The Panasonic Lumix GH3 we've reviewed today is about as close to a true hybrid still and video camera as you can buy. It is one of the best compact-system cameras, equalling mid-range DSLRs in features and image quality, and it is also a video camera that produces results comparable with dedicated camcorders. So now the question to ponder is: do I need two cameras, or will the GH3 do it all?
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To answer the question, we set up an unscientific test. We mounted the GH3 on a bracket alongside a Panasonic HC-V700 camcorder and shot simultaneous high-definition (1080p AVCHD) video. Both cameras record to SD memory cards, which we plugged directly into a high-definition television set, avoiding any post-camera image processing.
Both cameras produce remarkable HD video. The tiny HC-V700 camcorder, with its 46x zoom lens, is simply astonishing. This camera has five-axis optical image stabilisation, which is like having it mounted on a gyro-stabilised steadycam rig. The GH3 can't match the V700 for smooth panning, tilting and camera movement. For hand-held tracking of a moving subject, the camcorder has an edge over the hybrid still camera. The camcorder also does constant autofocus better, presumably because it has a smaller sensor, greater depth of field and shorter movement of lens elements in the focusing mechanism.
Where the Lumix GH3 wins out is in absolute image quality. When the cameras are tripod-mounted and static, the GH3 produces the more detailed pictures.
The GH3 has the advantage of the eye-level electronic viewfinder. This helps in two ways. Pressing the camera against the eye aids stabilisation, and an EVF can be used in bright sunlight, where the V700 LCD screen tends to be useless for framing.
Both cameras use Panasonic's touchscreen technology, and the V700 camcorder has the advantage of being much smaller and lighter than the compact system camera. Both have HDMI out for direct connection to a high-definition TV.
The V700, being designed only for video (though it can take stills) has a better zoom control, with the wide-tele slider right where the left thumb falls when holding and operating the camera. With the GH3, smooth manual zooming is impossible, but there are optional powered zooms for the camera.
For top-quality, carefully-controlled video shooting, the Lumix GH3 is the way to go. For following kids and dogs to spontaneously capture precious family moments with minimum fuss, the
HC-V700 is an astonishing device for about $800.
But for two cameras for the price of one, the GH3 is unbeatable.
