Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

Anyone have any opinions or experience with the two? Check out this link, it seems in almost no time the Canon has surpassed the Panny, but on forums people are saying the 720p60 isn't good and the moire is still prevalent. What say ye?

Compare the Canon Rebel T3i vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

That's a comparison for still photo capability. Since this is DV(ideo)info, we focus on the video capabilities. In that regard, if they haven't solved the moire and artifacting issues, then GH2 is still the DSLR (mirrorless) camera of choice.

The GH2 actually takes many more types of lenses than the Rebel provided you have a $12 adapter. Natively, yes, the Canon has a bigger assortment. But the Rebel can't take FD glass or S16 glass for example. One of the GH2's strengths is that it can take any lens. Rebel can't.

About the optical VF, they are awesome, however if the Rebel is like the 7d, it's disabled in video mode.

Likewise sensor size is moot imho since 4/3rds already give more than enough shallow focus.

The LCD is legit, sounds like the Rebel beats the GH2.

Maybe the Rebel is better for stills.

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

Actually, this camera was rumoured to be revolutionary. I don't think it's out. It appears at first glance to be much ado about nothing, however. Based on what I'ver read, I'm not impressed, at least not yet, unless someone knows more than what I've seen above at the link I've posted. It is a recycled 550D.

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

The GH2 is better for video use than the 60D and there is nothing on the T3i that improves the video quality. Canon uses the same sensor, CPU etc. If you have a bunch of Canon L lenses then you are better off sticking with Canon but if you don't have Canon lenses why would you want a Canon DSLR over the GH2 for video use ?

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

Actually no, not the same sensor. The 18MP CMOS sensors in the
Canon EOS 7D, 60D, Rebel T2i and Rebel T3i are all just a bit different
than each other. Same number of photosites, yes, but not the same
sensor in each model.

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

I guess the serial numbers are not the same but I bet you will not see any difference in videos. Show me a link to were the T3i has better video quality vs the T2i ,60D and 7D.

"What hasn't changed at all, though, is the camera's core specification, making the 600D the first camera in the line that hasn't gained a higher resolution sensor or new processor. So Canon's tried-and-trusted 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor is still in place, along with its sensitivity range of ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 12800) and 3.9fps continuous shooting. Likewise the 9-point autofocus and 63 zone metering systems are unchanged. This means that the 600D is unlikely to bring any surprises in terms of image quality."
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canoneos600d/

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

First great thing on T3i is the flip out screen.

Second is the apparent availability of HD digital zoom. I want to see how well it works. Remember, in the standard mode, the camera is skipping lines- creating issue with moire and aliasing. But the digital zoom since it is cropping, is skipping less pixels. So in my mind, if I can shoot a very wide angle in digital zoom mode, it seems like I will be getting a normal lens shot with little pixels skipping. Anyone out there with the camera, I would like to see that.

Too, that fact raises the possiblity that the Magic Lantern crew might be able to crop top and bottom, along those lines, skipping less lines, and giving us a nice 2.35 aspect.

Finally, I have seen a lot of great films come out of the 7D, 5D and the T2i. Professional shooters learn to shoot around equipment deficiencies. To sit there and say one camera is absolutley better than another is inane. I think it happens when someone is insecure about what they have purchased, and want continual justification for that, but I am no psyche major.

To the OP, look around at what people are doing with each camera, and chose accordingly.

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

Hey, Chris, I already own a GH2. I was just asking if anybody had compared the two side by side yet.

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

Patrick. not knocking your post and questions... I am interested in differences too. That is why I am reading this thread -- looking for information on the G2. 4/3's is very interesting to me, having started with a 5d and now backing with a T2i. Would love to see a bit more finished product from the G2 for sure.

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

The Canon t3i test footage I've seen is stunning. From a video perspective, it is fantastic. But so is the GH2.

I've seen footage comparing the the T2i, Canon Mark 5, and the GH2, but I cannot find it. The general opinion on the net is that the T3i is nothing more than an updated T2i, with greater ease of use, but nothing to get excited about unless you are a T2i user looking for a better LCD screen, and better ease of use.

Patrick, if you do a search, you will find on the web plenty of information on both cameras. What you might end up concluding is that overall the GH2 is "generally" the superior camera, at least that is what I walked away thinking.

As has been noted, each has it's strengths, but either camera is very good. You will find few here who have both. The better place for your query would likely be the DSLR forum where there is a broader range of users.

Most here will have only the GH2, and many will have come from the GH1, not the Canon. The T2i is VERY popular, and can use Canon lenses.

The biggest issue for many of us is finding proper lenses, and with a Canon you would have an advantage.

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

Ahem Chris. Most of us here are GH2 owners, not G2. The G2 is an older, lesser camera popular with the masses. The GH2 is the newest, most powerful and desired of the Lumix line, you could think of it as the Rolls Royce of Lumix, we usually don't associate much with G2 owners. Please note the distinction.

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

I'm interested in both for the Tele-Crop feature. My main subjects are wildlife, so being able get a 3x TC effect on my 500mm is a big plus (I already have a 7D and lots of EF mount glass). Now it's just a question of how good the TC feature is on the T3i.

The AF in video mode for tracking with the GH2 is also very attractive, and I already have the GH1 and use that alot.

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

That would be easy to do, assuming the person running the T3i is a better operator than
the people behind the other cameras... but all factors being equal, including human skill
sets, no the T3i will not produce better video quality than the other EOS cameras.

