With multiple AVCHD video modes, microphone jack and LCD screen that looks taken from a $40,000 Varicam, the Lumix GH1 has all the makings of a fine camcorder. The video has an amazingly filmic quality to it, and the audio is on par with other camcorders we've tested in this price range. If you don't have a use for the 7mm Vario G lens, cut your bill in half (almost) and go with the basic Lumix GH1 DSLR camera and lens. Just be careful when switching lenses in dusty environments, because, as the saying goes, "With great power comes great responsibility."
Format: SDHC card
Imaging Device: LiveMos (CMOS)
Image Sensor Size: 17.3 x 13.0mm
Pixels on CMOS (k): 12.1 Megapixel
Video Effective Pixels (k): 1920x1080
Focus: Auto, manual ring
Shutter Speed: Automatic, shutter priority
Maximum Shutter Speed: 1/10,000 second
Minimum Shutter Speed: 1/30 second
Lens f-Stop: f4.0-5.8
Optical Zoom: Yes
Focal Length: 14mm-140mm
Image Stabilization: Mega O.I.S.
Manual White Balance: Yes
Viewfinder: Color, 1,440,000 pixels
LCD Monitor: Color, 460,000 pixels
HD Modes: AVCHD 1080/30p/24p, AVCHD 720/60p,MJPEG 1080/30p, 720/30p, 480
Video Out: HDMI, analog
Mono/Stereo Recording: Stereo
Microphone In: Yes, MiniJack
VU Meters: No
Manual Audio Level Controls: Yes
Headphone Jack: No
Memory Card Included: No
Flash: Yes
Battery Type: Interchangeable
Onboard Video Light: No
Accessory Shoe: Yes, hot shoe
- Lens/sensor combo allows creative focus
- Microphone jack
- Amazing LCD screen
- Manual zoom controls aren't smooth
- Editing AVCHD video requires a supercomputer
The Lumix GH1 is fun to use and creates great HD video that rivals pro camcorders costing twice as much.
Contributing Editor Andrew Burke is an independent producer who has shot video on many continents around the world.
Panasonic Corporation
1 Panasonic Way
Secaucus, New Jersey 07094
www.panasonic.com
$1,499 for camera and lens ($2,499 as tested)
