The camera has many technical strengths:
- Video image quality -- latest generation image processing improves quality and low light perfomance -- usable, relatively noise-free video up to ISO 3200
- Four manual audio gain settings -- with on-screen stereo audio metering
- Mirrorless design, which: 1) allows for compact size and light weight; 2) may last longer -- mirrored shutters wear out 3) allows dozens of different lens mounts to be adapted to the camera
- Touchscreen control of many menu functions -- to include touchscreen "rack focus" and touchscreen shutter control
- A usable Electronic View Finder (EVF) -- a useful tool for focusing in bright sunlight
- Live HDMI out in record mode
- Built in Extended Tele Converter, doubling the effective focal length of your lenses, with no light loss and little image degradation

But the camera does have a few challenges. The first is the 2.5mm external microphone input. Most external mics will have 3.5mm (1/8") jacks. Adapters are easily found, but this is an unnecessary annoyance. Also, the omission of the AC adapter (included with the predecessor camera, the GH1) feels like cheap corner-cutting. That said, those aren't many gripes for a device this complicated.

Panasonic gets it right with its second mirrorless prosumer still/video hybrid camera. The GH2 is both a very good still camera, and a class-leading video camera. Addressing its predecessor's video image quality challenges, the GH2 hits the sweet spot for price/performance in its category. You should buy this camera if you want to take high quality pictures or videos and want a choice between point-and-shoot ease of use or pro-level creative control -- all in the same camera. It is the "Swiss Army Knife" of interchangeable lens cameras.

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Canon T2i/550D