Is the GH2 usable? Should I buy it?
 

I suggest when considering the GH2 to keep in mind it is not a videocamera. It is a consumer-level photo camera that shoots great video. It is not point and shoot for our purposes. We are adapting the camera for use in ways it was not intended, so it is tricky at times. But it is workable.

Owners of the GH2 and GH1 love the camera, based on postings around the web. The camera is excellent. Produces great footage. Period.

On the other hand we all have seen complaints (mine and other's) about "issues" with the camera, particularly in this forum. This forum has more critical posts of the cam than any I've seen. But we are almost all owners of the camera. We own it and are using it, with great results. We criticize the camera because we are learning how to use it. We become frustrated. Happens with ANY camera.

The GH2 is a new camera, and is unchartered territory for many of us as we discover limitations, quirks, and more. Some of us freak out over what may actually be small things, but some of us make a living doing this, and we (I) get hyper at times in the discussion.

The GH2 is not "easy" to use effectively in all situations, but it will work given practice.

Re: Is the GH2 usable? Should I buy it?
 

I honestly don't think the GH2 is difficult to operate at all. Most of the functions you need are on the camera or just one menu level deep. It's easy to get smooth footage with my Merlin, Glidetrack, and Jag35 shoulder rig. Even handheld I do okay with a wide to medium lens. If not, shake can be corrected in After Effects with the stabilize motion function. The GH2 isn't as popular as the Canon models, which is why our forum doesn't see much traffic. This is unfortunate because the GH2 functions a lot more like a video camera than the Canons do. I use my GH2 more than my XHA1 because it has a much better picture, shallow depth of field, histogram, and shoots to SD cards rather than tape. For audio I just record to a Zoom H4n and sync with PluralEyes. As long as you have all your bases covered, it's a great system. As far as photography, sure it's not the best, but it's really up to the photographer. If you have a good lens on there, and a good knowledge of lighting and composition you can get amazing pictures from it. It's the operator, not the equipment.

Re: Is the GH2 usable? Should I buy it?
 

I can't really think of a huge complaint. Here's my semi-complaint list:
1) Probably the irkiest thing is that the VF isn't quite wysiwyg.
2) That hdmi disables at 720p isn't a huge issue with me.
3) I agree that cam isn't hard to use, but the controls and menus are nonetheless poorly engineered.
4) How I'd love full manual auto...having said that, the onboard audio is surprisingly good.
5) battery life not so great.
6) styling, I think it's crummy looking -- what's with that chrome stripe down the front of it? This is an ugly little sucker.

The real story to my mind though is that this is an incredibly powerful filmmaking tool at an unheard of price. A better image than an AF100? a better image than an EX3? I think I can live without built in ND filters and two zebra settings.

Re: Is the GH2 usable? Should I buy it?
 

Seriously, not too long ago (in the grand scheme of things) independent shooters had to fight with something like a Bolex. We've got it waaaaaaay too easy to complain.

Re: Is the GH2 usable? Should I buy it?
 

A better image than the AF100 or EX3? Hmm I wish. My GH2 is no match for my EX3.

Re: Is the GH2 usable? Should I buy it?
 

I agree that the GH2 is a great camera. I think the two biggest reasons for the complaints are primarily two things. For those who haven't used a photo camera for video, it involves a learning curve which can be frustrating. The other reason is the poorly written manual leaves a lot to be desired. A lot things that should be explained and clarified aren't.

Re: Is the GH2 usable? Should I buy it?
 

Well it's already proved itself against the AF100 through numerous res chart tests, and though I no longer own my EX3, I've compared footage shot at the same location with both cams and the GH2 looks better -- the EX3 is the same as an EX1 and that technology has become long in the tooth, so we shouldn't be surprised that the GH2 looks better, and I'm discounting the GH2's superior shallow focus shooting and far better low light capability, mix those in the match and it's a good ole fashioned butt whippin'.

Re: Is the GH2 usable? Should I buy it?
 

Hi Jim

On the button. I think there are a huge number of video enthusiasts out there that have never had the pleasure (or frustration) of using a manual still camera. I was brought up and also went pro with medium format film cameras. There was no such thing as "auto" ..You had to learn about light, composition and most importantly how to set shutter speed and aperture to achieve the DOF you required and THEN you still had to focus...manually!!! The modern video and still guys can often get away with snapping the camcorder or digital camera into P or full auto and then point and shoot!!

You would understand the GH1/2 a lot better and manage it if you have a basic understanding of photography ..it is after all, a still camera with video .... My biggest mistake (I haven't got a GH yet) was to assume it would work like a camcorder which is doesn't. It certainly shoots awesome footage but you really need to handle it like a manual still camera rather than a point and shoot camcorder. Be prepared to expose and focus it like a still camera and you will get really good results.

These are certainly very usable cameras but don't expect them to work like a point and shoot camcorder.

Chris

Re: Is the GH2 usable? Should I buy it?
 

1.) Not just the VF but the LCD, as well. It's irritating that after you set everything when you hit record it all changes.

2.) That's by far my biggest complaint.

Re: Is the GH2 usable? Should I buy it?
 

Hi guys,

What do you mean the VF and LCD are not wysiwyg? Would it be wysiwyg via an HDMI cable outputting 1080p to an external monitor? If it's not wysiwyg, then what is it? What changes after you hit the record button?

Thanks!

Re: Is the GH2 usable? Should I buy it?
 

The GH2 EVF is light years ahead of any VF on Canon or Nikon DSLR in video mode.

