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The Rumor of Death is Totally Untrue.

The recent rumors reporting that micro 4/3 format is going to be dropped by Panasonic and Olympus is totally untrue and a very bad April fools joke. The joke was reported when it was April 1st in Japan. This type of false reporting does our industry no good and a lot of harm. In this Internet age any kind of speculation can be drawn to the maximum exposure. Why people are doing this escapes me. There is no reason for this kind of stupidity.

Pundits have been writing about the death of micro 4/3 format for many years now and the cameras have gotten much better, more interesting and with the GH4 an incredible bargain. There is no reason for Panasonic or Olympus to abandon the micro 4/3 format. The financial reports that I saw from both of these companies were not that far off of their expectations. One Panasonic rep told me that the GH3 has been a good seller and they're very happy. With all of the preorders for the GH4 I expect it to be even a better seller. We, the consumer are getting incredible value for our money. Also these cameras are the best DSLR like cameras to shoot video and Panasonic knows that.

Even with out the GH4, I have one of the Best cameras I have ever owned with the GH3. Would I be sorry if this ugly rumor proves to be true and there are going to be no more micro 4/3 cameras? Yes, but I already have what I need to get the job done and I am very satisfied with what I have. I could live with what I have for quite sometime and I don't think that Olympus or Panasonic are stupid companies. Killing micro for thirds would be just plain stupid.

GH4 Available for Pre-Order at Amazon

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH4 Mirrorless Digital Camera is now available for pre-order at Amazon! This will be a popular camera so order early to get this game changing camera.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Only, Black – with 4K Video Recording

Price: $1,698.00

Panasonic LUMIX DMW-YAGH Interface Unit, Pro Audio Video Interface for LUMIX GH4

Price: $1,999.99

http://www.studiodaily.com/2014/03/panasonic-prices-4k-capable-lumix-gh4-at-1699/

Pre-Order The GH4 at Adorama.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH4 Mirrorless Digital Camera is now available for pre-order at Adorama!

http://adorama.evyy.net/c/60445/51926/1036?u=http://www.adorama.com/IPCDMCGH4.html

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Only, Black – with 4K Video Recording

Price: $1,698

http://adorama.evyy.net/c/60445/51926/1036?u=http://www.adorama.com/IPCDMWYAGH.html

Panasonic LUMIX DMW-YAGH Interface Unit, Pro Audio Video Interface for LUMIX GH4

Price: $1,998

http://adorama.evyy.net/c/60445/51926/1036?u=http://www.adorama.com/IPCDMCGH4A.html

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 Camera Body, Black with DMW-YAGH Pro Audio Video Interface Unit

Price: $3,298 (save $398 when pre-ordering the GH4 and the Interface Unit together, rather than separate)

 

http://www.studiodaily.com/2014/03/panasonic-prices-4k-capable-lumix-gh4-at-1699/

A Bright Lens: Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm F1.2

Leica 42.5mm F1.2
Leica 42.5mm F1.2

Leica 42.5mm F1.2

The Panasonic Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm F1.2 A.S.P.H. Power O.I.S. Lumix G is a bright lens. It is a very fast short telephoto portrait lens for the Micro Four Thirds system. This is the most robust, built like a tank lens that Panasonic has ever created. It looks and feels – Leica. This lens is for those who want great out of focus backgrounds. With this lens Micro Four Thirds finally has a lens that competes directly with larger sensor cameras and has that low focus plane with that pleasing out of focus background. On a 35mm sized sensor camera the focal length is equivalent to a 85mm with a aperture of about F2.5.


The lens features optical image stabilization, a special Nano Surface Coating to minimize ghosting and flare, and an iris diaphragm with nine rounded aperture blades for better out of focus circles. The lens is fairly compact fitting in the palm of your hand. For a lens that offers a portrait focal length although it's quite weighty for a Micro Four Thirds lens. It makes the GH3 feel a little heavy but balanced.

The traditional manual aperture ring on the lens barrel is new for Micro Four Thirds. With aperture markings from f/1.2 to f/16 it allows you to set the aperture in 1/3 step. As you change the aperture, it is also shown in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen. Put the lens in A and the camera controls the aperture.


