Press Release from Panasonic Australia
SYDNEY, September 18, 2012 – Panasonic is proud to announce the introduction of its top-of-the line G Series camera, the LUMIX DMC-GH3 designed for enthusiast and commercial photographers and videographers.
This new Digital Single Lens Mirrorless (DSLM) camera offers innovative features such as rugged design for field use and OLED displays; the combination of compact size and mobility plus the high still image and video quality that the GH2 was renowned for; as well as new optional accessories that include a wireless LED flash, stereo shotgun microphone and rugged battery grip.
The LUMIX DMC-GH3 features a magnesium alloy full diecast body and advanced splash and dustproof construction, achieved by tightly sealing the sections of the camera body to enable shooting under extreme conditions. This new design is still compact when compared with an SLR camera featuring equivalent performance and functions. The body has a new control layout with three dials on the front and back as well as single-function buttons. The LUMIX DMC-GH3 records still images consecutively at around 6 fps. The video recording capability, which was highly acclaimed in the GH2, now has a greater variety of options in its format and bitrate.
Doug Campbell, Product Marketing Manager – LUMIX – Panasonic Australia, said: “Panasonic has responded to feedback from the professional videographers who took up the GH2 for its combination of mobility and performance. This new LUMIX camera is packed with advanced technologies for professional still and video creation.
“For example, display time lag is minimised with the high-precision, high-speed dual OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) displays for the LVF (Live View Finder) and rear monitor. The video recording features in particular are highly advanced, and the GH3 supports this with a heat-proof internal design that meets the challenges of shooting video for extended periods. It also offers a built-in Wi-Fi® module for wireless connectivity.”
The DMC-GH3 will be available in Australia in January 2013, with pricing and lens kits to be announced closer to the release date.
In order to demonstrate the remarkable potential of the DMC-GH3, Panasonic has collaborated with prominent international photographers and video makers to create images that demonstrate its outstanding image-rendering and dramatic video performance. Contributors are photographers Ira Block, Daniel Berehulak and Kazuo Unno, and film creators Bruce Logan, Philip Bloom and Elliot Lewis Rosenblatt. To view these images, go to the new DMC-GH3 site at: www.panasonic.net/lumix/dslm/gh3_special/
The new 16.05 megapixel Live MOS Sensor achieves high-resolution images with minimum noise, while the new Venus Engine attains high-speed, high-quality signal processing.
The LUMIX DMC-GH3 uses OLED displays both in its viewfinder and in the rear free-angle monitor. Panasonic has also developed new optional accessories to expand shooting possibilities. They include a detachable battery grip (DMW-BGGH3) with integrated controls for a vertical viewing angle, and splash/dustproof design; external wireless TTL flash (DMW-FL360L) with an LED, ideal for video recording; and a stereo shotgun microphone (DMW-MS2). They are a first of their kind for Panasonic cameras.
Today, Panasonic is also announcing a new fast F2.8 telephoto zoom lens, the LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm / F2.8 / POWER O.I.S. (H-HS35100), with a dust and splash proof design which complements the DMC-GH3. This joins the LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm / F2.8 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. (H-HS12035), which similarly offers a rubber ring on the lens mount.
Panasonic offers a full range of lenses to maximise the capabilities of the LUMIX DMC-GH3. The LUMIX G lens lineup includes a variety of models with superb image rendering, such as Leica lenses and smooth, silent power zoom lenses suitable for video recording. This is the largest lineup of interchangeable lenses available for a digital single lens mirrorless camera[i]. Panasonic will continue to develop and introduce new lenses with distinctive features.
Delivering the highest ever picture quality with a new Live MOS sensor
The DMC-GH3 realises high-quality still images with true-to-life detail through excellent resolution, image rendering and color reproduction: a high-grade lens and precision AF achieves high resolution; optimal balance of resolution and noise reduction achieves lifelike image rendering; and high precision auto exposure and white balance with live light metering results in faithful colour reproduction.
