News

Panasonic has announced the latest iteration of its flagship GH-series Micro Four Thirds camera, the Lumix GH7. At the center of the new video-centric camera is a newly developed image sensor—the same 25.2MP BSI CMOS sensor found in the Lumix G9 II. Notably, this endows the GH7 with Panasonic’s “Phase Hybrid” phase-detection autofocus system and a faster readout speed, promising better image quality and 13-plus stops of dynamic range. It also bodes well for the camera’s tracking capabilities, which features AI-powered subject detection, including people and animals as well as cars, motorcycles, trains, and airplanes. The good news for underwater shooters is that the GH7 hasn’t changed externally compared to its predecessor—the dimensions are the same, and all buttons and ports are in the same places—so housings designed for the GH6 will accommodate the new camera.

With its focus on video, the GH7 offers a range of internal recording options, including the headline feature: 5.7K/30p ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes RAW HQ modes—at 17:9 aspect ratio using the full sensor width. Like its predecessor, the GH7 offers C4K/60p and 4K/60p 4:2:2 10-bit and 1080/240p 4:2:2 10-bit recording, and it can also shoot oversampled 4K/120p with no crop, albeit at 4:2:0 10-bit. The camera is capable of recording simultaneously to its internal CFexpress Type B card and an external recorder via its full-size HDMI port.

On the still photography front, the GH7 performs just like G9 II, which is no bad thing. As well as 10fps burst shooting with the mechanical shutter, you get 60fps with continuous AF or 75fps with single AF using the electronic shutter. There’s also pre-capture up to 1.5 seconds at those same frame rates. Rounding out the specs are in-body image stabilization up to 7.5 stops of shake correction, the G9 II’s 3.68-million dot OLED with 0.8x magnification (up from 0.76x on the GH6), and the ability to record 4-channel 32-bit float audio (when using the optional DMW-XLR2 adapter).

Available in July, the Panasonic Lumix GH7 will be available for $2,200.
 

When purchasing underwater photography equipment like the product mentioned in this article, please support DPG by supporting our retail partner—Backscatter.com.

PRESS RELEASE

Panasonic Announces New LUMIX GH7 Micro Four-Thirds Mirrorless Camera

NEWARK, N.J., June 5, 2024 – Panasonic is proud to introduce the new LUMIX GH7—the latest flagship model of the Micro Four Thirds mirrorless LUMIX G Series.

The LUMIX GH7 delivers outstanding video performance, wide dynamic range with a newly developed 25.2MP BSI CMOS sensor and improved AF performance with PDAF (Phase Detection Auto-Focus). To support the efficient workflow required in professional production environments, it is now newly equipped with Apple ProRes RAW*¹ internal recording and a world's first 32-bit float recording*², which eliminates the need to adjust sound recording levels during shooting.

With the rapid increase in demand for video content in recent years, the number of small teams of video creators is increasing along with the demand for further improvement in the quality of mirrorless cameras with excellent video performance and portability. Since its release in 2009, our LUMIX GH series has developed a strong reputation among creators and video production teams, as a model renowned for its shooting performance, innovative features and reliability.

The LUMIX GH7 is a next-generation mirrorless camera that meets the needs of creators, whatever their creative field may be.

Main Features

1. High performance, fast response, and excellent mobility

• 25.2MP BSI CMOS sensor with high resolution and fast response, along with 13+ stop dynamic range boost*³ with rich gradation
• Adopting PDAF for high-speed, high-precision AF performance, and newly added real-time auto-focus recognition AF for airplane and train
• Improved image stabilization technology, including perspective distortion correction for videos and High mode in Active I.S. to enable powerful compensation when shooting on the move

2. Enhanced video quality and optimized workflows from shooting to post-production

• Internal recording of 5.7K 30p ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes RAW HQ*¹.
• World's first 32-bit float recording*², eliminating the need to adjust audio recording levels during shooting when using the new XLR microphone adapter, DMW-XLR2 (sold separately).
• Allows users to load original LUT files and apply new color looks directly to videos and photos with REAL TIME LUT.
• Enables proxy recording for workflow efficiency and supports native Camera to Cloud integration with Adobe's Frame.io enabling images and videos to be automatically uploaded, backed up, shared, and worked on jointly via the cloud.
• Open Gate recording to enable flexible framing for any social media platform or client needs.

3. Reliable in the video production field

• Unlimited video recording made possible with efficient heat dissipation processing and the integration of a cooling fan*⁴.
• Convenient tilt-free angle monitor that does not interfere with HDMI or USB cables when tilted
• Able to withstand harsh environments with dust, splash resistance*⁵, and freeze-resistance down to –10 degrees Celsius/14 degrees Fahrenheit

The LUMIX GH7 will be available for purchase in July 2024 at valued channel partners for $2199.99.

*¹ Recording is not possible on the SD card.
*² For an interchangeable lens digital camera, as of June 5th 2024. According to Panasonic's research. When used with the XLR microphone adapter DMW-XLR2 (sold separately).
*³ Dynamic Range Boost is not activated when shooting HFR/VFR video of 61fps or higher, or with SH burst shooting. Also not activated at shutter speeds slower than 1/15 during still image shooting, depending on the ISO. When shooting video over 60 fps (including VFR), latitude will be 12+ stop.
*⁴ When shooting at C4K/60p or lower. There are temperature restrictions for resolutions exceeding Cinema4K, VFR/HFR, and ProRes. Recording time depends on battery and memory card capacity.
*⁵ Dust and Splash Resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this lens is subjected to direct contact with dust and water.

• Apple and ProRes are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
• Frame.io, the Frame.io logo, and Camera to Cloud are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe in the United States and/or other countries.
• Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
• All functions may not be available depending on the situation.
• Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.