Not sure how many of you are already working with the Panasonic GH3 Camera, but I enjoyed working with this camera so much I ended up with a second one just a few weeks after. I was never a big MFT shooter, until I started working with the GH3. For the price, It's hard to beat the features for both a serious high quality Stills and ILC Video camera.
First and foremost, it's small, and lightweight, so it's been our exclusive camera for event coverage. Unlike the GH2, this camera was redesigned with a Magnesium Alloy Frame along with Dust and Splash Proof seals. Very clean at high ISO does excellent in low lighting situations.
SDHC allows me to work with cheaper media, shoots in AVCHD when I want high quality compressed footage, or up to 72Mbps [All-Intra] MOV for high quality footage to grade in post. Built in Wi-Fi to control with your iPhone, built in Intervalometer (Time Lapse), HDMI output full 1080 without hijacking the LCD display, full 1080p 60fps (for slo-mo), articulating LCD, fast auto focus (full time AF available in video mode too), not to mention the ability to adapt pretty much any lens on the market. There's a great product page showcasing some highlight features of the GH3 (found here).
There's a hundred more reasons why it's a great camera for the price, and today several retailers are discounting the Panasonic GH3 $200 Off. Some retailers may bundle additional items for better value. Check out the limited time discounts available (below).
Panasonic DMC-GH3 Camera Body - via B&H
Panasonic DMC-GH3 Camera Body - via Adorama
Archie
Hey Emm.. Insane deal going on GH3.
First the camera is now 300$ off anyways (I have buyers remorse now that I got this in July as have not shot much with it). Plus lens combo gives additional 200$ off.
So imagine, getting a GH3 and a 20mm f1.7 at a price less than what people paid for body only 1 year back.
Emm
Post author@Archie - Not all Rokinon lenses are made to mount directly to MFT. There's no downside to using adapters to manual lenses.
Archie
Ok Thanks. Last question, Any downsides of using Rokionon EF lenses with adapter instead of Rokinon in pure MFT?
Emm
Post author@Archie - I'm using mainly Panasonic Lenses for run and gun, but for larger manual lenses I use Rokinon stuff. Gets a great look for cheap. If I use manual Nikon lenses I am using a basic Fotodiox adapter.
Archie
And forgot to ask @Emm which adapter are you using even for manual lenses.
Archie
Typo: I meant yes I know using Electronic lenses on this is really crazy (suggestions being set aperture on EOS body and then use on the GH3, Gosh!)
Archie
Yes I know Emm. So can you do a post on recommended lenses for this? I looked at the Panasonic lenses and the prices seem great. So as I only have 3 Canon lenses, I was thinking to add actual Panasonic lenses.
Also, I was looking at buying Rokinon Cine Lenses. Now I am confused, should I buy Canon EF or M4/3? It does have aperture control on the lens so I can buy EF and use adapter but will my quality suffer?
Also I was lately introduced to Nikor old lenses (from 80s) and how the optical quality of the lenses is still top notch. Would love some suggestions. Please keep in my mind I do not want to buy any Canon 18-55 kit quality kind lenses (as when I started using my 16-35 I was blown away).
But I do not want to blow too much money as I am still saving money for 5D Mark III and plan to buy end of this year.
Emm
Post author@Archie - I'm not a big fan of Electronic EF Lenses to M43 right now. I only adapt manual lenses with the GH3. The best adapters are the electronic ones that can adjust the internal iris of the EF lens, like this one from Redrock: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/829759-REG/Redrock_Micro_8_090_0001_Live_Lens_MFT_Active.html
Archie
Now if someone (or @Emm himself) could recommend a suitable EF to m4/3 adapter for good value.
I think the EzPhoto at amazon for $50 is good value as it has a aperture ring (although does not go below 2.8). Will the aperture ring be accurate?
Archie
BOUGHT! And I clicked on the link you shared though I don't know if it helps.. Adorama is giving 4% cashback + free card so used them.
Super excited about [email protected]
Thanks Emm for the reminder..
Tom S
Hey Emm,
I need a job now, after buying all the equipment you have been pimping on your site! 😉
Archie
I meant because of high cost of the adapter (not the camera, it is the greatest value for money) in the last comment.
Archie
Which Canon adapter do you use on the GH3? I was buying one but decided against because of high cost and no IS support for Canon glass
Emm
Post author@gianfranco - I will have plenty of updates in due time. Right now i'm on a very remote small island off the coast of Australia with minimal access to the internet.
allen
I am looking for a light weight video camera to video blog around different places when I am out. it would be nice if the audio was decent. This is out of my range. can you recommend something closer to the 100-300 dollar price range?
gianfranco
no update in 5 days what gives
Henry
@Taiwan Brown it still can't be stopped with the Lumix app. But it may be able to be stopped with a wireless remote shutter is attached. I don't have a wireless remote to test it with, but maybe someone who does can do the test to see if it works.
Tom
Man, this makes it tempting to pull the trigger... After thinking long and hard, I think I need to have the gh3 as well as a bmpcc, to cover all my needs (gh3:1080p60 for slo-mo, wider angle, autofocus) (bmpcc: better pq(believed at least), better pp possibilities, including greenscreening)
Taiwan Brown
Does anyone know if you can now stop recording on the Lumix app?
You could always start it... and set a timer... but not stop it....
Thanks in advance!
Martin D
I'm waiting on upcoming reviews on the new Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera. Love my hacked GH2, but I'm extremely curious about the BM PCC.
Emm ...any idea of when you might post a BM PCC review?
von
I feel this never got much buzz once it came out, especially when compared to the GH2. Is this because of the price??
Patrick Carreon
Oh man, I was going to buy mines this past Monday, but my paycheck got put hold until this coming Monday. Does anyone know how long this limited time discount is?
Ron Baselice
I love mine, one for stilland one for video. I added a JuicedlLink RM222 onto the dedicated video body. A great combination.