GH2: First Impressions
Friday, December 17, 2010 at 16:23 ;)
It's hard to resist the glamorous, new and improved cameras that conveniently flood the market in the months before Christmas. I'll admit that I sometimes derive as much joy from my equipment as I do from photography. There are certainly cameras that I want to have. I might even be able to talk myself into believing that I deserve them. But that just isn't good enough. Cameras are first and foremost tools, so each new one one has to offer advantages over the equipment I already own. Otherwise I'm squandering resources.
The GH2, oddly enough, was a camera I wasn't that excited about when it was announced. It's DSLR styling just isn't that sexy. My enthusiasm grew when I tried out the camera at Photokina: besides the improved performance, Panasonic has done a lot to refine the controls and user interface. So I took a hard look at what advantages the GH2 offers over my current GF1.
To start, I decided last year to stay with Micro Four Thirds. Switching systems gobbles up resources that are better spent expanding the current system. The primary reason for investing in Micro Four Thirds in the first place was that I needed a compact yet capable system for my frequent travels. As the system grows, it's still a good balance between portability and image quality. For a while, Panasonic's autofocus performance and image quality lagged behind traditional systems with a mirror, but I felt that it wouldn't take long for performance levels to improve to the point that they are sufficient for my needs. The GH2 promises to be a big step in that direction. No need to switch systems. In the end it was just a question of determining if the GH2 would offer me enough advantages over my GF1 to be worth the upgrade.;)
Electronic viewfinder
I've been shooting with manual focus lenses more and more over the past 6 months. The GF1 was not an ideal. Squinting at the rear screen while the camera was waving about at the end of outstretched hands while attempting to focus the lens manually can be frustrating. The camera is just not stable enough. It's difficult to verify critical sharpness with any sort of glare compromising the rear screen. The GH2's high resolution electronic viewfinder makes it much easier to see when my subject is in focus. I can often see when my subject is in focus without using the magnified focus assist function. Not bad at all.
Besides being useful – I'd even say essential – for manual focusing, the electronic viewfinder also serves as an alternative method for composing an image when glare makes the rear screen difficult to see. Unlike traditional, optical viewfinders, the EVF responds to camera settings and can also be used to review images. With an over 1.5 million dot resolution and a large magnification, you can even use some of the area to ban the overlaid exposure information onto black borders. It's a relief to be able to compose a photo without any clutter obstructing my view.
;)
Articulated Screen
I missed the articulated screen from some of my previous cameras. Being able to fold the screen into any direction is a fantastic compositional aid. It'll save you having to lie in the mud when you want a low to the ground perspective. It'll also spare you the back pain caused by peering through a viewfinder for hours when the camera is mounted to a tripod. A fixed, rear facing screen can also be a pain with a tripod that's low to the ground. Articulated screens are great and any camera that doesn't have one isn't exploiting the possibilities offered by the digital age.
;)
Ergonomics
While the shiny metal box of the GF1 gives it that much sought after “rangefinder” look, the shape is less suited for getting a secure purchase with a larger lenses. The GH2's grip, especially now that it has a sticky, elastomer covering, improves handling with heavier lenses like my Voigtländer Nokton. The camera and lens combination feels better balanced and easier to hold. That doesn't mean there isn't a room for a compact body to be used with pancake lenses; quite to the contrary. But lenses like my Nokton or the Lumix 100-300mm telephoto are awkward to use on a small, metallic box. The term “front heavy” comes to mind.
;)
User Interface
Handling is extremely important, often more than the relatively minor differences in image quality that separate different cameras. I refuse to fight a cumbersome user interface. Changing common settings shouldn't be a time consuming chore that makes me miss a decisive moment. With the GH2, Panasonic refined the user interface and made it more customizable. There are a lot of minor tweaks like the compositional grid that is now a neutral grey instead of white: it's not nearly as distracting, visually fading into the background until needed. There are many more examples that I won't go into here.
Another major change over the GF1 is the inclusion of a touch screen. I can already see it being a major advantage when working from a tripod. Instead of laboriously scrolling the focus point to the intended subject, you just tap the location and the focus point jumps to the right location immediately. The camera can even be set to focus and release the shutter with a screen tap. No need to move your hand to the shutter. This feature even works in conjunction with the self timer. I'm not sure yet how efficient the touch screen will be for changing settings. I'll assess that once I've used the camera more.
Responsiveness
Normally I like to work at a more measured pace, but when I'm shooting indoor events I need a responsive camera. It needs to be able to find focus and set the exposure accurately and quickly. The GH2's autofocus feels subjectively faster and seems to hesitate less in low light.
;)
Fit and Finish
Thankfully Panasonic has abandoned the velvety coating of preceding models in favour of a hard, textured plastic. I had some trouble with my G1's outer coating peeling off and I hope the GH2's finish is more durable. The GH2 doesn't feel flimsy or hollow, rather solid and well made. Whether you like plastic or not comes down to personal taste. I like it quite a lot: it's relatively light in relationship to its strength and durability and in the Winter the body isn't so cold in your hand.
