GH2: My Next Camera?

Image Courtesy of PanasonicWe knew the GH2 was coming. There were numerous leaks culminating in enormous posters of the camera that went up in Cologne a full day before today's official announcement. The posters were covered up once the timing error became evident, but not before the damage had been done. So the official announcement didn't quite take us by surprise. We did, however, get a more complete picture of the new Lumix's features and specifications.

Is what's on offer enough to tempt me to upgrade? Panasonic promises the camera is able to focus in half the time of the older Lumix G models. AF Reliability was already very good and an increase in speed would be welcome for capturing moving subjects in less than ideal light. The GH2 continues to use an innovative multi-aspect sensor which allows you shoot at the same focal length regardless of which aspect ratio you are using (see diagram below). The total sensor resolution has gone up from 14 to 18 megapixels. Apparently, despite the smaller pixels, high sensitivity output was improved as well. Of course that remains to be seen.

GH2 Multi-aspect Sensor compared to Gx/GF1 Sensor (click to enlarge)

While broadly similar to the existing GH1 design, there have been some welcome improvements. I'm glad to see the smooth, rubbery finish of earlier models replaced with what looks like a more durable textured surface. The rubbery coating of my first Micro Four Thirds camera, the G1, started to peel off after around 12,000 photos. There are further improvements to the controls as well as the screen and viewfinder. The high resolution EVF has been enlarged horizontally, so that it has a similar aspect ratio to the rear screen.

So there is quite a bit that I'm tempted by. But most of all, I miss the features of this type of a body. The grip gives a comfortable hold on the camera while the articulated rear screen is incredibly useful for framing shots from unusual angles. That's something I do a lot. The electronic viewfinder is also so large and sharp that it's not only useful for framing photos, but also for reviewing them under bright light. There's nothing more frustrating than trying to see if a picture turned out on a screen bleached by sunlight. Of course these features are already available on existing, cheaper models. But the improved AF and sensor as well as the refined controls are enough to tip the scale in favour of the GH2. Who knows, maybe I'll even start to explore the world of viedo.

Comments

[Mary]

The electronic viewfinder is also so large and sharp that it's not only useful for framing photos, but also for reviewing them under bright light. There's nothing more frustrating than trying to see if a picture turned out on a screen bleached by sunlight.
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