Panasonic DMW-BGGH3 Battery Grip for Lumix GH3 Cameras

I had been used to a Nikon D200 with a MB-200 grip so purchasing this was to help get my GH3 to function much like the old D200. Upon arrival of this grip, I immediately put it to use so I could compare how it worked.Sadly, unlike the grip on the D200, this grip doesn't hold both batteries. It only holds one battery while one still goes into the camera body. Then I noticed the on and off switch. Really? The added switch told me something right away. It means the battery of the grip operates separate of the camera battery so if camera body battery dies, then power will not come from the grip unless you swap the batteries.The switch also means another thing to worry about turning on and off. If left off, the functions of the buttons on the grip will not work. Turning the switch on powers the buttons. So, you need to know when you are going to need the grip buttons and prepare to flip the switch or if you leave it it on, it is likely to have a dead battery when you need it most.The other downside to this grip is the fit. When dialed in to lock it in place, it still has a very small fraction of space between the grip and body that allows the grip to shift just a slight tad when held in different positions.The grip has a connector that requires the removal of a rubber plug on the camera body. The rubber plug is another one of the small items that is easy to loose when on the road since it is not secured to the camera.Overall, the grip works and does what it suppose to. I prefer to have it mounted at all times just because it makes the smaller camera even easier to grab and rotate. I do wish it functioned and fit more like the grip on the Nikon where it shared the dual battery setup, had a tighter fit and didn't need the separate on and off button.

The battery grip works as should and adds around 13 ounces (with battery) to the camera. It does make it look more "professional." However it gets 4 stars because it is obviously overpriced (not just on amazon), once you see and feel it for yourself, and has an off center tripod mount. It consists mostly of a plastic shell with rubberized grips with a nice addition of button and dial wheels/shutter button. As other reviewer(s) have mentioned, it tightens well to the camera, but may have some give near the front by the new shutter button. The tripod mount is approx. 1 inch and change off center to the right of the lens center. This might cause problems with rig alignments or panning on tripods. I like the grip, just not the price and mount issue. I purchased the authentic Panasonic version for the extra cash only because I did not trust receiving a second hand version, such as on ebay for $90 less. My price was $170 on amazon.Update 3/10/14:After two months, three things bug me about this product:1) The placeholders for the two covers of the metal contacts (one white plastic and one black rubber) do not have a snug fit. The covers constantly fall out when disconnecting the battery grip from the camera. I have just lost the black rubber cover because of this.2) Even after hand tightening the screw wheel as much as I'm willing to, it does not have the snuggest fit to the camera. There is still a small amount of give, or wiggle that annoys me sometimes.3) Still wish the product was at least $50 cheaper for new buyers. Not the $170 I paid.

The GH3 is a fantastic cam, and I was excited that Panasonic released a grip for it. I shoot lots of timelapse and video, so the extra battery time is great. I don't have an issue with the tripod mount as I don't use any type of rig, and seldom shoot video handheld.Holding the camera with the grip in landscape mode feels great, with nice balance and good ergonomics. You even get another programmable function button. Portrait mode is another story. If you use the grip in portrait mode and shoot by framing with the LCD it is OK, but if you want to frame with the EVF it is very awkward. Your shooting hand is too high, and the grip doesn't feel comfortable at all, especially if you want to use the buttons for WB, ISO, and Exposure Compensation. I do have small hands, so this may not be a problem for others.For most of my shooting the grip is going to be very useful, but I doubt I actually shoot many handheld photos in portrait mode with it.

I like the battery grip for its build quality and I can hold the GH3 better in my hands, especially shooting in portrait orientation, way more convenient with the additional shutter button. Also very convenient I can turn on or off the additional buttons of the grip to avoid accidental hitting. My only complaint is about the tripod mount which is not centered anymore, one star off for this.

It took me a while to finally cave in and buy this and while I like it a lot the price is hard to swallow considering what you get.Having the second grip option is great so is the second battery(battery not included). The second battery is really nice for traveling. Having the extra feature buttons are nice as well.With that all said the price seem really high for all that and if I wasnt traveling for days at a time it wouldnt have been worth the money.

Anyone thinking about purchasing this battery grip should know and understand that the tripod mount on the underside of the grip is located offset from the optical center (aka it is not aligned with your lens), which is certainly not good for use with a 15mm rail system.

If you want a wider grip on the GH3, this is the only grip available. It's expensive and will allow you to add one extra battery for longer shooting times. One battery still have to remain inside the camera. A big problem with this grip is that it will relocate your Tripod mount to the right side of the camera. It will no longer be centered under the lens which is a problem when using Video Rigs, 15mm Rails, a Follow Focus, Matte Box etc. Nothing will line up properly.Good for photographers, not good for Videographers.