Re: Is the GH2 usable? Should I buy it?
 

Patrick, I have found if you are within range of what the camera judges to be acceptable settings, the issue you described does not occur.

Since learning to set the camera properly I have never once experienced the change thing happening. This is also documented in the manual, but I cannot find it.

If you use any mode where the exposure compensation setting feature shows, you will see as long as you are close or spot on with aperture and shutter, etc your LCD will match the image recorded.

Of course if you over expose deliberately, etc. then it would be an issue for me, but that is not something I will do much of so I don't care.

I found the exposure compensation feature absolutely indespensible for shooting at correct settings, and I absolutely could not operate without it.

Re: Is the GH2 usable? Should I buy it?
 

Another thing I've noticed is when taking pictures any shutter speed between 1500-4000 is not reflected in the lcd/vf. There's a slight change between 1500-2000, but pretty much in that high range the preview stops adjusting exposure, so the preview will look bright, but then the picture comes out dark. Highly frustrating.

Re: Is the GH2 usable? Should I buy it?
 

If you ready thru to bottom of my post, and really pay attention, you will no longer have the issue you described. Your problem is not the camera, it is you are not using the EC meter.

You must use the Exposure Compensation meter indicator at the bottom of the screen to ensure proper exposure.

The LCD, etc is only accurate when your exposure is close to correct.

Your photo came out dark because your shutter speed was too high or your aperture and/or ISO was too low.

When a photo comes out dark, that is an indication your exposure, etc. is off, and if you were to pay attention at ALL times to that meter, then you would be adusting things to make it right.

If you do not use the meter, you will never get properly only when you are lucky.

Now if I'm missing something and not understanding, my mistake. But I can reproduce your problem, so I'm sure it's the same thing you are talking about.

Re: Is the GH2 usable? Should I buy it?
 

Jeff, I have the EV meter on AND the histogram, that's not the problem.

Re: Is the GH2 usable? Should I buy it?
 

If your photos are properly exposed you photos will come out correctly, so I'm not sure I understand. At a high shutter speed you need a wide open aperture and/or high ISO, there will be a point with high shutter speed you cannot compensate at some point, and you will not be able to get correct exposure without sufficient light.

Re: Is the GH2 usable? Should I buy it?
 

Yeah, with the aperture wide open in broad daylight you have to increase the shutter to a large value to get proper exposure. The problem is as I scroll from the single digits to the quadruple digits the preview correctly shows the exposure UNTIL I hit about 1/1500, then from there to 1/4000 it pretty much doesn't change on the preview screen. I take a picture and it comes out different than the preview.

Re: Is the GH2 usable? Should I buy it?
 

You need to increase your aperture to say f/11 in bright sunshine or get a ND filter. You can't expect to run full open in bright sunshine and always expect to be able to get a good exposure. This is what ND filters are for. Also make sure your ISO is on auto or at lowest setting.

Then you'll be fine. You're just trying to take the camera where it doesn't want to go, which is the cause of your problem.

If you use your exposure compensation indicator then you will know when you are out of acceptable range.

Re: Is the GH2 usable? Should I buy it?
 

As noted before Patrick, I can reproduce your problem, has happended to me also. This is not unique to you or me. But when your settings are correct, you have nothing to worry about.

OK, I know why your photos were dark. You were taking your shutter speed too high, and you were not watching the EC meter, because if you were you would have stopped turning the dial higher.

For proper exposure it will be RIGHT on the middle or on 0. You really dont want it to be anywhere else, 99% of the time.

If you run in aperture priorty, you do not need to set the shutter speed anyway, it will be set properly for you. You then change the aperture as you might want to, and then the shutter speed is set automatically. Or vice versa.

Re: Is the GH2 usable? Should I buy it?
 

is this camera capable of FULL manual control of picture and audio?

I hate auto controls on any aspect of shooting.

Re: Is the GH2 usable? Should I buy it?
 

Yes it is.

Re: Is the GH2 usable? Should I buy it?
 

Patrick, I was wrong about your issue, my apologies. There is a lot I have to learn about these cameras.

Long story short, I was playing with the GH1 and had the exact same problem you did in low light, but only for photos. Very strange, the viewfinder was too bright, I played with it for an hour and it really freaked me out, I coudn't figure a way around it.

In regular normal lighting, no problem, but in very low light it was really weird.

I had less an issue with the GH2, however.

I have only taken photos in decent lighting up till now, and normally have no need to shoot photos in the dark, so in the end it is not an issue for me, but still would like to know what is going on!

Re: Is the GH2 usable? Should I buy it?
 

Patrick turn the constant preview in the menu on, that should take care of our problem. I'm going to try it now.

Re: Is the GH2 usable? Should I buy it?
 

Yes, constant preview must be turned on, it is turned of by default, making the screen brighter than it should be. It can still occur with this on, but not nearly to the extent as with it turned off.

Re: Is the GH2 usable? Should I buy it?
 

The terminology Panasonic uses with this camera still amazes me. "Constant Preview"? Strange use of the words. "Accurate Preview" would be better. And I experienced this same problem this week while taking behind the scenes photos in a studio.

Re: Is the GH2 usable? Should I buy it?
 

I've had constant preview on since day 1.

Re: Is the GH2 usable? Should I buy it?
 

So have I, but I reset recently so mine was off last night.

I don't know Patrick, I've shot outdoors in direct sunshine and not had the issue you're experiencing, with or without a ND filter, unless my settings were not optimal.