Panasonic GH4 – shoots 4K, 10bit via XLR/SDI unit, mind: blown

NewsCameras

by Nino LeitnerFebruary 7^th, 2014

Full Press text from Panasonic below!

 Panasonic LUMIX GH4: Incredible Photos… Breathtaking 4K Cinematic Video

Key Bullet Points: 

–      Professional photo performance with exceptional moiré suppression.

–      4K 24p cinematic video (4096×2160), plus 4K 3840×2160 30p/24p.

–      High speed 49 area auto focusing in photo or video, perfect for hybrid photography.

–      Durable magnesium alloy body and exceptional shutter life meets the demands of professional use.

SHORT DESCRIPTION

The LUMIX GH4 builds on the legacy of the renowned LUMIX GH3s image quality and world class video capabilities. Now supporting 4K quality video, the Panasonic LUMIX GH4 allows photographers and cinematographers to explore above and beyond with in camera creative options and astonishing focus control that sets the new standard for mirrorless hybrid photography. 

When combined with one of the many LUMIX G Lenses or movie industry PL mount* cine lenses, the LUMIX GH4 provides the ultimate platform for video.  Photographers will enjoy the controls and image quality expected of a professional grade main system camera for still and hybrid photography. Both will enjoy the durability and lightweight portability that a modern mirrorless DSLM digital camera offers over legacy DSLR systems.

* Requires 3rd party PL Mount Adapter Not Included. 

16.05 Megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor

The 16.05-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor achieves high quality, high sensitivity image recording with its quick response. An approximately 50% higher speed signal readout suppresses the effect of a rolling shutter when using electronic shutter or recording video. The Live MOS Sensor delivers an expanded gradation range by a maximum1/3 step at low ISOs. Superior noise reduction allows for exposures up to 60 minutes long.

Wi-Fi with NFC Technology

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH4 integrates Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. With the Panasonic Image App, remote photo and video shooting is available with a compatible smartphone or tablet, and can easily add embed geotag data in an image after shooting. Even if a smartphone / tablet is incompatible with NFC, you can still be easily connect to the camera by scanning the QR code displayed on the GH4’s monitor from your mobile device.. 

VFR (Variable Frame Rate) Time Lapse Shot / Stop Motion Animation

The VFR (Variable Frame Rate) enables Full-HD video recording with slow/fast motion* such as 96 fps / 4x**.

Time Lapse Shot and Stop Motion Animation produce a stop motion (stop frame) video with sequential pictures. Both are created in-camera without any postproduction process.

* See specifications for more effect options ** In 24p playback

Selectable System Frequency

For the global business and professional user, the system frequency is flexible from 59.94Hz (23.98Hz) / 50.00Hz / 24.00Hz. 

Superb Mobility & High-Speed Response

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH4 delivers superb mobility and high-speed response. The high-precision Contrast AF integrates DFD (Depth from Defocus) technology to achieve ultra high speed AF of approximately 0.07 sec*. The burst shooting power is boosted to 12 fps (AFS), and both 2,359K-dot LVF (Live View Finder) and 1,036K-dot rear monitor adopt OLED to minimize time lag while enhancing the resolution.
*In AFS, with H-FS14140 or H-HS12035 

Superb Picture Quality for Lifelike Textures

The Panasonic LUMIX GH4’s Venus Engine image processor is equipped with a quad-core CPU that delivers high speed signal processing. Combined with the Digital Live MOS Sensor, you’ll enjoy dramatically improved sensitivity (maximum ISO 25600), gradation performance, resolution, and color reproduction while achieving exceptional picture quality with a natural look and feel that LUMIX is famous for.

Electronic Shutter & Silent Mode

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH4 boasts an electronic shutter. The high-speed signal readout from the Live MOS Sensor minimizes rolling shutter effect. The Silent mode switches the shutter from mechanical to electronic and turns off sounds, while suppressing the AF assist lamp and flash with just a single setting for special shooting occasions.

High Performance Professional Shutter

The shutter unit boasts professional graded added durability delivering approximately 200,000 release times*. You’ll be empowered with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 second, not only for capturing spur-of-the-moment fast moving subjects, but also using a high-speed lens with an open aperture even in outdoors to achieve the desired defocus effect. Both the built-in and external flash can be synchronized with a maximum 1/250 second shutter speed.
*Panasonic in-house examination

Reliable Durability

Tough enough to withstand even heavy field use, the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH4 is composed of a magnesium alloy full die cast front / rear frame. It also features splash** / dustproof construction with sealing on every joint, dial, and button. The shutter unit is designed for durability and delivers approximately 200,000 release times*.