Believe it or not, the mighty DP Review is incorrect on this one. For each Canon EOS D-SLR
that uses an 18MP CMOS sensor, those sensors are each just a little bit different from each
other. They are not all the same single design, but separate CMOS implementations in each
model. Not enough to make any significant difference in image quality, but the point is that
each camera model (7D vs. 60D vs. T2i vs. T3i, etc.) has its own distinct and unique 18MP
CMOS sensor design. It's not the same chip used in all models. What difference does any of
this make? Probably none whatsoever, but it is a fact, as relayed to me directly by Canon USA.

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

Patrick, have you considered looking at the new Nikon D7000? It to does 1080p now.

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

As Chris says, easy to do. There are many comparison videos circulating. The chips, as Chris has said are all different, and the formats are different. To say the 7d and t3i are the same is not accurate, IMO. From a broad perspective, all hybrids are also the same, but only to a non-user.

I've seen the videos, the videos do look different, and which one you choose depends on what is important to you.

I MUST look into the ETC feature when my GH2 arrives (for the second time).

Edit, Joe, I was harsh in my previous statement, which I removed. Hadn't woke up yet, I felt I was quite rude, sorry.

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

Just to clarify my previous post:

The video implementation is the same across *all* Canon EOS D-SLR's.

There are enough differences in other feature sets between the APS-C
sensor cameras such as the 7D, 60D, Rebel, etc. that will impact the
quality of the video -- differences not related to the way that video
recording works -- such as the availability of certain ISO values in
the 60D not found in the Rebel, etc.

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

... But only in 24P. I have a friend who is a long time Nikon user who was sick at this news. Hopefully when Nikon releases the D8000 (or whatever it may be called) they will get it right. Aside from just being a Nikon fan, my friend has a stable of Nikon lenses. That makes it not so simple to change camera brands. Sure there are adapters but in most cases you wind up with dumb lenses when you use adapters.

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

Jim the lens thing is my nagging issue. I just don't know which way to turn, the adapter thing is bothersome as I just learned they may cause a a loss of one stop when using. Can you verify that?

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

This is one of the coolest things about the Magic Lantern version for the T2i. It provides a full range of ISO values, including the "good" values with less noise.

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

Jeff, I don't know. Maybe an experienced photographer might know. It would seen to me that it would depend on the particular camera and lens.

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

Well, I've read just now that the DMW-MA1 adapter does not cause loss of light, encouraging news.

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

As a Nikon user, I would say that if someone really wants to do some video he can buy a gh2 body and some adapters for Nikon lens. You will lose some functionality like auto-focus but it is not as if you are losing a lot compared of the quality of the Nikon auto-focus in video. For now nothing come close to the GH2 in terms of DSLR video. The uncompressed HDMI output has been more of less solved and it will be hacked to make it even better. Then Someday... I am a bit ironic here as a Nikon User, Nikon comes out with a really good HDSLR, you can sell the gh2 body.

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

Yes but the GH2 only does 24p if you want the 24Mbps, which is what I am using in the AVCHD Movie Mode. I own the Nikon D7000 as well and there are pluses and minuses on both. Unlike the 7D or 5Dmark2 you can record up to 20 minutes. You can shoot in 30p in the 720p mode. But the GH2 is more user friendly for video.

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

Currently diving into the DSLRoid world with one of these, haven't decided fully yet...

Samples I've seen of the T3i's telecrop mode are hugely attractive since I film a lot of macro for scientific use.

However, nothing I've seen in the spec sheets says that the T3i allows manual auto level monitoring, and often it's far easier to toss on a Videomic or wireless rec than to kludge everything up with a Zoom or its ilk. Since I also shoot a lot of on-the-spot interviews, this tilts it all the other way.

Coin toss time?

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

Audio level control on the T3i -- yes.

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

Patrick,

I own the EOS 7D and now, the GH2. I shoot mostly landscape. We don't know yet if the T3i will suffer from the unpredictable aliasing and morie (mud) of the 7D, but it is why I will be selling my 7D in favor of the GH2.

Here is a Grand Canyon project shot with the 7D. Notice the soft fuzzy look of the inner canyon, old buildings and some trees. The canyon is not soft and the buildings and trees are not out of focus, this is the inability of the 7D to resolve large amounts of detail:


Here is a Grand Canyon project shot with the GH2. It is sharp and how the canyon, buildings and trees actually look:


If your video needs allow avoiding subjects that produce aliasing and morie in the Canons, I think you'll be happy. If you want consistently sharp video, you will not.

Good luck with your selection.

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

Dan makes and interesting observation. It is a bit of a struggle in nature shooting with the Canon camera, but you can't tell from his Vimeo upload what is really going on. I noticed until that the GH2 you were uploading .asx and .wmv files. I also note a general overall mudiness in the process, and wonder if you were having trouble in the edit chain somewhere.

As I indicated, I do think the general lower resolution issues and shallower depth of field in the Canons require you to take a different tact in nature shooting -- maybe a bit more artsy ??

Here are some attempts I have made with the T2i and 5D:

YouTube - A Wetlands Portrait

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

Dan, what lens were you using on the GH2?

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

Chris,

The bad news is: the 7D original clips of Grand Canyon are absolutely horrible. The good news is: the editing process, rendering 1080 to 720/30p, and especially Vimeo upload improved things.

I usually render WMV which to my eye are equal in quality to MP4.

I've shot the Grand Canyon with Sonys, Panasonic HMC40, TM700, and the GH2 with great success. Though the EOS 7D is a fine machine, it is not the tool for my needs.

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

Jim,

For this project I used the Lumix 14-140 and 20mm f1.7. No filters.

Re: Canon T3i vs Panasonic GH2
 

Dan, I totally agree, wmv is the best for web, quality wise.