lumix GH3 test

LUMIX GH3 Camera Review

Introduction

Recently, I needed to film a podcast, so I started looking for an affordable camera. I came across the Lumix GH3 — a system I hadn’t used before since I usually work with Nikon and Canon. I also like Blackmagic cameras, especially for their stability in long shoots, but today we’re focusing on the Lumix.
Background of the Purchase
I found a listing on Marketplace for a GH3 for $120 — it was being sold by a student, and it only came with a battery. I bought a charger separately on Amazon for $13. I chose the TTartisan 35mm f1.4 APS-C lens — it’s fast, manual, and suitable for the Micro 4/3 format.
First Impressions
My initial tests outdoors showed that the image quality is interesting. The focus is entirely manual, which isn’t always convenient. The grip isn’t perfect either, especially since there’s no eye cup, which lets stray light in and makes it hard to see through the viewfinder. However, the 4:3 aspect ratio is convenient for Instagram posts.
Lens and Features
The lens turned out to be interesting: compact, fast, but only with manual focus. The equivalent focal length is 70mm, which makes it great for portraits but not for dynamic scenes. There’s no autofocus, which can be a dealbreaker in certain situations.
Shooting Experience
The camera is from 2013, but it records FullHD at a bitrate of 70 Mbps, which is close in quality to my Canon R6. The video looks good, especially with proper lighting. However, there is no stabilization, so shooting handheld without a gimbal can be uncomfortable. Focusing on the screen can also be tricky.
Interface and Usability
The body has five programmable buttons. I set them up for quick access to changing the frame aspect ratio, disabling the interface, and switching picture profiles. This is quite convenient. The screen is flip-out, and the electronic viewfinder works, though it’s outdated by today’s standards.
Photo and Video Quality
The photo and video quality is impressive. FullHD files come out quite detailed with a high bitrate. I haven’t noticed the camera overheating; it runs stable. However, the display is not the sharpest, which affects focusing accuracy.
Who is GH3 Suitable For?
The GH3 is perfect for those who shoot static images and are okay with the lack of autofocus. It’s an excellent choice for nature photography, portraits, tripod-based shots, and even podcast recordings. It also works well for studio work.
Pros:

• Affordable price
• Good video quality
• Convenient settings
• Compact design

Cons:

• No autofocus
• Weak stabilization
• Outdated screen and viewfinder
• No charger included

Conclusion and Recommendations
The camera pleasantly surprised me. I got it to test the GH series, and I don’t regret it. Despite its age, the GH3 is a great budget tool for both video and photo. It’s especially well-suited for bloggers, podcasters, and those working in controlled environments.