Enjoy creative photography with touch-control:

LUMIX DMC-GH2

Featuring Full HD 1920x1080/50i Movie Recording and the World’s Fastest Level of Light Speed AF

Panasonic today announced the LUMIX DMC-GH2 - the latest member of the LUMIX G Micro System of new generation interchangeable lens system cameras – with all the creativity and versatility the G Series has to offer, including a downsized body, intuitive touch control, the world’s fastest Light Speed AF1, Full HD movie recording, and compatibility with Panasonic’s new interchangeable 3D lens.

Fully compliant with the Micro Four Thirds System standard, the DMC-GH2 combines a compact body with advanced functions that achieve both high performance and operational ease. The new camera boasts the world’s fastest level Light Speed AF of approx. 0.1 second to capture spur-of-the-moment opportunities in sharp focus. The key components including the sensor and the image processing engine are enhanced to achieve even higher performance and render stunning images with high resolution, beautiful gradation and high sensitivity.

The DMC-GH2 is designed for even more impressive and imaginative AVCHD movie recording. It features Full HD 1920 x 10802 movie recording in smooth 50i, with a sensor output of 50p, and supports 1080/24p native mode with 24Mbps – all adding up to outstanding image quality. The new Cinema mode can be selected to create rich, cinema-like gradation, and Variable Movie mode makes it possible to record at a variable frame rate. The Extra Tele Conversion extends the zoom range up to 2.6x.

Richard Phillips, Product Marketing Manager, LUMIX, Panasonic Australia, said: “The LUMIX DMC-GH2 realises all the latest innovations of the G Series and adds exciting new functionality – such as Light Speed AF and 3D lens compatibility, to offer outstanding performance, ease of use and creativity.”

The camera offers outstanding usability with the newly developed Multi Aspect Wide Screen LVF (Live View Finder) and the easy-to-see free-angle Intelligent LCD. The ever-expanding range of interchangeable lenses is another advantage of the LUMIX G Micro System which now boasts a total of 11 exclusive lenses including the newly-announced single focal length lens LUMIX G 14mm / F2.5 ASPH (H-H014), telephoto zoom lens LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS100300) and 3D lens LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12 (H-FT012).

The DMC-GH2 will be available in Australia in mid-November. Pricing will be announced closer to the release date. Colours are Black or Silver.

Key Features

Advanced technologies to push the boundaries of creative expression

The DMC-GH2 features the world’s fastest Light Speed AF of approx. 0.1 second which is achieved by reducing the detection time for focusing by doubling the drive speed from 60 fps to 120 fps. As well as improved accuracy, the DMC-GH2 also boasts speed exceeding that of high-end DSLRs that use phase difference AF; due to the advanced contrast AF system. These enhancements, combined with the convenience of Touch AF control, make settings and focusing on the subject incredibly easy and quick.

Panasonic has further refined its digital imaging technologies for the new model. The newly developed 16.05-megapixel multi-aspect Live MOS Sensor adopts Panasonic’s high speed digital νMaicovicon image sensor technology. This results in high resolution, high aperture ratio, and excellent S/N. Furthermore, it helps to realise high speed burst shooting at 5 fps in 16.05-megapixel full resolution using a mechanical shutter and max.40 fps using an electronic shutter.

The new Venus Engine Full HD features exceptionally advanced signal processing capabilities. This sophisticated LSI separates chromatic noise from luminance noise and applies the optimal noise reduction to each, so users capture clear and sharp images even when shooting at high ISO sensitivity levels.  With Intelligent Resolution technology, three areas – outlines, detailed texture and soft gradation areas – are automatically detected. Each area is enhanced effectively for greater definition, fine detail and superior noise reduction.  As a result, images are naturally clear and crisp.

Elevating the potential of movie recording for a ‘true-hybrid’ digital camera   

The DMC-GH2 features Full HD 1920 x 1080 movie recording in smooth 50i, with a sensor output of 50p, and supports 1080/24p native mode with 24Mbps.

A dedicated button on the top of the camera lets the user instantly start recording movies while shooting photos without having to make any extra settings. The new Cinema mode can be selected to create rich, cinema-like gradation; and Variable Movie mode makes it possible to record at a variable frame rate selecting from 80%, 160%, 200% and 300%. Touch AF in movie recording lets the user enjoy professional-style rack focusing – simply touch the desired subject on the LCD and focus shifts to it automatically.

