[ Coming Product ] : Panasonic GH2

[yunhen3350]

sigh .....

Just when I have almost settled for Sony alpha 55. Now I am stuck again on GH2 and a55.

Any help will be appreciated.

;p

News posted that A55/33 easily overheated.. Which is not ideal for movie..

http://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/the-truth-about-overheating-dslrs/

 

[deregisteraccount]

News posted that A55/33 easily overheated.. Which is not ideal for movie..

http://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/the-truth-about-overheating-dslrs/

Not really, it uses the Sony A33 and A55 as an example. But the reality is that ALL DSLRs have a limit when shooting HD videos. Some are simply better than others. Myself I'm still waiting for the GH2, the A33 is a decent alternative but the cost of buying Sony lens and Sony accessories is a major turn-off for me.

 

[raymondluo]

Anyone knows when GH2 will hit Singapore shores?

 

[clubgrit]

Not really, it uses the Sony A33 and A55 as an example. But the reality is that ALL DSLRs have a limit when shooting HD videos. Some are simply better than others. Myself I'm still waiting for the GH2, the A33 is a decent alternative but the cost of buying Sony lens and Sony accessories is a major turn-off for me.

Yes, the better Sony lenses cost a lot, and the mount is not as friendly as the NEX's mount which can accept almost any other lens.

Looks like the GH2 is going to be the Panasonic flagship for now, and here are some interesting notes on GF2 and their 16mp sensor not being given to Olympus:
http://www.43rumors.com/ft5-no-new-16-megapixel-sensor-for-the-panasonic-gf2/


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[Jemhadar]

Anyone knows when GH2 will hit Singapore shores?

End November.

Tested a pre-production GH2 during the 'Panasonic Walkabout'.
Will post test video shortly.

 

[henry soh]

Hi, The video recording is 1080p @ 24fps and its readout is faster at 1080i @ 50/60i. This leads to faster AF accuracy though lenses must respond quickly and smoother Viewfinder with
less tearing without cropping. It is a video shooting tool to control frame rates and shutter speed, allowing AF during movie shooting. Shooting is at 16MP using 18MP sensor, allowing
multi aspect ratio.

 

[bousozoku]

Yes, the better Sony lenses cost a lot, and the mount is not as friendly as the NEX's mount which can accept almost any other lens.

Looks like the GH2 is going to be the Panasonic flagship for now, and here are some interesting notes on GF2 and their 16mp sensor not being given to Olympus:
http://www.43rumors.com/ft5-no-new-16-megapixel-sensor-for-the-panasonic-gf2/


.

Well, until I see someone with a Japanese name confirm such information, I consider it rumor, not fact.

There are plenty of regional employees for any company and while they are allowed to talk, they're not management and they're not issuing press releases. What would make sense is that the sensor in the GH2, as it was with the GH1, is a different shape to allow for an equal diagonal size in each aspect ratio. This was not consistent with the workings of any other (micro) Four-Thirds camera.

Does that mean that Panasonic won't have a 14 or 16 MP (effective) sensor ready in the near future for other Four-Thirds cameras? Not really. I would imagine they'll sell Olympus anything they want, as long as they can use it also.

 

[clubgrit]

Well, until I see someone with a Japanese name confirm such information, I consider it rumor, not fact.

There are plenty of regional employees for any company and while they are allowed to talk, they're not management and they're not issuing press releases. What would make sense is that the sensor in the GH2, as it was with the GH1, is a different shape to allow for an equal diagonal size in each aspect ratio. This was not consistent with the workings of any other (micro) Four-Thirds camera.

Does that mean that Panasonic won't have a 14 or 16 MP (effective) sensor ready in the near future for other Four-Thirds cameras? Not really. I would imagine they'll sell Olympus anything they want, as long as they can use it also.

It is a rumours website, no problem there.

The interview is real, though, and the interviewees don't have Japanese names but are senior management from Pana Europe. No problem for me if they don't have Japanese names (maybe just add "san"), I haven't reached that level of cynicism yet ;p.

On the other hand, let us see if there is a retraction of the statement later, if higher bosses scold him or not. :bsmilie:


In the translated article:
"With the caution and courtesy characteristic of these cases before this type of direct question, SD replies

"It is true that we supply for some time the sensors to Olympus, and we have entered into a partnership towards the establishment of the Micro Four Thirds protocol, but beyond that, it is undeniable that we are competitors in the same market, and it makes sense that each firm should reserve a space to develop differentiated products with unique technologies. "


But I think it's out of topic now, so some interesting thoughts on the same subject here. Interesting to read about Olympus Imaging being pressured by their parent company to turn around and make profits.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1022&message=36611965&changemode=1


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[NazgulKing]

The sensor is heavily optimized for video operation. For Olympus, it means more work to do in the video processing department, which I doubt they are very good at it.

Reading the comments at the rumors website makes me want to take a hammer to whack some of these guys in the head. Panasonic obviously has its own agenda. They want to push their 4/3 video camera concept to the fullest. And Olympus isn't a video camera company, so what gives?

