Panasonic's Lumix GH2 is a Micro Four Thirds camera that does it all: it shoots full 1080p HD video, it has a swanky new 16MP sensor and touchscreen, and even packs a secret weapon: compatibility with an interchangeable 3D lens.
Panasonic's pulling out all the stops for the GH2, which they're deeming their "most professional-level Digital Single Lens Micro camera yet." What that means is serious photo and video quality, starting with a new 16MP LIVE MOS sensor and a new Venus Engine image processor, allowing you to snap 14MP shots while recording video, as well as shoot full resolution shots at 5fps.
Video, which allows for touch autofocus and variable frame rate—80 through 300%—is similarly impressive. There's a 1080/60i video mode, though it can also record at 1080/24p at 24Mbps. Backing all of this up is a 3-inch, 460,000-dot swiveling LCD touchscreen, which allows for touch autofocus, menu selection, and all the rest
Panasonic's also announcing three new lenses: the $400 Lumix G 14 mm / F2.5, which they're touting as the world's lightest interchangeable single focal length lens; the $600 telephoto Lumix G Vario 100-300mm / F4.0-5.6 / Mega O.I.S.; and, wait for it, the $250 LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12, the world's first interchangeable 3D lens.
It packs two optical systems in the lens itself, snapping two shots simultaneously and combining them with a 3D image processor. Panasonic says the 3D photos will look particularly crispy on your Viera 3DTV, natch.
The Panasonic Lumix GH2 will be available in early December in black and silver: $899.95 for just the body; $999.95 for a package with a 14-42mm lens; and $1499.95 for a 14-140mm bundle.
Check the press release below for full details. [Panasonic]
