A Review of the Panasonic GH4 Micro Four Thirds Camera 

Whenever I'm looking for an Olympus or Panasonic review, I always look for your videos first. They beat every other video on here. Thanks for all your time and effort to produce them.

It shows how much time and effort you put into the production of your videos. What an excellent example of how camera reviews should be made.

This review is so cool I watched it 4 times and enjoyed it every time. Fantastic story telling skills David. We are all waiting for your next one.

Great video David, loved the style of it! It was very informative and now I'm so deliriously excited to get my hands on my new GH4! Never owned a proper camera before and I got it for shooting video. I expected it to not have that competitive of a stills capacity because of it's prowess in video, but your review has been a very welcome surprise :)

Thank you for an excellent review. Your reviews are the best I've seen, full of common sense, and giving the information we really need.

Excellent video David, just like the other ones on your channel. I really enjoy your of style reviewing. You focus on important aspects that matter in real life. As a photography beginner I find it very helpful. Also your blog is incredible, really simple but powerful ideas. Thank you for taking time to share your knowledge and experience with us.

Hi David, I posted this comment earlier but it actually belongs here, now that your GH4-review is out. Thx for inspiring me to take a look at the MFT-system as a substitution for my 12KG backpack. I have recently received my GH4 and i couldn't have imagined how much pleasure this little camera has already brought back to me. I was quite fed up. What struck me most is the sheer fun this camera brings to photography. It is very easy to operate and it is a complete, very well built and light package. I ordered a panasonic 35-100 lens today and i am already very happy with my 12-35. The smoothness of the focus and zoom-ring are a joy and a relief to use during filming if you compare them with Canon lenses. The only drawback so far is a little loss in dynamic range for stills and less DOF. But hey, the AF on the 5DII is an embarrassment compared to the GH4 so at the end of the day, the success-rate with the GH4 is much higher dan with the 5DII. Add the weight, price and versatility on top of that and i am a very happy camper ! Last but certainly not least; the GH4 is VERY unobtrusive ! When i take it out of my bag, i am just another guy with a camera. Awesome !! Nobody even notices me walking around, taking ambush-shots on the streets of... wherever ! One of the biggest drawbacks of the big Canon (hence the name i guess), is that whenever and wherever you present it, it draws everybody's attention to it. It is an attention-magnet ! Not only to the common people but also for the shady people. When you travel with a big Canon with several lenses to for instance Africa or anywhere outside Europe, you need to be focussed on your stuff all-the-time. Because when it's gone, it's bad luck and the insurance won't cover the damage. You need to think about what hotel you go to, if the safe is big enough, are the windows sturdy, etc, etc, etc. But i am back now and i am enjoying photography again ! Thank you !

Mr. Thorpe, although I am not on the market to purchase a new camera, I really enjoy just watching your reviews. You leave nothing to guess. Your reviews are thorough and to the point. I wish more reviewers would incorporate your style into their reviews. If I were considering to buy a new camera, I would certainly put your camera reviews at the top of my purchase list. Thanks.

Thank you for a review based on stills. I've been interested in this camera series but all the reviews have been video based. Thanks!

David, thank you very much. I can't tell you how many reviews I've looked through that spend the first 95% of the review talking about the 4K video. I keep thinking "does this camera even take photos". This review is exactly what I'm looking for.

David, Congratulations on yet another superlative review and teaching video. You have captured the essence of the GH4 for those who may be trying to decide on their next purchase. And yet. you are not playing fanboy, so your assessment CAN be trusted. Like you, I gambled on the GH4 because my own video work is quite limited. I am highly pleased with the camera for the very reasons you so well articulate. I have never looked back after selling all my Nikon and Leica reflex gear and switching to the mirrorless bodies, although I also use the Fuji X-Pro and X-T1 cameras. By contrast with you, I would tell any GH3 owner, who is mainly a stills shooter, to move to this new body. The upgrades and improvements are too important to do without.

Another delightful review! One almost forgets how to the point and informative it is.

David, I always enjoy your reviews, cheers!

