Positioned as a true multimedia camera, capable of utilizing its high-resolution video capabilities for both stills and movies, Panasonic's Lumix DMC-G7 is a mirrorless Micro Four Thirds model characterized by its hybrid sensibilities and versatility in recording media. Succeeding 2013's G6, the G7 adds a wealth of updates to its feature set, most notably the inclusion of 4K UHD video, along with a new 16MP Live MOS sensor, Venus Engine 9 processor, faster burst shooting, 4K Photo modes, and more refined handling. The G7 is a well-rounded option for both photographers and videographers, and even better for those who dabble in both media.
At the heart of the G7 is the 16MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor and Venus Engine 9, which pair to offer sensitivity to ISO 25600, as well as 8 fps shooting with single-shot AF, 6 fps with continuous AF, or 40 fps with an electronic shutter in SH mode. The image processor also contributes to more sophisticated noise reduction, accurate white balance and exposure metering, and diffraction reduction for sharper, clearer appearing imagery.
Beyond stills, the G7's calling card is its inclusion of 4K UHD video (3840 x 2160) with either 30p or 24p frame rates at 100Mbps in the MP4 format. With four times the resolution of full HD video, UHD recording offers increased detail and greater room for editing and post-production work. While 4K is certainly the wave of the future, the G7 also offers a breadth of full HD and HD recording capabilities, including 1080p/60 in the AVCHD format. A built-in stereo microphone can be used during shooting, or an external microphone can also be employed for clearer sound.
The addition of 4K doesn't only benefit the videographer, however, as it also avails a trio of burst modes for high-speed 8MP stills shooting at 30 fps with access to your PASM exposure modes. The 4K Burst mode, like video recording, allows you to shoot at the 30 fps rate for up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds, giving you a plethora of frames to ensure you capture the right moment. For a more refined shooting duration, the 4K Pre-Burst setting will record one second prior and one second after you press the shutter button; giving you a total of 60 frames to choose from for those instances where the critical moment isn't quite so clear. Most closely following the video capabilities is the 4K Burst (S/S) mode, where recording is done as if it were a video, and then during playback you can use the shutter button to mark the chosen frame to have as a single 8MP image.
Paralleling the high-speed shooting is an equally high-speed autofocus system with enhanced low-light performance to -4 EV, DFD, or Depth-From-Defocus. AF technology calculates the distance to your subject and then utilizes color, size, and motion vectors for accurate subject tracking and focusing speeds as little as 0.07 seconds. For the times when control is valued over speed, manual focusing is benefitted by the inclusion of focus peaking, which outlines bright edges of contrast and depth-of-field distances for easier recognition of in-focus objects.
Complementing the wealth of imaging features, the G7 is also distinguished by an updated body design, which includes both front and rear control dials, a main drive wheel for selecting different shooting modes, and six customizable function buttons to be assigned to the functions of your choosing. Beyond the enhanced operability, a new 2.36m-dot OLED Live View Finder has been added, which features a 10,000:1 contrast ratio for brighter, more detailed eye-level monitoring in various lighting conditions. On the back of the body is a 3.0" 1.04m-dot LCD monitor, which features a touchscreen interface for more intuitive use, as well as a vari-angle design for easier viewing from high and low working angles. In addition to the in- and on-camera controls, built-in Wi-Fi also lends an element of control to your linked smartphone or tablet for remote adjustment of different camera settings and wireless image sharing.