The Extra Tele Conversion function extends the zoom range up to 2.6x - max.728mm in AVCHD Cinema/FSH mode, max. 1092mm in AVCHD SH mode and Motion JPEG HD / WVGA mode and max.1344mm in Motion JPEG VGA/QVGA mode is available with the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm / F4.0-5.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. which is optimised for movie recording.

High quality sound can be recorded with Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator, and an optional Stereo Microphone (DMW-MS1) can be attached to the DMC-GH2. A Wind Cut function is also available to block out most of the noise from background wind. The DMC-GH2 can output images via an optional HDMI mini cable to an external monitor, making it suitable for professional videographers who want to check their images.

Intuitive touch-control shooting

The DMC-GH2 adopts the intuitive touch-control shooting first adopted in the DMC-G2. Just touch the 460,000- dot LCD to indicate the subject, and the camera focuses on it instantly.

Touch control features

AF Tracking

Touch the screen, and the DMC-GH2 locks on and automatically "tracks" the subject as it moves, adjusting the focus and exposure settings for the best results.

1-area AF

This mode lets you focus on the subject in any part of the LCD – just touch the screen to direct the focus point. You can also freely change the size of the AF frame.

1-area AF in Face Detection

This mode lets you focus on the subject in any part of the LCD while still detecting faces in the image – just touch the screen to direct the focus point. It lets you capture creative shots, for example, focusing on a flower in front of a person, or directing the focus to a person's eyes.

Multi-area AF

The camera divides the 23 AF areas into nine groups. Just touch one of the groups and the camera automatically selects the optimal area from within that group. The cursor lets you display only the part that is within the selected range.

Touch Operation in iA Mode

In iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, simply touch the subject on the LCD and the camera automatically selects the optimal scene mode.

Moveable MF Assist

When you're in manual focus mode, touch a section of an image on the LCD and the camera shows you a zoomed view of that area – 1x, 5x or 10x - instantly. This makes it easier to check that focus is sharp.

Touch-Operated Playback

A variety of touch-control operations make playback quick, easy and more fun. For example, you simply slide your finger across the LCD to scroll through images, or touch a part of the image to enlarge it to as much as 16x.

Multi-aspect wide screen Live View Finder and free-angle LCD

The DMC-GH2 has a newly-designed Multi-Aspect Wide Screen Live View Finder, with an increased display area of 1,530,000-dot equivalent resolution and 0.71x magnification.

The 60 frames-per-second Live View is made possible by the Live MOS sensor, which takes signals directly from the image sensor and sends them continuously to the LCD in real time.  Both the Live View Finder and LCD provide approximately 100 per cent field of view.  This allows the user to check the framing accurately from corner to corner when composing a shot. A built-in eye sensor switches on the viewfinder when the user looks into it, then switches it off and turns on the LCD when the user looks away from the viewfinder.

The high-resolution free-angle LCD has a wide viewing angle, rotating 180º to the side and 270º up and down – ideal for high and low-angle shots and when shooting with a tripod.  The LCD and LED backlight improve colour reproduction by 25 per cent, for more true-to-life reproduction of the primary colours red, blue and green3

A palette of features to stimulate photographers' creativity

Panasonic makes it possible to enjoy high-quality shooting in 3D using the DMC-GH2, with the world’s first interchangeable 3D lens4. This new compact 3D-capable interchangeable lens allows easier handling and instant 3D shooting with cameras without a special structure for 3D shooting. It produces 3D images without distortion or time lag between left and right images, even for moving objects. The 3D images, even close-up shots, taken with this lens offer enjoyable viewing on 3D televisions such as the Panasonic VIERA 3D TV range.

The DMC-GH2 has an array of features that let users either capture precisely true-to-life images or create their own beautifully expressive images. The camera features My Colour mode with a total of seven preset effects -- Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, and Silhouette, and Custom mode lets users manually set colour, brightness and saturation levels.

With the Full-time Live View function, users can see how these settings will affect the images before they shoot, making it easier to capture the exact mood or atmosphere desired. For even more elaborate effects, users can choose from a total of ten Film modes including the new Cinema mode, and set the contrast, sharpness and saturation levels for each. A custom function lets users store their favourite settings in the memory. The DMC-GH2 also provides a total of 22 Scene modes, and most of these modes can be used when shooting motion images too, letting users create movies with dramatic, theatrical effects without having to edit after they shoot.

