The Panasonic Lumix GH series has long been synonymous with high-end video capabilities in the M43 space. With the release of the 2024 Lumix GH7, Panasonic once again raises the bar with a camera that truly aims to be a hybrid. But is it, as advertised, right for you? This in-depth review looks at what the GH7 does well and poorly and for whom this fully featured camera is best suited.
Image quality: improved, but is it sufficient?
At the heart of the GH7 is a 25.2 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor – a big upgrade over the GH6, and the same one found in the Lumix G9 II. While its resolution is essentially the same as before, the backside-illuminated (BSI) architecture brings with it some real benefits in terms of light gathering and dynamic range. Meanwhile, the GH7 gains Dynamic Range Enhancement, which now runs across the full ISO range, whereas it was previously restricted to ISO 800.
The resulting images are sharp, detailed, and high-contrast, especially if one is shooting with a quality M43 lens. Performances in the GH7 can be great in low light, though one must remember that such smaller sensors bear more noise at a higher ISO in comparison with big-sensor cameras such as APS-C and full-frame cameras. Some reviewers find that noise starts to become apparent at ISO 3200, where the finest details go blurry, and ISO 6400 is still quite useable. While this is a limitation of the M43 system, Panasonic has done an exemplary job of maximizing the performance of this sensor. The GH7 also includes a High Resolution mode that shifts the sensor slightly between multiple exposures and combines them for images as large as 100 megapixels.
CONTROVERSY ALERT: The GH7 image quality is impressive for a miniature three-quarter sensor, but its inherent limitations in the smaller sensor size continue to be a point of contention. Many take it that it still cannot hold its own against cameras with larger sensors regarding dynamic range and low light, and differences in image quality between micro-thirds and full-frame are negligible only in specific types of photography.
Lens system
the advantage of Micro Four Thirds Perhaps the biggest plus of the M43 system is simply the sheer extent of its ecosystem when it comes to lenses. The GH7 is able to utilise a wide array of lenses made by Panasonic and Olympus-now rebranded as OM System-alongside third-party providers. This includes anything from compact fixed-focus lenses, through versatile zoom lenses to dedicated telephoto lenses.
This translates into the M43 lenses, which are drastically smaller in size and lighter in weight compared to equivalent full-frame lenses. This makes the GH7 system easily carried around, even during long trips or shoots. For example, telephoto lenses in the M43 System are way more compact compared to full-frame ones, making it ideal for wildlife or sports photography. High-quality, large-aperture lenses available in the M43 System allow for great background blurring, dispelling a common misconception that smaller sensors are incapable of good bokeh.
Example: The Leica DG 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II lens is a perfect example of the telephoto range in the M43 system, yet is reasonably compact and light, making it ideal for most shooting styles. Yet another good choice, this time more on the general usage side, would be the Panasonic 12-60mm F2.8-4.
Compatibility
The GH7 is compatible with a range of lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, and Kowa. However, compatibility notes are such that Panasonic lenses offer in-lens stabilization, while Olympus places it inside the body. The advantage of in-lens stabilization is lowered because it has in-body stabilization inside the GH7 camera.
AF performance
game over The single most significant upgrade to the GH7 is its new phase detection autofocus system. This is in welcome contrast to the contrast-based autofocus on earlier GH cameras, such as the GH6. The new system offers significant increases in both speed and accuracy. Continuous AF and subject tracking are now very good, arguably rivaling many of its peers.
The GH7 also has improved subject recognition modes, which provide great tracking of people, animals, and other moving subjects. This indeed makes it very suitable for shooting stills and videos. Most users have also felt that the use of autofocus is more intuitive and easier compared to other brands.
EXAMPLE: The GH7 performed very well during the reality test of kids playing soccer. After an initial bit of difficulty finding focus, adjusting the focus area made it easy to track the subjects.
CONTROVERSIAL ALERT: The new PDAF of the day represents a big uptick in performance for the line and may, at times, be not quite as reliable compared with the phase-detection AF systems on some of its full-format competition. GH7 focuses reliably; it’s not always the most reliable, though.
Handling experience: FAMILIAR AND PRECISE
The GH7 retains a very similar body design to the GH6, featuring a thick, sturdy build that feels great in the hand. There are plenty of physical controls around the camera body for quickly adjusting settings. These buttons are well-placed and can be customized for your needs.
The 3.68 million-dot OLED viewfinder and 3-inch fully articulated touchscreen LCD provide excellent clarity and versatility. The articulating screen is particularly useful for video shooters, making it easy to monitor from all angles. The menu system is also highly regarded for being exceptionally easy to use and navigate. The GH7’s grip is comfortable to use during long shoots.
