Panasonic LUMIX GH7 - Now with internal ProRes RAW and 32-bit float audio recording
[22:58 Wed,5.June 2024 by Rudi Schmidts]
A big surprise for all MFT users: Panasonic is not letting itself down and is presenting the LUMIX GH7 tonight. As the latest model in the proven and popular LUMIX GH series, the GH7 is once again equipped with an MFT sensor, which has been a key feature of the camera series specially designed for filmmakers for 15 (!!) years now.
According to Panasonic, the ‘newly developed’ 25.2 MP BSI CMOS sensor is probably not dissimilar to the already familiar sensor in the G9 II, as the specifications are identical. The maximum resolution of the 17.3 x 13.0 mm sensor is 5,776 x 4,336 sensors. This sensor (as with the G9II) is mounted on a movable bearing and with its five axes manages around 7.5 stops of exposure compensation. The image stabiliser is of course still Dual I.S. compatible.
Panasonic LUMIX GH7 with MFT sensor
Panasonic also refers to the further improved image stabilisation technology, including perspective distortion correction for videos in Active I.S., to enable particularly strong compensation when shooting in motion. In other words, even vloggers filming themselves on the street should be able to work satisfactorily with this.
At the same time, the GH7 also finally (!!) gets significantly improved autofocus performance with PDAF (Phase Detection Auto-Focus) compared to its predecessor. In addition to the classic faces, bodies, animals and objects, real-time detection for aeroplanes and trains has now been added.
Panasonic LUMIX GH7
The really big (and surprising) innovation, however, is the internal recording in ProRes RAW (HQ). However, Apple&s RAW format has divided the video community for years: This is because this format cannot be processed in DaVinci Resolve, but can be processed in Adobe Premiere/After Effects and, of course, in Final Cut Pro.
In ProRes RAW you can record in 5.7K with 5728x3024 pixels (17:9) at up to 29.97p, as well as in Apple ProRes 422 (HQ). In contrast, up to 59.94p can be recorded in 10-bit 4:2:2 at C4K/4K resolution. In FullHD, even up to 240 fps are possible.
According to the data sheet, the variable frame rate ranges from 1-60fps in 5.7K, from 1-120fps in C4K/4K and from 1-300fps in FullHD. Panasonic also refers to the 4:2:0 Open Gate recording in two modes (5.8K to 29.97p ; 4.4K to 59.94p).
Panasonic LUMIX GH7
Everything is recorded either internally (Slot 1: CFexpress Type B, Slot 2: SD UHS-II U3) or on an external USB SSD. Internally, the slower SD slot can be used for parallel proxy recording. This in turn is particularly useful for the integrated Frame.io Camera to Cloud (C2C) functionality. If the GH7 is connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi or USB tethering, images (JPEG/RAW) and proxy videos can be automatically uploaded directly from the camera to the Frame.io platform.
As a second major innovation, the GH7 is the first video camera to offer optional audio recording in 32-bit float format. This eliminates the need to adjust the audio recording level before or during recording, as the camera simply records the full possible range of audio levels. This is a bit like RAW for audio. However, recording in 32-bit float format is only available when using the new XLR microphone adapter DMWXLR2, which must be purchased separately.
Panasonic LUMIX GH7
Another nice solution is the now slightly detached monitor, which can still be moved freely even when the HDMI and USB cables are connected.
The LUMIX GH7 will be available in the following variants from July 2024:
LUMIX DC-GH7E (Black) | Camera body | 2199 Euro LUMIX DC-GH7ME (Black) | Camera kit with H-FS12060E | 2399 Euro LUMIX DC-GH7LE (Black) | Camera kit with Leica H-ES12060E | 2799 Euro
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