The Nocticron is a high-quality lens with an impressive all-metal construction. Panasonic does not claim any sort of weather resistance for this lens, and there is no rubber seal around the mount.

The metal manual focusing ring is well dampened with a nice feel to it. Like most Micro Four Thirds lenses the ring turns freely. There are two small switches on the side toggle between auto/manual focus and turn Power O.I.S.

The Nocticron comes with a large metal lens hood and a cloth storage bag, and it uses 67mm filters, same as the 100-300mm lens.

I have found this lens to be a stellar performer with wonderful characteristics. On the GH3 it is a match made for each other. This is the best portrait and interview lens around. If you can afford it, this lens will not disappoint.

I have posted at Flickr some photo samples from this lens.

The video I have created is a review at this amazing new lens for Micro Four Thirds.

 

 

Something New to Unbox

Leica 42.5 Lens
Leica 42.5 Lens

Leica 42.5 Lens

What is big, heavy, bright, all mental and is the most expensive Lens that I have ever bought? Enter the Panasonic Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm F1.2 A.S.P.H. Power O.I.S. Lumix G. I recently paid a visit to Kenmore Camera and made a big dent in my wallet. That is a lot of words describing an amazing lens. This is the most robust, built like a tank lens that Panasonic has ever created. It looks and feels – Leica, and is priced so accordingly. This lens is not for everybody but will be used by those who appreciate its unique characteristics. Micro Four Thirds finally has a lens that competes directly with larger sensor cameras and has that low focus plane with that pleasing out of focus background.

Here are some photo samples of this lens.

The video I have created is just to give you a first look at this new lens for Micro Four Thirds. A review will follow later.

4K Video of Kenmore Camera on YouTube

GH4

GH4

4K – it is insane. I cannot even play it back on the screen of late 2013 MacBook Pro Retina. 4K video has more pixels than my screen so I cannot view it in all it's grandeur. I have posted on YouTube at 4K the footage I shot at Kenmore Camera’s Grand Opening on a preproduction GH4. For those of you can view 4K it is there for you to see. The rest of us Will have to view it at lower resolutions.

The GH4 is the first camera that I will own that has more resolution than my computer screen. I have experienced 4K video before using a RED camera. The RED camera files were difficult to use because that camera only shoots RAW so the file sizes are huge.

Screen Grab from 4K video

Screen Grab from 4K video

At 100 Mb per second the GH4 files are much more easy to use. I like that the h264 files are in a QuickTime wrapper in the camera. I had no real trouble editing this footage. Final Cut Pro X is already set for 4K. Your performance on another editor may very. I imported the footage from the SD card and it did not take that long because the file sizes are reasonable. FCPX has smooth playback while editing this footage. I did not add a lot of effects or layers so rendering times were quick. Later I will do some heavier editing to push my editor to see if I have any problems.

Shooting with the GH4 requires a very fast SD card to have the camera continue recording without stopping. It appears that 95 Mb per second cards seem to keep up with the 4K video. These faster cards also make importing the footage faster.

Also I will post some 4K screen grabs from the 4K video in my Flickr Set.

Hands On With The GH4

GH4
GH4

Preproduction GH4 taken at Kenmore Camera

It is here! On Friday Feb. 20th, I posted on this site that I was going to the Kenmore Camera Grand Opening. I tweeted it and Kenmore camera reposted that tweet. They also sent me a note that a certain 4K camera would be at the show. It was.

When I arrived at Kenmore camera, there was Mark Toal from Panasonic with the preproduction GH4. He warned me that this camera had beta software and from time to time would crash. Fortunately all I had to do was turn the camera off and turn it back on to continue shooting. I was able to shoot stills and 4K video at the store. All of the footage in my video besides his interview were shot with the preproduction GH4. How lucky was that! There are only four preproduction GH4’s in the country.

My thoughts about the GH4 after handling and shooting with the preproduction camera:

The first thing you will notice is that the camera looks like a GH3. It uses the same battery as the GH3 and battery grip. But a GH3 it is not. So much has been improved on this new camera that it is a major step forward.

