Panasonic DMC-G7 Compact System Camera (16 MP, MOS Sensor)

An excellent camera providing all the benefits of the Lumix G range - lightweight, great viewfinder and screen, good lenses. This model is special because the 4k functionaity means you can catch perfect stills from a short bust of activity or record great 4k video. Value for money giving a camera that has all the features wanted for any requirement whilst being able to be given to family to be used in a fully automatic manner. Recommend the YouTube videos on using the G range and the special features of this model.

A bit more "boxy" and, perhaps larger than my previous GH2, but the new features and processing capabilities make it a joy to use. Unless you need all the bells and whistles, this is a perfect alternative to the GH4 (or GX8?)

Good camera, excellent pictures (of course depending of your lens) and video results. The autofocus impressively fast and smart. But its cheap plastic body may be a turnoff.

For this price a very good camera - it's a Mini-GH4 and if you don't need all professionell video-specs of the GH4 and like a compact body, then you should go with the G7.

The Lumix G7 is very much the little brother to the GH4. They share different sensors from my understanding but the 4K quality is on par with the offering from the GH4. In that regard, it actually is apparent that it deals with noise in low light slightly better than it's older brother; but bearing in mind we are still on the small micro four thirds sensor, low light regardless isn't the best. I got this camera in my first move into the world of micro four thirds sensors, I use it for professional work which mainly includes wedding videography. I purchased this primarily for video, but it was important additionally as a stills camera. On the video front it has the basics you need for serious/enthusiast shooting covered; zebras/focus peaking/histogram and the like. As already mentioned the 4K is a wonderful feature, the 100mbps data rate is also very good and equals it's more expensive brother. While I don't produce any 4K specific content, it does allow me more room to stabilise any footage or crop in closer, while still producing fullHD projects at the end. It can also shoot in panasonic CinelikeD and V modes, which are good if you plan on using the footage to colour grade or work with later on. Notable emission is the flat profile on the GH4 'V-Log', understandable at this price point, but notable if you're planning on using it as a b-camera for a GH4. Also records in 1080p HD, although it's abilities here are limited compared to it's bigger brother. It can record in up to 60fps, which means you can get some nice half speed shots, but it's important to be aware that the data rate for 1080 on this camera is very limited (I believe, at 25mbps). While pictures still look crisp and excellent straight out of the camera, you might find it degrades quickly if you plan on doing any significant amount of post processing, unlike the up to 200mbps rate you can achieve on the GH4. For any professional work, it does have a clean HDMI output, which makes for bypassing the internal 29:59 recording time if you have the equipment; albeit in 8bit colour rather than the GH4 10bit external output. Video aficionados should also notice a lack of a headphone port to monitor audio. While it does have a microphone input, I would suggest recording any integral audio on an external recorder which are many and relatively cheap to come by, and you can still monitor audio levels visually on the screen if it is definitely required. Stills provides everything you would expect from a modern mirrorless camera, 4K time-lapse included. It also however includes a 'post focus' option with the latest firmware. While it won't work well for moving subjects so much, it offers you the ability to readjust the focus of an image after the fact. It has plenty of dynamic range for a camera today and the Panasonics Lumix range should be praised for its menu navigation and usability of the device. Coming from a DSLR background there was still some things that I had to adjust to, and this is not to say there isn't a learning curve. Relative however to similar competing brands such as Olympus or Sony I have found the Lumix's menu system not only to be the most intuitive, but the most productive when it comes to being on a shoot and requiring to change camera settings or modes, especially with the help of the fully articulating touch screen. Overall the faults of this device shouldn't detract from the stunning quality of footage that this camera puts out. If you're looking for a entry level 4K filming device at this price point, with the flexibility of the micro four thirds lens mount affords, makes the G7 one of the best options.

good stuff!

super