Panasonic GH4 Hands-On Field Test

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks guys--good review as always. I haven't been this excited about a new camera in a while!

[@DaveDugdaleColorado]

Wow that slow mo footage looked awesome on the gh4. Nice review guys. I can't wait to get one to review, I'm on a waiting list for an actual production unit.

[@DaveDugdaleColorado]

Nelson Reyes I'm not sure. If the GH4 is all that I think it is, it might become my new A camera. Perhaps Canon will get off their @ss and start giving us what Panasonic is, but if they don't this NAB I might be switching to the GH4.

[@GiulioSciorio]

Dave Dugdale Canon won't be doing what Panasonic is doing at the same price point, size or functionality. Sell your Canon.

[@JSquaredDesigns]

Giulio Sciorio couldn't have said it better myself

[@DaveDugdaleColorado]

While I love the images coming off my 5d3, the thought of a smaller body and lenses really appeals to me. I could probably sell my canon 5d3 and all the lenses, buy the gh4 and lenses and still have money left over for tons of new lights.

[@RobertShaverOfAustin]

I long for better ergonomic design in the cameras I use to shoot video ... you know, camcorders. The still cameras that shoot video that I have (T2i and GH2) are really hard to use well ... at least for me. I really like what I read about the GH4, especially the fast auto focus. Now I read that the HDMI will deliver 4K 4:2:2 10 bit out. Now all we need is for AtomOS to update their recorder to accept that format and the we have a very good 4K acquisition system. Until that external recorder is ready, I think I can live with the internal 4K 4:2:0 8 bit format along with the 1080P formats that record internally. Check out this video interview with a Panasonic rep: vimeo.com/89515795

[@LyndonPatrickSmith]

Great video guys! I appreciate covering both the stills & in-depth video capabilities of this camera. The fly fishing & drumming videos are an awesome bonus!

[@akilghosh]

I love how you guys present stuff. Very informative, funny and no pretentiousness or awkwardness. Thumbs up! Would love to see more comparison reviews though.

[@EugenBrinzoiu]

So proud of you,guys... You're the best.......and it's always a pleasure watching you Keep the good work

[@JohnMFlores]

The best camera videos on the Internets! Thanks for all the hard work...and making it look easy!

[@srobart]

lol, the dog at 13:00! He's like "wait, there's a camera there, this is my one and only chance at fame, I'm just going to sit right here until somebody notices me...stop trying to pull me away, crazy lady, this is my worldwide, 4K youtube debut!" :D

[@dcholmes1969]

I thought the same thing. Best photo bomb ever! lol

[@QTFilms]

Thanks for the review, Chris and Jordan! Just pre-ordered our GH4. Wish you guys had a store in Toronto.

[@TheFirionus]

Wow, the video quality, even only in 1080p, is absolutely awesome!

[@AndrewHollywood]

I love how honest his reviews are. Something you wouldnt expect from a company that is selling the camera.

[@JoeLamOfficial]

I can't believe that 'Why Electric Drums Won't Get You Laid' didn't win an Oscar. It was epic! LOL

[@boonsiang]

Very nice review once again from TheCameraStoreTV Seems like the auto focus is lightning quick! Overall, seems like this camera rocks in videos especially the slow-motion footage as well as having the cheapest 4k video shooter in the market.

[@johnnymossville]

The shots of Chris fly fishing done on the GH4 were by far the best shots of the test. The drummer was great as well. Now I want to go fly fishing.

[@kylefarris]

Awesome video as usual guys! Favorite channel on KZbin!

[@jogibajr]

Wow, I have been waiting for this, thanks guys.

[@SebbySenpai]

The GH4 is going to be incredible. 4K for under $2,000? *SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY.*

[@dslrcinemagr]

This price its only for preorder??after when in stock on stores change?

[@ldhyunl]

OMG it's Sir Sebastian! You're alive!!

[@rickbogan6041]

***** For the body maybe, but you still need to buy at least one lens or an adapter for lenses you already.have

[@OnTheMarkFilms]

By far the best review that I have seen great job. Got mine on pre-order looking forward to getting my hands on it.

[@Bakamanzz]

Great hands-on test guys, this is shaping up to be thee go to camera.

