So Derek just shot me over a link that I think needs to be shared. Looks as if somebody hacked the GH1 to make the video ability even better. Looks like it might even surpass the Canon 5DMKII. 50 MB/sec. Wow. Here is the link: http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/06/how-to-hack-panasonic-gh1-to-shoot-super-high-quality-24p-video-and-more/
What will the GH2 do? Will it matter?
So, remember last week when we said Olympus was updating its entire Micro Four Thirds line-up? Well, Panasonic announced today that it would, too. Just, next month. What’s it going to offer? Glad you asked, gives me a good rhetorical foil to post the following:
Firmware ver.1.2 for DMC-GF1
Firmware ver.1.3 for DMC-GH1
Firmware ver.1.5 for DMC-G1
Again, keep your peepers peeled for that next month.
Panasonic has announced some new firmwares. The one for the lens reports it should bring better continuous AF performance and improved IS in movie mode to the table, the camera ones… well, let’s quote the wise-and-almight DPReview:
Panasonic has posted firmware updates for its DMC-GH1 and DMC-G1 Micro Four-Thirds cameras. Both updates improve autofocus performance in low contrast conditions and the stability of auto exposure (AE) for the recently released Panasonic Leica 45mm F2.8 Macro lens. The GH1 firmware v1.2 also decreases the AF operation sound of the 20mm F1.7 pancake lens for quieter video recording.
Thank you, DPReview.
DPReview is definitely the predominant reviewing site, and the do a very admirably and un-enviable job of trying to do very objective, rational reviews in the face of bias and rabid fans. And they do a pretty good job. I, personally, think they place too much emphasis on a few areas because it makes measuring easier (noise performance, for one), but that’s the name of the game.
All of this is lead-up is to say “Hey, DPReview has their massive 31 page review of Panasonic’s GH1 up!”
The GH1, of course, is sitting in an interesting spot, with a sensor half the size of the 5D Mark II’s, but with an interface and lens designed from the ground up to handle video better. And so far, it sounds like it wins the video battle. But, hey, read that long review for yourself and make your own decisions. Then come back to us and order yours with free ground shipping to the lower 48..
I was playing with it just the other day. I was impressed by how far it it goes with just a few turns. Lightweight, compact and might in reach the new Lumix 45-200 F4.0-5.6 Micro 4/3rds zoom lens from Panasonic is a beauty. With its 90-400, 35mm standard equivalent focal length it really gets out there. When coupled with the Lumix G1 Panasonic Digital camera system the speed of focus is amazing, and since stabilization is built into the Panasonic digital SLR camera system, there is no extra charge for clear clean shake reduced images. This lens is a must have foe your Panasonic DMC-G1 and DMC-GH1 camera platforms, where else are you going to get a 400mm equivalent lens with stabilization and F5.6 gathering?
Remember that the micro 4/3rds system works with the recently announced Olympus micro 4/3rds camera and offers an adapter for the regular 4/3rds cameras so you can use this lens on the entire Olympus Digital Camera platform too. Also remember that Roberts has the best prices on digital camera SD cards in Indianapolis, so stock up on Sandisk or Kingston SDHC cards while you are here.
Panasonic announced what I believe to be a pretty big announcement at PMA 2009 in Las Vegas. They premiered the DMC-GH1 Micro Four Thirds SLR that records full HD video.
It sports a 12.1 MP Live MOS sensor that can record up to 1080/24p or 720/60p high definition videos and has continuous AF and a built-in stereo microphone. You can add your own microphone to the camera through the optional mic input jack. The camera can be coupled to the new Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 14-140mm lens that is designed for the video feature. It’s image stabilized too.
These new SLR’s with video keep pushing the borders of High Def camcorders. The big drawback up to this point has been autofocus and auto exposure on the video side of the SLRs. Panasonic has supposedly addressed this. I can’t wait to get my hands on one. The fact that this model records in AVCHD is also a plus because you can squeeze a lot more onto the SD memory card, and AVCHD, like it or not, is the format that most camcorders are using today. Compatibility is always a good thing.
Check out the hands on preview at DPreview.com. Looks pretty cool! I lifted the following picture from their site. (Thanks DPreview.com)
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