A website leaked the Panasonic GH4 images for a short time (I am not going ti unveil the site name to see if I can find more info soon). The specs are
– 16,05 Megapixel sensor. It’s a new sensor with semi-conductor protection tech to reduce noise and improved dynamic range.
– quad core processor and venus Engine
– ISO up to 25,600.
– 12fps, 7,5 fps with continuous focusing
– GH4 uses the new UHS I class III SD card format
– Depth From Defocusing (uses Panasonic lens database to fine tune AF!)
– AF as fast as 0.07 seconds. 49 AF points.
– 4K video at 4096×2160 pixels and max frame rate of 96fps.
– Bit rate of up to 200Mbp
– Magnesium body
– Price not unveiled yet
– There is an optional Interface Unit (see image below). Has 2 XLR, 4 SDI, micro HDMi output, color bar signal, audio reference signal, external time control
The camera will be announced tomorrow (Friday Feb 7) at 4am London time! You can follow the announcement live here on 43rumors!
.
199 Responses
oh wow. what a beast
Errrrr… So absolutely no changes to the camera body? Can’t tell for sure but the pictures look the same as the GH3. I would think they might have refined the hardware a bit to learn from past shortcomings, like the hard to use rear wheel for instance. Surprised to see that not even one button appears to have modified.
True and dissapointing : that’s a GH3 with 4K!
Not that the GH3 is a bad camera, but they could have refined its ergonomics.
Let’s see its IQ now.
I agree. Totally disappointing. Too large,too much video oriented for a photographic camera. Even the badly designed finder ocular seems to be the same. Where is the true successor of the GH2, which can compete with the E-M1?
“for a photographic camera”
says who ?
Competition for the E-M1? HAHAHA!
This camera isn’t competition for the E-M1, it’s for Video first, stills second. You want E-M1 competition, look at the GX7.
Most people that’s this camera is aimed at, would never think of buying the E-M1 simply from lackluster Video specs.. just because this is Panasonic’s latest camera, doesn’t mean that it’s even thinking about anything from Olympus… hahaha!
“E-M1 comp”… you’re funny.
Hey man I got you. In the end you are the anti-oly fanboy of the fanboys. I have more pana bodies as well but still love the oly ones, the 5-axis, the jpegs, the live time… what’s wrong with them? Maybe you don’t like the menus or not so good video… what else makes this antifanboysm outcrop this intense way…?
So what, they should’ve made the EVF hump a little shorter and it’d be good to go then? The GH3 still has some of the best ergonomics of any mirrorless camera on the market.
No it’s not. The insides are obviously difference. That processor.
That’s what I said.
The inside is different of course, it better be to handle 4K video at those high bitrates!!!
But the outside is basically a GH3.
Note that it has some positive points if you can use the GH3 grip and underwater case.
Yes, same body but I can see some minimal differences. The main dial on top has a kind of locking button, like the one on the EM1. Also the eyecup has a different shape…. fingers crossed for a much better EVF, as rumoured.
The Eye piece is different 😉
The GH3 has a terrific body, feels great in the hand. I’m a little disappointed they didn’t update the styling, but that’s a minor thing.
Well this is super exciting, I dont often say much on these sites because of crazy people I hope all this is true. the 96fps is really wow, even at HD I will be happy with that.
Same here… I’m really hoping a Log film mode is something Panasonic will include this time. 12 stops of dynamic range would be a respectable spec to accompany the 4K capability.
Looks a winner, that optional interface unit won’t be cheap, well found admin 🙂
I am not a video guy, and even I would shoot a few clips wwith this.
Sounds very sexy!
Very cool Panasonic is pushing this further! Sounds to me like 2 generations jump.
0.07 seconds AF doesn’t seem such exciting for me, as the GH3 was advertised with the same focus speed more than 1 year ago.
An I definitely cannot understand AF fine tuning. Contrast detection should NOT have any focusing errors!
CDAF does of course make errors and a lot too with AF tracking, so may be this is meant for AF-c (7,5 fps)?
Great except for the XLR-SDI thingy !
I really hope this is not the real adaptor.
Totally wrong ergonomically, who dreams up these designs ?
How on earth could you use this handheld in a real world situation without a tripod ?
Its not intended for handheld use.
Get a grip.
Mr Mills!!!
Do you mean this Mr Mills?
> Its not intended for handheld use.
> Get a grip.
Actually…. ironically if it had “got a grip” instead it would be better for handheld use! 😉
You sure handled that well!
You get 10 bit 4:2:2 and you’re still not satisfied?
Get the box then!
Need better audio? Use audio capture equipment!
Want everything and the moon too?
Pray or lobby for Panasonic to build a smaller XLR-SDI box with reduced connections and size.
While he’s complaining we can all be out shooting with our awesome camers. Hell, I understand hi, I could add a thing or two to the list, however this spec sheet it beast! It’s great they even created the box for a camera with this form factor!
Let alone the predicted price 😉
All I wanted was 1080 raw & 120fps. Panasonic failed to deliver either one of my requirements. I will save my $$$. Not worth upgrading to.
we still don’t know for sure about 120 fps, and we already have an affordable option for (hard to handle) raw, the bmpcc… too many, wanting too much…
All I really want is for you to stop trolling my comments 😛 & 1080 – 120/fps in camera w/ sound from the GH4.