[@EdEditz]

Dammit, now I have to get a new keyboard. I drooled all over it... I need this camera!! It's a dream come true.

[@inorogNL]

fantastic review! this camera is so desireable

[@timmilgram]

I'm definitely considering buying this for video, but I'm a bit unsure because I love the Canon glass I have for my 5D, and don't know how I feel about buying all new lenses. Is there an EF mount adapter that can be used with this? If so, what would be the limitations of using my Canon glass with the GH4?

[@MattSezer]

There's about a 2X crop factor going from full frame to MFT. You can totally get an EF to MFT adapter. I'm not sure if they're are any active ones out there; there may be. Also, they do make a speed booster adapter, which would make the crop less severe and add a stop of light.

[@sk-oh1bz]

checked it out- short answer: Nope. Canon won't give the okay for such an adapter so there is that. your lenses will not respond to the body. otherwise if you really want to buy the gh4 get a metabones speedbooster and some Canon FD or Nikon F glass. that should do the work

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

Ted Kavvas There are adaptors that can Control the EF lenses Electronics. And for the Sony NEX system there is even a EF to Nex Speed Booster with Electronics.

[@krewcialofficial]

Ted Kavvas wrong : if you don't mind controlling your lens manually, you can use a Canon EF to M43 adapter. It has built in aperture blades, so you can control both aperture and focus manually. Works wonderfully.

[@sk-oh1bz]

I dont mind focusing by hand (in fact I dont use af at all), but the adapters with aperture blades suck, you lose optical performance and you never know your exact f-stop which causes problems when you have to change exposure from take to take. I'd rather use a speedbooster

[@42pigs]

Great review guys, low light tests would be great to see as well!

[@oneworldvideo]

Best GH4 review I've seen so far. Shame about the headphone jack placement, yet so nice to see a reviewer actually go beyond the obvious and mention it. Playback button location is still a pain too. Please contact Panasonic to complain about this. the more voices, the better! I already did so.

[@themanabroad7800]

Please do more videos...of anything...i don't care. I just love watching you guys, this is my favorite review channel, like it more than digirev. Love you guys!

[@BurningBushPedagogy]

WAOOOOO YOU GUYS SO AMAZING YOU SHOULD BE PAYED FOR THIS.... THANKS GUYS FOR SHARING GREAT LIGHT....HMMMMMM SWEET !!!!

[@laurentmassillon9933]

thanks for this reveiw. that's a good moment. your test is huge;

[@pietervanhofwegen]

I sold my Canon 5d MK2 yesterday and pre-ordered the GH4. I'm so happy with Panasonic, this GH4 is for many videographers the gift of 2014. New interesting discussions on the web to using the 4K camera as a source material, then down-scaling and transcoding it to either ProRes or Cineform 1080p at 10bit 4:4:4. I will believe that this camera blows many popular dslr out of the water.

[@Christiankdeason]

I didn't hear anything from 12:50 - 13:25 because of that lady and her dog.

[@AdamWoodhouse]

A follow-up vid with a bit of image testing, sport shooting, low light shooting, focusing speed/accuracy in low light and fast moving, would be nice to round out this excellent video capability review. Thanks for the great work!

[@mickrome309]

Omg I had milk coming out of my nose @7:42. Oh awesome review guys!

[@AgnostosGnostos]

The Canon 1D-C of 2012 was oriented more to videography but it was very expensive. However the Panasonic GH4 was a the first affordable photo camera that was oriented to 4K videography. Actually this move of Panasonic saved the micro 4/3 mount.

[@ericwong7961]

Thanks fellas!! Love what you do! So helpful!!!

[@Gynra]

Great review as usual. Man with shorts on in the snow in the background - must be Canada!

[@techguyMD]

Great review... You guys covered all the bases!

[@azuremain]

9:07, No moire/aliasing at 1080P and up to 96fps and 200mbits? That sounds too good to be true. And are the mov files still grainier unlike the AVCHD files?

[@LeDrummerDu88]

Excellent review as always !!!! And greaaat camera : )

[@RodrigoVzq]

Awesome camera, better video. You are great guys, keep that going

[@SwarnadipBanerjee]

Chris and Jordan, thanx for the review. Very helpful. Can I request you guys to do a short review on Lumix G6 and SONY a3000; its never been too late. I believe they are both very underrated cameras, specially G6...its probably the most creative camera. Pls think about it.

