The GH2 arrived in 2010 as Panasonic's second enthusiast video hybrid, pairing a 16.05MP Live MOS sensor with a fully articulated screen and a viewfinder. It had no IBIS, no 4K, and no wireless connectivity, but its 1080p video quality made it a cult favorite among indie filmmakers who hacked its bitrate. At 396g it was reasonably compact for an SLR-style body. Used prices are very low now and it remains a collector curio rather than a practical shooter. It replaces the Panasonic Lumix GH1. It has been succeeded by the Panasonic Lumix GH3. At 396g, this is one of the lightest M43 bodies available, 142g below the M43 average of 538g. Step up to the OM System OM-3 if you want more controls at the cost of 18g extra.
Best for: Everyday and casual photography
Pros
- Strong video for its generation
- Articulating screen
- Responsive handling and EVF
Cons
- No in-body stabilisation
- No weather sealing
- 1080p only, no 4K
Budget video history
The GH2 earned a reputation as a hackable, capable video camera in the early M43 era and is still sought out by enthusiasts on a budget. It records 1080p with good detail for its generation, has an articulating screen and electronic viewfinder, but lacks stabilisation, so it works best on a tripod or gimbal.
Specifications
| Body | |
| Brand | Panasonic |
| Status | discontinued |
| Released | 2010-11 |
| Weight | 396g |
| Dimensions | 124 × 83.6 × 80.4mm |
| Weather sealed | No |
| Screen | Fully articulated |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Sensor | |
| Description | 16.05MP Live MOS |
| Megapixels | 16.05MP |
| Resolution | 4608 × 3456 |
| Viewfinder | |
| EVF | Yes |
| EVF resolution | 1.53MP |
| EVF magnification | 0.7x |
| Stabilisation | |
| IBIS | No |
| Dual IS | No |
| Autofocus | |
| Phase detect | No |
| Subject recognition | No |
| Shooting | |
| Video | |
| 4K | No |
| 4K 60fps | No |
| Log | No |
| Ports & storage | |
| Card slots | 1 |
| Card type | SD UHS-I |
| HDMI | mini |
| Headphone jack | No |
| Mic port | Yes |
| WiFi | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Battery | DMW-BLC12 |
| Pricing | |
| Price (approx.) | N/A |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Panasonic Lumix GH2 have IBIS?
No. The Panasonic Lumix GH2 does not have in-body image stabilisation. You will need a lens with OIS for any stabilisation benefit.
Is the Panasonic Lumix GH2 weather sealed?
No. The Panasonic Lumix GH2 does not have weather sealing. Take care in rain or dusty conditions.
Does the Panasonic Lumix GH2 shoot 4K video?
No. The Panasonic Lumix GH2 does not record 4K video.
Does the Panasonic Lumix GH2 have phase-detect autofocus?
No. The Panasonic Lumix GH2 uses contrast-detect autofocus. It is slower to lock on to moving subjects than phase-detect systems.
What card does the Panasonic Lumix GH2 use?
The Panasonic Lumix GH2 has 1 card slot and accepts SD UHS-I cards.
How much does the Panasonic Lumix GH2 weigh?
The Panasonic Lumix GH2 weighs 396g (body only, with battery and card).
Is the Panasonic Lumix GH2 still worth buying?
The Panasonic Lumix GH2 has been succeeded by the Panasonic Lumix GH3. The newer model improves on AF performance, sensor, and video specs. At a reduced second-hand price the Panasonic Lumix GH2 remains a capable body, but the Panasonic Lumix GH3 is the better long-term buy if the budget allows.