The GH7 is what we wanted the GH6 to be. It added PDAF, internal RAW, 32-bit float, the streaming features from the GH5-II and S5-II X and much more. Take my money, Lumix !!
@@vernon_x_sicboy The S5-II X is really good, but not as feature rich. The equivalent to the GH6 is the S1H. Panasonic have not refreshed that one yet. The S5-Ii X does not have timecode, it does not have the CFexpress Type B slot, so you can record all resolutions internally (need at least SSD). It's also missing a few other features. If you want something like this in full frame, wait for the S1H-II or S2H or whatever they are going to call it.
I bought the GH7 and it's amazing. AF, dynamic for m43, very customizable, ergonomic, it's catered and toward working pros and probably designed input by pros and Pany listened. I don't care about low light. When are you mostly going to shoot low light? Probably 20-30% chance. Even if you do it's still grains nothing to be freaked out
Enjoyed the review very much, great detail and no nonsense. This camera is so much better than so many Cinema Cameras of the last decade, an amazing time to be a budget filmmaker.
Coming from +35 years in filmmaking and following development in cinema celluloid and electronics this is just amazing technology for a relative low price. The Panasonic technical and marketing seems wanting to give anything they can to makers and really listen and understand what brings creative makers all the benefits at a very low price. Yes I say a very low price for all this technology brought together in one camera that is solidly build and a great instrument for creative minds. All the negative sounds should be aware where we came from and how difficult and challenging it was to make good looking footage in the past. To me it feels really spoiled behaviour to bash this GH7 that gives so much at a low price and is made by a company that does invest in research & development at a high level and also needs to stay economically healthy in a very competitive market. Heads up and my congratulations to the underdog camera brand that did it again.
Great review, Sir! The GH7 sounds like a beast of a camera! I'm particularly impressed with the internal ProRes RAW recording and the 32-bit float audio recording capabilities.Overall, the GH7 seems like a well-rounded camera that is sure to be a hit with both photo and video shooters
Thanks for watching! I try to pack everything I can into these and believe I have one of the most detailed reviews of this one so far - although I've not seen Richard Wong's yet!
Gerald Undone showed that Lumix will sell a dummy battery with usb port for power. Great review as always. You are the only one talked about the streaming options. Seem no one noticec it. Still I don’t know the buffer size for the still high speed shooting. Seem this GH7 has features from GH5 streaming, GH6 sensors and codecs, G9II high speed shooting and better dual gain functionality and new features as ARRI Log.
They finally did it! I have held off on upgrading my GH4 because Panasonic was late to the PDAF party. The GH6 was great, except for the lack of PDAF. The G9 II lacks a fan. The GH7 appears to pack all the refinements from the S5 II/IIX and G9 II into a GH6 body, with a bunch of new refinements thrown in for good measure. It finally represents enough of a change for me to justify it. It appears to do anything I might need to do with a hybrid camera and my existing lenses.
Still enjoying everything my GH6 has to offer. All of my video needs are met, the AF has never been a problem because I shoot exclusively with Voigtlanders, I've never run into any of the supposed DR problems. Admittedly, I'd like pre-burst for when I use it with the Leicasonic 100-400 for birding, but I am not a professional birder, so it's really not a problem. I'm sure the GH7 is a fine piece of hardware, as was the GH6 and (so I've heard) its predecessors.
What is the biggest weakness of the GH7? Only one I’ve heard people complain about is the fact it’s not full frame because anything not full frame these days is crap…. Lol
Three main weaknesses: 1. Stagnant M43 lens selection 2. No dedicated photo/video switch 3. No top handle solution or extension cable for the XLR adapter.
I was pretty skeptical at first but after seeing this review, this is an amazing camera, honestly. I like the rugged-looking build. The increased specificity in the subject detection is interesting, but my H2S moves between head, eye, and body very well. I wouldn’t be surprised if this one will do this, too.
S5ii X for the price is looking more compeling. Keeping flash sync / timecode port is a nice touch. Mixed feeling about this model. Thanks Gordon for the review!
Same boat. April, I actually started my channel on an a6400, then jumped to the GH5ii. The AF just didn't work for me. The rest was great and I'd have kept it if it worked out of the box. I returned it and went FX3. And that's been great but I think I'd have given up some full frame if only the GH7 existed when I decided to park the a6400.
Thanks!I think many people were influenced into full-frame without needing it, and dismissed smaller formats. I shot most of my UA-cam career on APSC and M43. I'd be very happy using the GH7 for all my work.
As usual, a great overall review Gordon, and definitely the perfect camera for me now, but sadly I've just pulled the trigger on an FX30 on Tuesday, as I couldn't wait for it's release any longer :( The same happened to me with the GH6 at launch, deliveries were so limited, I ended up buying a used Canon c100 mkii instead, however, I was glad of that decision, as later reviews of the GH6 started to highlight the AF limitations, which as a Sony shooter, I just couldn't live with. I'm looking forward to your more in depth review of the GH7, once the camera's become available to actually buy, and if it's as good as it seems to be, I will have to see if I can justify adding a forth camera to my growing collection. This time around, Panasonic appears to have once again moved the bar higher than the competition (as they did with the original GH5) and I could finally get a chance to try out my speedbooster, that I bought in anticipation of getting the GH6 when it was launched 🤣
You made a review of a camera I'm not interested in worth watching, Gordon. (Too much video power for my needs). But as an enthusiast I really appreciated how much work went into the usual concise and clear presentation. Well done sir! Panasonic seems to have done a good job for the target market though.
