The Panasonic GH4 is an exciting and affordable 4K camera arriving on the scene this year. While many have been “wowed” by the 4K Blackmagic camera for only $2K, we think that the 4K GH4 has a lot of features that would make production less of a headache for filmmakers. We compiled all the information currently available about the new 4K GH4 camera that we could get our hands on and broke it down.
Here is what we currently know about the Panasonic GH4 Specs:
- Price: Will Be Officially Announced In March, around $2,000
- Release Date: TBA
- 16.05 Megapixel Micro 4/3 Sensor
- 4096×2160 (4K) up to 24 fps (100 Mbps)
- 3840×2160 (4K) up to 30 fps (100 Mbps)
- 1080p up to 60 fps
- Variable Slow Motion in-camera up to 96 fps
- 100 Mbps (ALL-Intra) or 100 Mbps (IPB) at 1080p
- 4:2:2 10-bit or 8-bit External Recording, 4:2:0 8-bit internal
- ISO 200 – 25,600
- 1/8” Headphone and Microphone Jacks
- 2,359K-dot LVF (Live View Finder)
- 3” 1,036K-dot Rear Monitor
- Time Code
- Color Bars
- Peaking & Zebras
UPDATE: Watch Our Video with Panasonic Discussing GH4 Specs at NAB
There’s also a new (optional) YAGH interface designed for the GH4. It attaches to the bottom of the camera and gives you the ability to record full 4K as well as some other helpful inputs/outputs:
- Price: TBD
- Release Date: TBD
- 2 Monaural Inputs
- Line/Mic Level Switch
- Audio Level Display Monitor
- 3G-SDI Capable BNC Connectors
- Quad-Line SDI Output for 4:2:2/10-Bit 4K
- HDMI Output
- Timecode In
- 12VDC 4-Pin XLR Power Input
The YAGH box is pretty cool because it allows you to record in full 4K. The GH4 can record 4:2:0 8-bit internally or 4:2:2 8-bit via the HDMI, but through the YAGH you get full 4:2:2 10-bit 4K. Pair that with the XLR and other professional input/outputs it gives you and you’ve got a tool that is invaluable for low-budget filmmakers.
You may have already noticed from the specs above that the Panasonic’s 4K GH4 has some impressive slow-motion capabilities. While it can’t do high speed in 4K, it can do up to 96 fps in camera in HD. Not too shabby for a DSLR.
*With the camera officially released, if you’re interested in more information on how to rent the latest Panasonic Cameras, email [email protected], give us a call or stop in for a demo. We’d love to see you!
If your mouth isn’t already watering after reading all those impressive specs, check out the footage shot with the GH4:
