Panasonic presents professional for video Lumix GH7 mirrorless system camera
It comes with 25 megapixels, ProRes Raw and optional 32-bit audio. The Lumix GH7 aims to score points with professional video functions and minimal setup.
The Panasonic Lumix GH7 is a mirrorless Micro-Four-Thirds camera with a strong focus on professional video recording.
(Image: Panasonic)
The latest mirrorless system camera from Panasonic, the Lumix GH7, aims to set new standards – exclusively in the video sector. The manufacturer places particular emphasis on a simple workflow with minimal setup, but maximum possibilities in post-production.
Video and audio
For videographers, the GH7 offers internal recording up to 5.7K 30p in ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes RAW HQ. To ensure that raw video can also be recorded smoothly and up to C4K without a time limit and without an external recorder, it again comes with two card slots. Slot 1 accepts a CFexpress type B card, as with its predecessor, the Lumix GH6. A proxy file can be saved in parallel on an SD card in the second card slot. The same video is recorded in a lower resolution and in a format that is easy for the computer to read, like a MOV file in Full HD.
Videos are possible in different image formats, such as square and 16:9 in portrait and landscape format. Videographers can also continue to record on external SSDs via UBS-C, albeit with restrictions. This is intended to reduce heat development. However, the camera currently only allows SSDs up to a maximum storage size of two terabytes and videos with a maximum of 60 fps. This does not work at all if the optional DMW-BFL19 battery is used.
So that users can control the colors of the videos directly in the camera, the Lumix GH7, like its predecessor, has the option of saving LUTs on the camera. 39 slots are available, and it should also be possible to overlay photo filters and LUTs. Other supporting functions include a waveform monitor, the cut-out display, an enlarged cut-out at the touch of a button or Vector Scope and Luminance Spot Meter.
Videographers can download different LUTs via the Lumix Lab app, similar to the looks for Leica's new SL-3, for example. It should also be possible to create and save your own LUTs on the smartphone. To this end, Panasonic claims to have simplified the pairing between camera and smartphone and optimized the transfer speed and stability.
Audio
The Lumix GH7 also allows audio recordings as 32-bit floats. These offer a very high dynamic range, which can capture both very loud sounds such as explosions and quiet sounds such as a whispering speaker. This means that the sound level does not have to be adjusted live, amplification of quiet recordings is avoided and loud peaks are not cut away. This reduces sources of error and noise. The files also offer excellent possibilities for post-processing.
Compared to 24-bit recordings, they require around 30 percent more storage space. If you want to use the 32-bit float recordings, you will need the optional XLR microphone adapter DMW-XLR2 in addition to the Lumix GH7.
Streaming and cloud
If the camera is connected to the Internet (via WLAN or USB tethering), photo files in JPEG and raw as well as proxy videos can be shared directly on Adobe's frame.io. This is designed to optimize teamwork.
Streaming can also be used via Wi-Fi or wired via USB-C. The camera is connected to the smartphone or laptop. 4K video in up to 60 fps and with H.265 are possible.
Further technical functions
Panasonic uses an AI-trained phase hybrid autofocus in the new GH7. It is designed to detect animals and people separately, as well as several people within a group, such as at a soccer match. The AF is also designed to reliably track vehicles and drivers. For these faster functions, a new 25-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor is installed in the Panasonic body. What remains is the sensor format as Micro-Four-Thirds.
As before, the image stabilizer works on five axes and is designed to compensate for 7.5 exposure levels. For video, the camera also comes with a number of options, including Active I.S. for more pronounced camera shake, for example when walking with the camera in your hand, or E.I.S., which is designed to compensate for perspective distortion during recording.
The flip and swivel display can also be folded forwards when the side connections are used for a recorder via HDMI, for example. Panasonic has come up with a special mechanism for this. Naturally, the Lumix GH7 will again feature dust and splash protection.
Prices and availability
The Lumix GH7 will be available in various kit versions from July 2024. The camera body will be available for €2,199, the kit with the 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH. lens for €2,399 and with the Leica 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH. for €2,799.
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