I’m not in the habit of posting rumors on this site, but this rumor comes from a very reliable source (43rumors) and is very, very likely to be correct.
For readers of my blog, you know that I am a fan of the Lumix GH series of cameras. I started with a GH2 and to this day use a GH3 for many of my projects, although there are many other cameras out there. It’s just one of the best tools for a lot of the productions I work on. I mention this to express my excitement for Lumix’s upcoming GH4 camera, which is said to include many features that I’ll outline below, but not the least of which is that it will shoot 4K!
Before I give you my thoughts on the camera, here’s a quick look at the rumored specs:
- 4K/24/25/30fps
- 16mp sensor with full pixel readout
- 10-bit 4:2:2 codec (probably AVC Ultra)
- 200Mbit MP4 ALL-I and 100Mbit IPB options
- Adapters on the camera include 4x 3G-HD-SDI and 2x XLR
- Up to 30fps in 4K mode
- OLED display, 1 million dots
- 21mm OLED viewing window, 3 million dots
- Similar in appearance to GH3, but slightly larger, all output jacks are towards the left
- time code
For most of us, the most important thing on this list is, of course, 4K capabilities. The only digital SLR that can shoot 4K is the expensive and overpriced 1DC, and it uses a poor codec. Assuming these specs are accurate, the 200Mbit ALL-I and 100Mbit IPB options are bound to produce video quality that far exceeds the 1DC’s very outdated motion jpeg format. We also know that the camera can shoot at 30fps in 4K mode, which means we’ll likely see high frame rates at other resolutions. 120fps in 1080p may be possible. I haven’t heard anything concrete yet, but I do feel like Panasonic really wants to make a mark with this camera, and by integrating a 120fps mode, they’ll be well ahead of the curve.
The camera will likely be priced in the $3,000 range, which raises the question of whether it will be a replacement for the GH3, or rather a new flagship camera in the GH series. There’s a good chance that there will be a cheaper camera (let’s call it the GH5) that will be the 1080p replacement for the GH3, while the GH4 (if it is indeed called that) will be the top model in the range.
I can say now that if this camera were released with these specs in the next few months, Panasonic would have no problem selling it to me. I really like the Micro Four Thirds format because it’s so adaptable and allows you to use almost any lens on your camera body. It’s absolutely incredible to have a Micro Four Thirds camera that can shoot 4K in a body that’s probably quite small. If Panasonic doubled down and added a built-in ND filter, they would make a huge splash with this camera and potentially steal a lot of new camera sales from Canon and Nikon. One advantage that Canon and Nikon still have is of course that some of their cameras have full-frame sensors, which is essential for some shooters. Like I said, personally, I love the Micro Four Thirds format. In many situations I prefer it to full frame because I don’t like too shallow a depth of field. However, my only issue with the smaller sensor size is that it traditionally doesn’t perform well in low-light conditions. Even shooting at ISO 1600 on the GH3 usually produces quite a bit of noise, so I really hope Panasonic can address this issue and find a way to get sharp images at higher ISOs with the GH4. The current low-light performance of the 5D is still far behind the GH3. Given the smaller sensor size, it will be difficult for Panasonic to compete, but let’s see what they have.
So now we all have to play the waiting game, but the next few months are going to be really interesting!
Do you think this camera is suitable for you? Will it reinvigorate the DSLR revolution, or be a last-ditch attempt to wrest attention away from cameras like the Blackmagic Pocket Cam?
If you missed my article last week How to make a video look like a movie, must Check it out here Because these tips are very applicable to any DSLR, including the GH4!
