Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2: Sample Images

Sample Images
The ISO sensitivity is also three stops higher than that of the G2, ranging up to 12800. Of course, there's the potential that images at those high ISO settings will be very noisy, given that the GH2 introduces more pixels to a sensor the same size as its predecessors'.

At first blush, noise seems to be well-controlled. As we saw with the GH1 and G2, the image quality is far beyond what you could expect a point-and-shoot to accomplish. The contrast is pleasant and details seem to be sharp.

The difference between the GH2 and a point-and-shoot is most felt indoors. In my preliminary round of shooting, I've found that pushing the GH2 to ISO 800 or 1600 doesn't sacrifice too much in the way of fine detail. Auto focus speed is slowed a bit in the dimmest conditions, but the AF lamp and an overall blazing contrast-based system keep it well above the speeds of a point-and-shoot.

How is the GH2 doing in DSLR terms? So far, it seems to be doing everything you would expect from an entry-level DSLR and then some. I'm seeing more noise in images than I would expect to see from a mid-to-pro grade DSLR. The 14-140mm kit lens is turning in a solid performance so far, with some expected and noticeable barrel distortion.

There's a lot more time to clock in the studio and in the field before the full review is ready. For now, take a look at a few sample images.