The next thing you notice when putting it up to your eye is that the viewfinder has been improved dramatically. The viewfinder image appears very large to the eye. with no color fringing on the edges. It has a much clearer view because of the increased screen resolution and better optics in viewfinder. The eye cup is much more comfortable then the one on the GH3.

GH4 Top

The screen refresh rate has been increased so it doesn't not look like the traditional electronic viewfinder. The viewfinder image is much clearer. The pixels are so small that you don’t see them. Also the auto focus is blazingly fast because of a faster refresh rate and new quad processor.

There is a locking Mode Dial but it does not lock in the traditional way. If you leave it up the dial freely turns, if you push it down it locks. I like this arrangement much better than the way other camera manufacture’s do it.

All the buttons and dials are in the same place as the earlier camera. So anyone familiar with that earlier camera will be familiar with this camera. The menu system is very similar and more extensive add new features. There are a lot more controls for video in the new menus. With all these improvements we can tell that Panasonic is listening to the photographers who are using their cameras.

GH4 Back

But the main reason I came to see this camera was its biggest new feature, 4K video. It has been said before and I will say it again, 4K changes every thing. Panasonic has put together the most affordable 4K camera on the market. It does not have raw video, but the video it does have is damn good. Four times the resolution of full HD video is an incredible feat to put on an SD card. Mind it you need very fast cards for this camera. On this preproduction model with good cards it could shoot about 10 seconds of video before it quit. What a very fast card rated at 95 Mbps it could shoot 4K video without stopping. The 4K at this camera creates is at 100 Mbps. I tried the 1080 video at 200 Mbps and again on this very fast card I was able to get just a few seconds worth before it quit. To take advantage of this new camera, new SD cards will needed. This is not a big surprise but a necessity. The only video mode that you can still use regular cards is the slower AVCHD mode. This is a saving grace for wedding photographers and others who shoot long programs. 24 Mbps is a lot easier to record.

People are asking what is the benefit for still photographers with this new video centric camera? One of the major ones that I have thought of is that mirrorless cameras have never been thought of as good cameras for sports and other action photography. Most of them use contrast detection of focus so the camera usually is not good for tracking action. My solution is to shoot short 4K video clips and then pull out a still image from the video, a frame grab. 4K video yields an eight megapixel still, good enough for a lot of uses. Unlike the still photographers that use DSLR’s who get maybe 10 frames a second, with 4K video you get 30 frames a second with no viewfinder black out. That is a lot more frames to choose from. Still photographers are already doing this with the RED camera but the GH4 is only a fraction of the cost of the RED camera. In fact the GH4 is a lot less expensive than those DSLR's that the sports photographers are using now.

The better viewfinder, faster focus and better low light performance are also improvements for the still photographer.

Will I be adding this camera to my arsenal? You bet! Does it replace the GH3? No. It is now a higher tier camera then the GH3. It depends upon the shooter.

Here are the pictures I shot with and of the GH4 at Kenmore Camera at Flickr.

Here is my video recorded on February 21 at the Kenmore Camera Grand Opening.

Stunning New GH4

GH4 FrontPanasonic Lumix GH4

The rumored GH4 has been introduced by Panasonic. The Lumix GH4 is a 16.05-megapixel micro four thirds camera whose standout feature is the ability to shoot 4K video footage. The GH4 can shoot 4K at 30/25/24fps at 100Mbps using IPB compression. At 1080p that rises way beyond broadcast standard to ALL-Intra 200Mbps.  All this to a SDHC card

It also has much to offer still photographers too. It does this thanks to its brand new 16.05MP Live MOS sensor and latest quad-core Venus Engine IX which is much more powerful than before. It’s this one feature that really sets the GH4 apart from the earlier GH3. To look at from the front it’s nigh on impossible to tell the two apart – there’s the same weather-sealed magnesium body and layout, only there’s a lock on the main mode dial and flipping the body around also reveals a new larger eyecup around the viewfinder. The shutter unit allows a max. 1/8000 shutter release and is also redesigned to be even more durable for approx. 200,000 actuations.

GH4_back_LCD_zpsf08bcec3Highlights: GH4 Camera

– New 16.05 Micro Four Thirds sensor

– 4K Video output in MOV or MP4.

