Panasonic has unveiled the LUMIX DMC-GH4, a still/video Digital Single Lens Mirrorless (DSLM) camera for both photographers and cinematographers alike. The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH4 (GH4) is the world's first DSLM with 4K cinematic recording capability. The image quality for both still and video is dramatically improved by Panasonic's cutting-edge technologies.
The newly developed 16.05-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor for the GH4 excels both in sensitivity and response and suppresses rolling shutter effect even when using the electronic shutter. The Venus Engine image processor has been newly developed dramatically boosting its performance with a new quad-core CPU that allows high speed signal processing that is required for rich 4K video recording. Integrating superior noise reduction systems, the GH4 enables shooting at maximum ISO 25,600. Sensitivity, gradation performance, resolution and color reproduction are dramatically improved to achieve even higher picture quality. The GH4 boasts high speed burst shooting at 12 frames per second (AFS) up to approx.40 (including RAW) / approx.100 (excluding RAW) and 7.0 fps(AFC) to capture fast moving subjects.
The new GH4 has evolved into a professional video camera. One of the most prominent advances is unlimited 4K video recording (Cinema 4K: 4096x2160 / 24 fps and QFHD 4K: 3840x2160 / up to 30 fps) in MOV/MP4*2. The GH4 is also capable of recording Full-HD video with ultra high bit rate at 200 Mbps (ALL-Intra) or 100 Mbps (IPB) without recording time limit*2. Users can freely choose the format from MOV, MP4, AVCHD Progressive and AVCHD at a variety of frame rates according to the usage. For professionals working globally, the system frequency can be easily selected between 59.94Hz (23.98Hz) / 50.00Hz / 24.00Hz. The GH4 is also capable of real-time image output to an external monitor via an optional micro HDMI cable simultaneously while recording video. For more unique video expression, VFR(Variable Frame Rate) or Time Lapse/Stop Motion Animation can be produced with GH4 without postproduction processing. In addition, a variety of practical functions required for professional video recording are newly integrated.
The high-precision Contrast AF system in the GH4 is further enhanced by Panasonic's integration of DFD (Depth from Defocus) technology which shortens the time to focus to achieve ultra high speed AF of approx.0.07 sec*3. Not only speed but also the operability is enhanced thanks to the addition of Face / Eye Detection AF or 49-point AF with Custom Multi AF mode.
The GH4 boasts newly developed high-precision, high-speed dual OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) displays of 2,359K-dot LVF (Live View Finder) and 1,036K-dot rear monitor. Both the LVF and rear monitor adopt an OLED to achieve high speed response with minimum time lag while enhancing the resolution. Notably, the OLED for the LVF in GH4 boasts 10,000:1 high contrast for superior color reproduction.
To be tough enough to withstand heavy field use, the main structure of the GH4 is composed of a magnesium alloy full die cast front/rear frame. It also features splash / dustproof construction by sealing every joint, dial, and button. The shutter unit allows a max. 1/8000 shutter release and is also redesigned to be even more durable for approx. 200,000 actuations.*4
