, among other things, As well as the M mode and give the videos a certain cinema look through the new Cinema mode. G2 and GF1 allow at least the manual aperture selection. The G10 is limited to the automatic program, face recognition, scene programs and automatic. Last, but not least, the GH2 compresses the clips in good AVCHD format.
G2 and GF1 master AVCHD-Lite, the G10 only Motion-JPEG with increased memory requirements. In the test, a one-minute clip at full resolution with AVCHD consumed around 120, with AVCHD-Lite around 45, with Motion JPEG about 140 MB. On all models, the autofocus remains active during filming. However, in difficult lighting situations, he sometimes has to look for the right sharpness for some time. The more expensive GH2 kit lens 4-5.8 / 14-140 mm has been especially optimized for video recording, so that the autofocus is particularly quiet and does not damage the sound recording. This is done with GH2 and G2 in stereo via the internal or an external microphone, with GF1 and G10 without a microphone jack in mono. In the case of lenses which do not have a continuous light intensity, exposure jumps may occur during zooming. Handling GH2 and G2 are equipped with a touch screen which reacts promptly and reliably. With it the AF-measuring field can be shifted, triggered in four selectable sizes, or a quick access menu can be called up and recording settings made. Nevertheless, Panasonic does not save on classic control elements: in addition to various, partly definable function buttons, there is a push and turn wheel on the support surface for the right thumb, a large mode dial and a second dial for the AF method. The menu appears in large, legible font, but consists of several long scroll lists.
The user can gather the most important parameters in his own submenu - a real help, especially since all four cameras jump to the last used entry when opening the menu, even if they were switched off. GF1 and G10 take over from G2 / GH2 the menu structure and the classic controls. The GF1 is missing the AF dial, but it can also display the exposure and depth of focus before the shutter release, or the effect of fast shutter speeds on the display. While G2 / GH2 provide a separate slot on the side of the SDHC / SDXC card, the slot in GF1 / G10 is located directly next to the lithium-ion battery, so you have to remove the camera from the tripod
Image quality The 16 megapixel sensor sets new standards - no other mirrorless system has been able to keep the performance up to ISO 1600 as high as the GH2. Particularly noteworthy: the very high resolution, which decreases from 1551 (ISO 100) only to 1496 LP / BH (ISO 1600), the rather weak Visual Noise, which moderately increases from 0.8 VN to a maximum of 1.2 VN and the Consistently good object contrast of 8.7 to 9.3 apertures.
Although the loss of texture was somewhat more pronounced in the ISO 800 and ISO 1600 test than in the older models, the difference between 0.5 / 0.5 kurtosis (GF1) and 0.7 / 0 is evident in view of the very good overall performance, 9 kurtosis at ISO 800/1600 (GH2) is hardly significant.
From the 12-megapixel Panasonics, the G2 achieves the best picture quality. This is due above all to the good noise characteristics and the high dynamics at ISO 100 as well as the good fine-tuning from ISO 400. The resolution, however, intersects an above-average comparison with a maximum of 1261 LP / BH. The same applies to the two entry-level models, which also have to deal with a rather weak object contrast. Since the GF1 loses points (1.2 to 3.6 VN) because of the strong noise, it is the last place in the G-system.
Conclusion
Whether image quality or autofocus - thus some compact mirrorless system camera now offers as excellent performances as good SLRs. No wonder, in the end, the same sensors are used in both model classes, and they are the basis for good picture results. In addition, the electronic viewfinder of the "mirrorless" - with a few improvements - belongs to the future.
The test win brings the Panasonic GH2 with a picture quality on the level of a Nikon D300s or Canon 7D. Panasonic also offers SLRs at the autofocus speed.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2
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