Panasonic has globally announced the LUMIX DMC-GH4 – a new DSLM camera that is the ultimate professional tool for commercial photographers and videographers.
The DMC-GH4 provides 4K video recording –four times the resolution of Full HD – for absolutely the best possible video quality; as well as offering outstanding still image quality and responsiveness, backed by features to support serious commercial editing and production.
THE SPECS:
- 16.05 Megapixel Micro 4/3 Sensor
- 4096 x 2160 up to 24fps (100Mbps)
- 3840 x 2160 up to 30fps (100Mbps)
- 1080p up to 60fps (Variable in-camera up to 96fps)
- 200 Mbps (ALL-Intra) or 100 Mbps (IPB) at 1080p
- 2,359K-dot LVF (Live View Finder)
- 3 inch 1,036K-dot Rear Monitor
- 4:2:2 10-bit or 8-bit External HDMI
- Cinegamma Modes
- Peaking and Zebras
- ISO 200-25600 (Extended Mode: 100-25600)
- New UHS I Class III SD card (min. 30MB/s) format needed for over 100Mbps
- 1/8″ Headphone, 1/8″ Microphone, AV Output, HDMI D (Micro), USB 2.0, Wired Remote Port
- Approx. 50% higher speed signal readout suppresses rolling shutter effect even when using electronic shutter or recording motion image
- 12 fps(AFS) up to approx.40 (including RAW) / approx.100 (excluding RAW) and 7.0 fps(AFC)
- Price: TBA
- Availability: TBA
With optional YAGH interface
Standout video capabilities offered by the camera include ultra-high-bitrate 4K (100 Mbps) and Full HD recording (200 Mbps); global frame rates, allowing professionals to shoot for overseas markets; and Variable Frame Rate for slow and fast motion shooting at up to 96 frames per second in Full HD[i]. A new optional interface unit ensures high performance when connecting to professional external monitors and recorders.
Speed and precision are the hallmarks of the DMC-GH4’s still imaging performance: including high-speed burst shooting at 12 frames per second (AFS) at full resolution, supported by a 40-shot buffer for RAW images; Contrast AF with DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology[ii], for faster, more accurate focus at 0.07 sec[iii] and improved continuous focus; max 1/8000sec shutter speed; an OLED LVF and monitor offering higher resolution and greater precision; and the ability to process RAW photos in-camera. Other convenient LUMIX features in this model that will be welcomed by the professional photographer include the newly-added Focus Peaking, Low-Light AF, and 49-area AF increased from 23-area.
Doug Campbell, Product Marketing Manager, LUMIX, Panasonic Australia, said: “Panasonic has achieved a new milestone for the LUMIX G Series with this camera. The LUMIX DMC-GH4 offers a raft of enhancements that surpass the capabilities of the previous DMC-GH3 to deliver best-in-class performance.”
The weather-sealed DMC-GH4 offers features for durability and versatility in the field. The shutter has been designed for a lifespan of up to 200,000 releases, double the life of many cameras in its class[iv]. In addition, the camera’s Wi-Fi connectivity has been enhanced with NFC for simple pairing with a smartphone or tablet, with QR code scanning available for non-NFC devices. Convenient optional accessories include a powerful GN58 External Flash and a Stereo/Shotgun Microphone.
The DMC-GH4 is compatible with 22 LUMIX G digital interchangeable lenses, the most offered by any DSLM manufacturer, as well as providing access to 46 Micro Four Thirds lenses.
In tandem, Panasonic has also announced the new Gold Series ‘SDUC’ cards, which are compatible with UHS Speed Class 3 for 4K video recording.
Local pricing and availability dates for the new DMC-GH4 camera and Gold Series SDUC cards are yet to be announced.
Video features
Impressive professional video features
The DMC-GH4 offers unlimited 4K video recording (Cinema 4K: 4096×2160 / 24 fps) and QFHD 4K: 3840×2160 / up to 30 fps) in MOV/MP4[v]. The DMC-GH4 is also capable of recording Full- HD video with an ultra high bitrate at 200 Mbps (ALL-Intra) or 100 Mbps (IPB), which does not have a recording time limit. Video formats available include MOV, MP4 (LPCM), AVCHD Progressive and AVCHD at a variety of frame rates according to usage. For global use, the system frequency is selectable between 59.94Hz (23.98Hz) / 50.00Hz / 24.00Hz.