– 4K from a nearly full pixel readout of the sensor, internal recording

– Resolution is 3840 x 2160 (1.85:1) or 4096 x 2160 16×9.

– 1 hour of 4K footage will take up around 45 GB

– 100mb/s (4K) or 200mb/s All-I (1080) video recording

– 96fps slow-motion at 1080p

– 4:2:0 to the SD card, 4:2:2 otherwise

– NFC, Wifi capabilities

– 1/8000 shutter speed

– 200,000 actuations shutter

– 1,040k Dot 3-inch OLED panel

–  2360K Dot OLED viewfinder

– Splash and dust proof with a magnesium alloy body

– new quad-core processor Venus 9 engine

– Contrast AF and a new focusing type called DFD.

– Zebras and focus peaking

– Improved AF in low light

– New 49-point array autofocus system (GH3 23-point system)

– Bulb mode of up to 60 mins

– FHD 60P readout

– 12fps burst shooting

– 7.5fps while in continuous autofocus

3_side_2_YAGH_zps44899b78New DMW-YAGH accessory base

– 4 socket HD-SDI output

– 2 XLR input

– Full size HDMI output

– 12 volts XLR power

– 4K and HD at 4:2:2 chroma subsampling and 10-bit color

Movie shooting options (MOV or MP4 wrapper)

4K (3840 x 2160)

29.97p 100Mbps (IPB) Linear PCM/AAC

23.98p 100Mbps (IPB) Linear PCM

Full HD (1920 x 1080) 

59.94p

200Mbps (All-I) Linear PCM

100Mbps (IPB) Linear PCM

50Mbps (IPB) Linear PCM

29.97p

200Mbps (All-I) Linear PCM

100Mbps (IPB) Linear PCM

50Mbps (IPB) Linear PCM

23.98p

200Mbps (All-I) Linear PCM

100Mbps (IPB) Linear PCM

50Mbps (IPB) Linear PCM

 

24.00Hz Cinema

4K (4096 x 2160) 24p 100Mbps (IPB) Linear PCM

4K (3840 x 2160) 24p 100Mbps (IPB) Linear PCM

Full HD (1920 x 1080) 24p

200Mbps (All-I) Linear PCM

100Mbps (IPB) Linear PCM

50Mbps (IPB) Linear PCM

AVCHD shooting options

Interface_Unit_140130_zps81c098f7

Full HD (1920 x 1080)

59.94p 28Mbps (IPB) AAC 

29.97p 24Mbps (IPB) AAC

23.98p 24Mbps  (IPB) AAC

 

 

Press Release:

The Panasonic LUMIX GH4 DSLM (Digital Single Lens Mirrorless) Camera is the World’s First* DSLM with 4K Video Recording Capability

Designed To Meet Professional Needs for Both Still and Video Capture

Panasonic is proud to introduce the ultimate 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: 4096×2160 / 24 fps and QFHD 4K: 3840×2160 / 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

1. The World’s First Digital Single Lens Mirrorless (DSLM) Camera Recording High Quality Video in 4K – To Meet Professional Quality and Standards

One of the most prominent advances 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 GH4 is also capable of Full-HD video with ultra high bit rate at 200 Mbps (ALL-Intra) or 100 Mbps (IPB), which does not have limit of recording time. Users can freely choose the format from MOV, MP4, AVCHD Progressive and AVCHD at a variety of frame rates according to the usage. In MP4 / MOV, high quality sound in LPCM (Linear Pulse Code Modulation) is recordable.

The GH4 is also capable of real-time image output to an external monitor in 4:2:2 / 8-bit*5 via an optional micro HDMI cable simultaneously while recording video. Even 4:2:2 / 10-bit is available which is suitable for the professional requiring serious monitoring of the footage. Users can choose to output only the recording content or the content with the menus individually depending on a display.

Plus, the VFR (Variable Frame Rate) enables recording video with slow/fast motion such as 96 fps, 4x, all in Full-HD*6. Time Lapse / Stop Motion Animation video can be produced in camera, too.

