Panasonic GH7 Review and Initial Thoughts

The Panasonic GH5 was legendary among underwater video shooters. It presented an affordable and compact package with incredible video specifications and a wide variety of affordable lenses. Unfortunately, the subsequent GH6 missed the mark with poor autofocus and micro four thirds sensors have since declined in popularity. However, the new Panasonic GH7 does seem like a potentially worthy upgrade for GH5 shooters. If only for the fact that Panasonic has fixed its autofocus! 

Though the price point of $2199.99 is quite high for a micro four thirds camera, the GH7 is packed with video features including 5.7k/30p and 4k/120p video recording, internal ProRes RAW recording, and a new dynamic range boost mode. We're excited to be the first to get in the water with the Panasonic GH7 so stay tuned for our full  underwater review! 

US MSRP: $2199.99

Panasonic GH7 Key Specifications

• 25.2 megapixel micro four thirds sensor
• Internal ProRes RAW and V-Log recording
• Phase Detect Hybrid Autofocus System
• 5.7K/30p & 4K/120p video recording
• 32-bit Float Audio: World's first 32-bit float audio recording for superior sound quality.
• ISO Range: ISO 100-25600, expandable to ISO 50-25600.
• 5-axis Sensor Stabilization: Enhanced stabilization for both video and still photography.
• No Optical Low-Pass Filter: Ensures sharper images by reducing moiré.
• Dynamic Range Boost Mode: Improved dynamic range across the full ISO range
• Downloaded LUTs for viewing Log footage while filming
• 7.5 stops of in-body image stabilization
• Dimensions: 138 x 100 x 100 mm 
• Weight: 805 grams

Panasonic GH7 for Underwater Video

The standout feature of the Panasonic GH7 is it's new autofocus system. After over a decade of waiting, Panasonic has finally upgraded their contrast detect autofocus system to a phase detect hybrid system. This AF system promises to be as fast as other contemperary cameras with acceptable autofocus tracking. We are very excited to try it in the field and report back. If the autofocus system is indeed upgraded then the GH7 will likely be an effective camera for underwater photography as well. For underwater video, this should allow GH7 shooters to comfortably shoot with autofocus - especially for wide angle scenes of reefscapes and fish. 

Panasonic has also improved the GH7's dynamic range - especially near the native ISO. This means you can get better details from the highlights and especially the shadows with the GH7 vs the GH6. This is a welcome improvement as dynamic range on micro four thirds sensors is already fairly limited compared to a full-frame or APS-C sensor. In fact, for the mid $2k price point, we would recommend the Sony a7 IV, Nikon Z6 III, or Canon R6 Mark II over the Panasonic GH7 for video. Each of these cameras provides better dynamic range, detail, and a shallower depth of field. 

Moreover, the in body image stabilization is slightly improved on the GH7 vs the GH6. The GH7 promises 7.5 stops of correction, which means you should be able to take photos with shutter speeds 7.5 stops slower and not have motion blur in your images. For underwater video, you can expect more stable handheld footage. Combined with the ability to capture 4K video up to 120 frames per second, and filming hand held macro underwater video should be easy! If you want a little more of a crop for b-roll, there's also the option to film at a high resolution of 5.7K. 

Finally, there have been some updates made to recording features on the GH7. You can now film internally with ProRes RAW for complete editing control in post production. But if you would rather film in the V-Log profile for enhanced dynamic range, the GH7 allows for downloadable LUTs to accurately view your footage. 

Panasonic GH7 Underwater Housings

The Panasonic GH6 and GH7 have very similar dimensions and weight. It could be possible that the same underwater housings for the GH6 will be compatible with housings for the GH7. In fact, Nauticam has confirmed that their andodized aluminum housing (available at Bluewater Photo) is compatible with the GH7. Ikelite's polycarbonate housing for the GH6 is also compatible with the GH7. We have not received confirmation yet if the Aquatica GH6 housing will be compatible with the GH7.  We will update this page with more housings as they become available - or email the experts at sales@bluewaterphotostore.com to get a quote for a full system!

Conclusions

It's clear that the Panasonic GH7 is a significant upgrade from both the GH5 and GH6. With a much improved autofocus system and better dynamic range over the GH6, Panasonic has worked towards fixing the two achilles heals of the micro four thirds format. $2200 is still overpriced for a micro four thirds camera, but if you are comitted to this lens format, it's a great price for an easy upgrade from the GH5. At the end of the day, we'll need to dive with the GH7 before we can give our full opinion on these updates. What looks good on paper can always perform differently in an underwater medium. So stay tuned for the full review...we'll be sure to be the first to get in the water with the GH7!