 

[microcosm]

As I have said in the past, Olympus' strengths are in optics and still images and Panasonic joining the consortium are lending their massively powerful knowledge in moving images to the platform. I have no problems with Panasonic pushing their own agenda. It is beneficial to the user community. Canon is still weaker in stills, but I believe looking at the success of 7D and 5D moving images, the strength in Canon's moving image technology cannot be ignored too... if you are a small time film maker, now you have Panasonic or Canon to choose from. But Olympus' video implementation is not that bad too. Though rolling shutter is not fun to edit in. I am not a hardcore video person but I feel that Panasonic has helped the platform establish itself in the video arena. Else Canon would have dominated. Nikon's moving image technology is pathetic.

 

[elgkh]

A review (preview?) from Luminous Landscape :

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/panasonic_gh2_first_look.shtml

 

[roidepaix]

Man that is fast... I just got my G2 though... is it worth to upgrade to the GH2?

 

[NazgulKing]

Man that is fast... I just got my G2 though... is it worth to upgrade to the GH2?

The GH2 is the most souped up M4/3 camera. So it's the question of whether you want to afford it or not...

 

[pingpongsong]

Any local shop taking orders for the GH2?

Thanks

 

[clubgrit]

It does seem a good evolution ... I like this statement :

"At the risk of repeating myself, this is a photographer's camera. By this I mean that it was clearly designed by people who use cameras and understand their role as tools, not just by marketing and engineering types looking to win the spec and shelf appeal wars, even if it means that the camera's design is a dog's breakfast of poorly designed menus and awkwardly place controls. (Yes – I'm talking about the Sony NEX series, which are direct competitors to the Panasonic G series, and which seem to have had their user interface designed by a 8th grade drop-out whacked out on Quaaludes)."

 

[KTi]

I started with E-P1, was extremely happy with it, then I thought I needed something for me to use in kids' event, you know, low light, stage, no flashes allowed kind of environment. So, I went into Pentax, bought couple of lenses and what I realised is that due to the bulk, I dreaded each time I think about bringing the gear out. Then I got my E-PL1 (and kept K7 + a tele lens), this renewed my interest, went around take photos, it's one heck of a camera and I started to build up my lens collection and I think I have most of what I needed except on the long end of the tele.

Which brings me to the point of getting a "pro" body and just use E-PL1 with all of my m43 lenses. It's ideal, one set of lenses, 2 bodies depending on what I am in the mood or need for. E-PL1 for me to walk around/travel whole day without the bulk and still be able to get some kick-ass IQ. GH2/G2 for those little bit more demanding situation. Also, I like the idea of bringing the camera to my eye and view things through a VF.

With that in mind, I went to Courts at Orchard, they have good collection of many cameras, mostly at mid to low price point models. No GH2 but I managed to play with G2 for a while. AF is fast, Panny has managed to put in lots of direct access buttons/lever to make adjustments quickly. The only complain is my hand seems to feel uncomfortable holding the G2. Hard to describe but right hand just doesn't feel at home. EVF is ok with me but I think Sony A55 is better.

So, my only hope now is that the GH2 will be more comfortable to hold, I am waiting for the chance to try.

 

[loneWolff]

Lumix GH2 is indeed fast in focusing be it at 14mm or 300mm. I can't say anything about UWA lens as I didn't have one at hand.

Here's an image of the GH2 in action with a 100-300mm shot using handheld at 300mm. Sorry I cannot include the picture of the semi-naked man walking around as it might add unnecessary issues for me. For I think it might be a good example of a sports shot as its also done handheld. Please use your imagination for that part.

Good thing about the 100-300mm lens is that it feels like the 45-200mm in weight. But I personally feel its still a long way to using it for bird watching... Need the upcoming 800mm, please come before I grow fungus.

Video tethering is still under rumor so I won't add any additional fuel to it.

If you think this is just a video camera then you are dead wrong. Mix this with a fast prime lens, 20mm or my upcoming fave 14mm F2.5 and you have a fast camera that you can shoot while running. Good for those with criminal intentions, but please don't quote me.

Only three things I don't like,
1) It still don't detect well in the dark, usable ISO is 1600 (double of GH1) and if you close two eyes and photoshop then maybe ISO 2000 - 3000.
2) Battery size caught me by surprise, its a high capacity smaller battery (half as thin, probably Sanyo's fault). So I can start stacking dominos using my batteries once I upgrade. Lucky GH1 will always be my B-cam.
3) Video for GH2 is 24Mbps/24p, your GH1 is hack to 40Mbps for a reason... Cos we just want to have a super decent broadcast quality using a DSLR and cos we are cheapskates. If you lower the bitrate then we will end up like Canon... I think your competitor (support video tethering).

For those that read till this portion, thank you and have a cuppa joe, you need it.
Those that fell asleep, please wake up, sleeping on the keyboard is bad for the face.

 

[passlabs]

hi loneWolf,

thanks for the review of the GH2.

are you from Singapore? where did u get the GH2?

Cheers

 

[loneWolff]

Hi Passlab,
the pictures are shot near Emerald Hill Estate @ Chinatown.
So take a guess which country is that
The GH2 was a preproduction unit loan by Panasonic Singapore. They were very nice but I prefer one that doesn't come with a group of dead pixels.
It's not sold in Singapore yet and November is a faraway thing unless you live in the US or Japan.
Now I just hope they will be moved by my passion to sell the body only GH2 here instead of Europe only. Else I would drop the 14-42mm in an instant, who would seriously want a plastic mount when you switch lens like 3-5 times a day. First timers be thankful the all powerful 14-140mm is available as a kit too.

 

[b00n12]

any pre-order in Singapore?