I hope it also has 5-axis IBIS, to make it really useful with some of those great independent lenses, and, also to stop the incessant moaning and groaning for Olympus to provide better video on its cameras. If the GH4 has a really effective IBIS that can be used for video, than Olympus can be left alone to concentrate on getting the best still photo feature and not compromise that by design considerations necessary for really high-end video that most of its buyers do not care about. A good 720p is all that is needed by most.
Just GET LOST, will you.
Do you realize this is not the camera for you? You are asking for a pop-up flash on a Hasselblad, just to make a silly analogy.
Please do spare your time and attention. thanks
I don’t get why some people feel that certain technologies cannot be combined to produce an overall better product. Just because it hasn’t occurred in the past doesn’t mean it can’t be correctly implemented in the future. We all sometimes need to think outside the box.
If you could suggest a way to connect a heat sink to a sensor mounted on a gimbal, I’m all ears…
I don’t know how much of it is true, as I read it in a dpreview talkback, but a reason evoked not to have IBIS would be because of the BUS requirement. The reading output from the chip to the card to allow crank up vid specs apparently requires properly spaced connections, bigger cooling system, etc, leaving no proper space for IBIS.
Can anybody confirm any of this?
Of course, we will know a bit more tomorrow. That being said, this is not exactly a “carry around” camera. I honestly don’t think the target audience plans on shooting video with it based on having or not IBIS. …which is not to say its not a desirable feature. From what I read, people talk about video specs first and foremost.
IBIS is great for stills, but degrades video in all the systems I have used or seen.
Not single Olympus cam has better IQ than the GH3….If EM1 had much better video, I would probably have bought that cam. You are correct that this cam is for specialists and enthusiast video & stillshooters mostly.
If the XLR-SDI box is for real I will not
be buying it.
A totally wasted idea and opportunity.
How difficult would it have been
to add a scaled down version of this to the
battery grip while keeping the same ergonomics.
Again how could this unit be used any other way than on
a tripod ? which defeats the purpose of a handheld 4K MFT camera.
I REALLY hope this is a joke.
If you want to go more nimble you won’t have to use the XLR-SDI box.
Doesn’t seem like such a big deal to me, but it does give an opportunity for the GH4K to push upwards to compete against the even higher end of the pro market.
Only a good thing for further boosting the reputation of Panasonic’s GH line up!
(says one proud GH1 owner 😀 )
em – rigged? thats how you should shoot handheld anyways….
You obviously don’t do much video. Rigs are essential for shooting pro-grade video. You don’t shoot straight up handheld. You will still use a hand-held stabilizer. The point of this is having all the possible options for both video and photo. And it still makes your whole gear smaller and lighter.
Puts the D4S to shame…
The 96fps is for fast motion effect only! not for normal shooting.
Have have no clue what you mean by that … we do all know that normal-speed footage is not played at 96fps.
Question for videographers, CMIIW
When using the XLR or SDI unit, there will be cables sticking out of the box to more external processing units, so it’s definitely not designed with handheld operation in mind, at least without video rigs.
The GH4 is yet another TRANSITIONAL product. DO NOT loose your shirts!
It’s well hybridized it seems.
Full blown ( one hand ) holdable DSLR with respectable 16MP res and 4K video.
The add-on I/O box is for serious video shooters who will no doubt appreciate HDSDI out to the rest of the capture suite.
But make no mistake. Panasonic will suck money from the adopters of this camera to pay for the NON-TRANSITIONAL camera then NEED to deliver for serious videographers.
In other words, a VIDEO formfactor ( boxy please ) with the same still functionality.
Now. Having been tricked by pre-release specs of the GH3 back in 2012, only to be hugely disappointing at the delivered package….
WE WAIT & WE SEE the real GH4 before we say anything more.
The XLR-SDI thing is like a bad mix and match of
components from other cameras.
No real design. Lets just make this thing and bolt
it to the camera.
The G4K looks great but then it
seems Panasonic reverted to type and stuck
a monstrosity underneath it.
Why 4 SDI ? Why not a single 6gps connection
with dual XLR’s, a mini HDMI and timecode reference ?
With a bit of imagination and work they could have
integrated it into a slightly larger grip.
At least it would have the same Ergonomics as the camera.
Without the unit the G4K is lacking quality audio and
video inputs and with it it’s lacking portability and ease of
use. A fail on both accounts.
Why don’t you scroll back up to the picture and take another look at how big it is… If Panasonic tried to make it smaller or implemented in the grip somehow, it would be VERY EXPENSIVE, not to mention akward with the ports added.
are you a engineer? Please show us your skills on how you can make it the size of a grip AND still hold extra batteries.
I think people mean a grip that is of “normal grip size” but *instead* of batteries, it has all these extra add on functionality included in it.
That at least is what I had imagined and hoped for.
Little disappointed that it is looking so bulky, but not too greatly bothered 🙂
I think most people here are complaining, because it says, “Panasonic” rather than “Olympus” on the front.
If that attachment, as big as it is was in grip form, it would be much more expensive, and do y’all expect the camera to run off one battery TOO?
So, that’s like what, one hour or less of video recording? Gimmie a break! If you’re not an engineer, you really have no clue, nor shouldn’t even complain. NOT TO MENTION, most of the complainers here wouldn’t buy this camera, no matter A WHAT is has, looks like, or can do!
what an ugly attachment! love it!.
