Video capture
The menu for the frame rate function (above left), and the available formats and frame rates when using 1080p capture
During the launch of the Lumix DMC-GH3, Panasonic outlined how it had responded to video users’ requests and implemented an abundance of changes for the GH2’s successor.
As before, full HD 1080p recording is possible, but here the frame rates are available at 50fps, 30fps, 25fps and 24fps, all with an improved bit rate of 50Mbps. In the All-I mode, broadcast-quality bit rates of 72Mbps are available. Each individual frame is compressed, and a frame-rate mode has been introduced for slow-motion down to 40% and fast-motion up to 300%.
Connectivity is comprehensive, with a 3.5mm jack, headphone port and synchro terminal. Through the HDMI output, files can directly be outputted to a hard drive rather than onto the memory card, which is handy for long videos.
Videos are still limited to 29mins 59secs. Any longer and legislation forces the device to be officially classed as a video camera, which would affect the cost of the unit to both the manufacturer and the consumer.
