Panasonic has announced a new compact system camera capable of 4K video recording.
The DMC-G7 is a Micro Four Thirds, mirrorless system camera, and sits between Panasonic’s GH4 and its fixed lens LX100 in its 4K camera range. The G7 is both lightweight and compact, measuring 125x87cm and weighing just 410g, which should help it appeal to travel and documentary photographers, as well as video producers looking for a second camera body.
The G7 does do away with some of the higher-end specs of the GH4: the maximum recording resolution, for example, is UHD (3840×2160), at a bitrate of 100mbps, rather than cinema 4K. Files are recorded in the MP4 format, with AVCHD as an option for 4K. In MP4, the G7 can record at 60 or 50fps, but misses the more advanced slo-mo options of the GH4, as well as the latter’s higher bitrates for broadcast video.
At the same time, though, Panasonic has implemented some of the more attractive options from the GH4. Like the GH4, the G7 can record video in both Cinelike D and Cinelike V — unlike the LX100, which only offers Cinelike V footage. In addition, the G7 supports Panasonic’s 4K photo modes.
The G7 is capable of 4K video out over HDMI, and includes both a 2.5mm remote jack and a 3.5mm socket for an external microphone. This restores a feature missing off Panasonic’s more recent G-series cameras, and makes them far more useful as a film-making tool.
In video mode, the camera supports aperture and shutter priority as well as full manual mode. The camera display includes peaking, highlights and zebras, and the live view screen can zoom in 2x or 4x for focusing.
The camera itself is based around a 16MP Live MOS sensor, with an ISO between 100ASA and 25600 ASA (6400 ASA for video recording). The camera’s EVF displays 2360 pixels and the rear screen is a tilting, 3-inch TFT with touch control. The G7’s autofocus is contrast detection with the same depth to defocus system as the GH4.
The G7 will ship initially as a kit, or with the company’s 14-42mm or 14-140mm zoom lens options, or body only. Prices start at £599 and sales start mid-June.