An outstanding review as always Gordon, it would be interesting to see this compared to the X-H2S. Panasonic has come a long way and has really knocked it out of the park with this release.
Would be nice if they could include the pre-roll (pre-burst) buffer for video as well as photo mode. I had this feature on my old Sony Ex1-R and i miss it. Great for wildlife and nature video such as birds landing and lightning. i'm sure this could be achieved through a firmware update.
Gordon GH7 and G9ii sensors are different according to Panasonic ..G9ii Live MOS sensor ..GH7 BSI CMOS sensor all reviews are saying sensors are identical Panasonic say they are different ...great reviews ...as usual
On early reviews, I often have to rely on the manufacturer for specs and confirmation, and as I recall, Panasonic told us it was the same sensor during the initial briefings. That's why most reviews are reporting it as such.
Great video - as always... Thank you for all that you do. --QUESTION-- How can I let LUMIX know that removing the "Multiple Exposure" feature from the S5 series and the New Micro 4/3 bodies, was a very bad idea. Where is the best place to submit feedback directly to LUMIX?
Thank you for the review! Is the 4K/6K photo mode completely gone? Can you still take photos while recording videos like previous LUMIX models? Thank you for the excellent review!
Something made me sell my GH6 to get a FUJI XH2s - GH7 looks like a superb camera, however one issue I found with the GH6 was its weight, it’s too heavy- I do however love the look of the images from the GH7 better than the GH6. I may get a GH7, or might wait for a GH7s or GH7x, hopefully if they do one, it will be a light weight version (the size of GH5s) with even more features (a stacked dual native ISO sensor maybe). Thank you for the amazing review ☀️😎⛩
@@cameralabs I don't necessarily mean a mini-version of the GH7 - Im kind of hinting at something like what they did with the GH5s in comparison to the original GH5. It wasn't mini - but it was light and could be mounted and adapted in many ways, it also had some further enhanced features in terms of low-light capabilities - They could for example remove the fan from the GH7 and obviously it would mean recording time limits, but it would be something acceptable in terms of getting a lighter slimmer camera, it would also be great to get a stacked M43 sensor, with dual native ISO, that would be awesome, while still having all the nice features of the GH7, and also adding further features - I would love a GH7s or GH7X or something along those lines.
Hi Gordon, we spoken to one another before. I'm UK based too. Love your videos. Thanks for testing the DMW XLR2 audio adaptor. Gerland Undone replied to me on his channel as I wanted to know if you could use it for other Lumix Cameras, i.e my GH5 & GH5s, it will probably need a firmware update. I hope Lumix do it for the older cameras.
@@cameralabsHopefully, but the debacle of the stupid S9 is not a good sign. A compact S9 with humungous FF lenses makes zero sense, but a MFT version makes all the sense in the world. Panasonic has their finger in their own smelly place over compacts. They killed their MFT compact lines by not updating video features, changing the brilliant GX8 monitor to the unpopular GX9 design that is lousy for vlogging, and resisted PDAF for too long. Now they blame the falling sales on the FF fad and do not learn from Sony, which has stated that 48% of all their camera profits now come from compact vlogging models. That includes tiny sensors like the ZV-1. Includes the RX100 series, includes the ZV-E10, which I believe is one of their highest sellers along with the A6700. Sony sales prove that customers still like smaller sensors, if they have PDAF. Panasonic needs to reinvest in MFT compacts with flippy screens, IBIS, and PDAF a high priority. Let Lumix ride the vlogging wave too. Social media is here to stay.
@@RB-pp5tv Nor is it a large camera. Compared to the GH7 and full frame cameras is is compact, especially when factoring in the smaller MFT lenses. These things are all relative.
Annoyingly Panasonic dropped that news at the actual GH7 announcement, so it was too late to get into all of our pre-NDA reports! BUT before my sample was returned, I managed to update it and film a short clip, so feel free to download it and give it a whirl! vimeo.com/manage/videos/956998696
I fitted two old MFT lenses during the video., the Leica 25 1/4 and Olympus 75 1.8. The IBIS is a bit more effective than S5 II as it has more room to move. AF is similar as demo'd
That's a great camera for video, sadly I am still after a GX9II, which would incorporate some of these features and many that I don't need as a hobbyist hybrid shooter.
I don’t know what firmware was on these preproduction cameras that was sent out for UA-camrs to test and review because when I finally got my GH7 from B&H the autofocus is horrible and to make sure I wasn’t doing the wrong thing or had the wrong settings I had a video chat with B&H camera specialist and they was having the same result with their camera using the same lens Leica 12-60 so they are contacting Panasonic to see what is going on.
@@cameralabs Thanks for your response! I just looked it up and the G9 doesn’t seem to have one. So this may be the case. Thank again for all your great work!
I've asked Panasonic and they tell me it's the same sensor. Maybe it's been slightly modified, but I wouldn't expect any meaningful difference in practice.
What an amazing camera. My only regret is prores raw, but no regular prores? 5.8k prores 422 or 4k prores 4444 if processing is heavy would have been perfect for my use
It has lots of prores options which you can see when I show the menus options for it! For example 5.7k ProRes is available in RAW HQ, RAW and 422 HQ and 422.
