Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 review – Our verdict
Panasonic’s Lumix creators are keen to appeal to professionals as well as enthusiast image-makers with this camera, so with those aims in mind they’ve developed a camera that really tries to do it all. The GH4 carries a host of pro-level video features and can capture stunning images with good detail and tone. The GH series has been a big hit with videographers especially, but now Panasonic has created a camera that photographers will be wise to pay attention to as well.
I would have liked to see the GH4 packed with a higher-resolution sensor than 16.05 million pixels, but rugged build quality, weather-sealing, and good low-light and great AF performance make this a compelling choice. Finally, although the market isn’t quite there yet, making the GH4 future-proof by including professional 4K video-recording capabilities in a compact camera may prove to be a very shrewd move from the Japanese firm.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 review – Key features
Connectivity
Connect easily to smart devices via Wi-Fi or NFC to control the camera, or use an external monitor
Slow or fast motion
Create captivating slow or fast-motion footage using a frame rate of between 2fps and 96fps
Audio
Record and monitor audio professionally using an external mic and the provided 3.5mm head jack
Shutter life
The camera has been given a professional-grade shutter, rated to 200,000 actuations, which is 50,000 more than the Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Professional video
Using the optional DMW-YAGH interface, it is possible to output uncompressed 10-bit 4:2:2 4K footage via micro HDMI – broadcast news is typically recorded using 4:2:0 colour sampling
Rugged build
Full die-cast magnesium-alloy front and rear frames, with splash and dust-proofing, make the GH4 ideal for in-the-field use