96 fps at 4K? That will be great but not that great at 1080P… Hope if more frames at 1080P at least 120fps. 240 will be great! I think if that XLR base is for real Panasonic will be missing miserably. Problem one, where do you attach 2 wireless mics? Imagine the size of cage rig you will need… This is too wide and too vertical. Almost like someone was playing with Legos. I was expecting a more ergonomically friendly design. How do you grab that thing? OK let’s put it on a tripod… what kind of rig cage can hold all that plus a light, a shotgun mic and all the cables going everywhere. My GH2 cage will not fit that Big Mac!
In 4 days I may have to eat my comment. Wish I’ll do. Put a lot of hope on the 4K!
I want to be wrong… I want to be wrong… I want to be wrong!
…you just need to calm down a bit lol
96fps are the max frame rate, don’t know at what resolution…
Looks good, what I was hoping for, eispecially if the new memory card is open standard. 96fps in 4k? I must be reading it wrong, I’m guessing it’s in 1080p. Was hoping for 120fps, I think the next GoPro will do the same or better, so I hope they didn’t gimp it to show off the af100 successor. Never the less, this all looks great, I want one!
In regards to the bolt on modual, while it’s not pretty, it seems obvious it designed only for a rig. It *may* be a lost opportunity to some in regards to ergonomics, but if rigged, it looks great! I wonder, what do people here think could have been better choice of inputs for the unit and why? I ask it as a Serious question because I’m just making the leap to video now, and am genuinely curious.
what is Depth From Defocusing?
Even if it is a bit ambivalent, I’m very interested in it. As a still camera it is much too pricey and as a video cam it should have another styling of the body. The main question is: Does it support 10bit? Then it will be the killer cam against bmpcc – even if there’s no raw implementation.
I am calm… but… Try to rig that base with XLR connectors on the side…
You should calm down more. There are far bigger and bulkier cameras out there that fit in handheld rigs fine. This place is panasonic hater central, don’t read the stupidity posted here.
What a great videocam, but nothing special for photo taking compared to the Fuji X-T1 or the E-M1. It seems it is going out on a tangent.
Well I would say it is still better as a stills camera, as the GH3 is on many fronts compare to the e-m1. Much longer lasting battery, better grip and form, larger size fully articulating screen. Just because Olympus is terrible at video doesn’t make it better as a still camera. Yawn……………….
Stills shooters should keep their GH3. Not much news for them with the GH4, it appears.
For video users, this is massive news. I’m guessing that 4K 96fps is wrong, though. That is just too much. I’m guessing that 4K runs at 24/25/30fps, and that 1080p maxes out at 96fps. After all, this is not a miracle machine, even if it looks like one just now.
Agree. It’s 4K in a GH3 body.
Unless stills are improved, the GH3 is the deal for stills shooters.
Well….12 fps and 7,5 fps (AF-c0…might indicate it is better for sports if the AF features as mentioned are better.
Also: this is the GX7 sensor most likely and they seem to have made it better…If so it probably will be minute, but who knows. So for action, it still might be better…
Well, still shooters are using EVF, don’t they? If EVF is better than problematic one on GH-3 then this will be good uppgrade even for those that you call still shooters.
I’m all for innovation and creating a better product, but this
attachment is not thinking outside the box, rather somebody
form Panasonic justifying their economic decision.
If this is the final design then the G4K is not a
handheld 4K MFT camera.
The facts are without this unit the G4K’s Audio and Video inputs are
severly limited and with it must be used on a tripod or large rig.
The decision not to make the unit as ergonomically as possible
is beyond me.
The only reason I can think of is Panasonic were unwilling to
spend the time and money needed to create an adaptor that would
match the G4K
I love the look of the G4K but will not be buying it if this is the
only means of getting quality audio and video inputs.
It simply does not make sense and will cost me more in the long run
trying to configure it.
One final point, how could you even go about adding a matte box, rails
or handheld rig or cage to this unit ?
… and try to shoot yourself, when you flip the monitor it will be blocked by that side thing… not to mention if the tabs at the right side are for the XLR’s connectors good bye rig cage… if so where do you attach 2 wireless audio receivers? Hope this is not the real thing and a joke…
The advise I have heard time and again from videographers is to record sound separately and to use the camera’s sound to help having proper synchronization.
Something like a Zoom H1 costs like a hundred dollar will give better results than *any* camera on the market. One could say : “think outside of the box, and add uncompressed sound to the GH4” . Fine, but they are already pushing the envelope with the video part alone.
This is not the coolest advise to give to someone who won’t even consider using a small rig, but then this is not exactly a carry around camera aimed at hand held quicky videos..
The onboard preamps of GH3 are much better than those of ZoomH1! And I can’t believe this will change with GH4.
It’s optional. Besides, you would be using rigs MOST of the time when trying to shoot video, especially if you want it to look pro. The point of this camera is to offer every possible (keyword: possible) option for photo and video. That’s a little bit of a letdown but it’s still just an option. They might not have considered EVERYTHING but it will work most of the time.
And I’m pretty sure there will be 3rd-party options that would be better.
Only one question: is it 10 bits in 422? 4K has no importance for the moment, for any TV diffuser, for any private customer. The same goes for 120 or 240 fps : a gadget for 95 % of the directors who use GH4. A magnificent image in 10 bits in 24 fps is just what we need.
Most likely, judging by the corresponding AVC Ultra spec.
I’m sure the guys at Panasonic have designed the best unit possible to keep costs down, so it is affordable for everyone. Don’t need the XLR adapter? don’t get it. They could’ve made it look like a Canon C300, but then it would cost a lot more and they’ll lose a huge chunk of their target market. So keeping with the similar design of the GH3, how would they implement those extra audio inputs without having this large adapter beneath it? I’m sure they’ve would’ve wanted to design it like a grip if they could.
