GH3 so... is the GH3 an unreliable piece of crap, or no?

M

mcbob

Veteran
not outright meaning to chuck bombs everywhere here... seriously considering picking up a GH3, but I have concerns about reliability. It has a number of practical improvements over my GH2 in interface, audio, and still (and to some extent video) quality, but I'm worried about the number of posts I've read referencing various mechanical and electronic failings that have necessitated warranty (or unwarranted) repair, with the famously problematic Panasonic repair experience (I've dealt with that before). My GH2, even hacked, has been rock-solid for 2+ years of ownership - nothing ever came apart, no data glitches, no overheating, nothing. Neither this board or others contain many complaints about problems with build or reliability on the GH2. It's a good enough camera that I'll likely keep it regardless of my next hybrid camera purchase. It's a serious concern, but curious how justified it is.
 
I've never had an issue with my GH3 and I bought it Dec. 2012. Shooting DSLR isn't my day job (Producer/Director/Editor) so i might not have run it as hard as the weekend wedding warriors.
 
Own it since 23th of December last year. I take it out in rather rough conditions and I do not treat cameras very well in general. No problems so far. Only thing missing: Focus peaking. My GH2 is sleeping since and only gets awaken in some situations.
 
No issues, and I have had mine since the camera first was released. Overall I like it better than the GH2. The bigger size really helps get a good grip on it and I don't hit buttons on accident as often. It is my main stills cam and I take every I go camera. Doubles as a B camera to my Cinema EOS. Couldn't be happier.
 
Here is how I would answer your question:

I've had 2 GH3s since launch and I've sent each in for repair once (under warranty). I see a lot of people post about problems that appear to be traced back to using unreliable card brands or non-manufacturer batteries. That can't be said for me and I take great care of my gear.

All that being said, I would still go with the GH3 knowing what I know now and having gone through my own experiences. I never owned a GH2 and only shot with it once ;) but even though the GH3 appears to be more 'glitchy,' I wouldn't trade it for a seemingly more reliable GH2.

If I were you, I would make due with the GH2 a bit longer. See if Panasonic announces the GHnext soon. If not, or the release is a while out, perhaps revisit the thought and jump on board.

Curse Panny's poor service repair. If this were better, it would make your decision a lot easier.
 
Whoa Ian, Thats some rough luck... 2 cameras also. Geez.

Thanks for shouldering the bad camera luck for many of the rest of us it seems.
 
Mine has been rock solid in termsof reliability. I have been shooting a fair but of mountain bike footage for a tourism client recently and the camera has been exposed to the elements quite a bit. Last weekend was particularly dusty and I did multiple very quick setups and it didn't miss a beat. I'm very happy with the build quality of mine. LCD has not developed any play despite not being treated with all that much care out in the Australian bush.
 
I've had my GH3 since December 2012 (October 2012 build).

It was running fine until September when the rear screen went dead. I was shooting with it and turned the camera off. When I turned it back on a few minutes later, nothing but 2 horizontal white lines. I use only Panasonic batteries and SanDisk/Lexar SD cards.

I also had developed a problem with the plastic magnifier "bubble" in the EVF (the part you look through) where the optical coating was coming off.

They replaced the rear screen assembly and the whole EVF unit (not just the magnifier, but the entire EVF module).

Others have complained about this optical coating coming off so its something to watch out for. I never noticed any extra play in the screen as some have mentioned. But I have a brand new screen now so it should be good.

On a side note, the cover for the SD card opens VERY easily on my camera. You just have to look at it the wrong way and it opens. But, I had my hands on a more recent GH3 (July 2013 build) and they have definitely improved the cover latch. It takes more effort to open on the newer models.
 
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I've had my GH3 since February 2013 and had no problems. It's been across the Atlantic in rough conditions in Ireland and performed like a champ. I've had it in high heat and humidity and cold, rainy conditions. I also only use "brand name" cards and Panasonic batteries. Could it be a better camera? Sure. For still photography can it match my EOS system? Not a chance. BUT, it's a nice compromise for travel and run and gun video stuff when you can't bring a "real" video camera. The still photo quality is very nice, but just not as "robust" as my 5DMKII. It gives me less latitude in Photoshop and has more noise at ISO levels of 800 and above. However, at the end of a long day of travel photography (including some more artistic endeavors) it's a lot easier on my back and shoulders than carrying a comparable set of lenses from my EOS system.

By the way, I've shot some really nice footage for one of my clients at a corporate/industrial event and they never thought twice about its size vs. a more traditional ENG system... The footage compared nicely with a Sony PMW-200 we were also using.
 
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I bought mine very early as well and have had no problems with it all. You hear people complaining about their problems with it because that is what people do. If they like it and there are no problems they are not going to make their own thread for that. If someone has a problem you can be sure they are going to broadcast it far and wide for everyone to see.
The same thing goes for reviews on anything online. Stuff gets bad reviews because people that have had a problem are more likely to post a review. You see something with 10 bad reviews and you think.. oh man everyone hates it. What you really don't see is that it sold a million times and 10 people complained about it. If you take time to read reviews you will often notice that the problem lies with the user.
 
The thing with forums is that we don't see all the people that have the camera that never bother to join a forum. While a couple of heated threads by a couple of people may look scary you have to remember there are a lot of these camera out there we never hear about.

There could be tens of thousands or more of GH3 users out there like myself without a single issue. Now if there were hundreds of us with the same problems then there may be room for concern but honestly I think the GH3 is rock solid and I even bought a used one from B&H.
 
I have had my GH3 since last February and have pretty much put it through everything. Extreme humidity in Mexico, snowstorms, complete dust bowls, weddings, dance recitals. Not a single problem. I think a few of you are spot on with people trying to save a buck or two with cheap cards/batteries (of course that isn't everyone). From my personal experience it has been rock solid no matter what I put it through.
 
My GH3 has loose LCD, soon it drops off, Loose front wheel (does nothing sometimes) and scrached eyepiece (very soft plastic), Mem card door opens itself. And Flash sync covers has dropped itself.
 
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