Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 at a glance:
- 16.05-million-pixel, four thirds-sized MOS sensor
- Extended ISO 125-25,600 range
- 1.744-million-dot OLED EVF
- 3in articulated, OLED touchscreen
- Weather-resistant, magnesium-alloy body
- Optional accessories
- Street price around £1,000 body only
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 review – Introduction
A compact system camera (CSC) is, as its name implies, small in size, so it is interesting to note that the best-selling CSC range – Panasonic’s Lumix G series – is one that includes a viewfinder and is therefore physically larger than others of its type. Even larger than the G series is the firm’s flagship GH series, and the latest camera in this range is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3. This model is the largest we have seen from the company so far, being substantially taller than the GH2.
Such a bulky CSC suggests a serious photographic tool. Indeed, after a couple of press events and a Hands-on review (AP 6 October), we have been impressed by what the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 offers. With its predecessor, the GH2, finding continued popularity among video makers, Panasonic has responded with the GH3 by introducing a vast number of improvements in this field, as well as ones that will appeal to stills photographers, too. In an obvious attempt to create a more ‘serious’ product range for professionals and enthusiasts, the company continues to label its CSCs as DSLMs (digital single-lens mirrorless). I’m keen to see if the product rather than the label does the talking and, if size is the point of a CSC, has Panasonic pushed things too far with the GH3?