*  Panasonic in-house examination

** Splash Proof is a term used to describe an extra level of protection this camera offers against exposure to a minimal amount of moisture, water or dust. Splash Proof does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this camera is subjected to direct contact with water. In order to minimize the possibility of damage please be sure the following precautions are taken:

–      The Splash Proof feature works in conjunction with the H-HS12035 and H-HS35100 lenses that were specifically designed to support this feature.

–      Make sure the built-in flash is closed.

–      Make sure that all doors, socket caps and terminal covers are securely closed.

–      Make sure that you are in a dry and secure place when changing the battery, lens or memory card. After changing, make sure their protective doors are securely closed.

–      If this camera is exposed to water, sand or any other foreign material clean it as soon as possible, taking the necessary precautions that the foreign substance does not get inside the camera.

–      Under no circumstances should you touch or place any foreign objects within the camera or in close proximity of the camera’s image sensor.

–      See user manuals “Care of this Camera” section for other care issues including Condensation

49-Area AF/ Custom Multi AF

Focus point is increased from 23 points in the LUMIX GH3 to 49 points in the LUMIX GH4 for more flexibility in your composition. Custom Multi mode extends that flexibility even more with the ability to freely select the blocks to focus out of the 49 focusing areas.

Real-Time Output with HDMI

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH4 is capable of real-time image output (4:2:2 / 8 bit or 4:2:2 / 10 bit) to the external monitor via an optional micro HDMI cable*. This is perfect for professional video making that requires serious monitoring. Choose to output only the recording content, or the content with the setting menus individually, depending on the display.

*When using 4:2:2 / 8-bit output, video is recorded in 4:2:0 / 8-bit on SDXC/SDHC Memory Card in the camera.

In-Camera RAW Data Development

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH4 delivers RAW images in-camera. The color space setting (sRGB / AdobeRGB), white balance, exposure compensation, contrast, highlight / shadow, saturation, noise reduction, and sharpness or hue can be flexibly adjusted while LUMIX’ s Photo Style, Intelligent D-Range Control, and Intelligent Resolution can also be applied.

Photo Style

You can choose color or texture type for photos and videos from Standard / Vivid / Natural / Monochrome / Scenery / Portrait. Contrast, sharpness, noise reduction, saturation, and hue parameter for each mode can be adjusted and even set into the camera’s memory. 

Professional Video Functions

Time Code

SMPTE-compliant Time Code in Rec Run or Free Run makes it easy to synchronize multiple videos or sound sources in the postproduction process.

Color Bars & 1KHz Test Tone

Color Bars (SMPTE / EBU / ARIB Standard) are used as a benchmark for fixing color or brightness. 1KHz Test Tone is used as a benchmark for fixing sound or volume.

Center Marker

Center Marker works as a guide mark for video image composition. Simply display it at the center of the viewing angle.

Synchro Scan

Use Synchro Scan to suppress flicker over the TV / PC monitor, or when shooting under fluorescent lights.

Cinelike Gamma

“CINELIKE D” and “CINELIKE V” create a cinema-like tone to expand your creativity.

Master Pedestal

Use Master Pedestal to adjust the brightness balance ±15 steps based on the color black.

Zebra Pattern

Determine overexposed areas with the Zebra Pattern before or during shooting. This pattern can even be output to the external monitor too.

Pro Quality Video Creation

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH4 continues to evolve delivering professional quality video. Take advantage of 4K (Cinema 4K: 4096×2160 / 24 fps and QFHD 4K: 3840×2160 / up to 30 fps) video recording in MOV/MP4, or ultra high bitrate video recording at 200 Mbps (ALL-Intra) or 100 Mbps (IPB) without a recording time limit.*1 *2 Discover a variety of high-end functions for professional video recording.

*1 Videos can be recorded up to 29 min 59 sec depending on the recording format and the camera’s sales area.

*2 Use SDXC/SDHC Memory Cards compatible with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) when using high bitrate video recording mode over 100 Mbps. 

Focus Peaking

Focus Peaking shows the peak of focus in MF and AF+MF mode. Users can see the peak of focus while monitoring the subject in live view. Focus Peaking is also available in remote photo / video shooting with a smartphone or tablet via Wi-Fi.

Highlight / Shadow Control

Highlight and shadow can be separately adjusted with the front or rear dial. Three patterns of settings can be customized in addition to 3 preset patterns.

Dual OLED Displays – LVF & Monitor

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH4 boasts high-precision, high-speed dual OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) displays for 2,359K-dot LVF (Live View Finder) of approximately 1.34x / 0.67x*, and 3.0-inch 1,036K-dot free-angle rear monitor. These superior displays achieve high-speed response with minimum time lag while enhancing resolution. The OLED for the LVF boasts 10,000:1 high contrast for superior color reproduction.