The Lumix DMC-G7 is available in black with the Lumix G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. lens, and is also available in black or silver with the Lumix G Vario 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. lens.
| Lumix DMC-G7 | Lumix DMC-G6 | |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Image Sensor | Live MOS (17.3 x 13mm) | Live MOS (17.3 x 13mm) |
| Effective Pixels | 16.84 MP | 18.31 MP |
| Total Pixels | 16 MP | 16.05 MP |
| Maximum Resolution | 4592 x 3448 | 4608 x 3456 |
| Aspect Ratio | 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9 | 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9 |
| Still Image File Format | JPEG, MPO, RAW | JPEG, MPO, RAW |
| Storage Media | SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards; UHS-II compatible | SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards |
| Card Slot | 1x SD card slot | 1x SD card slot |
| Viewfinder Type | OLED Live View Finder, 2.36m-dot | OLED Live View Finder, 1.44m-dot |
| Frame Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Magnification | Approx. 1.4x | Approx. 1.4x |
| Eyepoint | 17.5mm | 17.5mm |
| Diopter Adjustment | +/-4 m | +/-4 m |
| Shutter Type | Focal plane and electronic | Focal plane and electronic |
| Shutter Speed | 60 to 1/4000 sec., bulb (up to 2 min.) 1 to 1/16,000 sec. (electronic shutter) 1/125 to 1/16,000 sec. (motion picture) |
60 to 1/4000 sec., bulb (up to 2 min.) 1/30 to 1/16,000 sec. (motion picture) |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/160 sec. | 1/160 sec. |
| Top Continuous Shooting Rate | 40 fps with electronic shutter 30 fps with 4K Photo modes 8 fps with AF-S 6 fps with AF-C |
40 fps with electronic shutter 7 fps with AF-S 5 fps with AF-C |
| Self-Timer | 10- or 2-sec. delay | 10- or 2-sec. delay |
| Exposure Metering System | 1728-zone multi-pattern sensing system | 1728-zone multi-pattern sensing system |
| Metering Method | Multiple, Center Weighted, Spot | Multiple, Center Weighted, Spot |
| Metering Range | 0 to +18 EV | 0 to +18 EV |
| Exposure Modes | Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Speed Priority, Manual | Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Speed Priority, Manual |
| Exposure Compensation | +/-5 EV in 1/3 steps | +/-5 EV in 1/3 steps |
| Exposure Bracketing | 3, 5, or 7 frames in 1/3, 2/3, or 1 EV steps | 3, 5, or 7 frames in 1/3, 2/3, or 1 EV steps |
| ISO Sensitivity | Auto, ISO 200-25600, Extended to ISO 100 | Auto, ISO 160-12800, Extended to ISO 25600 |
| Autofocus System | Contrast-detection AF with DFD technology | Contrast-detection AF |
| Focus Modes | AF-S (Single), AF-F (Flexible), AF-C (Continuous), Manual Focus | AF-S (Single), AF-F (Flexible), AF-C (Continuous), Manual Focus |
| Autofocus Sensitivity | -4 to + 18 EV | -3 to + 18 EV |
| Built-In Flash | Yes, pop-up; GN: 20.3' / 6.2 m at ISO 100 | Yes, pop-up; GN: 27.2' / 8.3 m at ISO 100 |
| Flash Modes | Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off | Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off |
| Flash Compensation | +/-3 EV | +/-3 EV |
| External Flash Interface | Hot shoe | Hot shoe |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Flash, White Set (1, 2, 3, 4), Color Temperature Setting | Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Flash, White Set (1, 2, 3, 4), Color Temperature Setting |
| Movie Recording | MP4 UHD: 3840 x 2160p/30 fps; 100 Mbps UHD: 3840 x 2160p/24 fps; 100 Mbps FHD: 1920 x 1080p/60 fps; 28 Mbps FHD: 1920 x 1080p/30 fps; 20 Mbps HD: 1280 x 720p/30 fps; 10 Mbps SD: 640 x 480p/30 fps; 4 Mbps AVCHD FHD: 1920 x 1080p/60 fps; 28 Mbps FHD: 1920 x 1080p/30 fps; 24 Mbps FHD: 1920 x 1080p/24 fps; 24 Mbps FHD: 1920 x 1080i/60 fps; 17 Mbps |
