Panasonic has added the 16.0MP LUMIX DMC-GH2 to its LUMIX G Series Digital Single Lens Micro (DSLM) cameras. Claiming to combine features for both the videographer and photographer, the new hybrid touch-control camera features full High Definition (HD) video recording and compatibility with its first interchangeable 3D lens, LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12 (H-FT012). The camera’s 16.05-megapixel multi-aspect LIVE MOS sensor is complemented with Venus Engine FHD processor and 3-inch touch screen, which beginners may find particularly handy.

Compatible with the Micro Four Thirds System standard, the lightweight LUMIX GH2 comes with an easy-to-hold grip and includes a “refined image processing engine and sensor” that facilitates faster delivery of sharp photos, full HD video recording, and the ability to take 3D photos with Panasonic’s new interchangeable 3D lens. Alongside, the interchangeable 3D lens, the company also announced two other lenses – a single focal length lens LUMIX G 14mm / F2.5 ASPH (H-H014), and telephoto zoom lens LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS100300).

For still photos, the LUMIX GH2 features a range of shortcut buttons and features the My Color mode with a total of seven preset effects – Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, and Silhouette. The custom mode lets users manually set the color, brightness and saturation levels and also store their favorite settings. With the Full-time Live View function, users can see how these settings will affect the images before they shoot. The model features new additions to the iA (Intelligent Auto) mode including Intelligent D-range Control for “optimized exposure of an image and Intelligent Resolution for better-balanced sharpness in images for printing at larger sizes”. In all, the camera includes 22 different shooting modes for creative shooting options.

When shooting video, users can choose from ten different modes. The model can record full HD 1920 x 1080 videos in 60i. The camera also supports “1080/24p native mode at 24 Mbps richly expressive video”. Other video features in the LUMIX GH2 include Cinema mode; HDMI output; Variable Movie mode (enabling video recording in variable frame rates – 80, 160, 200 and 300 percent); Touch auto focus (AF); Still photos at (16:9), which means you can instantly take a 14MP photo even while recording videos and also save a frame of video as a photo during playback. With Dolby Digital Stereo Creator and optional accessory Stereo Microphone (DMW-MS1), you can also record high-quality sound.

The LUMIX GH2 features intuitive touch-control operation, and combines a free-angle Intelligent LCD with the newly developed Multi Aspect Wide Screen LVF (Live View Finder) for more comfortable shooting from any angle. Software bundled with the LUMIX GH2 includes PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.0 BD Edition to easily organize photos and movies; SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.1 SE for RAW file development; and Super LoiloScope (trial version) for high speed HD movie editing.