Panasonic DMC-GH4 – World’s First 4K Video recording Mirrorless camera

We’ve seen quite a few vendors like Samsung and LG announce 4K TVs, however, cameras recoding video at 4K resolution are still up and coming. Panasonic is doing their bit by introducing the DMC-GH4 which is the world’s first mirroless camera capable of recording video at the uber-high 4k resolution. 

Press Release

Panasonic is proud to introduce an ultimate photo/video hybrid Digital Single Lens Mirrorless (DSLM) camera DMC-GH4 as the successor of DMC-GH3 that created an industrial sensation with its outstanding video recording performance. The image quality for both photo and video is dramatically improved by crystallizing Panasonic’s cutting-edge technologies. 

Professional photographers and videographers can also take advantage of Panasonic’s new SDXC and SDHC UHS-I cards, the Gold Series “SDUC”, which complying with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and suitable for 4K video recording at a guaranteed constant minimum write speed of 30MB/s.

“4K is clearly the standard, and in the new GH4 along with the 4K SD cards, professional photographers and videographers will have a complete solution from Panasonic. This world’s first 4K video recording in such a small form factor will be a game changer for the industry. The GH4 is designed to pursue intuition and mobility to match the enthusiasm of All Photographers and Video Creators, offering highest picture quality and video shooting performance,” said Mr. Hitesh Ojha, Deputy General Manager, Audio Video Products Department, Panasonic Marketing Middle East & Africa.

The newly developed 16.05-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor for DMC-GH4 excels both in sensitivity and response and suppresses rolling shutter effect even when using electronic shutter or recording motion image. The image processor Venus Engine is also newly developed dramatically boosting its performance with new quad-core CPU that lets high speed signal processing required for rich video recording such as 4K. 

Integrating superior noise reduction systems, DMC-GH4 enables shooting at max.ISO25600. Sensitivity, gradation performance, resolution and color reproduction are dramatically improved to achieve even higher picture quality. The DMC-GH4 boasts high speed burst shooting at 12 fps (AFS) up to approx.40 (including RAW) / approx.100 (excluding RAW) and 7.0 fps (AFC) to capture fast moving subject just in-focus. 

The new DMC-GH4 further evolves to bridge the gap of consumer video camera and professional video camera. One of the most prominent advance is unlimited*1 4K video recording (Cinema 4K: 4096×2160 / 24 fps and QFHD 4K: 3840×2160 / up to 30 fps) in MOV/MP4*2

The DMC-GH4 is also capable of recording Full- HD video with ultra high bitrate at 200 Mbps (ALL-Intra) or 100 Mbps (IPB) without recording time limit *1*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 the global business of professional users, the system frequency can be flexibly selectable between 59.94Hz (23.98Hz) / 50.00Hz / 24.00Hz. 

The DMC-GH4 is also capable of real-time image output to the 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 DMC-GH4 without postproduction process. In addition, a variety of practical functions required for professional video recording are newly integrated.

The high-precision Contrast AF system in the DMC-GH4 is further enhanced by Panasonic’s integration of DFD (Depth from Defocus) technology which even shortens the time to set 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 DMC-GH4 boasts newly developed high-precision, high-speed dual OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) displays for 2,359K-dot LVF (Live View Finder) and 1,036K-dot rear monitor. Both LVF and rear monitor adopts OLED to achieve high speed response with minimum time lag while enhancing the resolution. Notably, the OLED for the LVF in DMC-GH4 boasts 10,000:1 high contrast for superior color reproduction. Now the excellent visibility comes closer to OVF. 

To be tough enough to withstand even heavy field use, the main structure of the DMC-GH4 is composed of magnesium alloy full diecast front/rear frame. It also features splash / dustproof construction thanks to the sealing on every joint, dial, and button. The shutter unit that allows max. 1/8000 fast shutter release is also redesigned to be even more durable for approx. 200,000 times release*4.

Even a moment’s waste matters in professional shooting condition, hence it is possible to make target setting intuitively thanks to the optimum layout of control devices on DMC-GH4 . The DMC-GH4 also incorporates Wi-FiPanasonic’s new DMC-GH4 is the world’s first single lens mirrorless camera that is capable of capturing striking 4K videos with NFC technology, terminals highly connectable to external equipment. Now RAW files can be developed in camera.

Evolving further in every aspect – performance, mobility, durability and expandability, Panasonic is proud to offer DMC-GH4 for a reliable first camera to professional field photographers, film creators and hybrid photographers. 

*1 Motion image can be recorded up to 29 min 59 sec depending on the recording format and the camera’s sales area.
*2 Use SDXC/SDHC Memory Card compatible with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) when recording high bitrate video over 100 Mbps.
*3 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.
*4 Panasonic in-house examination.