The new Panasonic LUMIX GH7 camera features a new 25.2MP Micro Four Thirds sensor with phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and faster AFS and AFC in both stills and video. There is a wide variety of 10-bit video modes from 5.8K 4:3 open gate up to 30fps, 5.7K up to 60fps, 4K up to 120fps or FHD up to 300fps, all recorded internally to CFexpress card, SD card or SSD via USB-C port. The GH7 now also offers internal ProRes RAW recording in 5.7K or 4K (CFexpress or SSD), as well as raw HDMI output. Additionally, 32-bit floating audio recording is available (with the new DMW-XLR2 add-on). The camera features the same body as the GH6 with active cooling and will ship in July 2024 for $2197.99.
Panasonic’s previous Micro Four Thirds (MFT) video flagship, the LUMIX GH6, was announced just two years ago in February 2022. Since then, the Japanese camera maker has introduced PDAF (phase detection autofocus) to its camera lineup, debuting in the full-frame L -mount cameras S5 II and S5 IIX. Last year, in September, the new MFT photography flagship LUMIX G9 II came out with the new autofocus system (our review of the G9 II can be found here).
Today, just ahead of the 2024 Cine Gear Expo in Los Angeles, Panasonic is announcing the new LUMIX GH7. Let’s take a look at the features and specifications of the new MFT video flagship.
Panasonic LUMIX GH7 – 25MP with phase detection AF
First, there’s a new 25.2MP BSI CMOS Micro Four Thirds image sensor with a 4:3 aspect ratio. Judging by its specifications, it appears to be the same sensor used in the LUMIX G9 II. It also now enables phase-detection AF, and dynamic range gain is available across the full ISO range. Panasonic claims the sensor achieves a dynamic range of 13+ stops (at 60fps or less) or 12+ stops (above 60fps).
For photographers, the GH7 offers faster AFC and AFS, resulting in high frame rates in burst modes – 60fps and 75fps with electronic shutter or 10 and 14fps with mechanical shutter. There’s also an AF point range that temporarily magnifies the subject to confirm focus, and 20x MF assist for better manual focus.
Improved PDAF provides better subject tracking ability and better function in backlit and low light conditions. In addition to people, animals, cars and motorcycles, the camera can now recognize new objects such as planes and trains. Another innovation is Target Part Detection – in the camera submenu you can choose which part of the object you want to focus on – front or side of the car, helmet, nose of the plane or its side, etc.
The GH7 of course includes Panasonic’s 5-axis IBIS. The Active IS setting focuses on correcting camera shake in operation, while EIS corrects perspective distortion during video recording. Panasonic claims the camera can compensate up to 7.5 stops (in photo mode).
The GH7 additionally features a LEICA monochrome photo style. Finally, another useful photography feature is a 100MP high-resolution manual mode (resulting in 100MP raw and JPEG images).
Video Features – Internal ProRes RAW recording
The LUMIX GH7 features a wide range of internal video recording modes, such as:
- 4:3 open port 5.8K (5760×4320) up to 30fps
- 4:3 4.4K (4352×3264) up to 60fps
- 17:9 5.7K (5728×3024) up to 60p
- 17:9 C4K (4096×2160) up to 120p
- 16:9 UHD 4K (3840×2160) up to 120p
- 16:9 FullHD (1920×1080) up to 240p (with VFR up to 300fps)
All modes above 4K are in 10-bit 4:2:0, while 4K and FHD modes also offer 10-bit 4:2:2 subsampling (except VFR modes).
Another new feature is the camera’s ability to record ProRes RAW internally. Both flavors are available – ProRes RAW and ProRes RAW HQ. The camera can save these files to either a CFexpress memory card or a connected USB-C SSD. This is available in two recording modes:
- 17:9 5.7K (5728×3024) at 23.98, 24, 25 or 29.97 fps
- 17:9 C4K (4096×2160) at 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 50 or 59.94 fps
Panasonic claims that recording time is not limited thanks to the active cooling system, although the camera can shut down when recording in 5.7K ProRes RAW or 60fps when shooting in high ambient temperatures.
