Panasonic GH3 review

Better image quality, handling and video features

Panasonic GH3 review
The Panasonic GH3 was developed with GH2 users' feedback

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These images were taken with a pre-production sample of the camera, and as-such, Panasonic has requested that the images be resized to 5 megapixels. You can still click the link to see a larger version of the image that currently appears on this page.

Panasonic GH3 sample image

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Focusing is quick and accurate with the Panasonic GH3. Panasonic claims that it has the fastest autofocus system in the world, something which is really useful when shooting wildlife.

Panasonic GH3 sample image

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A large variety of lenses is available for the Panasonic G system, including very long lenses. Although "only" a 45-200mm optic, because of the crop factor of Micro Four Thirds cameras, this translates to 400mm at the telephoto end, making it arguably more versatile for wildlife shooting than those cameras with larger sensors.

Panasonic GH3 sample image

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You can use either the LCD screen or the electronic viewfinder to compose images on the GH3. When using a long telephoto lens, it can be beneficial to use the larger screen to track quickly moving subjects.

Panasonic GH3 sample images

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Colours are represented well by the GH3, having lots of punch and clarity straight from the camera.

Panasonic GH3 sample images

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The GH3 copes well in dark conditions, still maintaining a quick autofocus speed, and producing images which show a good level of noise control while still maintaining detail.

Panasonic GH3 sample images

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Even though the sensor is smaller than those found in APS-C format cameras, the GH3 is still capable of producing pleasing shallow depth of field effects.

Panasonic GH3 sample images

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Several digital filters are available to use on the GH3. Handily, the images can be shot simultaneously in raw and jpeg, so, should you decide you don't want the filter at a later stage you can roll back to the raw image. This is the Impressive Art filter.

Panasonic GH3 sample images

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Another one of the filters in action, this time Dynamic Monochrome.

Panasonic GH3 sample images

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Cross Process is another filter which can be deployed. There are several options for using this filter, this image shows an emphasis of green tones, but you can also choose to emphasise blue, yellow, or red.