Well, the rumours were true. The Panasonic GH6 ($2,097.99) is dead. Panasonic has announced the Lumix GH7 ($2,199.99), only two years after its predecessor. But it comes with some big upgrades. For a start, we’ve got internal ProRes RAW.
The GH7 also adds 32-bit float recording, the first camera on the market to do so. It does require an extra accessory, but we’ll get to that. And, naturally, it’s been upgraded to Panasonic’s latest phase-detect autofocus system.
Panasonic GH7 – Finally, a GH5 upgrade that’s worth it
The Panasonic GH7 looks a lot like what the GH6 should have been. The GH6 was a significant improvement over the GH5 and GH5 II ($1,197.99), but not enough to tempt the majority of users to upgrade. The GH7, on the other hand, offers far more significant upgrades.
But let’s start with the basics. It contains a 25.2-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor with 13+ stops of dynamic range boost. Of course, it features a phase-detect autofocus system, now that Panasonic’s figured out how much better it is than depth-from-defocus (DFD). It’s probably the same sensor as the Panasonic G9 II ($1,897.99).
Panasonic says it has improved stabilisation tech, including perspective distortion correction for videos. A High Mode in Active IS enables “powerful compensation” when shooting on the move. All in all, many pain points of the previous couple of generations seem to have been addressed.
ProRes RAW and 32-Bit Float audio
The Panasonic GH7 shoots 5.7K ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes RAW HQ video internally at 30 frames per second. It also supports shooting 4K video at up to 120 frames per second. And you can bake LUTs right into your footage and photos with Real Time LUT.
Now that it’s gotten internal ProRes RAW video, it also sees proxy recording. You can’t record ProRes RAW to the SD card slot, but you can use the SD slot for your proxies. You also get unlimited recording time when shooting 4K DCI 60p or lower. There are some limitations when shooting higher resolution than 4K DCI, but Panasonic doesn’t appear to have been specific about exactly what those limitations are yet. We’ll update this post when we find out.
Also a first for a mirrorless camera, the Panasonic GH5 allows 32-bit float audio recording. It does require an extra accessory, however. You’ll need to pick up the Panasonic DMW-XLR2 XLR microphone adapter.
The new DMW-XLR2 comes at a price increase over the original, though. The DMW-XLR1 for the Panasonic GH5 costs $397.99. The new DMW-XLR2 costs $499.99. So, you’ll have to factor that into your total overall cost if 32-bit float audio is important to you.
I don’t know about you, but I think this is finally the successor the GH5 deserves. It’s convincing me to upgrade mine more than the GH5 II or GH6 ever did.
Price and Availability
The Panasonic GH7 is available to pre-order now for $2,199.99. The Panasonic DMW-XLR2 is also available to pre-order now for $499.99. Shipping is slated for July.
