Panasonic GH7 Evaluation and Preliminary Opinions: An In-depth Analysis and Personal Views on the Camera's Performance
Unleashing the Panasonic GH7 for Underwater Videography
The Panasonic GH7 steps up as the undisputed champ for underwater video enthusiasts looking for an affordable, compact solution. With breath-taking video specifications and a treasure trove of budget-friendly lenses, the GH7 had already carved a niche for itself among the diving community. Regrettably, the GH6 flopped, faltering in autofocus and diminishing the popularity of micro four thirds sensors. Fortunately, the promising GH7 seems primed to offer a satisfying upgrade for GH5 shooters, mainly due to Panasonic's much-awaited improvement in the autofocus department.
Sure, the eye-watering price tag of $2199.99 might seem excessive for a micro four thirds camera, but the GH7 delivers with a plethora of video features. These include 5.7k/30p and 4k/120p video recording, internal ProRes RAW recording, and a new dynamic range boost mode. We're eager to dive in and bring you our take in our comprehensive underwater review! 🐋
Key specifications of the Panasonic GH7 include:
- 25.2 megapixel micro four thirds sensor
- Internal ProRes RAW and V-Log recording
- Phase Detect Hybrid Autofocus System
- 5.7K/30p & 4K/120p video recording
- 32-bit Float Audio: World's first 32-bit float audio recording for superior sound quality.
- ISO Range: ISO 100-25600, expandable to ISO 50-25600.
- 5-axis Sensor Stabilization: Enhanced stabilization for both video and still photography.
- No Optical Low-Pass Filter: Ensures sharper images by reducing moiré.
- Dynamic Range Boost Mode: Improved dynamic range across the full ISO range
- Downloaded LUTs for viewing Log footage while filming
- 7.5 stops of in-body image stabilization
- Dimensions: 138 x 100 x 100 mm
- Weight: 805 grams
Autofocus: a Long-Awaited Upgrade
Autofocus is the pièce de résistance of the Panasonic GH7. After over a decade of anticipation, Panasonic has finally given AF enthusiasts a reason to celebrate by enhancing their contrast-detect AF system to a phase-detect hybrid system. This AF system promises to match the speed of contemporary cameras, boasting acceptable autofocus tracking. Needless to say, we can't wait to road-test this innovation in real-world scenarios! If the autofocus system indeed receives an upgrade, the GH7 will be a force to reckon with in underwater photography, and for underwater video, this should enable GH7 shooters to shoot with autofocus with ease, especially for wide-angle scenes of coral reefs and marine life.
Dynamic Range: Brightening Up the Shadows
The GH7 boasts an improved dynamic range, particularly near the native ISO. This means you can expect better details from the highlights and, more notably, the shadows compared to the GH6. While dynamic range on micro four thirds sensors is already limited compared to full-frame or APS-C sensors, this enhancement is a welcome improvement. For the mid-$2k price range, though, we'd advocate for the Sony a7 IV, Nikon Z6 III, or Canon R6 Mark II over the Panasonic GH7 for video. Each of these cameras delivers better dynamic range, detail, and a shallower depth of field.
Stabilization and Audio Features
The in-body image stabilization has received a slight improvement on the GH7 compared to the GH6. The GH7 promises 7.5 stops of correction, which means you can expect more stabilized handheld footage. Additionally, filming handheld macro underwater video will become a breeze, thanks to the camera's ability to capture 4K video up to 120 frames per second. The GH7 also offers updates to recording features, like the ability to film internally in ProRes RAW for complete editing control in post-production, or filming in the V-Log profile for enhanced dynamic range, with downloadable LUTs to accurately view your footage.
Underwater Housings: Share the Love
The Panasonic GH6 and GH7 share similar dimensions and weight, making it possible that the same underwater housings for the GH6 may be compatible with housings for the GH7. In fact, Nauticam has confirmed that their anodized aluminum housing (available through Bluewater Photo) is compatible with the GH7. Ikelite's polycarbonate housing for the GH6 is also said to be compatible with the GH7. We're awaiting confirmation on whether the Aquatica GH6 housing will be compatible with the GH7. Stay tuned for more housing updates, or email the experts at [email protected] to get a personalized quote for your complete system!
Wrapping it Up
The Panasonic GH7 stands out as a significant improvement over both the GH5 and GH6, with an upgraded autofocus system and enhanced dynamic range over the GH6. While $2200 might be steep for a micro four thirds camera, if you're committed to this lens format, it's a fair price for a seamless upgrade from the GH5. However, we'll require hands-on experience with the GH7 before we can deliver our final verdict. After all, what shines on paper may not always perform swimmingly in an underwater environment. Stay tuned for our comprehensive review - we'll be diving into the GH7's capabilities firsthand! 🐠⛳️😊
- The enhanced phase-detect hybrid autofocus system in the Panasonic GH7, a long-awaited upgrade, promises speed that matches contemporary cameras, making it suitable for underwater photography and video.
- In underwater video, the promising autofocus system of the GH7 should enable shooters to record wide-angle scenes of coral reefs and marine life with ease.
- The improved dynamic range in the GH7 offers better details from both highlights and shadows compared to the GH6, especially near the native ISO.
- Filming handheld macro underwater video will be easier with the Panasonic GH7 due to its ability to capture 4K video up to 120 frames per second, combined with the camera's in-body image stabilization that provides 7.5 stops of correction.
- Underwater housings for the GH6 might be compatible with the housings for the GH7, as Nauticam has confirmed their anodized aluminum housing is compatible, and Ikelite's polycarbonate housing for the GH6 is said to be as well.
- The Panasonic GH7, despite its high price point for a micro four thirds camera, is a fair investment for those committed to this lens format, offering a significant improvement over both the GH5 and GH6, particularly with its upgraded autofocus system and enhanced dynamic range.