Excellent! Great to watch and listen to all your videos. Paul

As always exceptional review, David. Thanks for the intel!

Thanks for the video, it's really good to see a review that shows the stills aspects of the GH4 and not just the 4K video side.

Thanks David for this great review. I am a retired Professional Photographer. I live on Vancouver Island. The only thing I miss about the big city, is the ability to handle the latest in camera gear. As an outdoorsmen, I trail ride, hike, kayak, windsurf, and cover community events. I'm so tired of carrying my big Nikon D cameras, flashes, and lenses. A Micro four thirds systems is my answer. One camera, 2 or 3 lenses, all for about the weight of a Nikon D2x camera body alone and more space to carry other things... or not! Now, I live in a place where I can no longer go and handle or test pro camera equipment. I rely totally on RU-vid to be my eyes to see what I'm buying before I order. I have seen many of your reviews over the past year on the Panasonic Lumix line of cameras and lenses. They are informative, well done, and the honest truth. I have decided to sell all my Medium & 35mm DSLR cameras and most of my old equipment and investing in a system that serves me for hopefully a couple more decades. Thank you for taking the time. Cheers

Hi David and thanks for taking the time to sow us your respected thoughts on the GH4. It's refreshing to get such a no nonsense review these days. One comment regarding the lack of built in OIS on the GH series cameras.... According to Panasonic they are unable to use a system similar to the Olympus 5 axis technology because the sensor on the GH models is fixed to a large heat-sink and the whole body itself to prevent overheating when using video. So unless they can come with a OIS that also allows for long recording times we may never see it as a built in camera feature. I understand the UK GH4 still only allows 30mins maximum continuous shooting but many similar spec cameras from other manufactures will only allow for 10-15 mins continuous. I also own a Sony NEX-5n and it will often shut down after 20 mins or so due to sensor overheating. Especially in warm environments.

Thanks for the video David. I love your videos. I'm an Olympus user myself (E-P5) but I really like your insight to photography and specifically the micro 4/3 platform.

Great review, as always. Always look forward to your reviews :)

I just watched your GH4 video again after 5 years and looking for reasons not to sell mine. I love my GH4! The size is ideal, the battery life is fantastic !! And it's a great Camera B for my GH5. However, I miss IBIS and a Joystick ... Once we get used to these little luxuries it's hard to be without. On the other hand, I try to distance myself from this consumerist wave that tends to change equipment every year. But I have to admit that the G9 for less than 1000 Euros here in Germany is almost irresistible! :) Thanks again for the video David! I love your work and the dedicated and competent way you present your Reviews. A true inspiration! Greetings from an increasingly snowless Black Forest ...

Another great review! Thanks, David.

Oooo now I ask so many....... hope you have olso the time to tel how to use the tracking AF. Yes I ask so many but you explane tings so clear it easy to understand. Thanks !!!

Great review. Very well put together

Cool video David. Thanks for sharing it.

Aww.. You just changed the thumbnail. I thought it was a new video. So sad. Great work! Keep it up! I always look forward to your new videos.

David, out of curiosity what makes you prefer micro four thirds and the GH4 over full frame and other DSLRs? I'm shooting on an old panasonic dmc g2 and planning to upgrade soon

Great video David! thanks for sharing! I plan on getting an additional indoor video camera for shooting cooking videos and for the field and this one looks promising. I do have few questions? Since it doesn't have in-body stabilization, what would be an affordable lens that has stabilization and is good for shallow depth of field? Also I remember DSLR Cameras having a time limit per clip on video recording of 20 or 30 minutes. Is this limit on the GH4? Thanks!

Great review, thanks David! I'd love to upgrade my trusty G6 to this!

Great review as always

Another great review. Thanks for sharing.