MP4 FHD: 1920 x 1080p/60 fps; 28 Mbps FHD: 1920 x 1080p/30 fps; 20 Mbps HD: 1280 x 720p/30 fps; 10 Mbps SD: 640 x 480p/30 fps; 4 Mbps AVCHD FHD: 1920 x 1080p/60 fps; 28 Mbps FHD: 1920 x 1080p/30 fps; 24 Mbps FHD: 1920 x 1080p/24 fps; 24 Mbps FHD: 1920 x 1080i/60 fps; 17 Mbps HD 1280 x 720p/60 fps; 17 Mbps |
| File Format | AVCHD, MP4 | AVCHD, MP4 |
| Audio File Format | Dolby Digital 2ch, AAC 2ch | Dolby Digital 2ch, AAC 2ch |
| External Microphone Input | Yes; 3.5mm jack | Yes; 3.5mm jack |
| Headphone Jack | No | No |
| Maximum Recording Time | 29 min. 59 sec. | 29 min. 59 sec. |
| Monitor | 3.0" 1.04m-dot vari-angle touchscreen LCD | 3.0" 1.036m-dot vari-angle touchscreen LCD |
| Monitor Viewing Angle | Approx. 100% | Approx. 100% |
| Interface | USB 2.0, HDMI micro (Type D), 2.5mm remote jack, 3.5mm jack, Viera Link | USB 2.0, HDMI mini (Type C), 2.5mm remote jack, 3.5mm jack |
| Wi-Fi | IEEE 802.11b/g/n, 2412-2462 MHz (1-11 ch), Wi-Fi / WPA / WPA2, Infrastructure | IEEE 802.11b/g/n, 2412-2462 MHz (1-11 ch), Wi-Fi / WPA / WPA2, Infrastructure |
| GPS | No | No |
| Power Source | 1x rechargeable lithium-ion battery; 7.2 VDC, 1200 mAh | 1x rechargeable lithium-ion battery; 7.2 VDC, 1200 mAh |
| Battery Life | Approx. 360 shots | Approx. 350 shots |
| Operating Environment | 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C Humidity: 10 - 80% |
32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C Humidity: 10 - 80% |
| Dimensions | 4.9 x 3.4 x 3.0" / 124.9 x 86.2 x 77.4mm | 4.8 x 3.3 x 2.8" / 122.5 x 84.6 x 71.4mm |
| Weight | 12.9 oz / 365 g (body only) | 12 oz / 340 g (body only) |
77 Comments
Can the HDMI output be used to transfer files? Or, is only the USB able to do that? If not, I bought this HDMI cord for nothing.
HDMI is meant for sending a video or raw signal out to an external monitor and/or recorder. It is not meant for simple file transfer from the memory cards. USB is going to be the only option for a wired transfer.
Can I use this camera on Zihnyu Crane M?
Hi Stew -
The Zhiyun-Tech Crane-M should work with this camera.
How can I get the image to show up on an external monitor after I hit the record button ? When I hit record it goes away and that just defeats the purpose of an external monitor..
Does G7 have an HDMI Out for an camera monitor ?
Hi Paul -
Sure does: HDMI micro (Type D) for use with an external video monitor.
Hi Mark S.
I want to use the HDMI out to an external recorder such as the new Blackmagic 7 inch monitor/recorder. I understand that the Atomos redcorders are in compatible. However, I had previously understood that, although the camera provides 3840 x 2160 via HDMI, the camera cuts off the feed to the HDMI when it is put into record (i.e. when you hit the record button). So one can only record externally when the G7 is NOT actually recording.
Is this correct? I've read many conflicting statements about this.
I can well imagine that the G7's HMDI output pumps out a 3840 x 2160 motion picture but that Panasonic may have made it impossible to actually record that output when the camera is running. However, the continuous autofocus only operates when the camera is actually recording - it does not autofocus until the record button is pushed (although you can "pre autofocus" - not continuous). So, if I'm correct about all this, that would mean that the G7 may be able to put out the 3840 x 2160 signal while switched on and not in record mode, but that means that the continuous autofocus will not be working.
Sorry to be so repetetively redundant in my question, but this issue of whether the G7 permits external recording is kinda cloudy and I wanted to be specific.