They can always do the same thing with the body of an AF100A, keep same audio controls, body just change the chip and processing… Imagine a AF104K! Now that will be a solid ENG!
Maybe it will happen for NAB 2014!
Yeah I think the AF-100 upgrade at NAB 2014 will be huge and welcomed…
possible to use battery grip GH3 on a GH4?
What’s the problem with the XLR box? If it’s too big for your needs take the beachtek – that will fit fine to the body size of the GH4.
that external unit seems to use tubes/valve technology.
From quickly aligning the photos of the GH4 and stock GH3 images of both front and back, it appears they are ‘almost’ exactly the same in size, button configuration and layout. Differences I can see: Eyecup (slight larger on GH4) and the control dial (slightly tailer). Great news all round – that they kept the same form factor. I’ve knocked up a side by side – https://twitter.com/richardwait/status/431352167597740032/photo/1
Without any doubt, this is the best digital camera ever released in the history. I won’tbe surprised if it easily dethrone every flagship cameras from Nikon, Canon, Sony, etc.
???
..Can you substantiate that claim??
No need to substantiate. It’s very clear. I for one agree with George. This is world first and perhaps world best IQ from both videography and photograhny.
How many people will be disappointed because their photos/videos won’t be much better than those they used to take with their 1 year old gear?
people love to whine
About as many as thos who went form a Em5 to an EM1? Being ill-inform is not the manufacturers fault.
At least the E-M5 and E-M1 have very different ergonomics 🙂
Jørgen, personally I added an Em1 to my Em5 because I needed a second body when working. I haven’t bought an Em1 believing in some kind of miracle.
From what I read, some people think gear will improve their photos/videos. Not really. New gear will push you to go out and take some more photo or video, but won’t make you a better photographer.
If I take a bad photo, the fault is mine.
On m43 system, sensors have somehow reached their top performance: improvements are not that visible when looking at a printed photo.
We need a new kind of sensors to see a “great” leap in image quality.
Except in this case, in regards to video performance, this camera is a substantial leap. With much the improved codecs that come onboard, the ability to attach SDI out, and the new resolution, this is quite a substantial leap from pretty much every DSLR or mirrorless camera released other than the $12,000 Canon 1DC. For people in the video world, this is going to be a very exciting announcement.
This is also the most expensive m43 photocamera to date, i am curious if it offers some beneficial leaps on the stills side too. Videowise I am sure it has lots of extras to offer. Olympus should be happy that Panasonic is not able to include a fully featured IBIS on their new flagship. It’s their only ace card which makes the omd’s and top pen a valid compact handheld alterative in videography.
Yes, that’s a big leap in video, but will this leap make all buyers better videomakers? I’m not bashing the product, simply trying to keep the feet on the ground.
Yeah, we are shitting ourselves…
I had a bit of a LOL about this image of a “GH4K”, pretty funny mock up:
http://www.hdwarrior.co.uk/2014/02/05/new-sightings-with-the-panasonic-gh4/
It looks like a nice step up for video users but if it is a just a GH3 with a new sensor and processor is it really worth all the extra -what $1000+?
Better than a Canon with the same old sensor and processor in a different body.
The same old one they’ve had since the T2i…. it is a big mystery to me why anybody still buys a Canon APS-C for filmmaking!! 😮
Except for this one reason: “nobody ever got fired for buying IBM equipment”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear,_uncertainty_and_doubt
Brand name, marketing, and early mover advantage is all that is still holding up sales of Canon APS-C DSLRs for filmmaking.
Incredible how Canon DSLR dominate small video production companies. I simply don’t get it. It’s a prague, they are buying the brand. The mirror flapping up and down!!?! No EVF?? The lack of detail in video?? The bulky photographic lenses, mostly design in the 80’s!?? Wow! Absolutely no advantage over a GH, only disadvantages. I bought my first GH1 back in 2010… and after some GH2s and GH3s, now the the GH4. Although not perfect, thank you Panny for understanding the market (a bit) better than that hibernating company, that cripples products for profit-only reasons.
If you really knew any thing about film making there is also the high value of the rest of the kit needed, high grade lenses etc, which need replacing usually fora lot less than purchasing the new kit, which all needs passing on to the customer in what is a very competitive market.
[@,@] …. confused….
Wow, very nice indeed. I’m not a “video kinda guy” so this has specs way beyond my needs and probably the price too! Though I’m certain it takes wonderful stills, I’ll wait for the G7.
Strap the ‘it appears they are ‘almost’ exactly the same in size, button configuration and layout.’
Look at the control dial – there is a button inside the top of it….
Looking at the options on the control dial can only see two between C3 and P. On GH3 there are 3 options scn,creative control, iA. Can’t quite see from the image what has been dropped or changed
Looks like just the ‘SCN’ mode has been dropped and the iA button looks just like a simple camera icon.
Great decision to choose the same body (IF there are a few fixes -> Way better screen mechanics stability, hot shoe stability and better EVF glass coating for example). I am sure (or at least I HOPE) they fixed most of the issues. Also great (about the same design) -> No more NEW problems which may occur (with a completely new body desing).