Just some of the many features that will give the DMC-GH4 amazing appeal for moviemaking professionals are:
- Focus Peaking
- Variable Frame Rate at 96 fps
- HDMI Monitor at 4:2:2/10-bit
- Zebra Pattern
- Time Code
- Cinelike Gamma
- 1kHz Test Tone and Colour Bars (SMPTE/EBU/ARIB Standard)
- Master Pedestal adjustment
Interface Unit (AG-YAGHG)
Panasonic has developed an Interface Unit (AG-YAGHG) exclusively for professional workflow with the DMC-GH4, enabling more powerful video transmission. It complies with Full HD (4:2:2 / 10-bit) four parallel outputs and these can be used for 4K (4:2:2 / 10-bit) output – both with time code[vi]. The XLR input terminals (2ch) are also equipped to connect a line or condenser microphone. When connecting with a microphone, volume can be controlled for L and R separately, and can be monitored via the LED audio level display on the back of the unit. The 12V DC IN is highly compliant with large-capacity professional batteries and continuously supplies the DMC-GH4 with power[vii].
Imaging features
High performance
The newly developed 16.05-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor for DMC-GH4 excels both in sensitivity and response and suppresses the ‘rolling shutter’ effect even when using electronic shutter or recording motion images.
The high-precision Contrast AF system in the DMC-GH4 is further enhanced by Panasonic’s integration of DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology which shortens the time to set focus to achieve an ultra-high speed AF of approx. 0.07 sec[viii]. The speed of burst shooting is also dramatically faster than the DMC-GH3, with high speed burst shooting at 12fps (AFS) and 7.0 fps (AFC). The maximum number of recordable images in burst shooting is up to 40 shots (including RAW) or 100 shots (excluding RAW), before the rate slows down.
As well as Face Recognition AF, the DMC-GH4 now incorporates Eye Detection AF, which allows the user to select which eye the camera focuses on. In addition, focus points are increased from 23 (DMC-GH3) to 49 points for more flexible composition, together with Custom Multi mode allowing users to freely select the blocks to focus on from out of the 49 focusing areas.
Enhanced OLED and LVF resolution
The DMC-GH4 has newly developed high-precision, high-speed dual OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) displays for the 2,359K-dot LVF (Live View Finder) and 1,036K-dot rear monitor. Both LVF and rear monitor use OLED to achieve high speed response with minimum time lag while enhancing the resolution. Notably, the OLED for the LVF boasts a 10,000:1 high contrast ratio for superior color reproduction, with excellent visibility.
RAW data development in-camera
The DMC-GH4 offers the convenience of processing RAW photos in-camera with parameter adjustments, so photographers in the field can apply their favourite settings to the RAW file and rapidly create a JPEG for sharing. In addition to the color space setting (sRGB / AdobeRGB), the parameters of white balance, exposure compensation, contrast, highlight/shadow, saturation, noise reduction, sharpness or hue can be adjusted; and Photo Style, Intelligent D-range Control and Intelligent Resolution can also be applied.
Footage shot on the 4K GH4 by Bryan Harvey:
Bryan’s First Impressions:
Gold Series SDUC Cards
Panasonic has announced the new Gold Series ‘SDUC’ cards, which are compatible with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3), and suitable for 4K video recording. They provide stable and continuous real time recording, offering a minimum write speed of 30MB/s (240Mbps) when used with compatible products such as the DMC-GH4. The Gold Series offers smooth, high-quality video, not only for unlimited 4K video recording in MOV/MP4 format, but also for ultra-high bitrate video recording at 200 Mbps (ALL-Intra) or 100 Mbps (IPB).
The Gold Series offers long-lasting data retention, thanks to MLC flash memory. It is also equipped with the Proof 7 feature (water-, shock-, magnet-, X-ray-, electrostatic-, temperature-proof and built-in fuse) to withstand severe field conditions.
MORE INFORMATION TO COME – STAY TUNED
Photo’s from 4/3 Rumors.
Text excerpts from Press Release
