Panasonic G7: 4K Video for $800

NewsCameras

by Kevin AlexanderMay 19^th, 2015

Today Panasonic announced a new camera, and it’s a bombshell. The Panasonic G7, like its big brother the GH4, shoots 4K video… at a whopping introductory price of $800.

But just how does the G7 compare to the GH4? Well, besides the ability to record 4K there are some similarities. Both are Micro Four Thirds cameras. Both have an ISO range of 200 – 25600 (Extended range is 100 – 25600). And both use SD, SDHC, or SDXC memory cards. But for half the price it’s obvious that the G7 won’t have all of the features of the GH4:

Panasonic G7 vs GH4

• 4K Video: The G7 will not record DCI 4K (4096 x 2160). It can handle UltraHD (3840 x 2160) up to 30fps (100Mbps).
• File Formats: No .MOV recording. The G7 only records to MP4 and AVCHD.
• Video System: PAL or NTSC recording (region restricted. Not a world camera)
• Bit Rates: 100 Mbps max bit rate. The GH4 can record up to 200 Mbps on some file formats
• Video Clip Length: 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds is the max recording time. The GH4 can record for up to 220 minutes.
• Shutter: The G7 is a mirrorless camera and features an electronic shutter for silent recording. It also has a mechanical shutter like DSLR’s.
• Other Video Features: The G7 does have Cinelike D and V picture styles like the GH4, but does not have other professional features like timecode, colour bars, audio tones, zebras or headphone jack.

There are a couple of other features about the G7 worth noting. It weighs 14.64 oz, has an OLED viewfinder, a flip out 3 inch LCD screen, an internal mic and external mic input, and a 4K burst photo mode that can shoot 8 MP stills at 30 fps for up to 29 min. 59 sec.

This camera lacks some of the features that makes the GH4 so attractive. But it’s still an amazing camera, especially when you consider the price point. The G7 with 14-42mm lens (35mm equivalent: 28-84mm) will sell at roughly $800. Another kit with a 14-140mm lens (28-280mm) will sell for around $1100.

So, a 4K video camera that weighs less than 1 pound and costs less than $1000. This looks to be a great option for those looking to buy their first camera, but also a good B camera for those already shooting on the GH4.

The camera is expected to ship at the end of June. For now, check out this video shot on the G7:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=79&v=fZllpp_y8Is

Specs

• Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
• Pixels: 16 MP
• File Formats: MP4, AVCHD
• Memory Cards: SD, SDHC, SDXC
• Video System: NTSC or PAL (region restricted)
• Video Format (for NTSC region):
  • UltraHD
    MP4
    3840 x 2160p / 30 fps (100 Mbps)
    3840 x 2160p / 24 fps (100 Mbps)
    High Definition
    MP4
    1920 x 1080p / 60 fps (28 Mbps)
    1920 x 1080p / 30 fps (20 Mbps)
    High Definition
    MP4
    1280 x 720p / 30 fps (10 Mbps)
    Standard Definition
    MP4
    640 x 480p / 30 fps (4 Mbps)
    High Definition
    AVCHD
    1920 x 1080p / 60 fps (28 Mbps)
    1920 x 1080p / 30 fps (24 Mbps)
    1920 x 1080p / 24 fps (24 Mbps)
    High Definition
    AVCHD
    1920 x 1080i / 60 fps (17 Mbps)
• Video Clip Length: Up to 29 Minutes 59 Seconds
• Audio Recording: Built-in Mic, Optional External Mic
• Display Screen: 3″ LCD Touchscreen Swivel
• ISO: Auto, 200-25600 (Extended Mode: 100-25600)
• Weight: 14.64 oz