Panasonic DMC GH3 Detailed Review

In additional DMC GH3 was introduced by Panasonic in September 2012. It belongs to the Mirrorless Cameras category.

Panasonic is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Panasonic.

Also DMC GH3 has a Four Thirds CMOS sensor with size of 17 x 13 mm² (0.68″ x 0.51″).

Picture of DMC GH3’s sensor compared to popular format.

The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm.

The DMC GH3’s image sensor has an effective resolution of around 16 megapixel. That’s roughly average and will be sufficient for most purposes. Photos with this resolution can easily be printed to A3 or A2 size.

The Panasonic supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Panasonic’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The DMC GH3 features a mechanism for automatic sensor cleaning.

The DMC GH3 uses an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 1.74 megapixel, an above average value for a viewfinder like this.

The magnifcation is c. 0.67x, an above average value for an electronic viewfinder.

The DMC GH3’s shutter speed varies from 1/4000s to 60s.

The DMC GH3’s sensitivity is from 200 ISO and 12800 ISO.

Also, Panasonic’s sensitivity can be boosted to 25600. Therefore, ISO boosting will lead to growth noise.

The DMC GH3 supports all general exposure modes.

The Panasonic allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

The DMC GH3’s auto focus processor uses 23 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. when panning the camera).

Manual focus is also possible with the Panasonic, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.

The DMC GH3 has a built-in flash with a diapason of up to 12m (40 ft.). That range will fit for almost all occasion.

The DMC GH3 display has a diagonal of 75.00mm (3.0 inches.) and a resolution 0.61 megapixel.

The camera display is intended for selfies or other occasion.

Display parameters:

DMC GH3 video supported the resolution with 1920 x 1080 pixel.

Also the camera is equipped with an external microphone.

Panasonic DMC GH3 Video parameters:

The DMC GH3 has Wi-fi connection. You can transfer photos to a mobile or laptop using wi-fi.

Eventually, if the wifi connection is disabled the wired connection may be used.

Connect the Panasonic to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

The Panasonic supports USB 2.0.

Connection parameters:

The camera supports SD HC and SD XC cards.

Memory cards characteristics:

The Panasonic DMC GH3 has a BLF19E LiIon battery. The battery provides a shooting life of 540 shots. It`s enough for one day or more.

The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway.

The DMC GH3’s battery battery parameters:

The Panasonic DMC GH3’s size is 132.9 x 93.4 x 83.9mm³. (5.2″ x 3.7″ x 3.3″). That dimensions are without lens. The weight of camera is 5.2″ x 3.7″ x 3.3″ grams (550 oz.) without lens weight.

Here is front and top view of the DMC GH3:

For a better idea of the size of the camera, takes a look off camera and ID card comparison image.