Panasonic 16 Megapixels DMC-GH2 Camera Review by dpreview With Rating 79/100

"In terms of the critical output of their sensors, Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds cameras have tended to lag behind APS-C and full-frame competitors. Typically, in our testing, we have complained about high noise levels at medium to high ISO settings, restricted dynamic range, and poor in-camera JPEG processing. In specification terms alone, Panasonic has made some major leaps forward with the GH2. At 18MP, it has the highest pixel count of any Four Thirds or Micro Four Thirds camera, and it is is only the second model to offer an output resolution of greater than 12MP. The GH2's maximum ISO setting of 12,800 (equivalent) is also the highest of any of its brethren. Happily, the advances that Panasonic has made in specification pay off in meaningfully better image quality than we've come to expect from other cameras in the G-series. As far as noise is concerned, the GH2 offers the best performance that we've ever seen from a Micro Four Thirds camera. Up to ISO 800, images are essentially noise free, and although noise is visible in images shot at ISO 1600 and 3200, it is only at ISO 6400 and above that it really becomes problematic. Putting aside noise and detail, the GH2's image quality is pretty much what we've come to expect from the G-series. Colors are generally accurate, but not always attractive, and the default tone curve in the standard film mode can give rather muddy, uninspiring JPEGs in certain situations. At its default settings the GH2's weakest point is the rendition of skin tones. In general, caucasian skin is rendered somewhat yellow. This has a tendency to produce slightly anemic-looking portraits, which require color/saturation tweaking post-capture. Although each film mode is customizable, it is not possible to adjust the GH2's color response beyond a fairly basic universal low/high saturation slider.

The GH2 might not be a revolutionary development (in all essential points it is very closely related to its predecessor, the GH1) but we're confident in saying that it is the best mirrorless system camera that we've ever tested, bar none. With the GH2 Panasonic has finally demonstrated that it is able to compete with the APS-C format competition when it comes both to resolution and critical image quality. Although the GH2's Micro Four Thirds sensor is smaller than those found in cameras like the Canon EOS 60D and Nikon D7000, it runs them both pretty close. Up to ISO 3200 in fact, we'd stick our necks out and say that the GH2 can hold its own against any of the current crop of APS-C format cameras on the market, which is high praise indeed. Obviously, one of the major selling points of the GH2 is its versatile video mode and in this respect, we have very few complaints. The GH1 was an impressive video camera with a large following amongst both casual and serious filmmakers, and the GH2 improves upon it in several ways. It offers a more convenient codec, and improved high ISO image quality, amongst other, smaller tweaks. Before we tested it, we would have said that the GH2 looked a little overpriced. Having been immersed in its capabilities now for several weeks, we're less concerned. All things considered - the impressive depth of its feature set, effective touch-screen ergonomics and its excellent still and video image quality - we think it represents very good value for money."

I wouldnt even recommend this camera to beginners., Blue Motion Studio - May 30 2013
I was making the switch from DV tapes to SD cards and from traditional tape based cameras to all digital, and as a videographer, I was trying to determine which camera would best suit my needs. I mainly film events and weddings. I kept hearing good things about the Canon 60D and the Panasonic GH2, mostly that the GH2 was great for video. So after a lot of homework, I...

Great, E. J. Cunningham "Getgene" - May 14 2013
I shopped the available items and this is the best even for more money. It does movies and photos. Get the Panasonic lens with it as it is automatic. To be honest, it does more than I know about. If you want a simple point and click camera, this is probably too much. The manual is nearly 200 pages. If you want a professional machine, this is excellent...

I thought I needed it... turns out I did!, Neutra-man - Apr 24 2013
Oh DANG. This smexy baby is everything you could want AND MORE. The camera portion of it is alright I guess, but the best, and I mean BEST part, is the footage. I should clarify: the HACKED footage. The regular footage is superb, but the hacked footage; it's almighty. A lot of people claim the kit lens sucks and isn't worth a witch's wart, but it actually works rather we...

Don't pay more than $800!, BroadSword - Apr 06 2013
Why would you pay over $700 dollars for this camera (BODY ONLY). Yes it IS WORTH $700 dollars, maybe even eight! But the sellers here charging MORE than NINE hundred dollars (body only) are ripping you off!!! For only a few hundred dollars more you can have the FAR SUPERIOR GH3. It has more features, better resolution and standard plugs for Mic and Headphone jacks. The GH2 doesn't e...