Panasonic Lumix G7 Review

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Panasonic Lumix G7 Review

Selecting the right camera for your needs can be a difficult task, with so many options available from well-known companies like Canon, Nikon, Panason

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Selecting the right camera for your needs can be a difficult task, with so many options available from well-known companies like Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, and Sony. It is essential to consider the type of camera and its accompanying equipment to ensure that it meets your photography needs. In this case, Panasonic’s newly-released Lumix G7 is an appealing choice for those seeking a compact camera. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the Panasonic Lumix G7, check out our in-depth review here! 

 

About Panasonic Lumix G7

The Panasonic Lumix G7 is a mirrorless camera that was released in May 2015. It is the successor to the Lumix G6 and is part of Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds system. Briefly, the G7 features a 16-megapixel sensor, 4K video recording capabilities, and a tilting touchscreen display. 

The Lumix G7 was a significant release for Panasonic, as it marked the company’s foray into the 4K video market. In fact, it was also the first camera in the Lumix G series to feature their Depth from Defocus autofocus technology. 

Lumix G7

Since its release, the Lumix G7 has become a popular choice for podcasters due to its excellent video quality, versatility, and affordability. Second, its compact size makes it easy to transport, while its 4K capabilities allow for high-quality video recordings that can be edited and uploaded quickly. Additionally, the camera’s tilting touchscreen LCD allows podcasters to monitor their shots and adjust their framing as needed. 

By all means, the Panasonic Lumix G7 has established itself as a valuable addition to the Lumix lineup, offering a range of advanced features at an affordable price point. 

Key Features

  • 16 MP Live MOS Sensor
  • Venus Engine 9 Image Processor
  • Micro Four Thirds System
  • 2.36m-Dot OLED Viewfinder
  • 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Free-Angle Touchscreen
  • 4K UHD Video Recording at 30/24 fps
  • Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity
  • Up to 8 fps Shooting with AF & ISO 25600
  • DFD AF System, 4K Photo Modes
  • 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II MEGA O.I.S. Lens

 

Design & Build Quality

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7K

The Panasonic Lumix G7 is a mirrorless camera with an easy and intuitive way to capture high-quality images and videos. The camera features a sleek and modern design, with a compact and lightweight body that makes it easy to carry around.

One of the most notable features of the Lumix G7 is its dimensions. The camera measures 124 x 86 x 77 mm (4.88 x 3.39 x 3.03 inches) and weighs only 410 g (0.9 lb) with the battery and memory card installed. Thus, making it one of the smallest and lightest cameras in its class, making it ideal for photographers who need to travel light.

The Panasonic Lumix G7 is built to last in terms of build quality. Indeed, the camera features a durable magnesium alloy body designed to withstand daily use’s rigors. Secondly, the camera is weather-sealed, meaning it can be used in various weather conditions without worrying about damage.

Similar to its forerunner, the G7 presents a considerably ample grip that offers ample space for your fingers to clutch onto – notably surpassing the handhold provided by the majority of mirrorless cameras in its category. Plus, it offers manual control over the camera, allowing users to adjust various settings such as photo and video quality, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance, exposure compensation, and autofocus area.

While certain functions like exposure mode, drive mode, and autofocus mode still need to be adjusted on the camera itself, the accompanying app enables users to control these settings remotely with their smartphones. Furthermore, the app allows users to reposition the autofocus area and trigger the shutter, as well as start and stop video recordings and adjust focus while filming by tapping on the phone screen.

Panasonic-Lumix-G7-Black

In addition, located at the top right, there is a mode dial which includes the standard manual, semimanual, and automatic modes. It also features a special manual movie mode and a custom setting slot that can be programmed with three sets. Furthermore, a panorama mode is available as well.

Lastly, the camera also features a large and responsive LCD touchscreen that can adjust settings, navigate menus, and even focus on specific areas of the frame by simply tapping on the screen.

Video & Image Quality

The Panasonic Lumix G7 is a mirrorless camera that is known for its exceptional video quality. It has a 16-megapixel sensor that can shoot 4K video at up to 30 frames per second in any exposure mode.

The electronic shutter allows for shooting at up to 40 fps, providing even faster performance. This feature enables shooting silently at shutter speeds that go beyond the maximum 1/4000 offered by the mechanical shutter. It is particularly advantageous when capturing images with wide apertures under bright lighting conditions. The camera also features a 3.5mm microphone jack for improved audio recording, as well as a built-in stereo microphone.

lumix g7 video quality

The camera’s autofocus system is also praised for its accuracy and shutter speed, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects, like street photography. Additionally, the Lumix G7 has a variety of shooting modes, including time-lapse and stop-motion animation.

The Panasonic Lumix G7 also delivers exceptional image quality in a variety of shooting scenarios. The camera’s advanced technology produces sharp, detailed photos with accurate colors even in challenging lighting conditions. Hence, minimizing image noise to create clear, high-quality pictures.

