Name: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 Digital Camera, Black with 14-42mm Lens
Brand: Panasonic
SKU: IPCDMCGH2KK
Price: 749.00 USD
Availability: Discontinued
Rating: 4.13 (8 reviews)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 Digital Camera, Black with 14-42mm Lens

Panasonic DMC-GH2

Panasonic

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 with 14-42mm Lens, Black

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Mirrorless Cameras

Panasonic Mirrorless Cameras

Panasonic DMC-GH2 

Buy: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 Digital Camera, Black with 14-42mm Lens Model: Panasonic GH2, Resolution: 16 MP

I picked this up because of all the good things I have heard about the GH2 for video. I am new to this and wanted something relatively cheap that could get me started. It has exceeded my expectations.

New to photography/video

This is my 2nd GH2, a backup body for failure-is-not-an-option gigs. There are better still cams; there are better video cams; but there are no better all-in-one stills+video cams. The GH2's video surpasses that of all other video-capable still cams to date (with the possible exception of the Nikon D800), and especially in good light its stills are superb.

Its controls are somewhat fiddly and its back-panel buttons are too easily pressed when simply trying to grasp the camera; I sometimes find I've changed ISO, WB, or the display mode unintentionally just from picking up the camera. But the EVF is superb, and the flip-out, swing-around LCD makes odd-angle shots a piece of cake.

High-ISO JPEGs (3200+) suffer slightly from over-aggressive NR, and the camera is a bit limited in dynamic range; highlights blow out a stop or two sooner than with my Canon 5D Mk II. Aside from that I can't find fault with the GH2's pictures.

The 14-42mm is the nastiest lens I've ever handled: its grindy plastic-on-plastic zoom and focus rings just feel awful. Its pictures, though, are a lot better than the build quality would lead you to believe, and the lens is exceedingly light; it will probably become my standard walkaround lens when I feel that the 14-140mm would be too heavy or bulky.

Fast glass is a bit hard to come by; there are no f/2.8 or faster zooms for MFT cams at this time (April 2012). There are however some reasonably fast primes. I covered NAB this year using the Nokton 25mm f/0.95 and the Olympus 12mm f/2 and 45mm f/1.8; along with the GH2 body, they weighed less and took up less space than my 5D Mk II with a single zoom... and when one is walking continuously for four days straight while carrying gear, that makes a difference.

If it sounds like I'm complaining, I'm not, really; I just felt it was more useful to list those few limitations I've run across when using this otherwise-capable camera. I use my Canon 5D Mk II for studio stills and for location work when low-light image quality is paramount. For everything else, I use the GH2.

Best lightweight stills+video cam

I am still learning to use it but love it....so far.

Love it....so far

Really like this camera, only have two things missing and they are minor. I have the GH1 and the GH2. I use them for Video. I had expected them to use the same G series batteries... note, the GH2 uses a whole new battery. The other draw back is that this camera did not come with a ac adapter like the GH1 did, so you will need to get that if you want to be able to run for long periods battery free.

Love working with this camera.

Excellent video capability with great stabilization so can hand hold.  Overly complex menu, small body means my big hands push buttons accidentally and can't figure out what I did.  But over all it is a great camera.  Ideal to go on nature works so that you can photograph unobtrusively.  If I really want to get wildlife photos, I use a Canon Mark IV.  :)

Great Little Camera

I was lucky enough to purchase one of these just after Christmas and only a week before going to Nicaragua for 3 months.

The camera is incredible and was exactly what I was looking for- something that could easily take great stills and at the same time function as a powerful but compact camera for filming amateur documentary work.

I purchased this along with the Panasonic external microphone and could all this gear and a computer in a normal backpack.  Not only is the camera light and compact but it takes amazing video with excellent audio in a package that is the ultimate for shooting discreet documentary footage.

I have previous experience with more complex shoulder mounted cameras.  The Gh2 is far simpler and yet has plenty of depth for those who want something more substantial.

Incredible and I look forward to seeing more like this from Panasonic.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 Digital Camera, Black with 14-42mm Lens

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