@@cameralabs That is amazing news yes! I think I realised it watching your videos. When I wrote this I didn't finished it, with the headlines being about proresRAW -- and CVP/B&H specs didn't list the regular Prores flavours! I probably going to grab one at some point now because prores + logC is amazing for my line of work
We are still missing a compact, yet capable G series camera. When will Pany give us the GX9 II? The new sensor and LUTs, that would make a new GX model fly off the shelves.
@@cameralabs Yes, I would be ok with that. I rarely use the viewfinder on my GX9. But I want the little flash, IBIS and the flip out screen. I think Pany can do it!
@@MichaelGerrard i definitely want an EVF now, so I'd push them for that! If you're happy with a viewfinder-less small camera, maybe the S9 is an option?
@ I think I could use the GH7 for video obviously - and for stills in situations where I don’t want the full kit with me, I can get really low shutter speeds and high-res mode (no tripod!!) and save the A7RV For when I need max image quality. Thanks for all your reviews they are just fantastic.
can someone please clarify what 50fps 4:3 Open Gate modes this camera supports? Proxies at the least? any improvements over the Gh6? or is it just 4.4k with a significant crop?
As always you did a great review. I find it amazing Panasonic, on it's first try has better phase detect AF than Fujifilm can manage despite doing it for years. Fujifilm can't help to make a mediocre system worse with each update.
Usually I read the review on your website first (and always look for that coveted, but rare ‘ Highly Recommended’ or not) but couldn’t wait today. Great review once again!
I welcome everybody’s enthusiasm with Panasonic Cameras. I have seen the Panny lenses and I must confess my EF lenses are much much cheaper (granted- my lenses are older). I shoot on Canon 1DC and C100 for short movies for UA-cam. At 2000$/€ the GH7 is too expensive! Also the look is plastic and quite digital 😢 (s5 mark ii, notably). I still believe Panasonic is the most generous with its plethora of functions.
Gerald Undone showed that Lumix will sell a dummy battery with usb port for power. Great review as always. You are the only one talked about the streaming options. Seem no noticed it.
I included some samples at varying ISOs, so but no formal comparison here. It's essentially the same as the G9 II. I may also add some samples to my review page for it at cameralabs.com - also, Richard Wong has done a separate ISO video for it.
I wonder why you did not report that there is no 4k open gate option in this camera even gh5 already had. They implemented a 4.4k 50 4.3 option but its not open gate but pixel by pixel which means the camera crops in a lot and your wide angle lenses are not wide angle anymore. As the camera only uses an area as small as a phone sensor or smaller there is more noise and worse low light in this mode. If i knew this before i would not have bought this camera. Gh5 had 5! Open gate options and of course 4k50, gh7 has one! And its 5.8k , no 4k, no slomotion. I really wonder why almost no reviewer mentioned this very important detail..
Possibly this camera is so good, Gordon, it can regrow hair? While I’m not quite as challenged as you(no judgement), I’m hope it will for my own reasons!😂 I will try one for personal occasional use. It seems very interesting.
@@cameralabs Very good! I’m not in later stage loss, but take anticonvulsants that likely contributed. I meant that only as a bit of fun. You’re one of the most handsome hair challenged photographers and reviewers! I really enjoy your reviews. Would like to fly over with my RED assortment used for stills on occasion too. Most folks don’t understand that opportunity exists. My data center company may make a push to get Nikon/Red to open up development in a user “ROM” space to enhance functions on camera and create new ecosystems. We also do other development as well in silicon/materials science. My love is photography and film/cinema.
The GH7 is what the GH6 should have been. Having the new PDAF is what lumix users wanted the most. The GH6 was rushed and now the camera will be sold for cheap as the GH7 has the PDAF. The other specs like Pro res or Arri log really is for 'Content creator's ' who like to sound smart talking about it. For the Price of the GH7 one can get the G9ii with two lens or the S5ii/x with two lens. UA-cam camera user's who just buy a camera to then talk it probably wont use the full spec's of what the GH7 has.
Made it to the end GREAT review! Probably the best I've seen and I've seen a lot. But I think the sensor is different than the G9II. Pretty sure I heard Sean Robinson say that plus found this on a B&H comparison: GH7 Image Sensor:17.3 x 13 mm (Four Thirds) BSI CMOS, G9II: 17.3 x 13 mm (Four Thirds) MOS Found this online: "Backside Illuminated (BSI) CMOS, is similar in concept to regular CMOS, but these chips arrange the components differently. In short, the photosites are further forward on the die and the line-by-line readout speed is brisker. This change enables practical advantages: Generally speaking, a BSI CMOS is around an f-stop better when it comes to image noise. That means a BSI CMOS shows as much noise at ISO 12800 as a similar CMOS chip would at ISO 6400. It also means that APS-C and Micro Four Thirds cameras with BSI chips play on more even footing with full-frame CMOS cameras."
I based it on what Panasonic told me originally under nda, maybe they made a mistake. Either way, it's best to base specs on the manufacturers' pages, not a store!
My Panasonic Lumix GH7 in-depth review!
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00:00 - Lumix GH7 what’s new?
