Panasonic has announced the Lumix DMC-GH2, a hybrid touch-control camera featuring full High Definition (HD) video recording and compatibility with the world’s first interchangeable 3D lens. The Lumix GH2 elevates the company’s revolutionary Lumix G Series, its line of Digital Single Lens Micro (DSLM) cameras that deliver professional-level features and performance in a compact and easy-to-use camera body.
Compatible with the Micro Four Thirds System standard, the lightweight Lumix GH2 is newly designed with an easy-to-hold grip and includes a refined image processing engine and sensor that delivers fast, sharp photos, full HD video recording, and the ability to take 3D photos with Panasonic’s new interchangeable 3D lens.
The Lumix GH2 combines features for both the videographer and photographer. A dedicated button on the top of the camera lets users instantly record videos while shooting photos without changing any extra settings. The Lumix GH2 can now record full HD 1920 x 1080 videos in smooth 60i, doubling the sensor output from 25p/24p to 50p/60p(2). The camera also supports 1080/24p native mode at 24 Mbps, the highest in AVCHD format.
Video Features
- New Cinema mode: Record video with rich cinema-like gradation. Added as an option of popular Film mode.
- New Variable Movie mode: Record video in variable frame rate -“ 80, 160, 200 and 300 percent -“ speeding up or slowing frames for more creative videos.
- Touch auto focus (AF): Point at the subject on the screen and shift focus to make it stand out against the background.
- Still photos at (16:9): Instantly take a 14MP photo, while recording videos and also save a frame of video as a photo during playback.
- Record high quality sound: With Dolby Digital Stereo Creator and optional accessory Stereo Microphone (DMW-MS1).
- HDMI output: Monitor images on a separate screen while still recording video.
Shooting In 3D
The Lumix GH2 can shoot in 3D (35mm camera equivalent: 65mm) when withinterchangeable 3D lens Lumix G 12.5mm / F12 (H-FT012). Panasonic’s new compact 3D lens for the Lumix G Micro System features two optical systems installed within the diameter of the lens mount, creating stereo images from the left and right lenses that are then processed with a 3D image processing system. This new compact 3D-capable interchangeable lens is easy to handle and allows instant 3D shooting, without distortion or time lag between left and right images -“ even when shooting moving objects.
The Lumix GH2 includes 22 different shooting modes for creative shooting options. When shooting video, users can choose from ten different modes, including the new Cinema mode, and set the contrast, sharpness and saturation levels for each. For still photos the Lumix GH2 features the My Color mode with a total of seven preset effects -“ Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, and Silhouette -“ while also keeping the Custom mode, which lets users manually set the color, brightness and saturation levels and store their favorite settings. With the Full-time Live View function, users can see how these settings will affect the images before they shoot. The Lumix GH2 also features more shortcut buttons for frequently used settings.
Auto-Modes for Beginners
In addition to the advanced functions that will satisfy experienced photographers, the Lumix GH2 is easy enough for beginners to use comfortably because of Panasonic’s iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, a popular setting in the Lumix point-and-shoots that automatically engages features and settings for optimal image quality by detecting the shooting environment. The Lumix GH2 features new additions to the iA mode including Intelligent D-range Control for optimized exposure of an image and Intelligent Resolution for better-balanced sharpness in images for printing at larger sizes.
In addition to Lumix G lenses, the LumixGH2 and other Lumix G Series digital cameras 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(7). Additional accessories include external flashes, filters, a stereo microphone, a remote shutter, HDMI mini cables and a variety of stylish straps and bags. For more information on Lumix digital cameras and all available accessories, visit: www.panasonic.com/lumix.
The Panasonic Lumix GH2 will be available in black and silver models in early December in three different kit options for a suggested retail price of: $899.95 (Body only); $999.95 (Body with lens Lumix G VARIO 14-42 mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S.); $1,499.95 (Body with lens Lumix G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S.).