By the way, I bought my G7 from B&H around last September but do not have a Blackmagic recorder with which to test this wretched autofocus issue. I'd like to buy one from B&H if the G7 will actually record while "in record" and autofocussing.
I buy pretty much everything photographic from you guys.
Hope you can give me a clear answer.
Best wishes,
Harry
Hi Harry -
You can monitor with an ATOMOS but recording is not possible Below is a link to the compatible camera models listed on Atomos' website:
http://www.atomos.com/
Please contact us via e-mail if you have additional questions: [email protected]
Maybe is possible, whe need to check with Atomos if they have to update compatibilty list.
https://vimeo.com/131990134
Maybe it´s a noob question but I´ve tried all the 50p video modes and I can´t playback in slowmotion none of them. Can you help me, please?
You would simply need to chose the playback speed, either half speed or 25 fps if you are recording 50p. There is a playback menu that you can access on the g7, if you are trying to playback in camera. Otherwise, you can choose the frame rate in your editing program as well. If you are having trouble with this, I would suggest sending us an email letting us know what device you are trying to place the camera back on, with any other pertinent information you might think of. We would then be able to trouble shoot what exactly might be going on.
specs say it can only record 4k/24p and 1080/50p in PAL, you can only record 4k/30p and 1080/60p in NTSC.
I'm not exactly fermilure with this PAL and NTSC stuff but if i live in australia what does it mean for me? can i only do 1080/50p
Australia (along with parts of Asia, and some European countries) use the PAL video format. The video format used by your country determines which video format you would use to record (as movies, DVDs, Blu-Rays, aod other movies and camcorders) that are recorded on the NTSC video format cannot be played on video players or televisions that use the PAL video format. As such, you would have to set the camera to record in PAL and you would be recording 4K video at 1080p/24p and 1080p/50p for usage and playback in your country.
Hi ! i'm gonna buy a panasonic g7 with an atomos star recorder, could it be, in yours opinion, a good set up? How, the g7, does it manage the 4k downsample? like the gh4 does? tank you.
Unfortunately the Panasonic G7 camera is not compatible with the Atomos Ninja Star. Below is a link to the compatible camera models listed on Atomos' website:
http://www.atomos.com/cameras/
I think the g7 is hdmi free signal you can record external but not manager the camero whith the monitor
Hi Gilbert -
Correct, Gilbert. You can monitor with an ATOMOS but recording is not possible Below is a link to the compatible camera models listed on Atomos' website:
http://www.atomos.com/cameras/
Will this be noticeably better than my FZ200? And do the lenses have a focus ring or does manual focus still use the lever?
The G7 has a larger sensor, can shoot higher resolution video (4K), and is an interchangeable lens camera (has the ability to use higher end lenses). So, the G7 could have noticeably better image quality than the FZ200 point and shoot. While some of the available lenses have power zoom (levers), to the best of my knowledge, all of the available micro four lenses have focus rings.
Thank you. Someone suggested the FZ1000 has a compromise between them - will have to check reviews.
I bought a previous Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ200 bridge camera to supplement my SLR whn I was travelling, mainly so I could shoot video as well, however when I coupled it with an external mic (Rode) I found out there was no manual control for mic input levels, just an autogain which filled the gaps in sound with a horrible hiss. Is there a manual control on this camera to control mic input levels from an external mic to stop this?
Audio is recorded using built-in stereo microphones in front of the hotshoe, and it's possible to set the recording levels manually.
Thanks for the reply Yossi, however I will be using a rode videomic mounted on the hotshoe and connected via the audio in using the 3.5mm jack, I'm assuming I will be able to adjust the levels for this external mic input (in the camera) as well as for the built in mic. Basically as long as I can shut down any autogain function, that should suffice.
Pardon the delay in reply. I reached out to one of our Panasonic reps and they just now got back to me with their findings. According to them there are no manual microphone settings on this camera. I am sorry about that.
