Posted by Cory Grassell on Mon, Oct 19, 2009 @ 10:30 AM
While the latest Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 has many impressive features, including a built-in stereo microphone and a stereo-mic input, its high-definition video recording with stereo sound makes this camera truly unique. Because HD video is fast becoming a necessity for today's digital cameras, I'm focusing on the GH1's capabilities here.
The high-definition video is available in two resolutions: 1920 x 1080 and 1280 x 720 pixels. At 1920 x 1080 pixels, the camera only shoots 24 frames per second, which is cinema rate, rather than 30 fps of HDTV. The 1280 x 720 option allows recording up to 60 fps, which is preferred for shooting fast-moving subjects. According to Popular Photography magazine, "The 720p footage [is] on par with the image quality you can expect from a [mid-level] HD camcorder."
In addition to great footage quality, the new Panasonic allows photographers to select the type of video file they want to use. The top resolution is AVCHD. "At 1280 x 720 or less, at 30 fps, you can...record MOV Motion JPEG files, also a common format, so it should be similarly trouble free to edit. For the smoothest video, use the AVCHD 1280 x 720 60-fps mode."
A great attribute of the GH1 is its ability to auto focus, although the camera is presently limited by a lack of available lenses. "The only Micro Four Thirds lenses optimized for continuous AF for video are the 14140mm f/4-5.8 that comes in this kit and the 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Olympus kit lens for the E-P1."
For comfort of shooting, the DH1 celebrates a 3-inch, 460,000-dot LCD monitor that flips left and swivels. This erases the feeling of a shooting with a camcorder. "Instead, the body mimics a tiny DSLR or electronic-viewfinder, super-zoom still camera." Try holding the camera (below shoulder length) from the bottom, and use your left hand to handle the zoom and manual focus controls. Meanwhile, the right hand is kept free to control panning, adjust brightness or start/stop recording.
Yes, the camera boasts a far-reaching lens, but the unit is a bit on the pricey side ($1,500) because it comes only in kit format with a 10x zoom lens. Perhaps cameras like the GH1 will become more economical as HD offerings become more common.
And if you're interested in the camera's shooting capabilities, consider these features:
- Imaging: 12.1MP, 4000 x 3000 pixels, 12 bits/color in RAW mode.
- Storage: SD/SDHC cards, JPEG, RAW, RAW + JPEG.
- AF system: TTL contract detection, 23 focus areas, single-area focusing, face detection, single-shot and continuous AF.
- Shutter speed: 1/4000 to 60 sec plus B.
- Metering: TTL metering, 144-zone Intelligent Multiple, center weighted, spot metering, EV 0-18.
- ISO range: ISO 100-3200.
- Flash: built-in pop-up flash GN36.
- Viewfinder: electronic, 1,440,000-dot equivalent.
- LCD: 3-inch TFT, 460,000-dot resolution.
- Output: high-speed USB 2.0, HDMI video, NTSC/PAL composite, PictBridge compatible.
- Battery: rechargeable DMW-BLB13PP Li-ion, CIPA rating (300 shots in LCD or 320 shots in EVF).
- Size: 4.9" x 3.3" x 1.8".
- Weight: 0.85 lbs.