The camera can record low bitrate proxy files on the SD card (slot 2). They offer three quality settings:
- H – MOV, H.265, FullHD 1080p, 10-bit 4:2:0, 12-16 Mbps
- M – MOV, H.265, FullHD 1080p, 10-bit 4:2:0, 6-9 Mbps
- L – MOV, H.264, HD 720p, 8-bit 4:2:0, 6-4 Mbps
Panasonic says it’s possible to set the LUT in real time separately for the original video and the proxy. HDMI raw output is still available.
In addition, the GH7 features native Camera-to-Cloud integration with Adobe Frame.io (for proxy video files, jpegs or raw photos). The camera can upload data via Wi-Fi or USB tethering. In addition to C2C, the LUMIX GH7 can also stream video wirelessly or via USB tethering, wired LAN, etc.
It wouldn’t be LUMIX without the many auxiliary functions that have served many filmmakers for years. With the GH7 we get a waveform monitor, vector scope, spot light meter (all variable and/or moveable), markers, zoomed live display, etc. The camera will show a red-framed indicator when you’re shooting video and a blue-framed indicator when you’re live streaming.
Audio – 32-bit floating recording
One of the unique features of the LUMIX GH7 is the inclusion of 32-bit floating audio recording. This means that the audio recording does not require gain adjustment as it can be adjusted afterwards. However, this feature requires the new optional XLR unit – the DMW-XLR2.
The new XLR module also adds other improvements – a microphone holder and a 3.5mm stereo jack input connector. This means that the new XLR device records four channels of audio. The GH7 also has a TC in/out terminal (combined with a sync socket)
Improved real-time LUT & LUMIX Lab app
Panasonic’s new feature that recently appeared with the LUMIX S9, Real Time LUT, also finds its place in the GH7. Allows creation of unique filters by layering Photo Style and LUT with advanced parameter settings for more creative control. The LUMIX GH7 also offers automatic Photo Style detection, an enhanced LUT library and space for up to 39 LUTs to be saved in-camera.
The real-time LUT function goes hand in hand with the new LUMIX Lab app. With this smartphone app (available for Android and iOS), you can transfer images from a camera and then create a LUT, save it and upload it to the camera to be used as a creative filter. You can also make your LUTs available to other creators.
ARRI LogC3 by ARRI for the LUMIX GH7
Another little surprise is the option to purchase a separate license key (DMW-SFU3A) for $199.99 and enable ARRI LogC3 recording in the camera. After saving to this ARRI Log photo profile, one can search through the ARRI view library, which contains 87 types to choose from. It is also possible to save your favorite ARRI Look for rec709 LUT conversion and combine it with the in-camera REAL TIME LUT function.
Physical features and characteristics
The camera body has the same design as the GH6. Again, there is an active cooling fan below the display. Panasonic uses graphite to conduct heat through the magnesium alloy body and through the fan-cooled heat dissipation fins. Despite the active cooling, the case has a weatherproof design and can withstand environments down to -10°C.
The rear 3” touchscreen monitor can once again move freely even with cables attached. The OLED LVF has a resolution of 3.68 MP and now has a 0.8x zoom.
Media options for the LUMIX GH7
There are two memory slots – CFexpress Type B and SD UHS-II (U3, up to V90). Additionally, the GH7 can record video to an external SSD via its USB-C port. Most USB-C SSDs offer better value per GB, plus it helps dissipate heat since the memory card ends up being a source of heat in the camera as well.
However, Panasonic says that the external SSD cannot be used with the old DMW-BLF19 battery type, as this does not provide enough power to the USB-C port. Also, the maximum power of the sensor is 60fps when recording on SSD. Finally, Panasonic emphasizes that it is very important to follow the correct procedure when connecting and removing the SSD to avoid corrupted data or other problems.
Price and availability
The Panasonic LUMIX GH7 will begin shipping in July 2024 and is priced at $2,197.99 for the body only. As always, there will also be kits available with select lenses.
Do you use LUMIX cameras for your work? Do you think Micro Four Thirds will have its place in video productions in 2024? What do you think of the new LUMIX GH7? Let us know in the comments section below the article.
