Panasonic Lumix GH2: New 16MP Sensor, 3D Interchangeable Lens, Touch Controls

Panasonic announced the Lumix GH2, the successor to GH1, on September 21. The camera's outstanding features include 16MP Sensor, 3D Interchangeable Lens and Multi-touch screen.

The GH2 will become Panasonic's flagship mirrorless camera - Panasonic more correctly calls it Digital Single Lens Micro (DSLM) camera - replacing the GH1.

Here is a quick roundup of GH2 features:

Sensor and Image Processing Engine

The camera features an improved 16 MP, 17.3 x 13.0 mm, 4:3, CMSO sensor and image processing engine. The sensor supports much higher readout rates than the one on the GH1, allowing for 5fps burst mode still photography and improved video capability.

Sensor sensitivity range has improved to ISO 160-12800. (ISO 100-6400 in GH1).

Like the GH1, the GH2 features an oversized sensor (18MP) that allows you to shoot using different aspect ratios while maintaining the same diagonal.

Video Capabilities

The Lumix GH2 can now record full HD 1920 x 1080 videos in smooth 60i, doubling the sensor output from 25p/24p (on GH1) to 50p/60p. The camera also supports 1920 x 1080 at 24 fps.

The Lumix GH2 can record full HD (1920 x 1080) at 24 fps and HD (1280 x 720) at 60 fps. It records stereo sound and allows for the use of an external microphone.

The GH1 achieved its 1080i output by doubling up its 25p/24p sensor output, while the GH2 supports 60p/50p capture.

New video features introduced include a Variable Movie mode: Record video in variable frame rate – 80, 160, 200 and 300 percent – speeding up or slowing frames for more creative videos.

Display

A 3-inch, 460K dot free angle LCD features touch control shooting and playback.

Improved Autofocus

Improved AF reduces detection time for focusing to approximately 0.1 second by doubling the drive speed from 60 frames per second to 120 frames per second.

Live View

The camera's Live View features a 1.53M dot display with 100 percent field of view and 0.71x magnification.

3D Lens Support

Alongside the GH2, Panasonic also announced an interchangeable 3D (35mm camera equivalent: 65mm) lens : Lumix G 12.5mm / F12 (H-FT012)5.

The 3D lens for the Lumix G Micro System features two optical systems installed within the diameter of the lens mount, creating stereo images from the left and right lenses that are then processed with a 3D image processing system.

The 3D images taken on the camera, even close-up shots, are easily viewed on Panasonic's 3D VIERA televisions.

In addition to the 3D lens, Panasonic also announced the Lumix G 14mm / F2.5 ASPH (H-H014) prime lens, and the Lumix G Vario 00-300mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS100300).

As of date, the Lumix G series camera users have 11 lenses to choose from.

Availability and Price

The Panasonic LUMIX GH2 will be available in black and silver models in early December in three different kit options for a suggested retail price of:

Price: $899.95 (Body only); $999.95 (Body with lens Lumix G Vario 14-42 mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S.); $1,499.95 (Body with lens Lumix G Vario HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S.).