01:17 - Lumix GH7 design and controls
02:17 - Lumix GH7 viewfinder
02:40 - Lumix GH7 screen
03:15 - Lumix GH7 vents, cooling, overheating
04:10 - Lumix GH7 card slots
04:34 - Lumix GH7 USB SSD recording
05:34 - Lumix GH7 frame IO and proxy
06:01 - Lumix GH7 streaming
06:58 - Lumix GH7 XLR2 and 32 bit float audio
08:38 - Lumix GH7 battery
09:11 - Lumix GH7 photo quality and high res mode
10:58 - Lumix GH7 autofocus for photo
13:05 - Lumix GH7 burst and pre-burst
13:48 - Lumix GH7 movie settings
14:40 - Lumix GH7 movie quality 1080 4k 5.8k slow motion
17:19 - Lumix GH7 open gate
18:35 - Lumix GH7 movie autofocus
21:33 - Lumix GH7 stabilization
23:05 - Lumix GH7 v-log, prores raw, dynamic range
26:49 - Lumix GH7 realtime LUT
27:11 - Lumix GH7 rolling shutter
27:50 - Lumix GH7 verdict and photo samples
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Excellent review
@@PlanetFrosty thanks!
The power of MFT with the ability to pack a no compromise feature set is unmatched. Great review Gordon
Thanks Ben!
The GH7 is what we wanted the GH6 to be. It added PDAF, internal RAW, 32-bit float, the streaming features from the GH5-II and S5-II X and much more. Take my money, Lumix !!
It does seem to have everything!
Spot on
This or S5IIx
@@vernon_x_sicboy The S5-II X is really good, but not as feature rich. The equivalent to the GH6 is the S1H. Panasonic have not refreshed that one yet. The S5-Ii X does not have timecode, it does not have the CFexpress Type B slot, so you can record all resolutions internally (need at least SSD). It's also missing a few other features. If you want something like this in full frame, wait for the S1H-II or S2H or whatever they are going to call it.
@@vernon_x_sicboy what will you using the cameafor
Brilliant in depth review Gordon!! So happy the GH7 is here at last
Thanks, I enjoyed yours too - cracking thumbnail action too!
Excellent review you managed to cover pretty much everything within such a "short" video, thats really amazing
Ha ha, thanks!
I bought the GH7 and it's amazing. AF, dynamic for m43, very customizable, ergonomic, it's catered and toward working pros and probably designed input by pros and Pany listened. I don't care about low light. When are you mostly going to shoot low light? Probably 20-30% chance. Even if you do it's still grains nothing to be freaked out
Finally the m4/3 system is back in the game! Thanks for the comprehensive review!
You're very welcome!
Enjoyed the review very much, great detail and no nonsense. This camera is so much better than so many Cinema Cameras of the last decade, an amazing time to be a budget filmmaker.
You're very welcome! It is pretty good!
Coming from +35 years in filmmaking and following development in cinema celluloid and electronics this is just amazing technology for a relative low price. The Panasonic technical and marketing seems wanting to give anything they can to makers and really listen and understand what brings creative makers all the benefits at a very low price. Yes I say a very low price for all this technology brought together in one camera that is solidly build and a great instrument for creative minds. All the negative sounds should be aware where we came from and how difficult and challenging it was to make good looking footage in the past. To me it feels really spoiled behaviour to bash this GH7 that gives so much at a low price and is made by a company that does invest in research & development at a high level and also needs to stay economically healthy in a very competitive market. Heads up and my congratulations to the underdog camera brand that did it again.
Exactly, and thanks for a wise and well-considered comment.
@@cameralabs with pleasure
Great review, Sir! The GH7 sounds like a beast of a camera! I'm particularly impressed with the internal ProRes RAW recording and the 32-bit float audio recording capabilities.Overall, the GH7 seems like a well-rounded camera that is sure to be a hit with both photo and video shooters
I agree!
As ever, the most thorough and enjoyable reviews on UA-cam. Thanks Gordon!
Thanks for watching! I try to pack everything I can into these and believe I have one of the most detailed reviews of this one so far - although I've not seen Richard Wong's yet!
As always, the most in-depth video out there!
Ah thanks Josh, I try my best!
Gerald Undone showed that Lumix will sell a dummy battery with usb port for power.
Great review as always. You are the only one talked about the streaming options. Seem no one noticec it.
Still I don’t know the buffer size for the still high speed shooting. Seem this GH7 has features from GH5 streaming, GH6 sensors and codecs, G9II high speed shooting and better dual gain functionality and new features as ARRI Log.
Yes, I was told about the adapter, but not in time for this video. It's a really neat accessory.
They finally did it! I have held off on upgrading my GH4 because Panasonic was late to the PDAF party. The GH6 was great, except for the lack of PDAF. The G9 II lacks a fan. The GH7 appears to pack all the refinements from the S5 II/IIX and G9 II into a GH6 body, with a bunch of new refinements thrown in for good measure. It finally represents enough of a change for me to justify it. It appears to do anything I might need to do with a hybrid camera and my existing lenses.
A comprehensive, thorough, interesting, entertaining (and confident!) review, as always - 👍
Thanks!
I just bought gh7 and i am sooo happy. Its worth every cent twice.
I did too. I've never been so satisfied and completed
Still enjoying everything my GH6 has to offer. All of my video needs are met, the AF has never been a problem because I shoot exclusively with Voigtlanders, I've never run into any of the supposed DR problems. Admittedly, I'd like pre-burst for when I use it with the Leicasonic 100-400 for birding, but I am not a professional birder, so it's really not a problem. I'm sure the GH7 is a fine piece of hardware, as was the GH6 and (so I've heard) its predecessors.
