Panasonic GH2 Comparison Review
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that was announced in September 2010 and is equipped with a Four Thirds sensor. It offers a resolution of 15.9 megapixel.
Is the Panasonic GH2 a good camera? The GH2 has a Camera Elo of 1528. This rating puts the GH2 below average of all mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (Four Thirds cameras), the GH2 also ranks below average. – Well, the Panasonic GH2 is more than 10 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2010.
| Panasonic GH2 |
|---|
| Mirrorless system camera |
| Micro Four Thirds lenses |
| 15.9 MP, Four Thirds Sensor |
| 1080/60i Video |
| ISO 160 - 12 800 |
| Electronic viewfinder (1534k dots) |
| 3.0 LCD, 460k dots |
| Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive) |
| 3 shutter flaps per second |
| 330 shots per battery charge |
| 124 x 90 x 76 mm, 442 g |
Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.
Body comparison with a credit card
An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Panasonic GH2 vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are presented. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Panasonic GH2 alongside a set of comparators. If you want to review a camera pair side-by-side, just select a right-side comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.
| Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life 1 |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch 2 |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic GH2 | 4.9 in | 3.5 in | 3.0 in | 15.6 oz | 330 | n | Sep 2010 | 899 |  | |
| Panasonic GX85 | 4.8 in | 2.8 in | 1.7 in | 15.0 oz | 290 | n | Apr 2016 | 799 | | |
| Panasonic GM5 | 3.9 in | 2.4 in | 1.4 in | 7.4 oz | 220 | n | Sep 2014 | 749 | | |
| Panasonic GM1 | 3.9 in | 2.2 in | 1.2 in | 7.2 oz | 230 | n | Oct 2013 | 749 | | |
| Panasonic GX7 | 4.8 in | 2.8 in | 2.2 in | 14.2 oz | 350 | n | Aug 2013 | 999 | | |
| Panasonic GH3 | 5.2 in | 3.7 in | 3.2 in | 19.4 oz | 540 | Y | Sep 2012 | 1,299 | | |
| Panasonic G3 | 4.5 in | 3.3 in | 1.9 in | 11.9 oz | 270 | n | May 2011 | 599 | | |
| Panasonic G10 | 4.9 in | 3.3 in | 2.9 in | 13.7 oz | 380 | n | Mar 2010 | 499 | | |
| Panasonic G2 | 4.9 in | 3.3 in | 2.9 in | 15.1 oz | 360 | n | Mar 2010 | 599 | | |
| Panasonic GF1 | 4.7 in | 2.8 in | 1.4 in | 13.6 oz | 380 | n | Sep 2009 | 749 | | |
| Panasonic GH1 | 4.9 in | 3.5 in | 1.8 in | 13.6 oz | 300 | n | Mar 2009 | 899 | | |
|
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. (1) Number of images that can be taken on a full battery charge according to the CIPA-standard; (2) Official announcement. |
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The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Panasonic GH2 was launched in the US market at a price of $899. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide
The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
The Panasonic GH2 features a Four Thirds sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 2.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Panasonic GH2 among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.
For most cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.
| Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic GH2 | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/60i | 21.2 | 11.3 | 655 | 60 | |
| Panasonic GX85 | Four Thirds | 15.8 | 4592 | 3448 | 4K/30p | 22.9 | 12.6 | 662 | 71 | |
| Panasonic GM5 | Four Thirds | 15.8 | 4592 | 3448 | 1080/60p | 22.1 | 11.7 | 721 | 66 | |
| Panasonic GM1 | Four Thirds | 15.8 | 4592 | 3448 | 1080/60i | 22.3 | 11.7 | 660 | 66 | |
| Panasonic GX7 | Four Thirds | 15.8 | 4592 | 3448 | 1080/60p | 22.6 | 12.2 | 718 | 70 | |
| Panasonic GH3 | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/60p | 22.7 | 12.4 | 812 | 71 | |
| Panasonic G3 | Four Thirds | 15.8 | 4592 | 3448 | 1080/60i | 21.0 | 10.6 | 667 | 56 | |
| Panasonic G10 | Four Thirds | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 720/30p | 21.2 | 10.1 | 411 | 52 | |
| Panasonic G2 | Four Thirds | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 720/30p | 21.2 | 10.3 | 493 | 53 | |
| Panasonic GF1 | Four Thirds | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 720/30p | 21.2 | 10.3 | 513 | 54 | |
| Panasonic GH1 | Four Thirds | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/24p | 21.6 | 11.6 | 772 | 64 |
Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The GH2 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the GH2 can use is 1080/60i.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the GH2 has an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 1534k dots. The viewfinder offers a field of view of 100% and a magnification of 0.71x. The tables below summarize some of the other core capabilities of the Panasonic GH2 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.
| Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Size (inch) |
LCD Resolution (000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Mech Shutter Speed |
Shutter Flaps (1/sec) | Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic GH2 | 1534 | n | 3.0 | 460 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 3.0 | Y | n | |
| Panasonic GX85 | 2765 | n | 3.0 | 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 8.0 | Y | Y | |
| Panasonic GM5 | 1166 | n | 3.0 | 921 | fixed | Y | 1/500s | 5.8 | n | n | |
| Panasonic GM1 | none | n | 3.0 | 1036 | fixed | Y | 1/500s | 5.0 | Y | n | |
| Panasonic GX7 | 2760 | n | 3.0 | 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/8000s | 5.0 | Y | Y | |
| Panasonic GH3 | 1746 | n | 3.0 | 614 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 6.0 | Y | n | |
| Panasonic G3 | 1440 | n | 3.0 | 460 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 4.0 | Y | n | |
| Panasonic G10 | 202 | n | 3.0 | 460 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.6 | Y | n | |
| Panasonic G2 | 1440 | n | 3.0 | 460 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 2.6 | Y | n | |
| Panasonic GF1 | optional | n | 3.0 | 460 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0 | Y | n | |
| Panasonic GH1 | 1440 | n | 3.0 | 460 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 3.0 | Y | n |
One convenient feature of the GH2 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.
Connection comparison
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
| Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Microphone |
Internal Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support | NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic GH2 | Y | stereo | mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Panasonic GX85 | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
| Panasonic GM5 | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
| Panasonic GM1 | - | stereo | mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
| Panasonic GX7 | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
| Panasonic GH3 | Y | stereo | mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
| Panasonic G3 | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Panasonic G10 | Y | mono | - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Panasonic G2 | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Panasonic GF1 | Y | mono | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Panasonic GH1 | Y | stereo | - | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - |
It is notable that the GH2 has a microphone port. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.
Expert reviews
While the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the handling experience and imaging performance when actually working with the GH2. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog).
| Camera Model |
camera labs |
dp review |
ephoto zine |
imaging resource |
photography blog |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic GH2 | + + | 79/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Sep 2010 | 899 | |
|
| Panasonic GX85 | + + | 82/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Apr 2016 | 799 | |
|
| Panasonic GM5 | + | 77/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2014 | 749 | |
|
| Panasonic GM1 | + | 78/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2013 | 749 | |
|
| Panasonic GX7 | + | 79/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Aug 2013 | 999 | |
|
| Panasonic GH3 | + + | 79/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 1,299 | |
|
| Panasonic G3 | + + | 75/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | May 2011 | 599 | |
|
| Panasonic G10 | .. | 70/100 | 4/5 | .. | 4/5 | Mar 2010 | 499 | |
|
| Panasonic G2 | .. | 72/100 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Mar 2010 | 599 | |
|
| Panasonic GF1 | 85/100 | 69/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2009 | 749 | |
|
| Panasonic GH1 | + + | 72/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Mar 2009 | 899 | |
|
| Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. | |||||||||
Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.
Panasonic GH2 FAQ
Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the GH2.
What technology is the imaging sensor in the GH2 based on?
The camera is build around a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.
