Unleashing the Power of Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4: A Complete ReviewKeywords: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4, review, camera, features, performance

Are you looking for a high-performance camera that can capture stunning pictures and videos? Look no further than the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4! This camera is perfect for both amateur and professional photographers who want unparalleled convenience, versatility, and quality. In this review, we'll take a thorough look at the features and performance of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 so you can decide if it's the right camera for you.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 article cover photo

Key Features

Feb 07 2014

Announced

16 megapixels

Resolution

BrandPanasonic
Sensor TypeFour Thirds
SensorCMOS
Weight560g
MSRP$1699USD

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Released Jan 04 2017 | 20MP resolution

Overview of the Lumix DMC-GH4

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 has been a game-changer in the world of photography and videography since its release. With its high-resolution sensor, advanced AF system, and 4K video capabilities, it has become a go-to tool for photographers and videographers alike. But is the hype around the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 warranted? In this review, we'll assess its key features, handling, image quality, and video capabilities and give you a verdict on whether it justifies its premium price tag.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

16.05 Megapixel Digital Live MOS sensor
4K Video Recording
Fast autofocus with DFD (Depth from Defocus) technology
Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC
High dynamic range (HDR) capabilities
Excellent electronic viewfinder (EVF)
Wide range of compatible lenses
Dual UHS-II SD card slots
Durable magnesium alloy body
Weather-sealed for protection

Cons

Expensive compared to other mirrorless cameras
Shallow buffer depth for RAW images
Heavier than some other mirrorless options
Limited battery life
No built-in image stabilization
Limited touchscreen functionality
Complex menu system
Limited low-light performance compared to some DSLRs
Limited dynamic range in high ISO settings
No headphone jack for monitoring audio.

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4

Weather sealed
Dimensions133 x 93 x 84mm
Weight560g
Thickness84mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the Lumix DMC-GH4 is an excellent choice.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderElectronic
Screen TypeFully Articulated
Screen Resolution1,036k dots
Body typeSLR-style mirrorless

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fully articulated 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 1,036k dots. This makes the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 very suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you can view yourself while shooting selfies. The camera also features a touch screen, which adds to its ease of use.

Viewfinder

Lumix DMC-GH4 includes a electronic viewfinder with 2,359k dots of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.67x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 has a 16MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 16 pixels. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 has a native ISO range of 200 - 25600 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Feb 07 2014

Announced

200 - 25600

ISO Range

SensorFour Thirds
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4608 x 3456 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

74 / 102

Color Depth

23.2 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

12.8 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

791 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 camera has above average color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also above average, allowing it to retain low amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is poor, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Lumix DMC-GH4 is average

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

2x

Full frame equivalent

48mm

This camera: Four Thirds

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC
Battery Life500 shots
Battery ModelDMW-BLF19
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 uses the DMW-BLF19 model of battery pack. This is rated for 500 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 49 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4?

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 features a CMOS sensor

Is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 weather sealed?

Yes the Lumix DMC-GH4 does have weather sealing.

When was the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 announced?

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 was announced on Feb 07 2014

Does the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 have in-body image stabilization?

No the Lumix DMC-GH4 does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4?

The Lumix DMC-GH4 has a native ISO range of 200-25600, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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