Nice addition to the m4/3 line up, and an improvement over the gh6, but not a noticeable step up from the FF S5iix, what we really want is the S1hii.
What is the biggest weakness of the GH7? Only one I’ve heard people complain about is the fact it’s not full frame because anything not full frame these days is crap…. Lol
They think they gonna shoot a hollywood film in the dark because their lives are living in the dark most of the day. Sad
Three main weaknesses:
1. Stagnant M43 lens selection
2. No dedicated photo/video switch
3. No top handle solution or extension cable for the XLR adapter.
@ you haven't used a GH7 if you're saying those 3
@@Freep-m2l State your reasons if you disagree, instead of blindly defending a camera.
Great review, thanks Gordon. Would you mind testing the buffer clearance time on the GH7 vs the G9II?
I was pretty skeptical at first but after seeing this review, this is an amazing camera, honestly. I like the rugged-looking build. The increased specificity in the subject detection is interesting, but my H2S moves between head, eye, and body very well. I wouldn’t be surprised if this one will do this, too.
GL's reviews are always thorough and well produced. A pleasure to watch this one...GH7 looks awesome.
Thankyou, this took a lot of work!
S5ii X for the price is looking more compeling.
Keeping flash sync / timecode port is a nice touch. Mixed feeling about this model. Thanks Gordon for the review!
You're welcome! You'd need to really weigh up the pros and cons of each model to work out which is best for you.
Why did I crave full frame so much? This footage is beautiful
Same boat. April, I actually started my channel on an a6400, then jumped to the GH5ii. The AF just didn't work for me. The rest was great and I'd have kept it if it worked out of the box. I returned it and went FX3. And that's been great but I think I'd have given up some full frame if only the GH7 existed when I decided to park the a6400.
And here i was wondering why I used 2/3 sensor for so long when M43 is way bigger!
Thanks!I think many people were influenced into full-frame without needing it, and dismissed smaller formats. I shot most of my UA-cam career on APSC and M43. I'd be very happy using the GH7 for all my work.
Lens selection, depth of field, client recognition
I made it to the end Gordon. LOL. seriously nice camera and a worthy upgrade to my GH5.
Congratulations! Thanks for watching it all!
@@cameralabs Keep them coming. I always enjoy your Micro Fouir Thirds Reviews. you cover all the features I'm interested in very well.
@@johnnymossville thanks!
Fantastic and comprehensive review as always. Thank You.
You're very welcome!
excellent review . Thanks. But until and if my needs change then Im sticking with my GH5 and S5
thank you for your analisis-... i only miss a noise/low light test
Posso dire, dopo approfonditi confronti, che per le foto in bassa luce la GH7 è MOLTO più rumorosa della GH6
Amazing review as always you do!
I will wait until the price drops to change my G9 for the GH7 or G9II
As usual, a great overall review Gordon, and definitely the perfect camera for me now, but sadly I've just pulled the trigger on an FX30 on Tuesday, as I couldn't wait for it's release any longer :( The same happened to me with the GH6 at launch, deliveries were so limited, I ended up buying a used Canon c100 mkii instead, however, I was glad of that decision, as later reviews of the GH6 started to highlight the AF limitations, which as a Sony shooter, I just couldn't live with. I'm looking forward to your more in depth review of the GH7, once the camera's become available to actually buy, and if it's as good as it seems to be, I will have to see if I can justify adding a forth camera to my growing collection. This time around, Panasonic appears to have once again moved the bar higher than the competition (as they did with the original GH5) and I could finally get a chance to try out my speedbooster, that I bought in anticipation of getting the GH6 when it was launched 🤣
Streaking issues fixed in gh7. That's why I bought it as my A cam and gh6 as the B cam
Nicely detailed review as always Gordon.
Been a subscriber since nikon D7100 review.
Thanks for your support!
Coupled with a nice zoom this is perhaps the ideal ‘desert island camera’ for the hybrid shooter, it really has it all…
You made a review of a camera I'm not interested in worth watching, Gordon. (Too much video power for my needs). But as an enthusiast I really appreciated how much work went into the usual concise and clear presentation. Well done sir! Panasonic seems to have done a good job for the target market though.
Thanks, it took a lot of work!
Help Gordon! So nice to see you!
That was supposed to say "hello..." (stupid spell check)
An outstanding review as always Gordon, it would be interesting to see this compared to the X-H2S. Panasonic has come a long way and has really knocked it out of the park with this release.
Yes, I was actually thinking of that too...
Would be nice if they could include the pre-roll (pre-burst) buffer for video as well as photo mode. I had this feature on my old Sony Ex1-R and i miss it. Great for wildlife and nature video such as birds landing and lightning. i'm sure this could be achieved through a firmware update.
Gordon GH7 and G9ii sensors are different according to Panasonic ..G9ii Live MOS sensor ..GH7 BSI CMOS sensor all reviews are saying sensors are identical Panasonic say they are different
...great reviews ...as usual
On early reviews, I often have to rely on the manufacturer for specs and confirmation, and as I recall, Panasonic told us it was the same sensor during the initial briefings. That's why most reviews are reporting it as such.
Perfect m43 specs for me except for the price.
