The Panasonic LUMIX GH4: Changing the boundaries of professional photography and 4K videography
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February 10, 2014 at 2:46:06 PM PST February 10, 2014 at 2:46:06 PM PSTth, February 10, 2014 at 2:46:06 PM PST
Panasonic has globally announced the LUMIX DMC-GH4 - a new DSLM camera that is the ultimate professional tool for commercial photographers and videographers. The DMC-GH4 provides 4K video recording –four times the resolution of Full HD - for absolutely the best possible video quality; as well as offering outstanding still image quality and responsiveness, backed by features to support serious commercial editing and production. Standout video capabilities offered by the camera include ultra-high-bitrate 4K (100 Mbps) and Full HD recording (200 Mbps); global frame rates, allowing professionals to shoot for overseas markets; and Variable Frame Rate for slow and fast motion shooting at up to 96 frames per second in Full HDi. A new optional interface unit ensures high performance when connecting to professional external monitors and recorders. Speed and precision are the hallmarks of the DMC-GH4's still imaging performance: including high-speed burst shooting at 12 frames per second (AFS) at full resolution, supported by a 40-shot buffer for RAW images; Contrast AF with DFD (Depth From Defocus) technologyii, for faster, more accurate focus at 0.07 seciii and improved continuous focus; max 1/8000sec shutter speed; an OLED LVF and monitor offering higher resolution and greater precision; and the ability to process RAW photos in-camera. Other convenient LUMIX features in this model that will be welcomed by the professional photographer include the newly-added Focus Peaking, Low-Light AF, and 49-area AF increased from 23-area. Doug Campbell, Product Marketing Manager, LUMIX, Panasonic Australia, said: “Panasonic has achieved a new milestone for the LUMIX G Series with this camera. The LUMIX DMC-GH4 offers a raft of enhancements that surpass the capabilities of the previous DMC-GH3 to deliver best-in-class performance.” The weather-sealed DMC-GH4 offers features for durability and versatility in the field. The shutter has been designed for a lifespan of up to 200,000 releases, double the life of many cameras in its classiv. In addition, the camera's Wi-Fi connectivity has been enhanced with NFC for simple pairing with a smartphone or tablet, with QR code scanning available for non-NFC devices. Convenient optional accessories include a powerful GN58 External Flash and a Stereo/Shotgun Microphone. The DMC-GH4 is compatible with 22 LUMIX G digital interchangeable lenses, the most offered by any DSLM manufacturer, as well as providing access to 46 Micro Four Thirds lenses. In tandem, Panasonic has also announced the new Gold Series 'SDUC' cards, which are compatible with UHS Speed Class 3 for 4K video recording. Local pricing and availability dates for the new DMC-GH4 camera and Gold Series SDUC cards are yet to be announced. DMC-GH4 VIDEO FEATURESImpressive professional video features The DMC-GH4 offers unlimited 4K video recording (Cinema 4K: 4096x2160 / 24 fps) and QFHD 4K: 3840x2160 / up to 30 fps) in MOV/MP4v. The DMC-GH4 is also capable of recording Full- HD video with an ultra high bitrate at 200 Mbps (ALL-Intra) or 100 Mbps (IPB), which does not have a recording time limit. Video formats available include MOV, MP4 (LPCM), AVCHD Progressive and AVCHD at a variety of frame rates according to usage. For global use, the system frequency is selectable between 59.94Hz (23.98Hz) / 50.00Hz / 24.00Hz. Just some of the many features that will give the DMC-GH4 amazing appeal for moviemaking professionals are:
- Focus Peaking
- Variable Frame Rate at 96 fps
- HDMI Monitor at 4:2:2/10-bit
- Zebra Pattern
- Time Code
- Cinelike Gamma
- 1kHz Test Tone and Colour Bars (SMPTE/EBU/ARIB Standard)
- Master Pedestal adjustment
i In 24p playback. Effect value varies depending on the recording format and frequency. ii Contrast AF with DFD Technology works only with Panasonic Micro Four Thirds lenses. iii In AFS, with LUMIX G VARIO 14-140mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. or LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm / F2.8 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. iv Panasonic in-house examination. v Use SDXC/SDHC Memory Card compatible with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) when using high bitrate video recording mode of 100 Mbps or greater. vi Setting the HDMI output picture quality [4:2:2/10 bit]. You can output the image through the HDMI connection in higher picture quality, but you cannot record it as a motion picture or still pictures. Ideal when the HDMI output is to be saved on external devices. When using 4:2:2/10-bit output, simultaneous video recording on SDXC/SDHC Memory Card in the camera is not possible. vii HDMI output from the camera is not possible when the camera is mounted on the interface unit. viii In AFS, with LUMIX G VARIO 14-140mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. or LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm / F2.8 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S.