Also nice: The existing cages and other accessories will be still usable (maybe also the battery grips of the GH3). And it´s STILL nice and usable as a photo camera (with a good handling, good size, the picture quality of the GX7 combined with the speed of the GH3 AND also nice: It´s still looking like a normal photo camera – Which is sometimes better if you want to shoot video more “stealthy”).
As said: Nice choice.
Anybody who has spent $2k on an underwater housing for a GH3 will be very very happy indeed if the GH4K keeps to the same size and shape!
FAKE
cards will be expensive for this camera http://www.proav.co.uk/Panasonic-AJ-P2M032-32GB-Professional-microP2-Card/p33293.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=GoogleShopping&utm_campaign=googlebase&gclid=CLGhg-ist7wCFSn4wgodH3YAbA
ouch! That isn’t cheap for sure!!
cheaper alternative coming? http://www.techpowerup.com/197552/kingston-digital-introduces-sdhc-sdxc-uhs-i-speed-class-3-u3-memory-cards.html
If this GH4 is not the successor of GH3, what should be ?
we’ll find out tomorrow
Panasonic is going to sell a bunch of these. Videographers are going to buy these in droves. Having the same shape and size of the GH3 proves that the shape is what users want, it’s rig-freindly and the size is just right. This was a smart move and I’m sure the bottom attachment is rig-freindly as well.
I guess the real questions is, what’s the price and when does it come out?
It is meant to be coming in for under $2,000
So I expect it will be much more than the GH3 release price, but it looks like it will still be vastly cheaper than any other comparable option out there!
lol, I just noticed the captcha is “OLY” 😀
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:rZ3Aie5JGI0J:www.whatdigitalcamera.com/equipment/reviews/compactsystemcameras/129786/2/panasonic-lumix-dmc-gh4-first-look.html+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk
Cache of a leaked What Digital hands-on….
The GH3 replacement will now have to be the GH3.5
I expect they’ll just call the GH3 replacement for mixed photography/video use will just simply be called “GH5”.
GX7 is the stills camera.
Panasonic camera will also have a price point less than $2000 and great features.
The perspective of the main dial looks strange for me. If this photos are fake and manipulated, only the main dial and the eyecup area are edited. These parts looks strange, compared to my GH3 at the same views.
+1 vote for they are FAKE.
Will see tomorrow morning:)
Its Not fake!!! – What Digital Photo have (had) a first hand-ons on their website (which they have since pulled) – do a google search…
You need to imagine it on a RIG.
The XLR/SDI box looks about right to me. It looks big but I bet it’s not heavy.
XLR connectors ARE big – especially the end you don’t see inside the box! Remember – this is a broadcast standard adapted to a prosumer product.
A Beachtech is similar in size.
I am sure memory manufacturers will all be working on 4k compatible SD cards right now but this will surely eat memory and at £200 for a just a 32GB card even keen amatuers will be thinking twice! Of course Pros will charge the client. Maybe Panasonic will offer SD includive deals.
PLEASE PLEASE PANASONIC !
Make a much smaller version of
this XLR -SDI Adaptor.
Same size as the current GH3 grip
1-2 x XLR’s
1 x 6 gbs SDI
1x Mini Hdmi
1 x Timecode/Sync
I want this camera but not with this monster underneath.
Anybody else feel the same ?
you want all that in a small grip?!
you wouldn’t fit all that in a normal sized grip.
hence the size.
personally it looks about right to me.
Some people need to get it through their thick heads that the XLR adapter is designed for TRIPOD use, so it has a wide base for maximum stability and plenty of room for battery power.
Full size XLR inputs are huge just by themselves, so there is no way to incorporate all of these features in a small ergonomic grip. Just look at the size of the Tascam DR-60 or the Fostex DC-R302 audio recorders that mount under a DSLR, they are about the same size.
You want to shoot handheld, then use the still-photo grip that looks like the GH3 version, and use dual-system sound or a small cage to mount compact audio gear to it.
The only way to make a compact audio grip would be a dedicated UHF wireless system, that would likely cost more than the camera.
As a video shooter, I am very happy with the design of this new XLR audio base, which should prove to be fast and easy to set-up and be right at home on top of tripod.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOPS!
Nobody
asks
for/about
multiple
aspect
ratio
sensor!!!!!
What’s wrong with you, guys? 😀
Did two days ago – I would certainly like to see the multi aspect sensor back!!
If they do this also ill go into fanboy overload.
I too did, a few days ago 😉
Why not Dan ?
Even a bit bigger than the current GH3 Grip
wouldn’t be so bad.
It would mean Panasonic would have to
create something new not just fit existing
parts into a clumsy design.
Why not do something really crazy and ask customers which
one they would prefer ?
It also adds an external time control that allows for multiple cameras to synchronise time codes for simultaneous recording! This is huge,
The SDIs let you use it with switchers, and the time code lets you use it in multicam environments. That alone is enough for our team to consider moving over from our other sets of paired cameras, as almost all of our work is multicam shoots. Tis truly pushes the camera into a new league. It will not mean much to most shooters, but this is a huge price breakthrough for those Wh shoot with switchers and/or multicam unswitched.
Read more at http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?
q=cache:rZ3Aie5JGI0J:www.whatdigitalcamera.com/equipment/reviews/compactsystemcameras/129786/2/panasonic-lumix-dmc-gh4-first-look.html+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk#tKs59lmkSiooRY7o.99
We need some kind of “extension cable” for the xlr-box, to place it to the rear end of the shoulder rig. And then the camera is not standing so high anymore.