I think it's pretty competitive for the money vs other cameras with similar features.
Great video - as always... Thank you for all that you do. --QUESTION-- How can I let LUMIX know that removing the "Multiple Exposure" feature from the S5 series and the New Micro 4/3 bodies, was a very bad idea. Where is the best place to submit feedback directly to LUMIX?
I'll mention it to them. I always complain when they remove useful stuff.
As always, top notch Mr Lang
Thankyou!
Best review by far. Subscribed.
Thanks, much appreciated!
Wow, that was an amazing, very complete review. Thanks!
Thanks, I tried to cover everything!
Thank you for the review! Is the 4K/6K photo mode completely gone? Can you still take photos while recording videos like previous LUMIX models?
Thank you for the excellent review!
The 4k and 6k photo modes have gone, but there is preburst shooting
Something made me sell my GH6 to get a FUJI XH2s - GH7 looks like a superb camera, however one issue I found with the GH6 was its weight, it’s too heavy- I do however love the look of the images from the GH7 better than the GH6. I may get a GH7, or might wait for a GH7s or GH7x, hopefully if they do one, it will be a light weight version (the size of GH5s) with even more features (a stacked dual native ISO sensor maybe). Thank you for the amazing review ☀️😎⛩
You're welcome! I'd be surprised if they do a light version. They may do a different type of camera with this sensor, but I doubt a mini GH7.
@@cameralabs I don't necessarily mean a mini-version of the GH7 - Im kind of hinting at something like what they did with the GH5s in comparison to the original GH5. It wasn't mini - but it was light and could be mounted and adapted in many ways, it also had some further enhanced features in terms of low-light capabilities - They could for example remove the fan from the GH7 and obviously it would mean recording time limits, but it would be something acceptable in terms of getting a lighter slimmer camera, it would also be great to get a stacked M43 sensor, with dual native ISO, that would be awesome, while still having all the nice features of the GH7, and also adding further features - I would love a GH7s or GH7X or something along those lines.
@@SuchetB ah I understand. I'd still like the G9 II sensor in a truly mini camera though!
@@cameralabs yes I almost got the original G9 so may actually seriously consider a G9II depending on what it does.
Hi Gordon, we spoken to one another before. I'm UK based too. Love your videos. Thanks for testing the DMW XLR2 audio adaptor. Gerland Undone replied to me on his channel as I wanted to know if you could use it for other Lumix Cameras, i.e my GH5 & GH5s, it will probably need a firmware update. I hope Lumix do it for the older cameras.
Hmm, good question, I think it will probably work on older ones, but not for 32 bit float. I'll check though.
@@cameralabs Thanks Gordon. I think Photo Joseph same.
Thanks for the great review, Gordon. I'd like to know how is Arri log working in GH7, look forward to your next review.
I've just got the update!
@gordonlaing Thank you Gordon for another in-depth review of this beast of a camera. 🔥
You're very welcome!
Great video camera. Pity Panasonic has not released something M43 that is compact with this new sensor.
Well, maybe in the future!
@@cameralabsHopefully, but the debacle of the stupid S9 is not a good sign. A compact S9 with humungous FF lenses makes zero sense, but a MFT version makes all the sense in the world. Panasonic has their finger in their own smelly place over compacts. They killed their MFT compact lines by not updating video features, changing the brilliant GX8 monitor to the unpopular GX9 design that is lousy for vlogging, and resisted PDAF for too long.
Now they blame the falling sales on the FF fad and do not learn from Sony, which has stated that 48% of all their camera profits now come from compact vlogging models. That includes tiny sensors like the ZV-1. Includes the RX100 series, includes the ZV-E10, which I believe is one of their highest sellers along with the A6700. Sony sales prove that customers still like smaller sensors, if they have PDAF.
Panasonic needs to reinvest in MFT compacts with flippy screens, IBIS, and PDAF a high priority. Let Lumix ride the vlogging wave too. Social media is here to stay.
@@RB-pp5tvThe GX9 was a big disappointment to most because they removed the flippy screen so it could no longer vlog. We need a GX8 II.
@@artistjoh The GX8 is not a compact camera.
@@RB-pp5tv Nor is it a large camera. Compared to the GH7 and full frame cameras is is compact, especially when factoring in the smaller MFT lenses. These things are all relative.
Always good reviews, thanks.. But Can you reduce your editing brightness levels to bellow 80 please? It is anoying 😞
You mean the exposure of me on the sofa?
As always, a comprehensive and detailed review! Great work.
Thanks!
Great review Gordon thanks a lot. What about the ARRI LogC3 abilities
Annoyingly Panasonic dropped that news at the actual GH7 announcement, so it was too late to get into all of our pre-NDA reports! BUT before my sample was returned, I managed to update it and film a short clip, so feel free to download it and give it a whirl! vimeo.com/manage/videos/956998696
Thank you for this. A few questions: Do older MFT-lenses fit to the new GH7? Are the Autofocus and IBIS the same as on the S5ii?
I fitted two old MFT lenses during the video., the Leica 25 1/4 and Olympus 75 1.8. The IBIS is a bit more effective than S5 II as it has more room to move. AF is similar as demo'd
That's a great camera for video, sadly I am still after a GX9II, which would incorporate some of these features and many that I don't need as a hobbyist hybrid shooter.
Would this be as fod as a Sony A7III or A7IV for birds in flight ? (photo AND video) but for less $$ ?
