4K video recording trend seems to be taken seriously by
Panasonic. Last year, the Japanese manufacturer released the Lumix GH4, a
mirrorless camera with 4K video recording capability directly on the memory
card. It didn't take long time for professional videographers to fall in love
with it.
This year, Panasonic introduces the Lumix G7, where one of
the most interesting features on this camera is its 4K video recording
capability.
In terms of appearance, the Panasonic Lumix G7 still
embraces DSLR design just like the GH4, complete with a large hand grip so that
the users can hold it comfortably. Even so, it has quite compact body; its
weight is around 410 grams, including battery and SD card.
Two rotary dials are placed on the top plate: one in the
back, and another encircling the shutter button. This means Lumix G7 is still
ideal to be used by the professional photographers or videographers, although
at the same time it also brings automatic shooting mode and video recording
that can be utilized by general users. Wi-Fi connectivity is also presented for
the needs of remote control and transfers the pictures directly to the mobile
devices.
At the rear, you will find a 3-inch LCD screen with 1.04
million dot resolution, completed with the touch panel. This LCD can be twisted
around, enabling users to take pictures through the difficult corners. Just
like the majority of Panasonic mirrorless cameras, the Lumix G7 also brings
touch-to-focus feature so that you can determine the focus by simply touching
certain parts of the screen.
When the sun shines very bright and you get difficulty to
see the LCD display, then you can utilize the electronic viewfinder (EVF) with
OLED technology. The EVF specification is identical to that embedded in Lumix
GH4, with 2.36 million dot resolution and fast refresh rate.
Lumix G7 is powered by Micro Four Thirds sensor with
resolution of 16 megapixels and Venus Engine 9 image processor. You can take a
picture with ISO level between 100-25.600, and you can also record video with a
resolution of 3840 x 2160 in speed choices of 30 fps or 24 fps which's more
cinematic.
Interestingly, Lumix G7 also introduces the 4K Photo feature
that consists of three modes. The first mode is 4K Burst, allowing you to snap
photos in 8 megapixel resolution up to 30 images per second. Next is the 4K
Pre-Burst mode which will automatically take photos in the same resolution at
speed of 30 fps a second before and after you press the shutter button. The
last one is 4K Burst (S/S) that offers the easiness to 'extract' the 8
megapixel photos from 4K video that has been recorded.
The 4K Photo feature can indeed be regarded as burst
shooting feature with incredible speed, but not in full resolution. However,
you can still take pictures in a resolution of 16 megapixels with a speed of 8
fps for AF-S autofocus mode.
Related to autofocus system, Lumix G7 applies 49 points
contrast detection method. Panasonic claims that Lumix G7 can lock the focus in
just 0.07 seconds, while the electronic shutter speed reaches 1/16,000 sec -
the maximum mechanical is 1/4,000 sec.
Panasonic will offer the Lumix G7 with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6
lens for $ 800, starts from the mid of June. There is also a bundle with 14-140mm
f/3.5-5.6 lens for $ 1,100.
Panasonic Lumix G7 Specification:
Sensor
|
CMOS 4/3 16 megapixel
|
Processor
|
Venus Engine
|
ISO
|
Auto, 160, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400,
12800, 25600
|
Autofocus
|
Contrast Detect (sensor), Multi-area,
Selective single-point, Tracking, Single, Continuous, Touch, Face Detection,
Live View
|
Lens
|
micro four third mount
|
Screen
|
Fully articulated, 3-inci 1.040.000 dot.
|
Viewfinder
|
OLED electronic, 2.360.000 dot
|
Continues Shoot
|
8fps
|
Video
|
3840 x 2160 (30, 25, 24, 20fps) 1920 x 1080
(60, 50, 30, 25fps) 1280 x 720 (60, 50, 30, 25fps), 640 x 480 (30, 25fps
|
Memory Card
|
SD/SDHC/SDXC
|
Connectivity
|
USB, HDMI, WiFi
|
Dimension
|
125 x 86 x 77 mm
|
Weight
|
410 gram
|