| |
Model
|
| Panasonic GH3 | Panasonic GH2 | Nikon D5200 | |
| Image ? | | | | Image ? |
| Manufacturer | Panasonic 
| Panasonic
| Nikon
| Manufacturer |
| Name | GH3 | GH2 | D5200 | Name |
| Type | System camera
| System camera
| HDSLR
| Type |
| European Name | Lumix GH3 | Lumix GH2 | D5200 | European Name |
| U.S. Name | Lumix DMC-GH3 | Lumix DMC-GH2 | D5200 | U.S. Name |
| Manufacturer URL | Link to Panasonic | Link to Panasonic | Link to Nikon | Manufacturer URL |
| Tested firmware version | | 1.0 | | Tested firmware version |
| Launch | November 2012 | September 2010 | November 2012 | Launch |
|
|
Test overview
|
| slashCAM rating |
| [ top ] | Panasonic GH3 | Panasonic GH2 | Nikon D5200 | |
| Manual focus characteristics ? | Very good | Very good | Good | Manual focus characteristics ? |
| Autofocus ? | Very good | Very good | Very good | Autofocus ? |
| subj.image impression / quality of the codec ? | Very good | Very good | Very good | subj.image impression / quality of the codec ? |
| external video signal ? | Very good | Very good | Very good | external video signal ? |
| manual exposure functions ? | Very good | Very good | Good | manual exposure functions ? |
| internal microphone / leveling behavior ? | Very good | Very good | Very good | internal microphone / leveling behavior ? |
| Ergonomics ? | Good | Good | Good | Ergonomics ? |
| Optics repertoire camera manufacturer ? | Satisfactory | Satisfactory | Very good | Optics repertoire camera manufacturer ? |
| Optics repertoire other manufacturers ? | Good | Good | Very good | Optics repertoire other manufacturers ? |
| Photo feature ? | Good | Good | Very good | Photo feature ? |
| Portability ? | Good | Very good | Good | Portability ? |
| Video formats ? | Very good | Good | Very good | Video formats ? |
| Configurability ? | Very good | Very good | Good | Configurability ? |
Total
(maximal 600) | 477 | 468 | 459 | Total
(maximal 600) |
| slashCAM rating | Very good
 | Very good
| Very good
| slashCAM rating |
| Rating |
| Plus | + very good image quality
+ very good ergonomics
+ Headphone jack
+ various video formats
+ audio levels adjustable during recording
| + Efficient video codec
+ Very good autofocus in video mode
+ Turnable screen
+ Smart Touchscreen Features
+ Surprisingly good onboard stereo microphone
+ Many features on external switches
| + very good image quality
+ clean HDMI Out
+ image profiles individually programmable
| Plus |
| Minus | - tendency to moiré artifacts has increased
comparedto the predecessor- no colored peaking
| - No headphone jack
- Audio adjustment could offer more levels
- (Like on all other video DSLRs, we miss an ND filter and peaking (as of 04/2011))
| - the aperture cannot be set manually in the Live View when using modern Nikkor lenses
- no head phone jack
| Minus |
| Conclusion | The GH3 encounters a strange market environment.On the one hand, the major Video-DSLR players Canon and Nikon didn´t make the expected leap in video quality in 2012.On the other hand new players such as BMD Cinema Camera have stepped into the indie segment, offering outstanding image quality at a pricetag that should be of interest for indie filmmakers. The GH3 is (if at all) only marginally better in terms of video image quality than its predecessor but operates in a market environment in which the delivered performance still ist sufficient for a first range position.Put in other words, the GH3 is not better than the rest -- the rest is just currently not as good as they could be.So the GH3 is the best video DSLR in the 1000 Euro segment and at the same time not a great leap in picture quality - strange times.But a video DSLR is not only to be judged by its video quality, but also by ergonomics, audio functions, monitor quality and additional features.In all these areas the Panasonic GH3 has advanced significantly.Whether this is enough to move to a GH3 everyone must decide for themselves.Those who are new to the HDSLR world get the best video DSLR with the Panasonic GH3 (in its price class).If budget is a crucial factor but video quality still as important, a used GH2 is a good option. | Of all currently (04/2011) available HDSLRs, the GH2 offers the best video quality and this with a sensor size that is ideal for film look effects (control over DoF). Despite its small size and light weight, it offers all important control functions on external buttons and performs impressively on an almost pro-level. Surprisingly, both ambitious indie-filmmakers working on a feature film as well as holiday-shooters who look for the optimal compromise between small size and