Full review

Panasonic's flagship GH-series cameras have been widely praised for their video capabilities, and have long been in demand from professional videographers and filmmakers. However, the product engineers behind the company's latest compact system camera, the Panasonic GH3, didn't focus solely on upgrading its movie mojo. They developed a brand new 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor, and added an advanced optical low-pass filter. Together, these help the GH3 deliver excellent image quality across the board. Both still photos and videos trump that of its predecessor, the acclaimed GH2. In fact, the camera's sharp and detailed images rival those of most mirrorless models on the market.

Its die-cast, magnesium alloy body is small and lightweight, but the GH3 is rugged and weatherized and suited for "run and gun" video shoots out in the field. The camera also comes loaded with a deep set of advanced video tools -- typically found on professional-level cameras -- that make it a more-than-capable option for videographers. Not only that, but it's also a bargain-priced one.

It's entirely approachable for enthusiast photographers, especially those serious about wanting to shoot more high quality video. The GH3's movies are astoundingly good.

It's simply one of the best mirrorless cameras we've reviewed -- and not just this year.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/panasonic-gh3/panasonic-gh3A.HTM

hi guys, just got myself a GH3 and I like it! got a couple of questions though I will put together the next couple of days, hope you can help just two quick questions for now: which polarfilter do you recommend? after some research I think I'd go for this one: B&W Filter Pol Circular Käsemann Slim MRC 58mm. What do you think? and I'd like to know if you think the cam will work for multicam mixes paired with the D Mark II and a panasonic HC-X929 camcoder or will the sources look too different?

@_OZ: My friend who has a GX1 bought Panasonic's optional evf MW-LVF1 to attach to his flashmount.

I thought the LVF1 only works on GF1s? or were you referring to LVF2?

Regarding the EVF:

This is my first "real" camera, so that gives you a bit of context for my (lack of) experience...

When I first got the camera, I adjusted the diopter and then finally just assumed that it is either just my eyes, or just the way it is supposed to be. Again, I didn't have anything to compare it to.

My friend who has a GX1 bought Panasonic's optional evf MW-LVF1 to attach to his flashmount. I tried it, and it was night and day difference. I could see things perfectly with seemingly extra room on the edges. That's the thing, I have to move my eye around to see a corner or edge clearly, and then that movement throws the other edge out of focus. I also compared to my other friends GH2. Same story.

For a flagship camera and the amount I paid, yes I'm a bit disappointed in that one aspect of the gear. However, this hardly makes me disappointed in the camera overall. I love it!

This is to say, don't let whiners sway you, but also don't be led astray by the reactions to the whiners that claim that there is really no big problem, the viewfinder is not what makes a great film maker, etc. The evf IS problematic, at least for my eyes and in direct comparison to other Panasonic models.

Hi all - starting to think about an upgrade to a GH3. Can you monitor to an EVF with ETC mode on? Also, how does focus work on the GH3? Can you pop into 1:1 mode while recording video to get focus?

Absolutely agree with whynot!GH3 is an absolutely superior machine compaired to the GH2(which i also own).A pleasure to hold-very well designed body-and to use.Excellent video quality,and a better photocamera too.Concerning the EVF,yes,it could be better,but surely it's not the end of the world.Everybody can find a workaround(i wear glasses...).

A simple question almost always leading to one of these: cinematography, organic, hack, blah blah

I found this review useful. http://noamkroll.com/gh3-vs-gh2-and-initial-thoughts/

@bwhitz LMAO Nice Janusz pull.

How's GH3's evf? Is that really that bad? Smudging toward corners?

I don't think it's really that bad. People just want something to complain about...

Compared to a pro-cinema EVF? Yea, it could probably be better. But it works just fine. Point is... the difference between most people's work, and that of Janusz Kaminski, is not the EVF.

How's GH3's evf? Is that really that bad? Smudging toward corners?

Looks really good markr041. I recently bought a GH3 and am currently taking my time deciding which lenses to buy. Currently I am using a Pany 14-45 that I bought when I had a GH2. The 45-175 lens is one of the options I am considering.

I'm still waiting with a purchase - I would first like to hack?!