I don’t know what firmware was on these preproduction cameras that was sent out for UA-camrs to test and review because when I finally got my GH7 from B&H the autofocus is horrible and to make sure I wasn’t doing the wrong thing or had the wrong settings I had a video chat with B&H camera specialist and they was having the same result with their camera using the same lens Leica 12-60 so they are contacting Panasonic to see what is going on.
Let us know how you get on
Great review as always! I may have missed it, but just wondering if it comes with an OLPF? Thanks for any info you may have!
Thanks, and the answer is, I'm not sure. I am told t's the same as the G9 II though if that helps.
@@cameralabs Thanks for your response! I just looked it up and the G9 doesn’t seem to have one. So this may be the case. Thank again for all your great work!
As always, great review, Gordon. One question: Does it have the same turning-on delay as the GH6 and G9MKII? Thanks.
Yes
Lots and lots of reasons that’s why.
More lenses speedbooster smaller lenses.
Faster frame rate faster slow motion
I keep seeing online that the sensor is backside illuminated. But the g9ii isn’t. Wouldn’t the low light/iso performance be improved over the g9ii?
I've asked Panasonic and they tell me it's the same sensor. Maybe it's been slightly modified, but I wouldn't expect any meaningful difference in practice.
Thank you for the detailed review. Is it worth it to buy GH7 if I already have GH6?
Only if you want the upgrades!
We want BRAW internal recording, keep the PRORES for the Apple fanatics
Hii men so in 120 fps is similar like GH6 manual focusing yeah ? ooor
What an amazing camera. My only regret is prores raw, but no regular prores? 5.8k prores 422 or 4k prores 4444 if processing is heavy would have been perfect for my use
I think there is prores 422, the gh6 has that in hq.
It has lots of prores options which you can see when I show the menus options for it! For example 5.7k ProRes is available in RAW HQ, RAW and 422 HQ and 422.
@@cameralabs That is amazing news yes! I think I realised it watching your videos. When I wrote this I didn't finished it, with the headlines being about proresRAW -- and CVP/B&H specs didn't list the regular Prores flavours! I probably going to grab one at some point now because prores + logC is amazing for my line of work
I better get news about S5iix getting 32bit float and pro res raw update soon or I'm selling
We are still missing a compact, yet capable G series camera. When will Pany give us the GX9 II? The new sensor and LUTs, that would make a new GX model fly off the shelves.
I agree, although I'd like it to be a GX1 or GM style!
@@cameralabs Yes, I would be ok with that. I rarely use the viewfinder on my GX9. But I want the little flash, IBIS and the flip out screen. I think Pany can do it!
@@MichaelGerrard i definitely want an EVF now, so I'd push them for that! If you're happy with a viewfinder-less small camera, maybe the S9 is an option?
@@cameralabs The S9, no thanks. My GX9 is superior.
Am I dumb for wanting a GH7 next to my Sony A7R V? The IBIS for photos and obviously all the video features seem fascinating
Not dumb at all, it's about choosing the best tools for specific jobs and trying not to get distracted by brand loyalty!
@ I think I could use the GH7 for video obviously - and for stills in situations where I don’t want the full kit with me, I can get really low shutter speeds and high-res mode (no tripod!!) and save the A7RV For when I need max image quality.
Thanks for all your reviews they are just fantastic.
Do you think any of the new features of GH7 will be implemented on the S5II series, like G9II?
for the S1 "mk II" most likely.
can someone please clarify what 50fps 4:3 Open Gate modes this camera supports?
Proxies at the least? any improvements over the Gh6? or is it just 4.4k with a significant crop?
I think open gate with the full res is only up to 30p. And yes, 4.4k at higher fps. I run through all the options in the video with the menus.
Wish they would make a GH7S (i.e. GH5S Mkii) with a 4k sensor and dual ISO.
Great video as always 😊
Thanks!
As always you did a great review. I find it amazing Panasonic, on it's first try has better phase detect AF than Fujifilm can manage despite doing it for years. Fujifilm can't help to make a mediocre system worse with each update.
Does the XLR2 module also work with the S5iix and add 32 bit float?
Since the 32 bit conversion is done within the XLR2 there is a good chance it could be added to other cameras with a future firmware update.
Hi Gordon! Nice to see you 😀
Nice to see you too! I post every week, so I'm never far!
I always enjoy your videos! Informational and humorous. Thank you.😀
Useful advancements for videographers. Good review Gordon as usual
Thanks!
Usually I read the review on your website first (and always look for that coveted, but rare ‘ Highly Recommended’ or not) but couldn’t wait today. Great review once again!
@@gordon3988 I'll be publishing on my website in the next day or two. It should get a high rating!
Any chance you can test the autofocus with adapted lenses?
I've tried adapted EF on S5 II, but I don't have any MFT adapters for AF lenses
@@cameralabs Alas. How’d that perform?
@@JacobDragyn it was very good, similar to adapting them onto Sony
Excellent review, thank you
You're very welcome!
I welcome everybody’s enthusiasm with Panasonic Cameras. I have seen the Panny lenses and I must confess my EF lenses are much much cheaper (granted- my lenses are older).
I shoot on Canon 1DC and C100 for short movies for UA-cam.
At 2000$/€ the GH7 is too expensive! Also the look is plastic and quite digital 😢 (s5 mark ii, notably).
