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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

Sept. 17, 2012 4:00 a.m. PT

Lori Grunin

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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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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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Top controls

Another look at them.

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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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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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Everything's programmable

You can remap almost all the dedicated buttons if you want.

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Connectors

Panasonic added a headphone jack to the list of connectors.

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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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