good photo-/video-capabilities will find that the GH2 is the best tool on the market for their rather different requirements. A remarkable balancing act. From our perspective, the Panasonic GH2 easily has what it takes in terms of price / performance to be the new rebel-cam of choice for indie filmmakers. Which is why (for the time being) it is our reference in terms of video quality for HDSLRs and an straight-out buying tip. After the next update (as with all video DSLRs) we would like to see a ND filter / negative ISOs, a headphone jack, and object tracking in video mode. | The Nikon D5200 is a real blast in the video DSLR segment, and considering its current average price tag of about 700 Euro (not the list price) it is a double sensation.Why? Because it offers the image quality of a Canon EOS 5D Mark III ora Panasonic GH2 while providing a clean HDMI output and allowing fully programmable image profiles.This combination is almost unbeatable.The competition offers at present (02.2013) only a maximum of two of these features - but not all in one package, and certainly not at this price.We are still trying to understand how this jaw-dropping performance came together. Somehow we get the impression that Nikon actually don´t have a clue about what they doing with their video capabilities, or it simply does not matter to them. The Nikon D600&, 39;s HDMI out was made strong overall in the foreground as advertised located at the professional level, and also the video.Now comes the Nikon D5200 and the Nikon D600 over trumps in all essential video features easy: HDMI-out, barely Moir aliasing, high usable sensor dynamics: Everything hit Nikon D5200.Now we are naturally curious to see if Canon will catch up again this year and treat the 700D to the anti-aliasing seen on the 5D MK3.Until (if ever) this happens, the Nikon D5200 is THE obvious best buy recommendation for all large sensor filmmakers searching in the under 1000 Euro price range.And that´s quite a surprise, especially since this camera has been available for quite a while - there never was so much cinematic image to be had in this price range. | Conclusion |
| Test images |
| we tested optics | LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm / F4.0-5.8 ASPH. / MEGA OIS
| Lumix G Vario 14-42 mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH.
OIS
| Nikkor AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300 mm 1:3.5-5.6 G ED VR
| we tested optics |
| Luminance resolution | | | | Luminance resolution |
| Chrominance resolution | | | | Chrominance resolution |
| ISO test image small | | | | ISO test image small |
| Lens Distortion | | | | Lens Distortion |
| Test image 1200 lux | | | | Test image 1200 lux |
| Exposure values 12 Lux | f4, 1/50, ISO 6400
| f 3.5, 1 / 25, ISO 3200
| f1.4, 1/50, ISO800
| Exposure values 12 Lux |
| Test image 12 lux manual | | | | Test image 12 lux manual |
| Test image 12 lux automatic | | | | Test image 12 lux automatic |
Video
|
| [ top ] | Panasonic GH3 | Panasonic GH2 | Nikon D5200 | |
| Video file formats ? | QuickTime
AVCHD
| AVCHD
| QuickTime
| Video file formats ? |
| Video resolution / frame rate | 1080/24p
1080/25p
1080/50p
720/25p
720/50p | 1080/24p
1080/50i
720/50p | 1080/23,976p
1080/25p
1080/29,97p
1080/50i
1080/60i
720/50p
720/60p | Video resolution / frame rate |
| Compression format | AVCHD
| AVCHD
| H.264 | Compression format |
| Chromasampling | 4:2:0 | 4:2:0 | 4:2:0 | Chromasampling |
| Maximum Bitrate | 72 Mbit / s | 24 Mbit / s | 24 Mbit / s | Maximum Bitrate |
| Recording medium | SD Card
SDHC Card
SDXC Card
| SD Card
SDHC Card
SDXC Card
| SD Card
SDHC Card
SDXC Card
| Recording medium |
| MaxFilm length / time | 29:59 Min | 29:59 Min | 29:59 Min | MaxFilm length / time |
| MaxFilm length / data | 4 GB | 2 GB | 4 GB | MaxFilm length / data |
Configuration
|
| [ top ] | Panasonic GH3 | Panasonic GH2 | Nikon D5200 | |
| Image Sensor Size | 17,3 x 13,0 mm | 17,3 x 13,0 mm | 23,5 x 15,6 mm | Image Sensor Size |
| Crop factor | | 2,0 | 1,5 | Crop factor |
| Image sensor pixels / effective | 16,05 Megapixel | 16,05 Megapixel | 24,1 Megapixel | Image sensor pixels / effective |
| Image sensor type | CMOS
| CMOS
| CMOS
| Image sensor type |
| Sensor cleaning | Yes
| Yes
| | Sensor cleaning |
| Image processor | Venus Engine FHD VII
| Venus Engine FHD
| EXPEED 3
| Image processor |
Optics
|
| [ top ] | Panasonic GH3 | Panasonic GH2 | Nikon D5200 | |
| Interchangeable lenses | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Interchangeable lenses |
| Lens mount | Micro Four Thirds
| Micro Four Thirds
| Nikon F
| Lens mount |
