Panasonic GH7 + 12-60mm f2.8 LEICA

 PANASONIC GH7 + 12-60mm | Buy PANASONIC GH7+ 12-60mm

The new PANASONIC LUMIX GH7 camera features a new 25.2 MP Micro Four Thirds sensor with phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and faster AFS and AFC in both still and video. There are a wide variety of 10-bit video modes, from 5.8K 4:3 open-door up to 30fps, 5.7K up to 60fps, 4K up to 120fps, or FHD up to 300fps, all recorded internally to a CFexpress card, SD card, or SSD via the 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. In addition, 32-bit floating audio recording is available (with the new optional DMW-XLR2 unit). 

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 manufacturer introduced PDAF (phase detection autofocus) to its camera lineup, which debuted in the L-mount full-frame S5 II and S5 IIX cameras. Last year in September, the new MFT photography flagship, LUMIX G9 II, came out with the new autofocus system

Panasonic LUMIX GH7 – 25MP with Phase Detection AF

First of all, there's a new 25.2MP Micro Four Thirds BSI CMOS image sensor with a 4:3 aspect ratio. Judging by its specs, it looks like it's the same sensor used in the LUMIX G9 II. It now also supports phase-detection AF and the Dynamic Range Boost function is available in the entire ISO range. PANASONIC claims that the sensor achieves a dynamic range of more than 13 stops (at 60 fps or less) or more than 12 stops (above 60 fps).

For photographers, the GH7 offers faster AFC and AFS, resulting in a high frame rate in burst shooting modes: 60 fps and 75 fps with electronic shutter or 10 and 14 fps with mechanical shutter. There's also an AF point range that temporarily zooms in on the subject to confirm focus and 20x MF assist for better manual focusing.

The improved PDAF offers better object tracking capability and better operation in backlit and low-light conditions. In addition to people, animals, cars, and motorcycles, the camera can now recognize new objects such as airplanes and trains. Another innovation is the Target Part Detection: in the camera submenu, you can select which part of the object you want to focus on: the front or side of the car, the helmet, the nose of the plane or its side, etc.

The GH7, of course, features the PANASONIC 5-axis IBIS. The active IS setting focuses on correcting camera movements when running, while EIS corrects perspective distortion during video recording. PANASONIC claims that the camera can compensate for up to 7.5 stops (in photo mode).

The GH7 also features the photographic style LEICA Monochrome. Finally, another useful photography feature is the 100MP high-resolution handheld mode (resulting in 100MP JPEG and raw images).

Movie Features: Internal ProRes RAW Recording

The LUMIX GH7 features a wide range of internal video recording modes, such as:

4:3 5.8K (5760×4320) door open 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 a CFexpress memory card or a connected USB-C SSD. It 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 be turned off when shooting in 5.7K ProRes RAW or 60fps when shooting in high ambient temperatures.

The camera can record low-bitrate proxy files to the SD card (slot 2). These 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 that it is possible to configure the real-time LUT separately for the original video and the proxy. Raw HDMI output is also 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 connection. In addition to C2C, the LUMIX GH7 can also transmit video wirelessly or via USB connection, wired LAN, etc.

It wouldn't be LUMIX without the many assistive features that have served many filmmakers for years. With the GH7, we get a waveform monitor, a vector telescope, a luminance point meter (all variable and/or mobile), markers, extended live view, etc. The camera will display a red box indicator when recording video and a blue box when live streaming.

Audio: 32-bit floating recording

One of the unique features of the LUMIX GH7 is the inclusion of 32-bit Float audio recording. This means that audio recording does not require gain settings as it can be corrected later. However, this feature requires the new optional XLR unit: the DMW-XLR2.

The new XLR unit also adds other improvements: a microphone stand and a 3.5mm stereo jack input jack. This means that the new XLR unit records four channels of audio. The GH7 also has a TC input/output terminal (combined with a sync connector)

Enhanced real-time LUT & LUMIX Lab app

The new PANASONIC feature that recently appeared with the LUMIX S9, Real Time LUT, is also coming to the GH7. It allows the creation of unique filters by overlaying Photo Style and LUTs with extended parameter settings for more creative control. The LUMIX GH7 also offers automatic Photo Style identification, an improved LUT library, and a place to store up to 39 LUTs in the camera.

The real-time LUT feature goes hand-in-hand with the new LUMIX Lab app. With this smartphone app (available on Android and iOS), you can transfer footage from the camera and then create a LUT, save it, and upload it to the camera to use as a creative filter. You can also make your LUTs available to other creators.

ARRI LogC3 for the LUMIX GH7

Another little surprise is the ability to purchase a separate license key (DMW-SFU3A) for $199.99 and enable ARRI LogC3 recording on the camera. After recording to this ARRI Log image profile, you can search the ARRI Look Library, which contains 87 looks to choose from. It is also possible to store your favorite ARRI Look for the rec709 LUT conversion and combine it with the camera's REAL TIME LUT function.

Specifications and physical characteristics.

The camera body has the same design as the one used for the GH6. Again you have an active cooling fan under the display. PANASONIC uses graphite to expel heat through the magnesium alloy body and through the heat dissipation fins that are cooled by the fan. Despite active cooling, the body features a weather-resistant design and can withstand environments down to -10°C.

The rear monitor with 3" touchscreen can move freely again even with the cables connected. The OLED LVF has a resolution of 3.68 MP and now has a 0.8x magnification. Media Options for the LUMIX GH7

There are two memory slots: CFexpress Type B and SD UHS-II (U3, up to V90). In addition, the GH7 can record video to an external SSD via its USB-C port. Most USB-C SSD media offers a better price per GB, plus it helps with heat dissipation because, after all, a memory card is also a source of heat in a camera.

Panasonic says, however, that the external SSD cannot be used with the old DMW-BLF19 battery type, as it does not provide enough power to the USB-C port. Also, the maximum output of the sensor is 60 fps when recording on the 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 issues.

Panasonic 12-60mm f2.8-4 lens 

Main features of the PANASONIC 12-60mm f2.8-4 LEICA Lens 

• Micro Four Thirds System
• Equivalent to 24-240mm in 35mm format
• Aperture range: f2.8 to f22
• Four aspherical elements
• Two extra-low dispersion elements
• Linear autofocus motor
• POWER Optical Image Stabilizer
• Sealed to withstand dust and splashes 
• 9-blade rounded diaphragm

 Specifications of the PANASONIC 12-60mm f2.8-4 LEICA Lens