That looks like a genuine adaptor alright. Its got the same audio pots as the AF100. Completely impractical on a shoot as the whole rig would have to be dismantled to change batteries. As a current Af100/Gh3 user I think I will be waiting for the real AF100 successor as this is not it.
I have absolutely no problem with the height
of the XLR-SDI adaptor.
The problem is it is not ergonomically designed.
IMO the unit should be exactly like a hand grip (in appearance)
But should sit flush with the side, front and back of the camera.
If this means reducing the inputs to
1-2 XLR’s even 3.5mm inputs would be manageable with a small adaptor.
1 x 6gbs SDI
1 Mini HDMI
1 x Timecode/ Sync
It would be interesting to see how many people would prefer a design
based on this rather than the current one.
In theory there is nothing to stop Panasonic producing both for different markets.
Similar to what Red does with their Accessories.
Any chance of Genlock (3D baby!)
Can I take selfie shots with this new cam? =)
No way, it’s MIRRORLESS. 😀
+1
Gratulation slowly Panasonic gets the same size like the Canon Mark – a new phallus symbol is born – bigger is better ….
and if i see the foolish small little videolight on top in one photo, I can laugh!
You don’t have to buy the add on unit you know. If you don’t buy it then its the same size. Also if you want the functionality of the new input unit, it would be a comparative size. I’m guessing you know this and just love complaining. If you’re such a technical design genius, why don’t you show us the functional design you made? No doubt it could be better but you’re complaining just for the sake of it.
stupid comment…. maybe you didn’t notice but panasonic also produces the gm1, gf6, gx7, etc, etc, etc… I really want a camera that size for my video work. thankfully you are not the designer and we have the choices….
I really like what Panasonic has done here, the only thing i missing is a ND filter like the Sony RX10, but have everything i need from a DSLR video camera, about the XLR adapter (maybe cost the same as the camera), some people complain about the size of this adapter, first this intend to be used as a professional tool, i’m sure that a homevideo doesn’t need to be recorded with a SDI monitor attached or a XLR mic, in my jobs i always used some kind of support, handheld rig or tripod, has anyone of you tried the Tascam DR-60, is not much bigger than this, the size looks like a battery grip for a Canon 5D 🙂
With all of the benefits that adapter will give to the GH4, Panasonic will have a very good low price camera for many professional video works.
Maybe the image is not like the Blackmagic, maybe doesn’t have all the options from the Canon C300, but what the hell, this will gonna be my photo/video camera. So? i’m in.
Kudos for Panasonic.
OMG this forum has been suddenly invaded by video people NOOO
narrow mind…. noooo!
Wake up man, video is big part of the whole thing, if you could not notice. Partly thanks to video, m43 is at this stage. Buy the Dƒ if you are a stills only nerd.
we will see how much unit panasonic wlll sell to genius like you. In the end of the day only sale numbers will count. 43 was created to build smaller cameras then canon cando.
Everyone is crying about the ergonomics and how the body style is unchanged but we are overlooking one MAJOR factor that’s booming in the cinema world right now… DRONES! For a person like myself who has a GH3 Zenmuse… I will be able to slide this puppy right into the cradle hopefully without any modifications or adjustments. To me I am absolutely thrilled that it is coming in the same form factor so I dont have to look into a BeSteady One or modifying the cradle to accommodate the change in size.
Also.. the GH line is a video camera disguised as a still’s camera… always has been, photo buffs if you aren’t concerned about video, you are looking at the wrong camera … go buy yourself a Nikon DF lolz
Can’t be any worse than their other cameras. (Surely?)
oh how funny!
Panasonic cameras aren’t my thing, but KUDOS to them for choosing not to ignore hundreds of years of physical anthropology knowledge and keeping with modern ergonomics and design, that conforms to the hand, instead of going with the gimmicky retro styling and sharp edges that Olympus tortures its users with.
I guess GH4K has nO IBIS, since most of people who buy this camera will use it with a steady cam.
Please RAW RAW RAW RAW 😉
My cell phone can do 120fps @ 1080 & the new Panasonic GH4 cannot? LAME.
Tell us which is your camera, a cell phone? Do you need more?
@NEYMAR Really? Yes I need more. That is the most ridiculous reply I’ve ever responded to. Until I can mount my speedbooster/lenses/external batteries … etc to my cell … I will need more.
So until the PERFECT CAMERA doesn’t show up what are you using for your filmmaking activity? Alexa? F65? Red Dragon? If a cell phone with a speedboster is enough for you, I can imagine your skills.
@NEYMAR Yes. I have rented & used all of the aforementioned camera bodies & achieved wonderful results. No where did I state that I’m looking for a “PERFECT CAMERA” (perhaps you used google translate incorrectly). Please take your half-baked trolling comments somewhere else. I just want 1080 – 120fps w/ sound that will record as long as I need the clip to be without using the aforementioned cameras OR my cell phone 😛 … The rest of the features being offered in the GH4 are wonderful. Hopefully the official release will confirm or deny if the GH4 will be able to do 1080 – 120fps w/ sound in camera (I know it’s achievable in post if the current specs are true). That’s the deciding factor for me.
Your asinine reply to my facetious comment regarding using a speedbooster on a phone demonstrates your a malicious troll.
http://photorumors.com/2014/02/06/panasonic-gh4-camera-with-4k-video-announcement-tomorrow-first-pictures-now-available/
They should of used the AF-100 body for this camera. Great ergonomics, built in ND and XLR. What they have done with this camera makes no sense.