For more precise control over video image quality, the GH4 integrates Zebra Pattern to prevent white wash-out and Focus Peaking to aid with manual focusing. The GH4 even offers a Master Pedestal Adjustment with 15 steps. Gamma presets exclusively for video recording are now available in Creative Video mode – “CINELIKE D” and “CINELIKE V” for rich video expression. Synchro Scan mode is also newly available to reduce and suppress flicker. It is possible to display a Center Marker while recording.

The GH4 is equipped with functions that meet global standard for synchronous video recording. A 1KHz Test Tone and Color Bars (SMPTE / EBU / ARIB Standard) are available on the GH4. The camera also embeds SMPTE-compliant Time Code either in Rec Run or Free Run count-up methods, which makes it easy to synchronize the multiple video footage or sound source in the post production workflow. Time Code Value can be started at any point of [Reset], [Manual Input] and [Current Time]. Drop frame or Non Drop Frame time code is selectable*7. When recording the video in MOV, AVCHD Progressive, AVCHD or MP4 (LPCM), the GH4 automatically generates multiple seamless files for continuous recording. During playback, the AVCHD Progressive / AVCHD files are reproduced with seamless, interruption-free continuity.

A total of 22 LUMIX G digital interchangeable lenses offer any creative perspective according to the scene, including HD lenses allowing silent, high performance AF control suitable for video recording.

2. The Newly Developed 16.05-Megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor and Venus Engine Achieving High Speed, High Sensitivity Image Recording

Panasonic developed a new 16.05-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor for the GH4 that achieves high quality, high sensitivity image recording with quick response. Approx. 50% higher speed signal readout suppresses rolling shutter effect even when using an electronic shutter or recording video. Taking full advantage of the Live MOS Sensor, dynamic range is expanded by max.1/3 stop at low ISO sensitivity.

The Venus Engine image processor is newly developed boosting its performance with a quad-core CPU that lets high speed signal processing required for rich video recording such as 4K. The advanced Multi-process NR (Noise Reduction) applies effective noise reduction and edge processing according to each component frequency. Plus, a newly added Random Filter granulates chromatic noise to be blended into the image even more naturally. As a result, a max. ISO 25,600 has been achieved. On the other hand, optimizing the combination design of new sensor, new imaging engine and low pass filter enhances the limit resolution by more than 5% while suppressing moire. A newly adopted aperture filter is capable of controlling over a wider frequency range. It adjusts the amount of sharpness according to the frequency level, resulting in faithful stereoscopic effect. The Venus Engine also improves color reproduction with accurate evaluation of each color even if it is similar not only in color phase but also in saturation and luminosity.

3. High Speed Response Required for Professionals and Practical AF Options

All LUMIX G cameras use the Contrast AF for its focusing system. Compared with the Phase difference system AF, the Contrast AF boasts higher accuracy especially in shooting with a bright lens with a small F value. With a LUMIX G digital interchangeable lens capable of digital signal exchange at max. 240 fps, the focusing is stunningly quick and smooth. The Contrast AF system in the GH4 is further enhanced by Panasonic’s integration of DFD (Depth from Defocus) technology which even shortens the time to set focus. It calculates the distance to the subject by evaluating 2 images with different sharpness level while consulting the data of optical characteristics of the current lens. As a result, the GH4 achieves ultra high speed AF of approx.0.07 sec*8. This improvement benefits more as focusing distance increases. The burst speed of shooting is dramatically faster than its predecessor, the DMC-GH3, boasting 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 subjects in-focus.

In addition, the stability of continuous focusing is improved by minimizing wobbling in both still and video recording. Together with the quick start-up and short release time lag, the GH4 never lets photographers miss fleeting shooting opportunities.

The GH4 incorporates Eye Detection AF which automatically sets focus right on the eye of human face. Focus point is increased from 23 (GH3) to 49 points for more flexible composition together with Custom Multi mode in which users can freely select the blocks needed to focus out of the 49 points. Now the 1-area AF area can be seamlessly magnified not only in manual but also in auto focus mode. Tracking AF is also advanced in the point of tracking accuracy by estimating the subject’s movement. Focus point can be set on any part of the 100% field of view. The time to show magnified image can be selectable in Pin-point AF. Focus point can be magnified either with the MF ring or with cursor key in MF Assist mode. In the Touch Pad AF, the position can be set either on absolute/relative coordinate. Together with the Eye Sensor AF which starts focusing by just looking into the viewfinder, the AF/AE lock button works for AF for quick auto focusing even when using the LVF.