Image Quality
Image quality isn't the main reason I upgraded to the GH2, but it was a consideration. Lenses have a bigger impact on image quality than any incremental improvements in sensor performance. Occasionally I did, however, hit the limits of acceptable image quality with the GF1. That was mostly when I was documenting indoor social events which required both higher sensitivities and fast lenses in order to maintain acceptable shutter speeds. The GH2's sensor outputs images with lower noise at higher sensitivities. My initial tests indicate that the improvement is around one stop when shooting both cameras at the same aperture and shutter speed. That will give me extra leeway when I'm shooting indoors.
Video
The GH2 already has the reputation of being the best (or at least among the best) of the video capable interchangeable lens cameras. I haven't shot a lot of video in the past, but that will change.
Room for Improvement
Panasonic still has not implemented a user selectable minimum shutter speed for automatic ISO control. So expect to constantly have to adjust ISO manually if you want control over both aperture and shutter speed. This can be a nuisance when using a manual focus lens and lighting levels vary a lot. Panasonic could just add a custom menu entry via a firmware update: “set minimum shutter speed auto ISO.” I can still think of a lot of other improvements, like weather sealing, a higher resolution rear screen, and a silent shutter. But even then it's a very good camera as it is.
;)
Conclusion
Overall the GH2 is quite a solid upgrade to my GF1. The EVF and articulated screen make it a more versatile camera when composing shots. The electronic viewfinder also makes it easier to accurately determine focus. Both the GH2's improved output at high sensitivities and more responsive autofocus give me more latitude when shooting under difficult conditions. The refined user interface is welcome and a greater degree of customisability will make it easier to tailor the GH2 for specific shooting conditions. Does the GH2 mean the days of my older GF1 are numbered? Not at all: the GF1 with the pancake will continue to serve as compact kit for incidental photography: for those days when I don't intend to take photos but also don't want to leave the house without a camera. On trips, I'll just throw the GF1 body into my bag as a backup camera. But the GH2 will definitely serve as my main camera from now on.
Reader Comments (12)
It looks to be an impressive camera and I look forward to your first results. I really liked the GF1 when I tried it last year, but thought the body became too cold to handle (at least in the winter) and the lack of a proper high res viewfinder is was stops me from buying the GF1. While I think Panasonic could have done a better job with the looks of the camera, it is still the best form factor for longer lenses or manual focus lenses since it provides a better grip and the in-camera viewfinder.
Hi Wouter. Like you say, the styling is not as sophisticated as it could be. But the general layout is pretty optimal for the use of manual focus lenses. I much prefer the huge, built-in viewfinder over those clip-on ones. Those have a much smaller view and are awkward perched on top of the hot shoe.
I bought the clip-on hotshoe EVF for my GF1 thinking it would come in handy *occasionally*, but now it's the only way I want to frame my images (unless I'm using a tripod.) I especially love the privacy it affords when composing & reviewing my photos. I just wish it weren't so low-res. If Panasonic doesn't announce a GF# with a high-quality, built-in EVF soon, I'll be adding a GH2 to my gear - if I can stop buying lenses long enough to save up! ;)
You're a good reviewer! I keep looking at these larger Panasonics for two reasons: to get a good viewfinder and to protect my investment in lenses. I tend to favor the G2 at this point. However, I think I'm going to wait to see how the Fuji x100 turns out before I make another camera purchase.
Hi Reese. I think the G2 gives you virtually all the advantages of the GH2. As to the X100, time will tell how good of a camera it is. I would miss the articulated screen though.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the GH2. A very thorough look at the camera. I look forward to seeing more posts about the camera because I just got one too. I am also sharing my thoughts on the internet. Check it out!
If you don't mind, I'll be linking to your review my my blog.
Regards,
john flores
Congratulations on your new (hard to find) GH2, John. I had a brief look at your blog; love the photos of the GH2 and the red K-x. It's late here, so I'll read your impressions tomorrow. Cheers, Björn
As a street shooter, I love the stealth of my e-P1... unfortunately, I have the same struggles regarding manual focus lenses. Would a move to the GH2 take that stealth away?
Rob, while I only dabble in street shooting occasionally, I would say that the GH2 is not significantly more conspicuous than the E-P1, if at all. Seen from the front, the GH2 is the same size as my GF1 except for the flash housing that sticks out above the camera (the GF1 is pretty much the same size as the E-P1). In my opinion, the lenses you mount on either camera will affect the "stealthyness" of the kit much more than the MFT body you end up using. The size of the bodies isn't really that different; they're both small cameras.
Thanks for the feedback. I just ordered a g1, so your comments regarding street shooting definitely put my mind at ease. I will be hanging on to the e-p1, though...
I have a G2 with two lenses, 14-45 and 45-200. I'm longing to use a fairly good macrolens. Do you please have any suggestions? I'm a happy amateur.
Thanks in advance
Carina (Sweden)
Hi Carina, nice to have you here.
I'm probably not the most qualified to give you advice on macro lenses as I have only ever owned one: the Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 ASPH OIS. It's actually made by Panasonic but supposedly to Leica's quality standards. I like the lens very much; even if you never use it for macro work (which it does very well), it is a great prime lens for everyday use. It produces sharp photos with good contrast and color. Some of my favorite shots were taken with this lens while I was traveling in India - none of them macro.