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GH3 redesigned for workhorse operation (pictures)

Bigger, more durable, and with streamlined controls, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 feels like an almost completely different camera from the GH2.

Lori Grunin
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Lori Grunin
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1 of 8 Lori Grunin/CNET

Redesigned for more streamlined operation

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 has the same basic shape as the GH2, but Panasonic has drastically changed the location of some of the controls.
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2 of 8 Lori Grunin/CNET

Cleaner top layout

The drive mode switch has been moved to the left shoulder, replaced with dSLR-like buttons for ISO, WB, and exposure compensation, as well as a customizable function button.
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3 of 8 Lori Grunin/CNET

Top controls

Another look at them.
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4 of 8 Lori Grunin/CNET

Drive mode dial

The drive mode dial sits where the focus-area and -mode controls used to be. There's another programming function button to the left of the viewfinder.
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5 of 8 Lori Grunin/CNET

Focus modes

Now focus modes get a big thumb-operated switch on the back. Panasonic also moved the record button to a friendlier spot.
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6 of 8 Lori Grunin/CNET

Everything's programmable

You can remap almost all the dedicated buttons if you want.
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7 of 8 Lori Grunin/CNET

Connectors

Panasonic added a headphone jack to the list of connectors.
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8 of 8 Lori Grunin/CNET

More codec options

To support modes beyond what's allowed by AVCHD, Panasonic added more H.264 codec options. My favorite is Dummy. (This was a very preproduction model.)

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