4. Stunning Mobility Supported by Mechanical Advancements

The GH4 boasts newly developed high-precision, high-speed dual OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) displays for LVF (Live View Finder) and rear monitor. Increasing the resolution of display area to 2,359K-dot, the new 16:9 Wide Screen LVF boasts approx.1.34x / 0.67x (35mm camera equiv.) magnification and 100% field of view and eye point of approximately 21 mm. Thanks to the newly designed large eyecup, the visibility of LVF is dramatically improved. The image output between the LVF and the rear monitor is switched automatically with the eye sensor on the LVF, which features options of sensitivity – high, low and off – to reduce false operation during touching on the rear monitor. The 3.0-inch 1,036K-dot free-angle OLED rear monitor (3:2 aspect) with wide-viewing angle rotates 180° to the side and tilts 270° up and down offers approx. 100% of field of view. This rear monitor adopts static touch control for more smooth operation either in shooting or in playback. Both LVF and rear monitor adopted OLED to achieve high speed response with a 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. Now the excellent visibility comes closer to OVF. On the other hand, live view image can also be displayed in monochrome through the LVF enabling concentrating on contrast.

Even a moment’s waste matters in professional shooting, but it is possible to make target setting intuitively with the GH4. Three dials are equipped on the top and back of the camera and the main dial is now comes with a lock structure. A dedicated button allows direct reach to exposure compensation, white balance adjustment or ISO setting and max.5 settings can be assigned to the Fn button. All these external components are designed to be operated easily without taking eyes off the viewfinder.

Both built-in/external flash can be synchronized with max.1/250 second shutter speed.

5. Expandability for A Variety of Workflows

Easy Wireless Connectivity via Wi-Fi® / NFC with Smartphones

The GH4 integrates Wi-Fi® connectivity (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology camera to offer a more flexible shooting experience and instant image sharing with easy operation. With the Panasonic “Image App”, remote shooting of both photo and video is available by using the smartphone/tablet as a remote shutter with a monitor. Not only releasing the shutter, but zooming, focusing and settings of shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation are all controllable with a smartphone / tablet. All these flexible shooting / browsing / sharing styles are made possible with the GH4 and the Panasonic's dedicated application software, the Panasonic Image App for iOS / Android smartphones / tablets. It is also easy to embed geotags in the image after shooting. For the smartphone/tablet without NFC, the camera can display a dedicated QR code on its monitor to complete pairing easily by reading the code.

Output/Input Terminals 

The GH4 comes with a variety of connection terminals for more flexible shooting options. The 3.5mm microphone jack is for high quality audio recording using an external microphone and the 3.5mm headphone jack which enables monitoring the audio while shooting video real-time. It is also capable of real-time image output on an external monitor via an optional HDMI micro cable simultaneously while recording video. In addition to these, the GH4 complies with AV outputs (Audio 2ch, Composite), flash sync terminal and 2.5mm jack for remote controller.

For reliable recording of rich video, the GH4 complies with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) which is the new speed class standard of SD memory card. The UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) guarantees a constant minimum write speed of 30MB/s to respond to market needs for 4K video.

Optional Accessories

A GN58 is a powerful External Flash (DMW-FL580L) and is newly added to the LUMIX G optional accessories which allows high speed charging of approx.1.7 sec. Not only with wireless control but also LED video light function are available. The Stereo / Shotgun Microphone (DMW-MS2) which enables stereo/shotgun switch even allows more precise sound recording with selectable Super Shotgun / Lens Auto / Manual option on GH4.

6. Other Features

Luminance Level Adjustment

Just as the concept of “the ultimate hybrid DSLM camera” identifies, the GH4 supports smooth postproduction for photographers migrating to videography. In addition to the standard luminance level of 16-235*9 and 16-255*9, GH4 offers 0-255*9 which is equivalent to photo standard.