| Field | 100% | 100% | 95% | Field |
| Image stabilization | in appropriate optics
| in appropriate optics
| in appropriate optics
| Image stabilization |
Viewfinder / Display
|
| [ top ] | Panasonic GH3 | Panasonic GH2 | Nikon D5200 | |
| Viewfinder | electronical
| electronical
| optical
| Viewfinder |
| Screen resolution | 7.5 cm / 3 inch
| 7.5 cm / 3 inch
| | Screen resolution |
| Display resolution | 614000 | 460000 | 921000 | Display resolution |
| Turnable display | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Turnable display |
| Live View | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Live View |
Manual control
|
| [ top ] | Panasonic GH3 | Panasonic GH2 | Nikon D5200 | |
| Aperture | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Aperture |
| Shutter | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Shutter |
| ISO / Gain | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| ISO / Gain |
| White Balance | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| White Balance |
| Focus | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Focus |
| Comment | | Exemplary: The Panasonic GH2 offers a separate, manual 1080/24p mode. | The aperture is possible to manually choose modern Nikkor lenses not in Live View mode.For this, the Live View must be read aloud. | Comment |
Modifiable image characteristics
|
| [ top ] | Panasonic GH3 | Panasonic GH2 | Nikon D5200 | |
| Sharpness | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Sharpness |
| Saturation | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Saturation |
| Contrast | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Contrast |
| Color | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Color |
Manual adjustment aids
|
| [ top ] | Panasonic GH3 | Panasonic GH2 | Nikon D5200 | |
| Focus aid | Magnification
Touchscreen
| Magnification
Touchscreen
| Magnification
| Focus aid |
| Autofocus | Yes
| Yes
| Yes
| Autofocus |
| Comment | | In the DSLR segment, the Panasonic GH2 offers (at the time of testing) the best auto-focus performance (in the video mode).Via touch screen even semi-automatic shot transitions are possible -- but they still look a little better when made manually. | | Comment |
Audio
|
| [ top ] | Panasonic GH3 | Panasonic GH2 | Nikon D5200 | |
| internal microphone | Stereo
| Stereo
| Stereo
| internal microphone |
| External microphone jack ? | Stereo
| Stereo
| Stereo
| External microphone jack ? |
| Headphone jack | Yes
| No
| No
| Headphone jack |
| Audio formats ? | PCM
| PCM
| PCM
| Audio formats ? |
| Manual levels ? | | up to 12 Pos
| more than 12 Pos
| Manual levels ? |
Connectivity
|
| [ top ] | Panasonic GH3 | Panasonic GH2 | Nikon D5200 | |
| USB | USB 2.0
| USB 2.0
| USB 2.0
| USB |
| HDMI Output | HDMI-mini
| HDMI-mini
| HDMI-mini
| HDMI Output |
| Preview without menu overlay | Yes
| Yes
| | Preview without menu overlay |
| Preview with reduced resolution | No
| No
| | Preview with reduced resolution |
Body dimensions
|
| [ top ] | Panasonic GH3 | Panasonic GH2 | Nikon D5200 | |
| Weight exclBattery | 470 g | 392 g | 505 g | Weight exclBattery |
| Width | 132 mm | 124 mm | 129 mm | Width |
| Height | 93 mm | 89 mm | 98 mm | Height |
| Depth | 82 mm | 75 mm | 78 mm | Depth |
| relative size ? | 10 | 8 | 9 | relative size ? |
Other
|
| [ top ] | Panasonic GH3 | Panasonic GH2 | Nikon D5200 | |
| Housing material | Magnesium alloy
| Plastic
| | Housing material |
| Weathersealing | medium
| low
| | Weathersealing |
slashCAM Information
|
| [ top ] | Panasonic GH3 | Panasonic GH2 | Nikon D5200 | |
| slashCAM-Review | | | | slashCAM-Review |
| External Tests / Reviews | | | | External Tests / Reviews |
| Compared |  Panasonic GH3 compared with Nikon D5200
Panasonic GH3 compared with Nikon D4
Panasonic GH3 compared with Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Panasonic GH3 compared with Nikon D800
Panasonic GH3 compared with Sony SLT A77
Panasonic GH3 compared with Canon EOS 6D
Panasonic GH3 compared with Nikon D600
Panasonic GH3 compared with Nikon D5100
Panasonic GH3 compared with Sony SLT-A99
Panasonic GH3 compared with Sony NEX-7K
| Panasonic GH2 compared with Canon EOS 60D
Panasonic GH2 compared with Nikon D7000
| Nikon D5200 compared with Panasonic GH3
Nikon D5200 compared with Nikon D4
Nikon D5200 compared with Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Nikon D5200 compared with Nikon D800
Nikon D5200 compared with Canon EOS 6D
Nikon D5200 compared with Nikon D600
Nikon D5200 compared with Sony SLT-A99
Nikon D5200 compared with Sony NEX-7K
| Compared |
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