Panasonic has announced the Lumix G7, a compact 4K mirrorless camera with a kit price of less than $800. Offering a solid list of features for an entry-level camera, the new Lumix G7 is perfect for amateur photographers looking for a inexpensive camera with both quality video and photo capabilities at almost half the price of the GH4. This 16-megapixel camera and small form factor make it light and compact. Even without some of the pro video features of the GH4, the G7 lowers the barrier to entry on 4K video recording even further.
A particularly interesting feature is the ability to pull 8-megapixel stills from 4K video recording for those times when you just didn't press the shutter at the right moment. Even with 8 frames per second shooting, the ability to pull images right from 4K recordings allows users not to have to compromise on whether to shoot video or stills.
In terms of codecs, the G7 records UHD at 24 and 30 fps outputting 100 Mbps MP4 files and can record 1080p at 30 and 60 fps. While definitely not replacing the GH4, the G7 would make a solid B camera for productions.
Panasonic has been making strides in the 4K mirrorless camera market with the GH4 bringing internal 4K video recording while players like Sony and the a7S still requiring an external recording device (like the Atomos Shogun) to achieve 4K video recording.
The G7 can be preordered now, coming in either black or silver, with 14-42mm or 14-140mm kit lens options and is expected to ship in late June 2015. No word yet on cost for the body alone.
[via Panasonic]
I wonder if the firmware will be hacked to make it more functional. That would be fun. ;-)
What happened with 1000fps in the Panasonic camera's? I don't say I need 1000 fps in 4K (wich would be absolute AWESOME) But in 720 or so would still be nice.
I thought they build camera's wich did, but the stopped with that feature?
I wonder if it reads the full width of the sensor during 4K?
reportedly it does NOT read the full sensor during 4K. It's a crop.