Less than a week after discontinuing the GH6, Panasonic announced the next-generation GH7.
The newcomer features the same 25.2 MP micro four-thirds Live CMOS image sensor as its predecessor but comes with improvements in dynamic range, offering 13+ stops.
It also introduces Panasonic’s new Phase Hybrid Auto-Focus for enhanced subject tracking in low-light scenarios.
Image Credit – Panasonic USA
The GH7’s Live CMOS sensor incorporates DR Boost, which combines high-gain and low-gain images to capture more information in both highlight and shadow, extending the camera’s dynamic range by 1-2 extra stops.
This enhancement also expands the minimum ISO from 250-2000 in V-Log without adding more grain to the image in brighter scenes.
In addition to DR Boost, the GH7 introduces Phase Hybrid Auto-Focus, which provides more robust and reliable focusing in low-light situations.
This, combined with Panasonic’s existing contrast-based depth-from-defocus system, improves focusing in harshly lit environments and enhances detail retention, especially in backlit situations, while tracking moving subjects.
The camera can maintain focus on human and animal subjects, as well as objects like planes, trains, and automobiles, and the addition of the Target Parts setting allows the camera operator to specify a specific part of the subject to focus on.
The GH7 has also improved its Active Image Stabilization technology, now offering up to 7.5 stops of five-axis in-body image stabilization, or dual IS when using compatible lenses.
The electronic image stabilization mode can also correct perspective distortion while cropping the image, providing a more stabilized image, especially at longer focal lengths or slower shutter speeds.
Image Credit – Panasonic USA
Panasonic has expanded recording options, introducing internal 4:2:2 10-bit C4K color at up to 60 fps, plus options for 4:2:0 10-bit 5.7K up to 60p, 4:2:0 10-bit HFR 4K up to 120p, and VFR FHD up to 300p.
The GH7 can also record ProRes RAW and RAW HQ internally at up to 60 fps in C4K, or 30 fps in 5.7K when using a CFExpress Type B memory card or an external SSD. Moreover, the addition of an efficient and quiet cooling fan allows for unlimited recording times, making the GH7 suitable for extended video recording such as interviews.
Image Credit – Panasonic USA
In a future paid update, users will be able to opt for recording in ARRI Log 3 to match with higher-end ARRI cameras in post-production.
However, this feature will support 10-bit recording modes for ProRes 422 and All-Intra but does not support ProRes RAW. This makes the GH7 an excellent choice as a B or C camera when a more expensive ARRI cinema camera isn’t feasible.
For live streaming, the GH7 supports RTMP or RTMPS protocols for wireless streaming to the web when used through the Panasonic Lumix Sync App. Alternatively, users can tether the camera to a smartphone via USB or a wired LAN cable for a more stable connection.
The GH7 is also Camera-to-Cloud compliant through Frame.io, enabling automatic uploading of proxy files of video or photos at bit rates ranging from 4-16 Mbps. Additionally, the camera offers options for 3:2 Open Gate recording, Anamorphic Desqueeze, and real-time LUT options through the Lumix Lab app.
Image Credit – Panasonic USA
Accompanying the GH7, Panasonic is releasing the DMW-XLR2 Microphone Adapter, offering four-channel 32-bit float audio recording directly into the camera, automatically synced to original camera files.
The 32-bit float audio provides expanded dynamic range and the capability to adjust microphone gain during editing.
The microphone adapter features a shotgun-style microphone holder, two full-size XLR inputs, a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack, and a cold shoe mount for wireless receivers.
Pricing and availability
The Panasonic Lumix GH7 will be available from Panasonic USA and its authorized retailers starting in late July 2024 at a retail price of $2199 (body only). The DMW-XLR2 Microphone Adapter will be available for $497.99.
[source: Panasonic USA]
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