Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 Review
Panasonic has announced the new DMC-GH1, new range of Lumix G Micro System, the series of digital cameras with interchangeable lens.
The new DMC-GH1 is called “hybrid HD and creative” because not only produces high quality photos, but also movies in high definition 1080/24p or 720/60p video refined HD (High Definition) AVCHD format. Equipped Continuous AF function to record movies in an even easier, DMC-GH1 offers the possibility to replace the goals depending on the situation and of the subject. It can also record with high-quality audio through a Dolby Digital Stereo Creator offers a wide range of options devoted to creativity, including of course the manual settings.
To support the recording of Full HD movies, DMC-GH1 was equipped with a sensor LiveMOS high-speed 12.1 Megapixel and image processor Venus Engine HD, which is equipped with two CPUs that provide excellent processing. The function of multi-aspect ratio of the sensor can take pictures from the same angle, with three aspect ratios: 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9.
The last came at home also incorporates Panasonic mode iA (Intelligent Auto) and the Face Recognition function, which “remembers” the faces that once were recorded. When a familiar face appears in the frame, the camera gives priority to your face to set the focus and exposure to capture beautiful portraits. IA mode, also available for movies, it automatically selects the mode best suited to the scene, limiting the problems associated with the shake of the hand and the focus and brightness, a feature that allows a single move to make photos or beautiful movies ever.
The choice of colors for the camera body makes it particularly attractive to the DMC-GH1: you can opt for the classic black or a red dynamic. It’s already available in market stat May for $1500.
Review:
A sensor is not so great
After having the opportunity to move with the D90 and EOS 5D Mark II, the first two SLR camera capable of recording high-definition video, the quality of sequence obtained with the GH1 is no longer a surprise.
Still, the images displayed on your Panasonic booth at the PMA 2009 through one of its plasma TVs have high definition seemed convincing.
As was the case with those Nikon and Canon, the sequences obtained from the GH1 look great image quality, with a very wide dynamic range and performance with a high sensitivity that is unparalleled in the current catalog of video cameras to fans.
Similarly, the use of interchangeable lenses and offers great control of GH1 depth of field and blur effects are benefits that usually can not access the low-budget videographers.
Though we must bear in mind that the weapon GH1 a sensor smaller than the Nikon D90, and especially that of the EOS 5D Mark II, so the performance on the above points will not be the same.
It is in controlling the depth of field effect and the so-called “bokeh” which is the most obvious difference between the sizes of the sensors and the actual focal lenses.
On the other hand, judging by the pictures provided by Panasonic, the GH1 may presume to offer video compression with fewer artifacts and a smoother, more continuous motion, probably due to using the AVCHD codec, designed specifically for video recording HD.
The GH1, incidentally, offers two modes of capture in high definition with 1080 lines of vertical resolution and 50 frames interlaced and 720 lines and 50 frames per second progressive.
Autofocus and manual controls
But the great contribution of GH1 on the two previous attempts are undoubtedly efficient autofocus system and the ability to manually adjust the exposure while recording.
Tested with the new 14-140 mm objective Lumix G Vario f4-5.8 HD, designed for this camera, the GH1 focus with great precision and speed. Maybe it does not work with the same efficiency with a camcorder that could do similar price but much better than the hesitant approach by contrasting the EOS 5D Mark II.
Moreover, the approach path of the mechanism is very smooth and quiet, and although sometimes take time, it never moves abruptly back and forth to ruin the shot.
The most demanding videographers will appreciate the inclusion of manual controls to the video recording function, something that the proposals of Canon and Nikon do not have.
Thus, the GH1 PASM offers a complete setup, with an automatic, one manual and the shutter priority and aperture. All settings are also easily performed using the control dial on the handle of the camera.
It should be noted that both the diaphragm and shutter speed can be changed during video recording, allowing the user to correct exposure at all times. GH1 also lets you adjust the ISO before you start the capture.
Positive (and expensive)
Sounded from the launch of the Nikon D90, video recording has evolved to a very remarkable cameras of interchangeable lenses.
Thus, the Lumix DMC-GH1 and offers many of the desirable features in a camcorder, a quiet and precise autofocus, manual controls and a minijack input for connecting an external microphone.
It also seems a good bet on the fact the AVCHD format to record video, a codec that has proven very effective in reducing the weight of the files without damaging image quality.
Also, the AVCHD format is supported today, with many Blu-ray players, and even may be reproduced directly using the slot for memory cards that incorporate some of Panasonic televisions.
Ergonomics, however, remains a problem in this GH1. And that is the traditional way to wield a camera like DSLR as it is not the most suitable for recording video, especially when we want to zoom.
It also casts a least a little more advanced control over the sound. Although highly appreciate the inclusion of this mini connection, there is no monitoring system of the audio, either on screen or by using headphones. And posts a loop the loop, would welcome the opportunity to manually adjust the sound volume captured.
Details on the one hand, the Lumix DMC-GH1 is the best approach so far seen in this hybrid of photography and video that has been discussed in recent times. A very interesting step forward for photography in general and for the standard Micro FourThirds in particular, but with a price may scare off many potential buyers.
Because the combination of the new jewel in the crown and the Panasonic Lumix G 14-140 mm will be priced at around 1,500 euros, or nearly double the pioneer G1, in the same benefits but without photographic recording video.
Although seen through the lens of photographer this is certainly a cost, the fact is that their price is very similar to the most advanced consumer camcorders. And these are far from approaching the photographic services offered by the GH1
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