Panasonic LUMIX GH7 now official: 25.2MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, PDAF, internal ProRes recording

Panasonic has announced the LUMIX GH7, the company’s latest Micro Four Thirds (MFT) flagship mirrorless camera. It comes as a successor to the LUMIX GH6 released in 2022.

Panasonic Lumix GH7 key highlights:

• 25.2MP BSI CMOS sensor: Delivers impressive low-light performance with 13+ stops of dynamic range.
• Phase detect autofocus (PDAF)
• 5-axis in-body image stabilization: Offers up to 7.5 stops of compensation for sharper stills and smoother video.
• Internal ProRes RAW recording: Provides professional-grade video quality with flexibility in compression levels.
• Native Camera-to-Cloud integration: Seamlessly upload files to Adobe Frame.io for efficient workflow.
• 32-bit float audio recording (optional): Eliminates the need for gain level adjustments during filming with the optional DMW-XLR2 unit, which allows 4-channel audio recording.
• In-camera ARRI LogC3 recording (optional): Unlocks access to a vast library of professional color looks with a separate license key.

Panasonic LUMIX GH7: 25.2MP BSI CMOS sensor, PDAF, 5-axis IBIS

At the core of GH7 is a 25.2MP BSI CMOS sensor that boasts phase-detect autofocus (PDAF) for the first time in the GH series. This translates to significantly faster and more reliable focusing, a long-standing pain point for MFT cameras.

Panasonic claims the sensor delivers an impressive 13+ stops (in 60fps or less, or 12+ stops (above 60fps) of dynamic range, making it a low-light champ.

Photographers will appreciate the faster autofocus (AFC and AFS) that lets users rip through bursts at 60fps and 75fps with the electronic shutter, or 10fps and 14fps with the mechanical shutter. There’s also an AF point scope for magnified focus confirmation and 20x MF assist for precise manual focusing.

Panasonic’s 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) makes a comeback in the GH7. There’s the active IS for combating camera shake on the go and EIS for correcting perspective distortion in video. Panasonic claims the system can compensate for up to 7.5 stops in stills mode.

Ability to record ProRes RAW internally, 32-bit float audio recording

Another game-changing ability is ProRes RAW recording internally. Both ProRes RAW and ProRes RAW HQ flavors are available, offering flexibility to choose the compression level. The camera can save these files to either a CFexpress card or a connected USB-C SSD for a truly professional workflow.

Speaking of workflow, the GH7 boasts native Camera-to-Cloud integration with Adobe Frame.io. This means users can seamlessly upload proxy video files, JPEGs, or raw photos directly from the camera via Wi-Fi or USB tethering. And that’s not all – the GH7 can also stream video wirelessly, through USB tethering, wired LAN, and more.

One of the most intriguing features of the GH7 is the inclusion of 32-bit float audio recording. This eliminates the need to set gain levels during recording, as users can adjust them later in post-production. This powerful feature, however, requires the new, optional XLR unit (DMW-XLR2).

The DMW-XLR2 brings even more to the table — a microphone holder and a 3.5mm stereo jack input, allowing the GH7 to record a total of four audio channels. Plus, there’s a TC in/out terminal for syncing with external audio devices.

Here’s a little surprise for the high-end filmmakers: the GH7 lets you unlock in-camera ARRI LogC3 recording with a separate USD 199.99 license key (DMW-SFU3A). This unlocks access to the expansive ARRI Look Library with 87 looks to choose from, along with the ability to import your favorites and combine them with the GH7’s in-camera REAL TIME LUT function.

Price and availability

The Panasonic LUMIX GH7 is now up for pre-orders 14 and begins shipping in July (initially in select global markets), priced at USD 2,197.99 for the body only.

No word yet on its availability and pricing in the Philippines. Though, Henry’s Cameras has already shared the news in a Facebook post. Stay tuned for updates!