*35mm camera equivalent

Venus Engine Advanced Image Processor

The Venus Engine image processor dramatically boosts performance with a quad-core CPU, enabling high-speed signal processing required for rich video recording such as 4K. Integrating superior noise reduction systems, DMC-GH4 successfully shoots at a maximum ISO 25600. Sensitivity, gradation performance, resolution, and color reproduction are dramatically improved to achieve even higher picture quality. 

Magnesium Alloy Body & Rugged Design

Tough enough to withstand even heavy field use, the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH4 is composed of a magnesium alloy full die cast front / rear frame. It also features splash* / dustproof construction with sealing on every joint, dial, and button.

Professional 4K Video Interface Unit (Optional)

The Interface Unit (AG-YAGHG)* is offered exclusively for professional / industrial workflows enabling more powerful video transmission. It complies with Full HD (4:2:2 / 10 bit) four parallel output, or 4K (4:2:2 / 10bit) output, both with time code**. The 2ch XLR input terminals are equipped for a line or condenser microphone. Left / Right microphone volume can be controlled separately, and complies with 12V DC IN.

*See details of DMC-YAGH on this site

** When using 4:2:2/10-bit output, simultaneous video recording on SDXC/SDHC Memory Card in-camera is not possible.

4K Video Recording with Simultaneous 8.8 MP Photo Capture*1

One of the most prominent features of Panasonic LUMIX GH4 is unlimited*2 4K video recording in both Cinema 4K: 4096×2160 / 24 fps, and QFHD 4K: 3840×2160 / up to 30 fps in MOV/MP4*3. Print ready high resolution 8.8 megapixel still frames can be recorded during video capture, making future proofed Hybrid Photography a reality for any photographer. [4096×2160 – 8.847MP during Cine 4K].

*1 For a DSLM (Digital Single Lens Mirrorless) as of Feb 7, 2014

*2 Videos can be recorded up to 29 min 59 sec depending on the recording format and the camera’s sales area.

*3 Use SDXC/SDHC Memory Cards compatible with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) when using high bitrate video recording mode over 100 Mbps.

Face / Eye Detection AF

In addition to the conventional Face Recognition AF, the DMC-GH4 incorporates Face / Eye Detection AF which automatically sets focus right on the face or on the eye within the face.

Seamless Magnification of 1-Area Focus Point

The 1-Area AF section can be seamlessly magnified not only in manual focus but also in auto focus mode.

Terminals for Expanded Connectivity

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH4 comes with a variety of connection terminals including the 3.5mm microphone and 3.5mm headphone jacks. Take advantage of real-time image output on the external monitor via an optional HDMI micro cable while simultaneously recording video. AV outputs, flash sync terminal, and 2.5mm jack for remote controller are also available. The GH4 complies with the SDXC / SDHC Memory Card UHS Speed Class 3 (U3).

Expandability for Extreme Flexibility

The expansive flexibility of Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH4 goes far beyond the limits of conventional Digital Single Lens Mirrorless cameras. The GH4 incorporates Wi-Fi with NFC Technology and in-camera RAW shooting. Expand your shooting options with an External Flash (DMW-FL580L), Stereo/Shotgun Microphone (DMW-MS2), or Battery Grip (DMW-BGGH3) for professional photography and videography.

Optimum Layout of Controls

For quick, intuitive control, 3 dials are equipped on the top and back of the camera, and the main dial is equipped with a lock structure. A dedicated button allows direct reach to exposure compensation, white balance adjustment, or ISO setting. A maximum of 5 settings can be assigned to the Fn button. These external components are designed for ease of use without taking your eyes off the viewfinder.

High-Speed Burst Shooting

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH4 boasts high-speed burst shooting at 12 fps (AFS) with up to approximately 40 (including RAW) / approximately 100 (excluding RAW) recordable images, and 7.5 fps (AFC) to capture fast moving subjects in clear focus. Together with the quick start-up and short release time lag, the DMC-GH4 never lets you miss a shooting opportunity.

Contrast AF with DFD Technology

The advanced Contrast AF system with DFD (Depth from Defocus) technology shortens the time to focus. The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH4 determines the distance to the subject by evaluating 2 images with different depth of field, while consulting the data of optical characteristics by using the lens, all within a moment. As a result, ultra high-speed AF of approximately 0.07 sec* is achieved.

*In AFS, with H-FS14140 or H-HS12035

Versatile Video Recording Formats

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH4 is capable of ultra high bitrate video recording at 200 Mbps (ALL-Intra) or 100 Mbps (IPB), with no recording time limit*1 *2. Freely choose the format from MOV, MP4, AVCHD Progressive, and AVCHD at a variety of frame rates. In MP4 / MOV, high quality sound in LPCM (Linear Pulse Code Modulation) is recordable.

*1 Video can be recorded up to 29 min 59 sec depending on the recording format and the camera’s sales area.

*2 Use SDXC/SDHC Memory Card compatible with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) when using high bitrate video recording mode over 100 Mbps.