AF100 body at 4000 usd, no thanks.
I think we’ll see a 4K AF camera at NAB.
You forgot to add, one of the ugliest camera bodies ever. Probably only second to the old CP16 (look it up), which it actually seems to have copied. Why you would copy the design of one of the ugliest, most non-ergonomic cameras ever, I’ll never know.
Seriously guys? Are you insane? 90% of these comments are negative. How can that be? Oh right, I forgot, everyone “NEEDS” to be able to shoot raw at 24,000 fps for less than $2,000. At the very least, say one good thing about the camera before you go about your criticism. I think we owe that to Panasonic!
Totally agree. Give them the hand, they will want the whole arm…. Kudos to Panny!!
Wait a second. I understand needing the large interface unit to get XLR inputs. That makes sense. But it also says the interface unit has a micro HDMI output. Does that mean that the camera itself does NOT have micro HDMI output? My GF-2 and even my GoPro Hero HD2 both have micro HDMI output right in the camera. If I need the interface unit to get that, it’s a serious problem!
Can you imagine what Steve Jobs or Jonny Ives would
have done to the designer who showed them this titanic
adaptor ?
The first and second picture are exactly how this camera should look
with an XLR – SDI adaptor.
If a student of manufacturing design presented this
they would fail any exam.
It really shows a lack of imagination and a desire
to not only make a product better, but to make it the best
it can be.
They try hard to bring a better product at every iteration…
I wonder how much time you’ve spent around audio equipment. Ever plugged in a XLR mic? Have you ever used any audio related equipment with your computers?
I am suggesting that you probably don’t have much audio experience or you would know that even though this adapter unit looks large and unwieldy attached to the GH3, it is nevertheless, SMALL compared to most gear which will accept an XLR microphone.
The fact is the GH4k will be the most video oriented, stills camera in existence which will deliver unmatched hybrid performance whether handheld or in a complex studio setup.
If the IQ for stills will be better/not worse than on E1, I will buy it even though it’s a bit crazy price for a still camera (if one does not need all the video features) and it does not (seem to have) an on-sensor IS (what would be CONCEPTUALLY important for a movie camera). The reason – the FULL-ARTICULATED screen. There is an epidemic of the tilt screens on the market, but no one except Pany (and Sony on A99, which is irrelevant) offers the FULL articulation. With the fully-articulated screen has a 100% freedom/control in composition, while with the tilt-only – only a fraction.
This has got nothing to do with hands or arms,
that’s just an excuse for doing things the same way.
I have no problem with the camera itself or the specs,
I’m not looking for the impossible, or dream camera
for a silly price. I like the look of the G4K
I’m am simply stating that the XLR-SDI adaptor design is flawed.
And if Panasonic releases it as is they will be doing themselves a
disservice by not taking the time to make it the best they can.
It was a metaphor… didn’t you noticed?? 😀
I also found the adapter a bit strange, but this or nothing?? Really, I prefer this…
Design was never the strong point on Panasonic bodies… see the AF100.
I don’t mind the look of the SDI adapter at all. Honestly, how it looks or how big it is doesn’t matter in the slightest. Performance matters, connectivity matters. The very existence of this device is awesome.
Enough with you whining idiots – yeah, that is many of you who posted here. The GH4 is NOT the replacement for the GH3. It is a 4K movie making machine targeted to videographers – look at the rumored price. The GH3 successor will likely be the GH5, with 1080p (not 4K), and will be priced similar to the GH3 when it was launched. The GH4 is a great size for videographers, multiple video features, has an excellent built-in grip, is rugged, and has a sensor that is competitive with the best in m43. It even allows for nice quality stills shooting, if the videographer wants to do so. And still cheaper than the Canon option.
And those of you who are the biggest complainers are never going to buy this or many of the higher-end m43 cameras. What do you know? Nothing. Bunch of Cheapskates.
Guy the first failure in any argument is making it personal,
the second is imagining something could not benifit from a
better design.
Would be great if the optional interface unit is compatible with the GH3 as well. My fingers are crossed!
Would be nice if the optional interface unit was free lol
I agree with you NEYMAR, it’s a design thing.
Have said my piece so no need adding to it.
Love the camera dislike the adaptor design.
I’m outta here. Regards to all.
That Whatdigitalphoto 1st look linked made no mention of the EVF. Hopefully Pana didn’t just put a slightly improved occular in front of it and call it a day, which would be about the bare minimum needed…
They really need to get serious about focusing a 4k camera that’s at least sometimes designed to be handheld.
You people asking for a smaller design for the adapter are way off-target. Look at the list of things the adapter supposedly does, and the connections it has. Look at the doors on the right side. How do you make that many connections fit on a battery grip sized adapter? It would have taken a LOT of work to reduce it even a little bit, for an adapter that very few people will probably get. The adapter is intended for serious professionals only, those who need the features and are willing to pay the price. I would imagine this adapter will be at least in the US$1000 range, so few people will buy it.
Also, consider another thing – now the camera will have a connector in the bottom that can pass all these signals to the camera. This possibly opens up an avenue for aftermarket vendors (beachtek, juicedlink, etc) to make a more streamlined, XLR-only adapter the size of a battery grip.
Yeah, it seems not many people here actually understand what the attachment is. If you want your svelte designs, you can wait four more years and pay another couple thousand dollars for the pleasure.
240fps at 720p ?