The newly developed 16.05 effective megapixels Live MOS sensor boasts a wide dynamic range and high sensitivity image recording even at ISO 12800 or ISO 25600 in extended mode.
Noise reduction measures have focused on the following three areas: minimising noise in the sensor, preventing sensor noise from entering the output signal, and preventing noise from entering the signal processing circuit, power supply line and grounding line. To reduce noise, it is also important to design the power supply wiring and the signal wiring connected to the engine to be as close to the same length as possible. These measures not only suppress noise but also help to improve processing speed. Standard sensitivity is from ISO 200 to ISO 12800, but the user can set sensitivity to ISO 125 or ISO 25600 by using an extension function. The LPF (Low Pass Filter) has also been newly designed to minimise generation of moire while drawing the maximum image resolution from the sensor.
The Venus Engine image processor is also enhanced to achieve superior noise reduction. With a combination of 3DNR (3D Noise Reduction) and MNR (Multi-process Noise Reduction), both bright areas and dark areas are faithfully reproduced with minimum noise across the entire focusing range in high sensitivity image recording.
The built-in flash features greater power and flexibility, with GN12 equivalent (ISO 100 •m) / GN17 equivalent (ISO 200 •m); and covering a 24mm wide viewing angle. Synchronisation for flash dimming and exposure compensation is available with adjustment of 1/3EV Step ±3EV. A new manual control and a sync terminal allow more versatile use.
The DMC-GH3 also incorporates Panasonic’s HDR (High Dynamic Range). When photographing scenes with very high contrast such as a bright landscapes on a sunny day, detail can be lost in the highlights and shadows. In HDR mode, the camera takes several shots at different exposure levels and automatically combines them to produce an image that faithfully represents the scene and preserves details in the highlights, mid-tones and shadows for a clear, sharp shot. Other practical shooting functions include Time Lapse Shot and Multiple Exposure.
Excellent video quality for unlimited expression – versatile recording formats, bitrate and frame rates
Video formats available include AVCHD, AVCHD Progressive, MP4 or MOV with the frame rate at 50p, 25p or 24p according to usage[ii]. The DMC-GH3 is capable of recording ultra-high bitrate video recorded at 72 Mbps (ALL-Intra) or 50 Mbps (IPB), and can record continuously for an unlimited time.
Videographers will know that heat generated during long continuous recording can cause problems. It not only affects internal components but can also degrade image quality. Effective thermal diffusion is an essential design challenge. By drawing on the expertise accumulated through its many years of developing camcorders, Panasonic has revamped and redesigned the electronic parts arrangement and internal structure to achieve the optimum layout. This has eliminated heat problems in the LUMIX DMC-GH3.
When recording videos in MOV, AVCHD Progressive and AVCHD, the DMC-GH3 automatically generates multiple seamless files for continuous recording. During playback, the AVCHD Progressive / AVCHD files are reproduced with seamless, interruption-free continuity.
The DMC-GH3 also embeds SMPTE-compliant Time Code either in Rec Run or Free Run count-up methods, which makes it easy to synchronise the multiple video footage or sound source in the post production workflow. Time Code Value can be started at any point of [Reset], [Manual Input] and [Current Time].
For high quality sound recording, the DMC-GH3 offers Dolby Digital® for AVCHD Progressive /AVCHD videos, and linear PCM (LPCM) for non-compressed video recorded in MOV. In addition to the built-in stereo microphone, the DMC-GH3 is equipped with two 3.5mm terminals for an external microphone and headphone to meet professional sound recording needs.
The DMC-GH3 also features Creative Video mode, Exposure mode and Slow/Fast-Motion mode. In the Exposure mode, four manual video modes: Program AE / Aperture-Priority / Shutter-Priority / Manual Exposure can be selected. The Slow/Fast-Motion mode enables slow-motion (40% / 48% / 80%) and fast–motion (160% / 200% / 300%), all in Full-HD.
