Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 review

We’ve been using the first-generation Panasonic GH1 for the last three years, hacked for high bit rates, and we’ve yet to see a camera that surpasses it for video quality – until now. The GH1 held its own for details and noise, matching the GH3’s AVCHD mode but not quite keeping up with its QuickTime mode. However, the GH3 was in a different league in its ability to pick out subtle textures, particularly in darker areas of the frame. It also exhibited a more flattering colour palette, with stronger contrast without resulting in clipping and none of the banding that the GH1 and various other Lumix G cameras have exhibited in skin tones.

The Nikon D600’s videos matched the GH3 for shadow definition and flattering colours, but its details weren’t quite as crisp and moiré interference was a problem. It also lacks smooth autofocus, priority exposure modes and aperture control while recording – the GH3 is the clear victor here.

STILL IMAGES

Fine details are rendered with impressive precision

Photo quality has come on a long way since the GH1 and GH2, too. Noise levels are significantly lower, with ISO 3200 giving print-worthy results. It can’t match the noise levels of the full-frame D600, but it’s roughly on a par with the best APS-C SLRs and CSCs, such as the Nikon D7000 and Sony NEX-6. The same improvements to colours that we saw in videos were apparent for JPEGs too, with lifelike skin tones and superb handling of high-contrast scenes. Details were razor-sharp, and subtle textures were handled superbly.

The new 12-35mm lens is seriously expensive for a kit lens but it’s incredibly sharp right into the corners of frames

There’s very little evidence of noise at ISO 1250

There’s no question that the GH3 has the best video mode of any CSC or SLR we’ve seen, not just in terms of picture quality but also for features and operation. The GH2 was more limited as a stills camera, but the GH3 brings considerable improvements here. It can’t quite compete with the Nikon D600 but it comes surprisingly close, and it’s a match for the best cropped-sensor cameras such as the Nikon D7000.

…and JPEG quality is still excellent at ISO 2500

By ISO 6400, noise is taking a heavy toll

We loved using the 12-35mm kit lens, but if that’s a budget buster, the 14-140mm lens is an excellent alternative with a darker aperture but a bigger zoom range. Expect to pay around £1,500 for that kit. With a wide array of excellent Micro Four Thirds lenses available, the GH3 is ready and able to compete in the major league.