Which image processing chip is used to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?
Panasonic equipped the GH2 with the Venus FHD image processor.
What is the ISO sensitivity range of the GH2?
The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 160 to ISO 12800.
Does the camera have a selfie-friendly screen?
Yes, the LCD-screen of the GH2 is flexible and can be turned to be front-facing for capturing selfies.
What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2?
Panasonic does not publish a shutter rating for the GH2. Yet, shutters in comparable cameras from other manufacturers are said to be good for at least 100 000 actuations. It should be noted, though, that this number represents a Mean Time before Failure. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust an expected shutter life of 100 000 shots over, say, three years, one would have to take about 100 pictures each and every day.
Does the Panasonic GH2 feature an autofocus assist light?
Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.
What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with flash?
The GH2's flash sync speed is 1/160 sec.
Which battery does the GH2 use?
The camera gets its power from the DMW-BLC12 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.
Camera to camera comparisons
If you would like to see a side-by-side review of this and another camera, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.
- Canon 1200D vs Panasonic GH2
- Canon T7 vs Panasonic GH2
- Canon XSi vs Panasonic GH2
- Fujifilm X-S10 vs Panasonic GH2
- Leica S3 vs Panasonic GH2
- Nikon 1 J5 vs Panasonic GH2
- Nikon D60 vs Panasonic GH2
- Nikon D750 vs Panasonic GH2
- Panasonic GH2 vs Pentax 645Z
- Panasonic GH2 vs Pentax K-1 II
- Panasonic GH2 vs Sony A6300
- Panasonic GH2 vs Sony HX90V
| Camera Model | Panasonic GH2 | |
| Camera Type | Mirrorless system camera | |
| Camera Lens | Micro Four Thirds lenses | |
| Launch Date | September 2010 | |
| Launch Price | USD 899 | |
| Sensor Specs | ||
| Sensor Technology | CMOS | |
| Sensor Format | Four Thirds Sensor | |
| Sensor Size | 17.3 x 13.0 mm | |
| Sensor Area | 225 mm2 | |
| Sensor Diagonal | 21.6 mm | |
| Crop Factor | 2.0x | |
| Sensor Resolution | 15.9 Megapixels | |
| Image Resolution | 4 608 x 3 456 pixels | |
| Pixel Pitch | 3.76 μm | |
| Pixel Density | 7.08 MP/cm2 | |
| Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | |
| Movie Capability | 1080/60i Video | |
| ISO Setting | 160 - 12 800 ISO | |
| Image Processor | Venus FHD | |
| DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 60 | |
| DXO Color Depth (bits) | 21.2 | |
| DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 11.3 | |
| DXO Low Light (ISO) | 655 | |
| Screen Specs | ||
| Viewfinder Type | Electronic viewfinder | |
| Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.71x | |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 1534k dots | |
| LCD Framing | Live View | |
| LCD Size | 460k dots | |
| LCD Attachment | Swivel screen | |
| Shooting Specs | ||
| Focus System | Contrast-detect AF | |
| Manual Focusing Aid | no Peaking Feature | |
| Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000s | |
| Continuous Shooting | 3 shutter flaps/s | |
| Shutter Life Expectancy | 100 000 actuations | |
| Silent Shooting | no E-Shutter | |
| Time Lapse Photography | no Intervalometer | |
| Fill Flash | Build-in Flash | |
| Storage Medium | SDXC cards | |
| Second Storage Option | Single card slot | |
| UHS card support | no | |
| Connectivity Specs | ||
| External Flash | Hotshoe | |
| USB Connector | USB 2.0 | |
| HDMI Port | mini HDMI | |
| Microphone Port | External MIC port | |
| Wifi Support | no Wifi | |
| Body Specs | ||
| Battery Type | DMW-BLC12 power pack | |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 330 shots per charge | |
| Body Dimensions |
124 x 90 x 76 mm (4.9 x 3.5 x 3.0 in) |
|
| Camera Weight | 442 g (15.6 oz) |
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