The Panasonic LUMIX GH7 Is Here – And Looking to Fix All the Complaints About the GH6

For those of you who are interested in one of the best entryways into digital filmmaking, Panasonic has a treat for you – the all-new, LUMIX GH7. It’s real, it’s officially announced, and if we’re to believe their announcement video, they’re looking to undo the missteps of the GH6.

Panasonic LUMIX GH7 Key Features

25.2-megapixel Micro Four-Thirds sensor
Phase Detect Autofocusing with Improved Subject-Detection
ISO 100 and ISO 500 in V-log
Native range ISO 800-2000
Internal ProRES RAW video recording
5.7K/30fps in ProRES
CF Express Media
13-stops dynamic range and Log C3 color profile (with upgrade)
Frame.io compatibility

Why It Matters

When Panasonic released the LUMIX GH6 in 2022, it felt like it was a rushed product that didn’t quite meet the needs of its video creator audience. To make things worse, the release of the LUMIX G9 II shortly after made the GH6 seem like a bad buy all around. Today’s announcement of the LUMIX GH7 changes this. For starters, the GH7 is packed with features that are a must for video/filmmakers. For starters, the ability to process internal ProRES RAW files is a world’s first. Panasonic has seemingly responded to criticisms of the GH6 with offering Phase Detect autofocusing – which should provide a serious improvement in autofocusing speeds and subject detection. Additionally, with features like native ISO range of 800-2000 and the ability to shoot at ISO100/500 in v-log, the GH7 is the workhorse camera that lives up to the line’s reputation.

Last Thoughts

The Panasonic LUMIX GH7 has been overdue in the very niche world of Micro Four-Thirds filmmaking cameras. There are options like the Blackmagic Design Cinema Camera 6k but don’t offer quality-of-life features like Panasonic’s Active I.S. or the ability to choose between media formats and connecting an external SSD. Add to the fact that it’s a substantially smaller kit that can easily do double duty as a stills camera and it stands to reason that this camera will be the top of the heap in terms of features to price. The LUMIX GH7 is available now for pre-order for $2200. (Panasonic)

No Micro Four-Thirds Is Not Dead

No, Micro Four-Thirds (MFT) is not dead! I feel like at least once a year I have to write this down. I’m often asked, “MFT cameras can’t keep up with a full-frame like Sony, why bother?” To be fair, 5 years ago that question had Canon instead of Sony in it so I guess Sony should’ve stopped making cameras then. In either case, it’s a really ill-informed question equating sensor size as the only determining factor in what makes a good camera or worse, a good image.

NoiseReview: The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III

I recently was loaned an Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III and have been using it for a little over 2 weeks now. In that time, I was reminded about my love of the small, Micro Four-Thirds camera bodies (I’ve been shooting Medium Format film and a Fujifilm X-Pro 1 exclusively for about a year and a half). I’ve forgotten how great it is having a camera that’s easy to carry and doesn’t attract too much attention when shooting street or concerts.

While the E-M10’s small form factor is a nice plus, its flexibility to work well for snapshots and actual photographic work makes this one the more slept on cameras available now. The E-M10’s spec sheet puts it on par with most mid-range cameras like the Canon T7i, Sony a6000, Nikon D5600 or the Panasonic GX85. Unlike the APS-C cameras listed before, the E-M10 offers WiFi connectivity and 4K video at 24 and 30 frames per second. To sweeten the deal, the Micro Four-Thirds format boasts a wealth of lens options (trust me, you’ll want to get rid of the power zoom kit lens), many at very affordable price points.

Product Shots

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mk. III at a Glance

• 16-Megapixel Micro Four-Thirds CMOS sensor without Anti-Aliasing Filter

• TruePic VIII processor

• 121-point Contrast Detect Auto Focusing System

• In-body 5-axis image stabilization

• 8.6 fps high/ 4.8 fps low continuous shooting

• 2.36M dot Electronic Viewfinder

• 4k Video at 24 and 30 fps | Nighttime Live Composite | 15 Art Filters

Who is this for?

If you’re looking to get into photography, want something better than your phone’s camera, or are looking for a second, smaller camera for travel, the E-M10 III absolutely fits the bill. This camera offers beginners a guided tour into the world of photography thanks to its Advanced Photo options, Art Filters, while still allowing for full manual controls once you’ve gotten tired of shooting in Auto (or Program) and are ready to push the camera’s limits. Sadly, this isn’t the perfect camera for everyone; despite the 4K video option, the E-M10 III omits a mic-in jack which keeps this from being the perfect vlogging camera.

Still, if you’re primarily interested in stills, the E-M10 III offers a fine balance of ease of use and portability with a high enough ceiling for a budding creative like yourself.

Sample Images