Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3

The Lumix DMC-GH3 is a mirrorless camera from 2012 built around the Micro Four Thirds system, which gives it access to a wide range of compact lenses. At 550 g and 133 x 93 x 82 mm, it stays manageable on handheld shoots.

With Full HD video recording and an electronic viewfinder, it suits photographers and casual filmmakers who want one body for both stills and video. The flipping touchscreen makes framing flexible at eye level or down low.

Weather sealing adds confidence for shooting outdoors, though it is not a waterproof guarantee. As a 2012 model, its specifications date from that era, so it suits buyers who prioritise the lens system and light weight over headline numbers.

The GH3 pairs its 16.05 megapixel Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor with the Venus Engine VII FHD processor. Resolution is modest, which keeps files small rather than serving heavy cropping.

Its maximum 20 fps burst rate is quick enough for brief action sequences, though the fastest speed is a peak figure rather than a promise of sustained shooting. Autofocus uses 23 points, and sensitivity runs from ISO 200 up to 12800 for dim conditions.

There is no in-body stabilisation, so steady handheld results benefit from stabilised lenses, faster shutter speeds or other support. The 1/4000 second maximum shutter speed can also limit wide apertures in bright light.

Framing goes through a 1,744,000-dot electronic viewfinder. The Optics score of 50 reflects a modest specification, and this sits in the lower range of cameras in our database for Optics.

The GH3 records up to Full HD video, with frame rates reaching 60 fps for smooth motion. There is no 4K option, so anyone needing higher resolution for cropping or large screens should look elsewhere.

Recordings are saved as MOV or MPEG files, so check that your intended editing setup accepts them.

A built-in timelapse function lets you create motion sequences without attaching an external intervalometer or remote control. That makes the camera convenient for landscape and travel work where you want to set a sequence and step back.

The Video score of 70 is good, reflecting frame-rate flexibility and the built-in timelapse feature. Pair it with the flip screen for solo filming, since you can check your own framing while recording.

A 3-inch OLED touchscreen with 614,000 dots handles menus and settings by touch. The screen flips out from the body, which helps when you shoot from the hip, hold the camera overhead, or film yourself.

Weather sealing protects against dust and moisture, so changeable outdoor conditions need less planning. Treat it as resistance rather than a licence for heavy rain or immersion.

Wi-Fi is built in for wireless connection, but there is no Bluetooth and no GPS, so geotagging requires a phone or other external method.

Both a built-in flash and an external flash connection are present, giving you a simple fill option plus room to grow with a stronger unit. Live view rounds out the handling package. The Features score of 65 is good, held back by missing Bluetooth and the screen's dot count.

Storage runs on SD, SDHC and SDXC cards in a single slot. One slot keeps the body simpler, but it means no overflow capacity or in-camera backup during important shoots, so carry spare cards.

The 1600 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated for 540 shots, though the measurement conditions are not specified. Treat the figure as a rating rather than a field guarantee, and plan charging intervals around your actual shooting style.

USB charging is not supported, so the battery must come out and go in a dedicated charger. Owners will want at least one spare battery for long days or travel.

The Storage & Battery score of 27 is limited, reflecting the single card slot, the absence of USB charging and a moderate battery rating. For most shoots the practical fix is simple: pack a second battery and extra cards.