GH2 N00B question - Gh2 and Gh3

F

Frank Abyss

Member
Hi all,
Happy Turkey Left Over Day...

So, I need to start shooting videos (outdoor mostly, offshore fishing) . I really like what the GH2 has to offer and with the GH3 coming out soon, I am not sure which way to go.
For starter, I do know that the GH2 (even un-hacked) is more than enough for me right now. It will probably take me a year ot two to be able to extract the full potential of this camera.
Being attracted to new shinny things, the GH3 is calling me. One feature on the GH3 that I really like is that the body seems to be more splash proof than the GH2. While that looks good on paper, I don't know how to quantify it...
So for the GH experts out here, i have just two questions:
1) Shooting in the saltwater environment, do you think the new GH3 body is better suited then the GH2?
2) Are there features that Panasonic removed from the GH3 that were really good in the GH2?

BTW, if you have any tips on shooting over saltwater, I'm all ears!!
Thank you
 
if i were you id go for the GH3 all the way :)

the GH3 has a larger form factor than the GH2, the GH2 is so small it almost has to be held with your fingertips (its important to get a good confident grip of your camera especially in demanding environments.)

the GH3 has splash and dust sealing, the GH2 has none (id not want to get it too wet tho as its splash/dust resistant! not waterproof.)

the GH3 has a magnesium body, the GH2 has a plastic body (i don't ever drop my camera's yet its again a confidence thing, magnesium body feels very good and robust, and can take a few knocks.)

the GH3 can shoot 1080p slow motion, id imagine this would be good for fishing trips (not that ive ever been fishing.)

more GH3 perks...
better for still photography
greater dynamic range
better colour rendering
built in wifi
built in HDR
built in time lapse feature
better button layout
larger battery
optional battery grip

the GH3 did lose the multi aspect sensor that the GH2 had, for me this doesnt matter in the slightest.

theres great debate at the moment around the video quality of the GH3 & GH2, and wether the GH3 is a step backwards, again i dont see it as that big a deal, it may be for guys who demand the absolute highest quality they can get but for most guys the GH3 footage will still blow alot of more expensive camera's out of the water :)

you could probably pick up 2 and a half GH2 bodies for the price of a GH3 body :( yet i feel the extra money for the GH3 is worth it.
 
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The camera doesn't matter so much as keeping it stable when out on the water. I highly recomend a stabilizer of some sort. A well setup steadicam or glidecam does an incredible job of keeping your footage watchable when out in the waves and such.

On a side note you also might be better served with a camcorder with OIS like the Panasonic TM700 or TM900. This will allow you to zoom into fighting fish easily out 50 yards from the boat with good image stabilization built into the cam and then do the wider shots on the steadicam type stabilizer.

As for the difference between the GH2 and GH3, the GH3 is weather sealed and with the newer 12-35mm f2.8 OIS lens you could do some incredible on the water work.

Cheers,
Pete
 
Since you have no camera, GH3. If your budget get tight, possibly GH2, however since you mention water - GH3. For me, the GH3 isn't enough of an upgrade over the GH2, however I sure as heaven will add to my arsenal, my GH2 then becoming my 2nd camera.
 
The GH3 is weatherised, but not salt proof I wouldn't imagine. Just make sure you clean ALL the salt spray off of camera, tripod etc. after each trip.
 
Thank you all for the input.... I was able to get a smoking deal on a brand new GH2, so that's the route I go first...(more money for better lens!)
Planning to build a shoulder rig to try to keep the videos as stable as possible...
Thank you for the link for that waterproof pouch... I will get one for it...
 
In general when filming from on a moving boat OIS will be less useful than a rig, or other stabilizing system.

Waterproof bags are OK, but you won't be able to access many of the cameras controls, & will need to preset most functions.

If you just need a bit of splash or rain protection consider a Storm Jacket.

http://www.warmcards.com/SJ_ORDER.html
 
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