Full-time AF, AF Tracking and Face Recognition AF are also available. The Touch AF in video recording also lets users enjoy professional-like rack focusing.
Intuitive response for fleeting photo opportunities
The DMC-GH3 offers a precise and fast Contrast AF system. Compared with Phase difference AF, Contrast AF boasts higher accuracy, especially when shooting with a bright lens at a small F value.
The DMC-GH3 features an ultra-fast Light Speed AF with an accuracy and speed that rivals the performance of high-end DSLRs. The camera and the lens exchange the digital signal at 240 fps to minimise focusing time.
The DMC-GH3 boasts high-precision, high-speed dual OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) displays for the LVF (Live View Finder) and rear monitor. Increasing the resolution of the display area to 1,744K-dot equivalent, the new 16:9 Wide Screen LVF boasts approx.1.34x / 0.67x (35mm camera equiv.) magnification and 100% field of view and eyepoint of approximately 21 mm. By adopting the OLED display, the display time lag is minimised dramatically compared with the predecessor DMC-GH2. The image output between the LVF and the rear monitor is switched automatically with the eye sensor on the LVF, which features sensitivity options – high, low and off – to reduce false operation when touching the rear monitor.
The 3.0-inch 614K-dot free-angle OLED rear monitor (3:2 aspect) rotates 180° to the side and tilts 270° up and down for around 100% field of view. This monitor uses static touch control for smooth operation in shooting and playback.
The DMC-GH3 captures moving subjects clearly with burst shooting at 6 fps in full resolution (max. 18 consecutive shots in RAW+JPEG); and 20 fps in 4-megapixel recording using an electronic shutter (max. 80 consecutive shots in JPEG).
The DMC-GH3 incorporates Level Gauge, which detects the horizontal/vertical angle of view while shooting and displays this on screen, as well as sensing if the camera is tilted forwards or back. Photos shot in a portrait aspect will be automatically displayed vertically whatever lens is used.
Superb controllability and rugged design
The DMC-GH3 has a well-balanced body design with an ergonomic grip and optimum layout of control buttons and dials. Each button has a single function to allow intuitive operation. Major controls such as shutter speed, exposure compensation, ISO and white balance settings can be quickly adjusted with the front/rear dials and rear jog dial. There are five customisable hardware buttons and two soft buttons. The control panel is fully redesigned enabling even more intuitive operation. Using the LUMIX G Series' first detachable battery grip with integrated controls for a vertical shooting angle, which was developed concurrently with the LUMIX GH3, the user can operate the dials and buttons easily in virtually the same way as when shooting horizontally.
Like previous models, the LUMIX DMC-GH3 has many moving parts, such as the free-angle OLED rear monitor. Thus, ensuring a high level of splash / dust resistance was not an easy task. In particular, careful attention was given to the pop-up flash. To prevent vignetting caused by the lens, the pop-up flash incorporates a sliding mechanism that raises the flash to its operating position. Panasonic has taken thorough measures to prevent the entry of dust and water into this area. There are also splash/dust-proof interchangeable lenses (LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm / F2.8 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. and LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm / F2.8 / POWER O.I.S.), and the new Battery Grip (DMW-BGGH3).
A variety of interfaces
The DMC-GH3 comes with a variety of connection terminals, offering more flexible shooting options for the professional videographer. The newly added 3.5mm microphone jack allows high quality audio recording using an external microphone. A 3.5mm headphone jack enables monitoring of the audio recording while shooting video real-time.
The DMC-GH3 is also capable of real-time image output – not only on the OLED display (LVF or the rear monitor) but also on the external monitor via an optional HDMI mini cable simultaneously while recording video. When using an external monitor, users can choose for the output feed to display the recording content with or without the setting menus on-screen.
In addition to these, the DMC-GH3 offers remote control with the optional Remote Shutter (DMW-RSL1) and AV output (Audio 2ch, Composite). Compatibility with the UHS-I (Ultra High Speed I) SDXC/SDHC Memory Card allows faster data writing even in RAW recording mode.
Wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi ®
The DMC-GH3 integrates a built-in Wi-Fi® module for wireless connectivity (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n). With the “LUMIX LINK” application for Android/iOS smartphones and tablets, these devices can be used as a remote control/monitor. What the camera is seeing is displayed live on the smartphone/tablet, and it is possible to set controls including focus, exposure compensation, ISO, WB and Photo Style in addition to shutter release via Live View.
Images including RAW files can be transferred directly to a smartphone or tablet. Users can save photos to the Panasonic exclusive cloud service ‘LUMIX CLUB’ and easily transfer images to Facebook™, Flickr™, Picasa™, Twitter™ or YouTube™; and also play back images on DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) -compliant AV equipment via a wireless router at home. Users can tag location information to images using the GPS (Global Positioning System) log of a smartphone/tablet.
Creative Expression
The DMC-GH3 incorporates Photo Style and Creative Control for individual creative expression. With Photo Style, users can manually choose from 6 colour types for even more detailed image settings, or to match the shooting situation. In addition, the contrast, sharpness, saturation or noise reduction for each mode parameter can be customised in 11 steps and stored in memory. In Custom Mode, finely customised settings can be stored for easy recall and use.
Creative Control has 14 filters – Expressive, Retro, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy Effect, Miniature Effect, Soft Focus, Star Filter and One Point Colour. Most of the filters can also be used in video recording. With the new GUI and menu tabs, switching the filter effect is extremely easy and it can be previewed via Live View. Effect parameter, defocusing area and exposure compensation are also adjustable.
Rich options for further expandability
The Micro Four Thirds System products are joining today's Four Thirds System products to provide customers with even higher levels of performance in a digital interchangeable lens camera. In addition to LUMIX G lenses, the LUMIX DMC-GH3 can use any interchangeable lens that complies with the Four Thirds System standard via an optional mount adaptor DMW-MA1 and with the prestigious Leica M/R Lenses via DMW-MA2M or MA3R.
Optional accessories
New Battery Grip (DMW-BGGH3)
The ergonomically designed Battery Grip (DMW-BGGH3) with dust/splashproof design gives the DMC-GH3 a long battery life of over 1,000 images[iii]. It offers a comfortable grip and easy handling even in vertical shooting. There are three dedicated buttons for exposure, ISO and WB as well as a shutter release and front and rear dials. When shooting vertically, the user can operate the dials and buttons easily in virtually the same way as when shooting horizontally.
New External Microphone (DMW-MS2)
The new plug-in External Microphone (DMW-MS2) enables high quality audio recording, and has a stylish metal design with vibration-absorbing construction. It can be used as a Stereo or Shotgun mic and switching between modes can be controlled from the menu. The mic also comes with a windjammer for extra wind noise reduction.
New External Flash (DMW-FL360L)
The new GN36 (ISO100.m) flash is equipped with an LED light and has wireless capability for multiple-flash shooting. The LED light is especially useful for video shooting. The flash also enables bounce shooting (vertically -7 to 90º, horizontally 180º) and has a fast recharge of around 2 seconds.
For more information about the LUMIX camera range, visit www.panasonic.com.au/LUMIX or phone 132 600.
[i] As of 17 September 2012.
[ii] 50p video recording is available in MOV format and not available in AVCHD and MP4 video recording.
[iii] When using LVF and the battery inside the body.
• "AVCHD Progressive", "AVCHD", the "AVCHD Progressive" Logo and the "AVCHD" Logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
• Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
• HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
• All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective corporations.
• This unit is compatible with both SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards. You can only use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are compatible with them. You cannot use SDHC Memory Cards on devices that are only compatible with SD Memory Cards. (When using an SDHC Memory Card on another device, be sure to read the operating instructions for that device.)
• Some accessories are not available in some countries.
• The use of recorded or printed materials that are protected by copyright for any purpose other than personal enjoyment is prohibited, as it would infringe upon the rights of the copyright holder.
• Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.