Focus Peaking

For more practical control over focusing, the GH4 incorporates Focus Peaking function that shows the peak of focus in MF and AF+MF mode. Users can see the peaking of focus while monitoring the subject in live view. It can be set to HIGH / LOW / OFF and the color can also be changed to blue, white or orange according to the color of the shooting scene during live view. Users can take advantage of this function when controlling the camera with a smartphone / tablet via Wi-Fi in both photo / video recording.

Silent Mode

This mode switches shutter from mechanical to electronic and turns all sound (AF, operation) off while suppressing the emission of the AF assist lamp and flash with just a single setting for special shooting occasions.

Highlight/Shadow Control

The Live View function is also advanced digitally making it possible to adjust highlight / shadow separately with the front/rear dial. Three patterns of settings can be customized in addition to the three presets.

RAW data development in Camera

The GH4 is capable of developing RAW images in camera. In addition to the color space setting ( sRGB / Adobe RGB ), the parameter of white balance, exposure compensation, contrast, highlight/shadow, saturation, noise reduction, sharpness or hue can be flexibly adjusted while LUMIX’s Photo Style, Intelligent D-range Control, Intelligent Resolution can also be applied.

Interface Unit (DMW-YAGH) 

Panasonic offers an new optional Interface Unit (DMW-YAGH) exclusively for professional/industrial workflow with GH4 that enables more powerful video transmission. It complies with Full HD (4:2:2 / 10-bit) offering four parallel outputs and these can be used for 4K (4:2:2 / 10-bit) output – both with time code*10. The XLR input terminals (2ch) are also equipped to connect line or condenser microphone. When connecting with microphone, volume can be controlled for L and R separately, which can be monitored LED audio level display on the back of the unit. The 12V DC IN is highly compliant with large-capacity industrial battery and continuously supplies the GH4 with power*11.

Footnotes:

*For a digital single lens mirrorless camera as of February 7, 2014.

*2 Use SDXC/SDHC Memory Card compatible with UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) when using high bit rate video recording mode 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 testing.

*5 Setting the HDMI output picture quality

[4:2:2 10bit]:You can output the image through the HDMI connection in higher picture quality, but you cannot record it as a motion picture or still pictures. Ideal when the HDMI output is to be saved on external devices.

[4:2:2 8bit]:You can record the image while outputting it through the HDMI connection. Ideal for recording while checking the motion picture on an external monitor. When using 4:2:2 / 8-bit output, video is recorded in 4:2:0 / 8-bit on SDXC/SDHC Memory Card.

*6 In 24p playback. Effect value varies depending on the recording format and frequency.

*7 When system frequency [59.94Hz] is selected

*8 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.

*9 8-bit

*10 Setting the HDMI output picture quality [4:2:2 / 10bit]

You can output the image through the HDMI connection in higher picture quality, but you cannot record it as a motion picture or still pictures. Ideal when the HDMI output is to be saved on external devices. When using 4:2:2/10-bit output, simultaneous video recording on SDXC/SDHC Memory Card in the camera is not possible.

*11 HDMI output from the camera is not possible when the camera is mounted on the Interface Unit.

Here is video shot with the GH4.

The Arizona Memorial

131030-155627-024_wmOn this day of remembrance of the lives lost in Pearl Harbor I have a story to tell.  As part of the coverage for AFL China was our visit to Honolulu for the first of 2 games being played by the AFL All-Stars.  In preparations for the game on Dec 2nd in Honolulu, we traveled to historic sites. One of them being the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor.  A shot done with my GH3 was used in the video that evening.

First of all I must warn you it is not as easy one might think to shoot there.  When trying to enter the Memorial Site staging area on land before the boat takes you out to the actual memorial on the bay, the park ranger said that no backpacks (camera bags) were allowed on the grounds.  So I had to take my bag back to the car.  I put my extra lenses in my pants pocket.  Shooting Micro Four Thirds has it's advantages.  The lenses are small enough to do so.  Try that with a C or N 70-200mm.

We were asked not to shoot video at the memorial and in respect to memorial I did not shoot any video at the site on the bay but did shoot from the boat going from it.

Here is the video used that evening at the AFL China site.  For Lou's standup for the video we used my F&V R-300 LED ring lights, my GH3 and my new Manfrotto MVH500A tripod.