The exposure meter can be displayed in the P/A/S/M shooting modes. The correlation between shutter speed and aperture is shown, with a color-coded warning that alerts users when the settings are not in the proper range. For newcomers to system camera photography, this makes it easy to learn proper settings both visually and logically, enhancing their photography skills.

The exposure compensation can now be set in ±5 steps and the white balance settings can be memorised in four patterns for finer control. Auto bracket mode can be set within ±3 steps and Multi Aspect Bracket is also available.

Advanced iA (Intelligent Auto) mode with new features

The DMC-GH2 has advanced functions that will satisfy experienced photographers, yet is easy enough for beginners to use comfortably. It's ideal for compact camera owners who want to step up to higher-quality photos — but without having to worry about technique.

Panasonic has achieved this superb ease of use by continuing to improve iA mode — with its shooting assist functions that have proven extremely popular in LUMIX compact cameras — and adding it to the advanced imaging technologies of the LUMIX G Micro System. The iA mode is available not only in photo but also movie recording.

The DMC-GH2 offers the new iA features of Intelligent D-range Control and enhanced Intelligent Resolution. Intelligent D-range Control offers even more natural looking images by optimising the exposure for each part of an image, preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights and helping ensure that gradation and details are reproduced beautifully, such as the blue color of the sky. An automatic backlight compensation function is activated whenever the camera detects a backlit subject. The new Intelligent Resolution technology achieves better-balanced sharpness for details and edges, for better results when printing images in large sizes.

Other iA features offered by the DMC-GH2 include:

Face Recognition ‘remembers’ faces from previous shots.  When a familiar face appears in the frame, the camera will prioritise focus and exposure to capture it beautifully.  This clever function makes it easy to get sharp and clear photos of loved ones in a group of people.

Intelligent Image Stabilisation comprises two features designed to capture clear, crisp images - MEGA O.I.S to prevent blurring from hand-shake and Intelligent ISO Control which takes into account that the subject is moving and adjusts the ISO setting.

AF Tracking locks focus onto any subject and keep it in focus even if it moves - making it easy to get beautiful, clear shots when a great photo opportunity suddenly arises.

Intelligent Scene Selector automatically detects the most common shooting situations – Portrait, Night Portrait, Scenery, Night Scenery, Close-up and Sunset, and switches to the appropriate Scene mode.

VIERA Link connectivity

Both still images and AVCHD-format motion images recorded on SD Memory Cards are easy to view on a compatible Panasonic VIERA TV, Blu-ray Disc Player or Recorder simply by inserting the card into the SDHC/SD card slot.  Alternatively, an optional mini HDMI cable can be used to output still and motion images recorded with the LUMIX DMC-GH2 directly to the TV for easy VIERA Link operation using the TV remote control.

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-GH2 and LUMIX G Micro System 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 the DMW-MA2M or MA3R.

Optional Accessories

Mount Adaptor: DMW-MA1, DMW-MA2M, DMW-MA3R

External Flash: DMW-FL220 (GN22) / DMW-FL360 (GN36) / DMW-FL500 (GN50)

PL Filter: DMW-LPL52/ LPL62

ND Filter: DMW-LND52/ LND62

MC Protector: DMW-LMC52/ LMCH62

Stereo Microphone: DMW-MS1

Battery Pack: DMW-BLC12 [New]

DC Coupler: DMW-DCC8 [New]

AC Adaptor: DMW-AC8 [New]

Remote Shutter: DMW-RSL1

HDMI mini Cable: RP-CDHM15/RP-CDHM30

*Some functions on the DMC-GH2 are not available depending on the lens that is mounted.

Included Software

The DMC-GH2 is bundled with PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.0 BD Edition for easy organisation of photos and movies, the SILKYPIX® Developer Studio 3.1 SE for RAW file development and Super LoiloScope (trial version) for high speed HD movie editing.

Availability

The LUMIX DMC-GH2 will be available in Australia in mid-November from authorised photographic retailers.  For more information visit www.panasonic.com.au or contact Panasonic on 132 600