CONTROVERSY ALERT: For some, the GH7 has proved to be large and heavy-a more DSLR-like form factor rather than what many would consider a mirrorless camera should be. The GH7 weighs 805 grams, which is well above the full-frame Lumix S5 II at 740 grams and the full-frame Sony A7C II at 513 grams.
Video Features
A True Filmmaker’s Tool Where the GH7 truly shines is as a camera, boasting some of the most advanced video features to ever be put into a mirrorless camera. The GH7 is capable of 5.7K open-gate video at up to 30 fps, 5.7K video at 60 fps, C4K video at 120 fps, and 1080p at up to 300 fps without any need for sensor cropping or audio. Internal recording of ProRes RAW for maximum flexibility in post-processing is supported.
Other video features include: Internal 10-bit 4:2:2 recording; V-Log recording; 32-bit floating audio recording with the DMW-XLR2 adapter; Optional ARRI LogC3 support (paid upgrade); Built-in fan and heat sink for unlimited recording time; Proxy file recording. With these, plus very good autofocus and image stabilization, the GH7 is a very capable tool for video content creators.
Example: The ability to internally record Apple ProRes RAW 5.7K, previously only possible with an external recorder, is a huge leap in workflow, saving time and hassle in post.
Portability and Durability: Built for Tough Shooting The GH7 is designed to be tough in shooting. It is splash-proof, dust-proof, and freeze-proof, thus perfect for outdoor photography and videography. However, while the GH7 is durable, the body is still relatively large and heavy.
CONTROVERSY ALERT:While the body is weather-sealed, its size and weight make it less portable than some of its competition, particularly when camera systems like the Sony A7C II are a lot smaller. With a smaller M43 sensor, this is a pretty big camera body.
Battery life
one of the weaknesses The GH7 has one weakness: its battery life. The DMW-BLK22 is rated for about 360 shots per charge with an SD card, 330 shots per charge with CFexpress, and 280 shots per charge with an external USB-C SSD. However, in real-world scenarios, many can report that they’re able to record only an hour of video on one charge.
Example: The GH7 took about 88 minutes on a full charge without overheating when recording 4k at 30p.
With such a short battery life, you most definitely will need to carry extra batteries for longer shoots. On the plus side, the camera is able to be charged via the USB-C port. It also offers continuous power.
WARNING: for a lot of users, the battery life of the GH7 is off-putting and viewed as poor – another prime example of this camera’s compromises.
Value for money
premium price tag The Panasonic Lumix GH7 has a premium price tag to match its advanced features and video capabilities. It costs around $2,200 for the body only and $2,800 with the 12-60mm f/2.8-4 lens. This is a serious investment, but the GH7 does offer great value to photographers and videographers who need professional-level features and flexibility.
CONTROVERSY ALERT:Although the GH7 is feature-packed, many feel it is too similarly priced to a full-format camera. They may be able to find full-frame alternatives with larger sensors for roughly the same price. For example, the Sony A7C II was introduced at a similar price to the GH7 and puts the benefits of a full-frame sensor in a smaller body.
Pros
Much-improved autofocus with phase detection Excellent video, including internal ProRes RAW, 5.7k 60fps and C4K 120fps, unlimited recording of 32-bit floating audio with XLR2 adapter Multiple video recording options Excellent In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) Durable, weather-resistant body Access to a large ecosystem of lenses High-resolution photo mode.
Cons
Very expensive, similar to full-frame options Smaller sensor camera than full-frame, and thus will likely be limited in low-light and dynamic range performance compared to full-frame Relatively large body Relatively short battery life Buying Advice The Panasonic Lumix GH7 is an excellent camera, but it has a very particular set of advantages. If you’re a hybrid shooter but consider yourself primarily a video shooter, then the GH7 is certainly one to consider. The improved autofocus and addition of internal ProRes RAW make it a real powerhouse for professional filmmakers. On the other hand, if you are primarily a photographer, you might have to compromise on the small M43 sensor. You are better off with another camera, probably having a bigger sensor. Whether you should buy GH7 or not depends upon your personal needs and priorities.
For whom? Professional videographers
This camera is very well-suited to anyone who wants or needs a portable but powerful camera. Hybrid shooters: If you do regular stills and video shoots, the GH7 is an excellent choice for a balance of feature sets. M43 System Users: For those with existing investments in the Micro Four Thirds ecosystem, the GH7 is the clear next step up. Recommendation The Panasonic Lumix GH7 is highly recommended for serious video content creators. It’s a high-end camera with a very specific set of benefits, and so long as you understand and embrace the compromises, it’s a powerful camera that delivers excellent results.
Final Thoughts
The Lumix GH7 is, for sure, the pinnacle of what can be achieved by the 2024 Micro Four Thirds system, if not to say it with a long list of professional-grade features. It may not fit in some budgets, but this camera has earned its place in the M43 world.