[@gabaktech]

can u connect it to an external monitor and record monitoring in real time?

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Yes, and the camera's LCD and EVF will remain active. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@ThankYouPageMagic]

Very nice guys! We've shared this on planet5D today!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Thanks Mitch! I'm a big fan of your site! Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@ThankYouPageMagic]

TheCameraStoreTV hey Jordan! Great to meet you! Use the contact link on planet5D some time and let's chat

[@ArgoFowl]

This is a fantastic video! Great job.

[@FlyingOverTr0ut]

The 4k footage shot in camera can be downsampled to 1080p 4:4:4 color.

[@GertSterner]

Great video!. Thanks Jordan!

[@ThomasBryant]

Wow... another great video this week.

[@lightleaksofficial]

The way the doggie was to his to his owner. "but there's people over thereeeeeee"

[@eidrag]

"Am I on national television now"

[@wody21]

Yeah that dog wanted to take part in this CameraStoreTV episode :) - Actually it achieved that, @ 13:05 the dog was positioned in the frame perfectly.

[@stevehoge]

Re stabilization comparison at 10:58 - note that the GX7 does not do in-body (sensor) stabilization either when shooting video. Speculation is that cooling is the issue.

[@jameschervatin9520]

The Slippers segment was a great addition lol.

[@PostColorGear]

Wow, very impressive camera. Especially in 1080p. Sure, it's a lot more money with the XLR interface, but comparatively, it's priced VERY well!!

[@gordosimmins2727]

Game changer! Panasonic hit it out-of-the-park at this price point, especially with that expander. Totally impressed! If you're into video, who wouldn't want one?

[@shadytech00]

that granny and dog at the back were like 'get a room you two' lol

[@CrableArt]

Great video! Wondering if you are planning to test the final production unit as well?

[@RainbowGardens]

Panasonic was watching you! :)

[@jonfletcher147]

Lol that dog in the background at 12:57 so loves the GH4! Lol

[@cybervand]

''Chris is back there fishing now, so we can take this camera out of Aperture priority, and to Manual Movie mode where it should be.'' Hahahaha! Whatta dig.

[@charlessanson3046]

Great through review, plus footage, thanks. Internal OIS and battery negatives. I bet that will come with the GH5.

[@jakeketterer9333]

Thinks for the great points! What is a good lens for this camera for shooting video?

[@barnaclemcgoo8994]

Thanks for the review, as usual Excellent.

[@thejerrymobile]

1:53 and that's the same complaint I had about the G6 viewfinder. Funny, that. :P

[@daveyan]

Show more video of the mode dial please!

[@Legen007]

they missed the one other feature that finally got added to the GH4, they forgot to mention the focus peaking and zebra pattern for manual focus. you can kinda see it in the video(at the 1:47 mark) but its one of those blink and you'll miss it moments. other than that, they did a great job with the overall presentation of the camera.

[@rmthespian]

Great video. I'm now considering getting the brick as well. I was just curious what sd card(s) you were using and if you tried a few different kinds? Thanks!

[@DrPhilro]

Gotta love Canadians. Great review guys.

[@JessDemant]

Thank you two for a good review of the Panasonic GH4, for now I'll probably buy the camera even though I have a Panasonic GX7, and this despite the fact that I get more poor than good is because of this purchase ......

[@didierlapalus3770]

Hi Can you tell us if the vu-meters are usable on the GH4 and stay on screen during all the record ? Can we easily use a beachtek DXA-CONNECT that do not have vu-meters ? The interface proposed by Panasonic is interesting but has 2 big problems for me : no internal battery and a little bit expensive for only the sound when we don't need the SDI outputs. Thanks for your answer !

[@whothinksforme]

Am I mistaken, didn't I read somewhere that you can turn off the shutter sound, and shoot in complete silent mode?

[@XReaProductions]

Awesome review guys, thanks! I'm definitely thinking about upgrading from my Canon 60D pretty soon here and I'm definitely wanting to move up to 4K. I'm still a little skeptical on the speed boosters/m43 to Canon EF mount but I need to do more research.

[@tsk1979]

In your still tests it seems that the polarizer was on the lens. Is it so? If so, it means that the focus is really good as many contrast detect cams struggle with AF through a polarizer or at high F numbers

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

That was a 3 stop ND filter to keep our shutter speeds down for video.Af was fantastic even with it attached. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@tsk1979]

TheCameraStoreTV thanks for your answer. I think even with a polarizer on the AF should perform very well since polarizer is usually 1-2 stops only!

[@AshtonTekno]

Awesome Camera!!! Great review!

[@creativefilmz]

Great video thanks for sharing, question have you guys had any errors to the SD cards? I had a GH-1 hacked and was using a class 10 SD card given it was hacked but I'm concerned about the stability on a long capture say like a wedding or an interview without getting an error and loosing footage. Whats the longest capture you guys have done?

[@kosusi2002]

Great review video; Would be amazing if you guys could do a review video that compares the Panasonic GH4 with cameras like Canon 5D MkIII or even with Panasonic GX7. BTW - what lens did you use with the GH4?

[@GuitarMessenger]

For the record, you CAN get 4:2:2 10-bit 4K out of the camera without the YAGH adapter. Now, if only there were some recorders that could do something with that...

[@jwcreativeservices]

theSUBVERSIVE Yeah, you actually can. Straight from the Panasonic rep on Zacuto's new video: www.zacuto.com/panasonic-lumix-gh4

[@eladbari]

So what does 4:2:2 @10bit gives you in means of color grading options? Its not RAW yet..so what's the benefit from 4:2:0 here?

[@jwcreativeservices]

eladbari 4:2:2 will help in isolating a specific color, either to make a correction or to do a chroma key. There is just more color information there, so it's easier to pick one vs. another. 10 bit will record more steps of gradation from light to dark, so you can push an image harder without banding or degradation. That means you can use flatter picture profiles to cover wider dynamic range scenes and then adjust them more in post without them falling apart. Shooting ultra flat on 8-bit and pushing contrast into the image in post can leave you with a lot of noise. But even aside from grading, 10-bit 4:2:2 should give a noticeable improvement in image quality overall, especially in color rendition. I'm definitely excited to see side by side comparisons.

[@eladbari]

Jay Windland thank you for that awesomely detailed explanation, man :] Gosh, all I need now is frikkin' Canon to come up with a new 5Dmk4 or something..which will Finally have 1080p@60fps and 4:2:2 if possible. I have huge respect to Panasonic, but the look of their image doesn't feel as filmy as Canon's. I cant explain. It's just too sharp and zero Depth of field- which gives the GH4 a look which I don't crave. Canon had been sleeping like a bear, though. They don't give a shit about progress and innovation. If only they would cooperate officially with Magic Lantern - then maybe we could've had a great camera from them which is up to date with everyone else.

[@lolandsz]

I'm thinking about upgrading from my Canon 7D to this so I'm kind of more interested in the still side of this camera, but the 4k video capabilities is obviously an amazing feature. Great review.

[@iviaverick52]

The GH4 actually outputs 10-bit 4:2:2 directly from the integrated Mini HDMI connector, the YAGH isn't necessary unless you need XLR connections or SDI.

[@ayang315]

I thought it was 10 bit 4:2:2 1080p directly from the mini HDMI onto an external recorder, but to get 10 bit 4:2:2 4K you would need the YAGH?

[@iviaverick52]

Nope panasonic verified with the Zacuto team that you get 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 from HDMI without the YAGH. It uses the new HDMI 1.4 standard which supports 4K straight from the camera.

[@ayang315]

That's even better news! Thanks!

[@kevinmovedens4967]

Great share guys thanks for the tip They have more reviews on this camera and pricing on 1hds.com/PanasonicLUMIXDMC-GH4KBODY

[@iviaverick52]

Kevin Movedens I'm currently #2 on B&H's preorder list, and I have several music videos to shoot with it right when it's in my hands. Have to say, my expectations are pretty high.

[@richardmrazek6937]

Nice review - thanks for that! What about focus peaking, if you compare it with Sony Focus Peaking function? I have it on GM1 (on GH3 not) and I don't know... Sony focus peaking is I think more usable...

