Last November we talked about the Panasonic Lumix GH5, one of the best mirrorless cameras on the market for high-definition video. Hundreds of YouTubers swear by its quality, and it's not hard to recommend it… but there are more than 2,000 reasons to think twice. So why not look back? The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 remains a very capable camera, has excellent support, and the best part: its body costs less than 700 euros.
Naturally, our priority when 'visiting' certain cameras is their photographic capability, but we would be making a grave mistake if we minimize the impact of video these days. The examples are abundant: vloggers, YouTubers, even streamers. They are all willing to improve their equipment and present higher quality to their audience, but they also don't hesitate to reuse gear or look for alternatives with a better cost-benefit ratio.
If you are one of them or plan to be, you might want to take a closer look at a classic among mirrorless cameras, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4. Remembered as the first of its kind to offer 4K support, the GH4 remains a solid camera, with a very robust design, weather sealing, excellent battery performance, official support, and wide accessory compatibility, still five years after its launch.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4: Streaming, Shorts, Films... and More
Announced in February 2014, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 features a Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor with 16.05 effective megapixels, backed by the IX version of the Venus Engine image processor. Its ISO sensitivity ranges from 200 to 25,600 with a lower boost of 100, while shutter speed extends from 1/8,000 to 60 seconds. Its three-inch main screen is touch-sensitive and articulated, with a resolution of 1.03 million dots, and on the viewfinder side we find an OLED module with 2.35 million dots and 100 percent coverage.
The autofocus system on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 uses a total of 49 points based on contrast detection, plus the famous Depth from Defocus system. At the time of its launch, autofocus suffered from some 'sharp edges', which were eliminated through several firmware updates. Today it delivers more than acceptable results, especially when defining points and letting the camera prioritize the subject to focus on.
Analyzing its burst modes, the ceiling is 12 FPS without continuous autofocus and without Live View. To activate both options you need to step down and shoot at 7 FPS, but if the plan is to go the other way, using only its electronic system we can reach 40 FPS. The final buffer size depends on the selected mode, but it's not uncommon for it to store between 120 and 140 frames in JPEG, or 35-40 in RAW.
Needless to say, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 is not a camera for beginners. It's likely that a user without advanced knowledge can master it in a reasonable time, but it doesn't intend to lead us by the hand at any moment. The number of physical 'Fn' buttons reaches five (one next to the mode dial, and four on the back), while the rest (Fn6-Fn10) are digital. The dial on the left defines the device mode (Single Shot, Burst, Auto Bracket, Self-Timer, and Time Lapse/Animation), and we also find dedicated buttons for white balance, exposure compensation, and ISO sensitivity.
Regarding the mode dial, there's no surprise: The commands are Intelligent Auto (with Intelligent Auto Plus included), Program Auto 'P', Aperture Priority 'A', Shutter Priority 'S', Manual 'M', Motion Picture (the camera), Creative Movie (the palette), and three custom modes C1-C2-C3. The basic operating guide does not exceed 130 pages, so I recommend a good read from start to finish.
Video Capabilities
Video is the absolute star of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4. Perhaps its specifications aren't as surprising compared to more modern cameras, but they rewrote several rules on the day of its official launch. The GH4 can record Cinema 4K or 4096 by 2160 at 24 FPS and 100 Mbps, or 4Kp30 with the same bitrate. As an alternative, its 1080p60 reaches a not-so-paltry 200 megabits per second. All-I modes allow us to retain even more detail in each frame, and we should also mention features such as time codes, peaking, zebra, image profiles, markers, silent mode, 10-bit via HDMI for external recording... in short, you're hands are full. If your intention is to film, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 will be a luxurious ally.
Accessories for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
With six years under its belt, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 has proven that it is still a very strong option for video enthusiasts, and its current 685 euros (for the body) make it very tempting, but it also presents an additional advantage: a stable market, full of accessories that combine good quality and low cost. How about we review some?
Batteries and Power
With an estimated average of 500 shots per full charge, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 has very competitive battery performance, but the last thing the creative demon inside you needs is an energy crisis. Therefore, I suggest an original Panasonic DMW-BFL19 battery for under 70 euros, together with the Gloxy 2-in-1 hybrid charger for home and car. No matter how far you go, you'll always have an option to recover energy. This combo is available under SKU "DI718,VDTS-4604-CH-VDTS-4145".
Tripods and Supports
The camera weighs just over half a kilogram with its batteries installed, a reasonable parameter considering everything it offers. However, it's useless to have superior video quality when you can't stabilize the shot. That said, recommending a tripod for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 is not complicated at all. First, look for a Gloxy GX-T6662A with an aluminum alloy design, anti-slip legs, and a maximum load of ten kilograms. Second, complement its functions with the Clampod Takeway T2, much more compact and lightweight, which attaches to almost anything. Neither of them will betray you.
Bags and Cases
Another easy aspect, thanks to the general robustness of this mirrorless and factory weather sealing. The GH4 is not a 'lonely' camera, and it's most logical that it will be well accompanied by secondary accessories. So why not anticipate that? The Gloxy Pro AW backpack comes in three different sizes, has a padded and modifiable interior, wide straps for comfort, and a waterproof cover. Another style? In that case, the Delta 400a Fancier bag will meet your expectations. It can hold the GH4 with a lens attached, and its messenger format is ideal for photographers. This combo is available under SKU "GloxyPRO,Fancier400a".
Memory
Recording in 4K with an immense bitrate only requires one thing on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4, and that is a card up to the task. The generic option won't suffice, and this is when the SanDisk Extreme Pro SDXC 128 GB comes to the rescue. Designed under V30 standard and with a maximum write speed of 90 MB/s, this SD card shouldn't fail.
Lenses
Of course, the GH4 can do little without the assistance of good optics. The market offers multiple models, with prices that comfortably leave behind the body's price, but obeying the cost-benefit ratio, I think the wildcard Tamron f/3.5-5.8 14-150mm is not a bad idea. From wide-angle to telephoto, in photos and video, its versatility is assured.
Checkered flag... for now. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 once cost $1,600 in its early days. Today we can access it for less than half. A camera that many directly call 'professional', with plenty of reasons to justify that classification. If your priority is video, and the GH5 is far away, don't hesitate. Good luck!