Also, to the people that say the adapter makes the camera not fit in a cage, or not be able to be handheld, come on. Who in their right minds would use XLR cables and SDI cables handheld? You would use a proper rig for the thing, or most likely not handheld at all, but on a proper tripod.
If you want to use it handheld, just do it like you would do with a GH3. I wonder if any of you folks complaining loudly shoot any serious video at all, or are just wishing, bashing, and complaining for fun.
GIVE THIS MAN A BEER, great statement sir, great statement 🙂
Well I’m feeling positive about this camera. The only thing I hope they will have sorted for European markets is the dreaded 29m59s recording limit. If it’s going to be more expensive than the current GH3, I would hope with the GH4K we European’s won’t have to break into a sweat when recording a long speech that is about to cross the 30-minute mark. I know the limit was brought in for tax purposes (and removed on the GH2 via a hack) but I for one would pay more just to remove that limitation.
I hadn’t thought of the specific scenario you mentioned. Sorry, but LOL at the visual you invoked! I hope they do that for you guys, and global framerates (24/25/30/50/60) for everyone. By the way, why don’t all European videographers form a lobbying group to lobby the EU to remove that video camera tax?
As a GH3 & GX7 owner I am pleased to see this new GH4K even though I think network traffic and hard drives are too slow to support it at this time.
The fact the Panasonic has stuck with the ergonomic design of the GH3 for such a video specialty camera is comforting to those who will add the GH4K to their arsenal without having to learn totally “new” camera ergonomics.
While I will not be purchasing this camera, it gives me hope for a “GH3” style body with possible 5-axis Stabilization in the future. I really don’t need 4k as much as I would like smoother, handheld HD video.
Two kinds of camera people continually amaze with their obtuseness: people for whom “pocketable” is a very very serious matter and who can’t fit a GM1 with lens in said pocket (horrors!), and people who relentlessly complain about camera X not having high enough FPS. Really, these people relentlessly complained about a whole generation of cameras not having 60 FPS, since their whole hobby/business is based on slow-motion video or something, and then as soon as cameras come out with 60 FPS and above, it’s not enough. Now anything less than 120 FPS is a grave offense to their sensibilities. 99.999% of all video produced or watched is at 30 FPS or slower, but you’re on every comment board preening about how nothing less than the slowest of slow motion is required for your video camera.
@tbunny
Slow motion video booths…
Obviously they are not offended if there is no 120fps, they just want it because it will unlock greater *creative* possibilities in their film making, such as what an fs700 can do. It’s a shame for you that you are too short sighted, or lack the vision to see this.
Me, I personally want to see 120fps (ill still be very happy with the rumored 96fps) as I’ve filmed some wonderful bird footage with a GoPro at 120fps 720p. Is it wrong for me to hope for more creative options? Only YOUR work will suffer if you hope for less.
Please, these people are complaining. They’re not talking about “creative possibilities”. The idea that super high frame rates is some sort of make or break for the overall value of the camera is not credible.
I like that reply but have this to add. It’s a problem with ‘equipment collectors’- that raising the bar is more important than actually jumping OVER the bar.
In this world there are two types of people
Equipment COLLECTORS
and, equipment USERS.
Fully seven years after the CanonHV20 delivered 1080P at 24p for under $1000, we have generated Billions of words about features, hundreds of cameras and very few top class movies to speak of.
It’s hard to believe the Camera companies are not making gobs of money hand over fist!
Does anyone have an educated on what the dynamic range would be on this? Specifically when compared to the GH3 or the Blackmagic 2K?
Slightly more than the GH3 and probably a bit less than the Blackmagic, since the Blackmagic can shoot Raw.
It’s not super important but that XLR/SDI add on is something only Panasonic or JVC could design. Plain awful and lazy design work. Sony would never create something like that.
Has the idea of proof-reading in journalism gone away? You really think it’s better to publish with errors? That’s a real question. Is it better to publish wither errors or no errors? Yes or no?
A few thoughts. I own a GH3 with a full set of Panasonic Zooms as well as a full set of auto and mechanical lenses. I also own a mixed set of PL mount lenses and zooms and a PL mount adapter for the gH3. I’ll buy a GH4 with the adapter. Mainly for B roll. My A roll cameras include all shoot RAW and 4 or 5K except for the Phantom Flex. As much as I like the smaller DSLR style cameras, their usefulness is proscibed not by resolution – the the ALEXA is ‘only’ a 2.5K camera – but by our ability to accurately focus them . The 4K option on the GH4 will only accentuate this issue. My understanding is that the new 7D will address this problem., but, we’ll see. I think the GH3 does a better job with focus options than its predecessor but it’s still an exercise in frustration to get dependable focus, especially at shallow apertures. Of course with a focus puller and a large monitor that becomes a fairly simple issue but then the ‘cheap’ little camera is no longer the optimal choice. The second issue is RAW, or if you prefer, raw. Manufacturers like Panasonic and Canon need to get on that bandwagon. If they cannot offer us RAW for whatevrer reason, how about S-Log. SOny did that with the F3 and it was an excellent option.
Finally, I sure wish panasonbic would have also put all these features into the AH100. The form factor was better for most film making. It was easier to attach motors and professional lenses and it filled an important gap.
“Finally, I sure wish panasonbic would have also put all these features into the AH100. The form factor was better for most film making.”
They should be getting THAT message by now. if not them, then someone else will !
Let’s keep hammering away at Panasonic and their PR agency