Mark Toal from Panasonic was at Kenmore Camera on January 23 to demo the new Lumix GH4. This is an exciting new camera from Panasonic introduced at Photokina and revealed at CES this January. This is a preproduction sample. He had 2 for being looked at. These cameras were still being finalized and had beta firmware. Some of the menu items did not work. The camera will be available at the end of March for $1999.99.
The camera is bigger and a little heavier than the GH4. The camera no longer has a built in flash. They have added a joystick for pointing to an autofocus point. One of the wonderful things that did not change was the battery which is already great. The 4K video is no longer cropped smaller than the sensor. Dual I.S 2.0 stabilization is added so any lens is stabilized. The camera now has 2 SD card slots. There is now a full size HDMI port with an adapter that can be screwed into the body to lock the cable from pulling out while recording.
The best improvement is the new audio adapter that sits in the hot shoe. The DMW-XLR1 audio adapter will be available at the same time as the camera for 399.99.. It has a direct connection to the camera and is powered (not extra batteries to charge) by the camera's internal battery. Bad news for cage owners, as it mounts only on top of the camera.
Overall this is a major upgrade over the GH4.
Here are some of the specs about the camera:
It includes cutting-edge 4K 60p (4:2:0 8-bit) and 30p (4:2:2 10-bit) in-camera cinematic video, 5Ghz Wi-Fi + Bluetooth for fast connection and image transfer, lightning fast DFD focusing, Dual I.S 2.0 stabilization and exposure technologies not possible with traditional DSLRs. With the exclusive LUMIX 4K PHOTO (~8MP, 30/60 fps) & brand new 6K PHOTO mode (~18MP, 30 fps), simply pause that perfect moment from vide to produce printable high resolution photos.
20.3MP Four Thirds sensor with no low pass filter.
4K Video: Internal recording at 4K60/50p (4:2:0 8bit) & 4K30/25p/24p (4:2:2 10bit).
Variable Video Frame Rates 4K: Max. 60fps & FHD: Max. 180fps.
5-Axis Photo/Video Dual I.S. 2.0 up to 5 stops with compatible LUMIX MFT lenses, plus in-body stabilization support for classic non-O.I.S lenses.
DFD focusing system for fast and accurate focusing utilizing LUMIX 480 fps and Venus Engine 10
Full size (Type A) HDMI terminal with cable lock included & twin SD Card slots (UHS-II U3 Compatible).
3.5mm mic & headphone terminals – optional DMW-XLR1 microphone adaptor.
Eye viewfinder 3680k-dot OLED, 21mm, 0.76x.
V-LogL recording with (Optional) DMW-SFU1 paid upgrade.
Here is a video with Mark Toal.