Incorporating continuous shooting, versatile burst shooting modes enable the combination of high shooting rates with autofocus. The G7 also offers a range of helpful exposure modes, including PASM, Creative Movie mode, and Intelligent Auto, enabling users to easily achieve their desired results. Additionally, the camera’s raw processing capabilities allow users to extract even more detail from their photos in post-production.

Regarding battery life, the Lumix G7 uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can last up to 350 shots per charge. However, this can vary depending on the shooting mode, video quality, and the camera’s LCD screen usage.

Panasonic-Lumix-G7-secondary

Sound Quality

The Panasonic Lumix G7 features a built-in stereo microphone for capturing high-quality audio. The microphone is located on top of the camera and can be adjusted to three different levels of sensitivity: low, medium, and high. Due to this, users can capture audio in various environments, from quiet indoor to noisy outdoor environments.

However, some users have reported that the microphone can sometimes pick up unwanted background noise, especially in noisy environments. In any case, the Lumix G7 also has a microphone input jack that allows you to connect an external microphone for better sound quality. Evidently, it is also useful for video production, where high-quality audio is essential.

One limitation of the Panasonic Lumix G7 is that it does not have a headphone jack. Therefore, you cannot monitor the audio while recording, making it difficult to ensure you capture the best possible sound.

Specifications

Basic Info

Brand: Panasonic

Model: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7

Body Type: SLR-style mirrorless

Sensor

Resolution

  • Actual: 16.84 Megapixel
  • Effective: 16 Megapixel (4592 x 3448)

Type: 17.3 x 13 mm (Four Thirds) MOS

Optics & Focus

Manual Focus: Yes

Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds

Number of Lenses: 121

Focal Length Multiplier: 2x

Aspect Ratio: 4:3

Video Recording

Can take movies: Yes

Resolution:

  • 3840×2160 (30p/​24p)
  • 1920×1080 (60p/​60i/​30p/​24p)
  • 1280×720 (30p)
  • 640×480 (30p)

File Format: AVCHD (Audio format: Dolby Digital 2ch) / MP4 (Audio format AAC 2ch)

Composite Video Out: Yes

NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: No

External Recording Modes

  • HDMI
  • 1920 x 1080p

Recording Limit: Up to 30 Minutes

Image Features

Resolution:

  • 4592 x 3448 (15.8 MP, 4:3),
  • 4592 x 3064 (14.1 MP, 3:2),
  • 4592 x 2584 (11.9 MP, 16:9),
  • 3424 x 3424 (11.7 MP, 1:1),
  • 3232 x 2424 (7.8 MP, 4:3),
  • 3232 x 2160 (7.0 MP, 3:2),
  • 3840 x 2160 (8.3 MP, 16:9),
  • 2416 x 2416 (5.8 MP, 1:1),
  • 2272 x 1704 (3.9 MP, 4:3),
  • 2272 x 1520 (3.5 MP, Other),
  • 1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
  • 1712 x 1712 (2.9 MP, 1:1),
  • 1824 x 1368 (2.5 MP, 4:3),
  • 1824 x 1216 (2.2 MP, 3:2),
  • 1824 x 1024 (1.9 MP, 16:9),
  • 1712 x 1712 (2.9 MP, 1:1)

File Format: JPEG (EXIF 2.3), MPO, RAW, RAW + JPEG

Continuous-mode frames/second: 8.1

Self-Timer: 2/10-Second Delay

Sound

Built-In Microphone Type: Stereo

Audio Recording

  • AAC Audio
  • 2-Channel AC-3 Audio

Connectivity

Media/Memory Card Slot: Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)

Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi

Video I/O: Micro-HDMI Output

Audio I/O: 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Microphone Input

Power I/O: None

Other I/O

  • Mini-USB 8-Pin (USB 2.0) Output
  • 1 x 2.5 mm Sub-Mini Control Input

Power

Usable Types: 7.2v, 1200mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable

Battery Life: 350 shots

Form Factor: Proprietary

Dimensions

Weight: 19.1 oz (542 g) includes batteries, kit lens

Size: 4.9 x 3.4 x 3.0 in. (125 x 86 x 77 mm)

panasonic-lumix-camera

Final Verdict On Panasonic Lumix G7

PROS CONS
High-quality 4K video recording Limited battery life
Fast autofocus system No headphone jack for monitoring audio
Lightweight and compact design Average low-light performance
Tilting touchscreen LCD display Electronic viewfinder not as good as some competitors
Wi-Fi connectivity for easy sharing and remote control Plastic construction may not feel as durable as metal-bodied cameras.
Good image stabilization
Affordable price point for a mirrorless camera

The Panasonic Lumix G7 is an excellent camera for podcasting, offering impressive photo and video quality, a wide range of features, and a lightweight design. Despite some individuals perceiving Panasonic cameras as complex due to their proprietary USB connectors, the G7 remains highly recommended for podcasters thanks to its performance and user-friendly interface. The pricier Lumix GX8 with a higher-resolution sensor and compatibility with Olympus lenses may make the G7 feel lacking, especially if you don’t plan on using anything other than the kit lens. The G7 still remains a highly recommended option for podcasters due to its impressive performance and user-friendly interface.


 

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