Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
Panasonic · Mirrorless · 16 MP · Micro Four Thirds · 4K video
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Panasonic |
| Model | Lumix DMC-GH4 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2014 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | February 7, 2014 |
| Camera type |  Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 133 x 93 x 84 mm |
| Camera weight | 560 g |
Optics52/100 | |
About the OpticsThe Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 receives a score of 58/100 for its general specifications. With a size of 133 x 93 x 84mm and weighing 560g, or 1.23lbs, the GH4 is a relatively lightweight and compact option. Although the GH4 has been on the market for several years, its specifications remain competitive today. Its compact size and weight make it a convenient choice for photographers seeking a portable and user-friendly option. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 Overview and OpticsThe Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 receives an optics score of 52/100. It features a 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor, powered by the Venus Engine IX processor. The camera has a shooting speed of 12 frames per second, ensuring fast capture of images. The DXOMARK score for the sensor stands at 74, which is a decent rating. The GH4 uses a Micro 4/3 lens mount, offering compatibility with a wide range of lenses. However, it lacks image stabilization, which may affect image quality in certain shooting conditions. The camera has a 4:3 aspect ratio, which is standard for most cameras in its class. Despite having some respectable specifications, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4’s optics do not stand out in today’s competitive market. The 16-megapixel sensor and lack of image stabilization may limit its appeal for photographers seeking cutting-edge performance. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 16 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4608 x 3456 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 13 x 17.3 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Micro Four Thirds |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 12 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Micro 4/3 |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Venus Engine IX |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  4:3 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 20030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 256003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 256003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 6044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 800080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 490300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. | No |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | 235900009900000 |
Video70/100 | |
About the VideoThe Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 obtains a video score of 70 out of 100. This camera features a maximum video resolution of 4K and dimensions of 4096 x 2160, providing users with high-quality footage. The camera also offers a maximum video frame rate of 24fps, ensuring smooth video playback. In today’s competitive camera market, the Lumix DMC-GH4’s video capabilities are respectable, but not groundbreaking. Many modern cameras now offer higher frame rates and improved video features. However, the GH4 does include a built-in time-lapse functionality, which sets it apart from some competitors. While the Lumix DMC-GH4’s video performance is not the best available, it remains a reliable option for those seeking solid video capabilities and the added bonus of time-lapse functionality. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 4096 x 2160 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 24 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  Yes |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MOV, MP4, AVCHD |
Features70/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 scores 70 out of 100 in the features category. This camera has a 3-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 1,036,000 dots, which offers clear and sharp visuals. The flip screen is a useful addition for capturing images and videos from various angles. In the current market, the GH4’s features remain competitive, especially with its Wi-Fi connectivity for easy sharing and transferring of files. However, it lacks GPS and Bluetooth capabilities, which some users may find limiting. Taking all factors into consideration, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 has a solid set of features that can cater to the needs of photographers and videographers, despite the absence of GPS and Bluetooth. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  Yes |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  Yes |
| Screen size | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 10360001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |  Yes |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery60/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 receives a storage and battery score of 60/100. This camera has two memory card slots, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards for versatile storage options. However, the battery life of 500 shots, powered by a DMW-BLF19 battery, falls short in comparison to other cameras in the market. Additionally, the lack of USB charging limits the convenience of recharging the battery. Despite these shortcomings, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 still offers decent storage and battery capacity for casual photographers. However, those seeking longer battery life and more convenient charging options may want to consider alternatives. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| Dual memory card slots |  Yes |
| Battery type | DMW-BLF19 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 500 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |