Review posted 04/07/2011
Camera announced 09/21/2010

Quick Take

Pros

Smaller than an entry-level dSLR iAuto makes it easy for anyone to shoot Excellent iAuto shooting system Excellent overall image quality Outstanding single image shooting performance Very good ISO performance up to ISO 1600 Continuous Autofocus while recording movies Hot shoe for more versatile accessories HDMI output

Cons

Auto Focus is slower than the phase detection found on dSLR's Limited lens availability (but growing) Burst mode is good, but is a little less than claimed by Panasonic Both EVF and LCD use battery power quickly compared to dSLR viewfinder More expensive than many entry-level dSLRs

Bottom Line

The Panasonic Lumix GH2 is an excellent, compact EVIL camera. With comparable features, performance and quality of the top entry-level dSLR's, this is an excellent, more compact solution, with a slightly higher price tag. Read more in our Full Conclusion.

Panasonic continues to add powerful Micro Four-Thirds models to their Lumix G-series line, with the latest addition being the Lumix DMC-GH2. Replacing the popular GH1 of old, Panasonic has loaded the GH2 with several appealing upgrades that both photographers and videographers will appreciate.

Of these is a new 16-megapixel Live MOS image sensor, which Panasonic claims offers improved signal-to-noise ratio over past sensors. This unit also allows the GH2 to capture full resolution images at up to 5fps in burst mode, or up to 40fps at 4-megapixels. The GH2 also adds full HD (1920x1080) video in 60i format, along with the 24p option that was available on the GH1. Below you will find a list of the GH2's main features.

Panasonic DMC-GH2 Features:

• New 16-Megapixel Live MOS imager with improved signal-to-noise ratio
  
• Choose from 4:3, 3:2, and 16:9 aspect ratios
• Micro Four-Thirds lens mount system
• Is capable of using the World's first interchangeable 3D lens
  
• Compatible with Four Thirds mount lenses using optional adapter (DMW-MA1)
• Venus Engine HD image processor
• Supersonic Wave Filter Dust Reduction System
• 22 different exposure mode options
  
• AVCHD video recording @ 1080p (1920x1080, 24p or 60i) or 720p (1280x720, 60p)
• Standard Motion JPEG video recording at VGA (640x480), QVGA (320x240), and WVGA (848x480) @ 30fps
• Instantly capture a 14MP (16:9) still photo while recording video
  
• New Cinema mode
• Compressed RAW and JPEG (Fine/Standard) formats, including RAW+JPEG (Fine or Standard)
• TTL Auto White Balance with several presets, custom set, and White Balance Adjustment
• Shutter speeds from 1/4000 to 60 seconds and Bulb (approx. 2 minutes)
• Full resolution burst mode shooting at 5fps
  
• High-speed burst mode shooting at up to 40fps @ 4-megapixels
  
• Faster contrast detection AF system with AF Tracking, 23-area-focusing, and 1-area-focusing modes
• Touch AF option
  
• 3.0-inch Touchscreen LCD that rotates up to 270 degrees (460,000 pixels)
• Electronic Viewfinder or 'LVF' (Live View Finder) with 17.5mm eye point and diopter adjustment, and 100% frame coverage
• Intelligent Auto ISO or fixed settings from 100 to 12,800 in 1/3 EV steps
  
• Built-in Pop-up flash unit + hot shoe for external units
• Noise Reduction for long exposures
• SD/SDHC/MMC memory card storage
• Selectable video output with NTSC or PAL format
• HD output via MiniHDMI Type C I/O port (with optional cable)
  
• Built-in stereo microphones + a microphone input jack for an external unit
  
• USB 2.0 (High-speed) data and control interface
• Powerful7.2V 1200mAh Li-ion battery pack (good for up to 340 photos using the LVF)

The Lumix DMC-GH2 is available in the following kit configurations:

• Body only - $899.95 US
  
• Body with the LUMIX G VARIO 14-42 mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S.lens - $999.95 US
  
• Body with the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm F4.0-5.8 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. lens - $1499.95 US

What's in the box?:

• Battery Charger
• Battery Pack
• Body Cap
• AV Cable
• USB Connection Cable
• Shoulder Strap
• Stylus pen
• CD-ROM