Panasonic’s DMC-G7 mirrorless DSLR camera is an inexpensive powerhouse device that budding filmmakers should consider buying. Loaded with dozens of filmmaking options such as different frame rates, aspect ratios and in-camera photo styles for color grading in editing, the G7 is a powerful little camera for the money. Although introduced in 2015, the camera has more than enough video quality and functions that still keep it very relevant in 2020. The best aspect is that you can buy a brand new G7 and save some serious cash compared to other, more expensive options.
The G7 can be reasonably compared to its older brother in the Panasonic camera line up, the GH4. The GH4 came out in 2014 as a semi-professional 4K capable filmmaker and stills camera. Highly lauded by filmmakers breaking into the world of 4K moviemaking, the GH4 was no slouch when it came to video quality. The G7 is very similar to the GH4 but in a smaller and less expensive package. The camera can take any of the current Panasonic and Leica lenses designed for the lens mount. Video image quality is nearly the same as it is on the GH4, meaning that filmmakers have the ability to blow their audiences eyes out of their sockets.
In the 21st Century, camcorders have given way to smaller and more flexible mirrorless 4K DSLRs such as the G7. The ability to swap out different lenses, for example, provides filmmakers options in how to visually compose their scenes. Price is also a major factor to consider. For under $500.00, buyers of the Panasonic G7 get a camera that makes dad’s VHS footage look even more antiquated.
Features, Specs And Dazzling Video Imagery On The Panasonic DMC-G7
The G7 is a Micro 4/3 CMOS sensor mirrorless camera with 16MP stills capability and 4K video resolution. This is a multifunctional camera. Video options include 4K (24fps) and 4K (30fps) at 100Mbps per second and various high quality high definition choices. The menus are easy to use and function buttons allow users to access menus quickly in the viewfinder or on the back touch screen. Once comfortable in using the function buttons, photographers and videographers can fly through the bright interface and change focusing points, ISO, exposure, photo styles and more. The body features two dials on the top. The left dial has frame rates and timer options. The right dial has shutter, aperture, various effects, manual mode and moviemaker mode. The G7 is a lightweight yet robust camera that takes little effort to carry around all day.
As a stills camera, the G7 does a decent job with its 14-42mm kit lens. Colors look good and sharpness is ample. Photographers can extract “4K Photo Mode” stills from 4K footage. Focusing speed is pretty fast and the G7 acquits itself with very good still photography quality. Better lenses may help produce more pleasing results.
The biggest selling point of the G7 is its ability to film in 4K video. The G7 can take stunning 4K video right out of the box. Going through the options to shoot in “Cinelike V” or “Cinelike D” or “Custom” setting, videographers can customize their chosen look or color correct footage in post. Depending on the lens being used, the G7 captures very sharp and colorful film-like video. Now the G7 will not match the quality of an Arri Alexa or a Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema camera, but it can provide very pleasing film footage. By using prime lenses such as the Panasonic Lumix 25mm 1.7 ASPH or the more video friendly Lumix G Vario 14-140mm Telephoto Zoom Lens, the G7 is an all around filmmaker’s cinematic steal. The only minor drawbacks are limited battery life, somewhat slow tracking focus, a microphone 3.5mm jack but no headphone jack, and under 29 minutes of video recording time. These can be worked around by purchasing additional batteries, using the touch screen to keep focus, buying an accessory that allows for headphones and using larger capacity SD cards for recording. Make your version of “The Avengers” with the Panasonic DMC-G7.
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