I still believe Panasonic is the most generous with its plethora of functions.
the confirmation wobble is perfectly acceptable for AFS
Gerald Undone showed that Lumix will sell a dummy battery with usb port for power.
Great review as always. You are the only one talked about the streaming options. Seem no noticed it.
Yep, I was told about that dummy power adapter a bit too late for my final edit. Looks like a nice accessory.
Why no info on Arri Lut???
Because they announced the Arri LUT AFTER they launched the camera. I did update my sample and grab a clip though at vimeo.com/manage/videos/956998696
SMPTE Time Code input?
Gordon, tu es le plus fort en matière de review ;)
Merci beaucoups!
Can you use the original XLR adapter on the GH7?
I'm told you can, but not for 32 bit float - that needs the GH7 XLR2 combo.
Still like my gh 2 with firmware hack for filming 😂 I assume the bad ribbon from the gh4 is long gone. I won't even touch one for cheap
Fantastic in-depth review Gordon!
Thanks!
nobody has done a basic ISO test? to be sure if it works better or the same that the GH6
32 bit FL BUT nobdy wants these silly bulky XLR units. 32 bit float with the 3.5mm mic jack please panny
I agree
they won't use the body for anything full frame. Look at the size of the S1 series which is going to be the next tranche of panny bodies.
u didnt cover iso performance?
I included some samples at varying ISOs, so but no formal comparison here. It's essentially the same as the G9 II. I may also add some samples to my review page for it at cameralabs.com - also, Richard Wong has done a separate ISO video for it.
I wonder why you did not report that there is no 4k open gate option in this camera even gh5 already had. They implemented a 4.4k 50 4.3 option but its not open gate but pixel by pixel which means the camera crops in a lot and your wide angle lenses are not wide angle anymore. As the camera only uses an area as small as a phone sensor or smaller there is more noise and worse low light in this mode. If i knew this before i would not have bought this camera. Gh5 had 5! Open gate options and of course 4k50, gh7 has one! And its 5.8k , no 4k, no slomotion. I really wonder why almost no reviewer mentioned this very important detail..
What are the specs on VLOG?
What specs are you after? Might be worth checking the GH7 specs on Panasonic's website
Possibly this camera is so good, Gordon, it can regrow hair? While I’m not quite as challenged as you(no judgement), I’m hope it will for my own reasons!😂 I will try one for personal occasional use. It seems very interesting.
I'm quite happy with my hair, or lack of...
@@cameralabs Very good! I’m not in later stage loss, but take anticonvulsants that likely contributed. I meant that only as a bit of fun. You’re one of the most handsome hair challenged photographers and reviewers! I really enjoy your reviews. Would like to fly over with my RED assortment used for stills on occasion too. Most folks don’t understand that opportunity exists.
My data center company may make a push to get Nikon/Red to open up development in a user “ROM” space to enhance functions on camera and create new ecosystems. We also do other development as well in silicon/materials science. My love is photography and film/cinema.
Is the Sony FX3 better than GH7?
That's way too big a question to answer in a YT comment!
So no vertical battery grip.
Not needed for video. G9II is for photo and has a grip.
I use the g9 for video all the time and the battery grip has been the best accessory I use and own on every shoot @@angeloplayforone
@@angeloplayforonegrip is useful if you film concerts
@@angeloplayforone My GH4 had a grip. My GH5M2 had a grip.
The artist of that donut sculpture should sponsor you once in a while. It's in almost every video. 😂
Hah! It's in EVERY one of my full reviews as it's opposite the spot I photograph the pier!
@@cameralabs and dyno bits too. He owes you Double $🤣
The GH7 is what the GH6 should have been. Having the new PDAF is what lumix users wanted the most. The GH6 was rushed and now the camera will be sold for cheap as the GH7 has the PDAF. The other specs like Pro res or Arri log really is for 'Content creator's ' who like to sound smart talking about it. For the Price of the GH7 one can get the G9ii with two lens or the S5ii/x with two lens. UA-cam camera user's who just buy a camera to then talk it probably wont use the full spec's of what the GH7 has.
Made it to the end GREAT review! Probably the best I've seen and I've seen a lot. But I think the sensor is different than the G9II. Pretty sure I heard Sean Robinson say that plus found this on a B&H comparison: GH7 Image Sensor:17.3 x 13 mm (Four Thirds) BSI CMOS, G9II: 17.3 x 13 mm (Four Thirds) MOS Found this online: "Backside Illuminated (BSI) CMOS, is similar in concept to regular CMOS, but these chips arrange the components differently. In short, the photosites are further forward on the die and the line-by-line readout speed is brisker. This change enables practical advantages: Generally speaking, a BSI CMOS is around an f-stop better when it comes to image noise. That means a BSI CMOS shows as much noise at ISO 12800 as a similar CMOS chip would at ISO 6400. It also means that APS-C and Micro Four Thirds cameras with BSI chips play on more even footing with full-frame CMOS cameras."
I based it on what Panasonic told me originally under nda, maybe they made a mistake. Either way, it's best to base specs on the manufacturers' pages, not a store!
@@cameralabs On the Panasonic website it says the GH7 has a BSI CMOS sensor and the G9II has a Live MOS sensor.
I want an S1r ii
We all do!
Still no built in ND filters
No, that's true, but then do any non-cinema cameras?