[@PatrickLor]

Jordan, that's an awesome shirt!!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

I'm a fan! Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@ThomasSchweighofer_]

Is there an autofocus in videomode? And ia shooting 96 fps possible real time or only for limited time?

[@thomastmic]

Awesome review! ISO 3200 Video usable?

[@monamendel6662]

What lens would you recommend for shooting a kids hockey game at an indoor rink?

[@HairMentorsEducation]

How do the still images compare to the Oly EM-1 (which I consider the best still images of m43)?

[@EstebanBustos]

Hi Chris and Jordan im going to buy this camera and i need to know which lenses to buy. what native lens do you recommend for gh4? thanks!

[@atradiesknows]

Thanks for the video, great to see the new Panny in action. Curious if you have further thoughts on artifacts and macro blocking on the 4k? Does rendering down to 1080 clear up existing artifacts from 4k? Been looking for a comparison between 4k rendered to 1080 as it stacks up against 5d mkIII with ML raw. Thoughts appreciated!

[@potatolord6204]

Great review for the GH4. Just wondering if any chance doing a review for the Samsung NX30 mate?

[@TONYLOUIS100]

Awesome review, you should have done a low light sensitivity test

[@larryzapata2614]

AWESOME!!! I wish you would talk about the iso performance no-one has ever talked about. When will it ship? How much do you pay for a70D on trade in? The stabilizer is a downside... But with DFD and the 42.5 1.2 OIS. I DON'T see a reason to adapt any glass anymore... Excellent Job Jordan!!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

I'm hoping to shoot some ISO and resolution tests once we have a production camera. Image processing was not final on our sample copy. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@larryzapata2614]

Cant wait! This is going to be the Most exiciting camera until the 5D mk IV 4K no AA Dual pixel af

[@Ronbc000]

Did you notice, camera info overlays. Do they disappear after 10 sec like GH3? Thanks.

[@ibescos]

Hi nice video as usual, I saw in the video that when you film the drum at home you use a rokinon lens. I have a doubt, when you use manual lenses you still have the possibility of use peaking focus or it just work with the automatic same brand lenses?. Thank you and best regards from Spain.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

The peaking works with all mounted lenses.

[@ibescos]

Thank you so much

[@EdStarkey]

Awesome review! I want to replace my 60D with this baby for it's wonderful video, but I need decent high ISO stills too. I'd love to see some high ISO stills to see how noise reduction is doing. Please oh please post some footage from the external recorder at 4:2:2 10bit! Then I can tell Panasonic please just take my damn money!

[@EdStarkey]

Geoffrey Harford do you use magic lantern?

[@leicester55]

Good review guys but I would like to see movement panning the camera in 4k as I have previously tried videoing horses galloping around a yard with a sont FDR-AX 100 4k video camera and the background was all jittery ? No Image stabiliser definatly would not buy a camera for video without a stabilisr

[@andrewjcooke]

Love your videos! Curious, what tripod, slider and lights were you using? Love to see links from your store:)

[@longross4763]

How do the low light capabilities of this camera compare to that of the 5d mk3?

[@LexArias]

Impressive review!

[@jessesanders2824]

You have answered the questions about the autofocus being able to track a moving subject well, but can you actually use the EVF when shooting continuous stills. Most EVFs will show the photo you just took instead of a live view, which makes it difficult to track a subject in motion. Really liked the review though. Good job guys.

[@VMXGroove]

Great review. Enjoyed that. Quick question? What is the maximum recording time for one clip? Could it record for at least 1 hour nonstop?

[@mela28xcom]

Good review guys. !

[@rboll1]

What about rolling shutter... any advances there?

[@ApostolosFilms]

what lens would be best to get a full frame shot with Auto focus, All of the lenses I have crop the shot i need. Also compared to canon lenses why do the panasonic lenses allow less light into the lens

[@Josurf808]

Great review! What's next? Nikon D4s review? Personally, I'd like you guys put Nikon's new Group AF through it's paces!

[@bree1018]

What kind of lenses were used in all of the Panasonic gh4 reviews?

[@silentsnipe215]

Just wanting an opinion....In terms of someone wanted to upgrade there camera between the gh4 or the 5D mark iii and the 5D mark iii being the highest they can go price wise what would you recommend.

[@123bever]

awesome piece of kit