The older G6 does have manual microphone levels for the internal and for external microphones. It would be a shame (and ruin the camera for me) if they removed that feature on the G7
Sorry Tom replied to Yossi before you. Now totally confused! The spec sheet doesn't help either...this is what the UK spec sheet says.
External microphone input - φ3.5mm for external microphone/Stereo/Lens Auto/Shotgun/Super Shotgun/Manual is selectable when attaching DMW-MS2 (optional)
Does this mean manual is only optional for the DMW-MS2? Maybe the Panasonic rep needs to do a bit more digging. a full manual would clarify this.
I'll follow up with our Panasonic rep to see what else he can find out.
great, thanks for finding out...pretty much a dealbreaker for me unfortunately though.
Nice to hear, that the Panasonic DMC-G7 will have clean HDMI out. Can you tell if it's possible to select between different resolutions on the HDMI out and if so, which resolutions?
As far as we can tell it should be able to record at 1080p with the HDMI out. Unfortunately there are still many subtle details about the camera we do not yet have information on. Once it becomes available and the instruction manual has been posted we can better tell what they may be.
I believe it does 4k via HDMI. Is that true? Also, does it do 8 bit, instead of 10 bit, via HDMI?
Thanks
This is another detail that we have not yet been able to confirm as Panasonic has not published the details, and it seems that they are waiting until the camera is released to address certain features. Once we know we will update the link on our website to indicate this.
Wondering if the camera has the same Cinelike profiles like the GH4?
Yes it does. It features Cinelike D, and Cinelike V options.
it is compatible with canon lenses?
Can I film in 1080p in 120fps?
What is the maximum frames per second shooting video and what size is availeble?
Please make sure you give the right information.
Reviewers say there is not zebras and you said yes
The Panasonic DMC-G7 was just announced, and while we always do our best to provide timely accurate information, mistakes can be made, especially with a recently announced camera. That being said, according to information gathered directly from Panasonic, the DMC-G7 will have Zebra.
Felipe Henao, please don't be rude. You will notice that the B&H Team is extremely helpful and polite. It is only fair to return the favour.
Does it have face detection (especially to aid in auto-fcous of portraits ?)
At this point we cannot yet confirm if it features face detection. There has not been any mention of it so far but its a situation where Panasonic has not published the instruction manual online yet for us to regard and comment on specifically. Hopefully as time passes they will release more information and specifications on the camera.
What is the max # of RAW shots that can be taken before the camera stops ? This has been a problem for me with the G5
Panasonic states under their Specifications for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 Mirrorless Digital Camera that the camera captures more than 13 images (when there are RAW files with the particular speed), and more than 100 images (when there are no RAW files) both which are dependent on the memory card type, aspect, picture size and compression. Likewise, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 Mirrorless Digital Camera had a smaller buffer with only 9 images captured with each burst (when there are RAW files with the particular speed).
Dose G7 have full sensor readout in 4K video recording or it uses cropped sensor? thanks.
According to the preliminary information we have received from Panasonic, the DMC-G7 will have a wider angle of view than the GH4 when recording 4K. The additional crop factor for the G7 when recording 4K should be negligible.
Thank you so much.
How do you measure the audio levels recorded in the video mode? Is their a meter built in to monitor recording/playback levels?
That is a detail that has yet to be published. We would not be able to comment specifically on that until the camera is released or Panasonic posts the instruction manual online for us to regard (which they have not yet done). Hopefully more information will become available in the upcoming weeks and we can see.
Secs say for motion picture minimum speed 1/125.
For video I guess it has 1/30 and 1/60 Right ?
If you regard the "Movie Recording" category in the chart above, it lists all of the frame rates based on format type and resolution levels.
No frame rate but shutter speed in movie mode what is the minimum speed ?
The slowest shutter speed during video capture will be 1/25 sec.
Great will try one
Then why the chart section "Shutter Speed" says otherwise?
Quote: 1/125 to 1/16,000 sec. (motion picture) ---- no 1/25 sec.!
Or is the 1/25 sec. minimum is for electronic shutter during video and 1/125 sec. minimum is for mechanical shutter?