David, 3-4 months ago I bought a OMD EM1. To my surprise, I found it to be a bit hyped. Yes, the viewfinder is excellent, and 5 axis stabilizer is amazing, but the "Vintage" styling, handling/button layout, and strange menus system made the EM1 too fussy (for me). Enter the GH3... I sold the EM1 and bought a used GH3. The logical button layout, large grip, 360* swiveling LCD, battery life, makes the GH3 a true companion in my photography. The Panasonic is intuitive, and seems to works with me. I'm loving it!! Shooting with the 45mm, 75mm, 12-35mm, 35-100mm. Stills only. Thanks for the superb videos, Cheers! Aaron

You have a great narrative voice and you crafted an excellent review. I'd like a GH4 but I'm happy with the GH3. No new camera is in the cards for me. I'm consoling myself with a new Metabones optical adapter and experimenting with the possibilities provided by my fast Nikon glass.

Great review, David ! This is an excellent starting point for anybody who is still on the waiting lists of the camera-stores and wants to do something else than biting nails ;-) Here in Holland the camera is still very hard to get and sold out all over the place. As you know i already have it and i like it more by the day. Thx for the tip about the ISO 100 capability. I'm gonna use it as much as i can. Since one needs to double the ISO numbers as well as the focal length for MFT, it is still in effect ISO 200, but that's a welcome improvement over ISO 400. Cheers !

David, great review

Nice review David was worth the wait.

Great review on the Panasonic GH4 camera. I bought the Panasonic GH4 camera and I'm very happy with it. It's my first Panasonic and micro four thirds camera but won't be my last :-)

Another great review. I am waiting patiently for the gh4 to arrive.

Jack of all trades that mastered all of them? Buying one!

David, due to back problems I am thinking of switching from a Canon full frame outfit to Panasonic GH4. My only concern is picture quality with a smaller sensor. Can you advise on this point please?

Another good video. I love my GH3!

David, Really great video. Very good review. Now that ePhotozine are backing you it would be interesting to see you compare the GH4 with the Fujifilm XT1 ?

Panasonic has released a firmware update to the GH4 (v2.5). Post focus and more importantly (for videographers) the ability to use the back focus button in video mode. It's great to see more updates coming for the great camera.

Great review, photographic rather than video emphasis is really helpful to m e

I agree with what was said by others - you tell a great story. I have no plans to buy the GH4 (I enjoy my GF3 + 25mm 1.4), but nonetheless enjoyed your review immensely - thank you, and keep them coming!

Really enjoying all your reviews and thoughts on mft. I am currently using a G6 with 14-140 and Olympus 45 1.8 shooting stills but considering a move to the GH4 however I feel I will be spending money on video technology that I don't require. So I have been tempted to switch to the OMD EM-1 and save some money, do you have any wise words to help me decide.

Will the print version have more stuffs on it or the same with the amazon one?well for now i will the amazon one then wait for the print also for any more updates. Thanks

Thanks for the review from a photographers point of view:)

Hi David, Wondered if you use the electronic shutter to overcome "shutter bounce" or just to extend battery life since you use wifi a lot. Thanks

This is a great camera ! Awesome review.

Hi does anyone know if Panasonic GH4 can take photos while taking video?

Excellent review, thanks for that! Do you have any lens recommendations for both stills AND video? I'm currently considering the Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 25mm f/1.4 as a first over some of the other primes merely because I prefer its standard focal length vs. the WA and telephoto ones.

Nice review David! Having picked up that bargain GH3 recently and owning an EM1, you've persuaded me I don't really need this. I think overall I prefer the handling and interface of the Panasonic, but I like the tracking, IBIS and one or two other features on the Olympus - some of which Panasonic have now matched [like the faster shutter speed and focus peaking]. I suppose there's always going to be strengths and weakness from either marque so long as they have different approaches even to their high end bodies [I really dislike the short battery life on the EM!, even with grip]. It just goes to show there's no such thing as a perfect camera and in a way that's a relief. I've counted up I now own seven m43 bodies. Time to fire up eBay. I'll keep the GH3 and EM1 and also the GM1 [perfect for portability and for stealth], but the rest has to go!

Wil buy the book now but when is the print version coming out? Its just cos the manual is such a long notes to read. Now i have the camera but dont know where to start lol too many function. Hopefully the book will help.thanks

Amazing review, very easy to understand for a novice, keep it up

Hey! I currently use an olympus camera but I have come to the conclusion that a panasonic body is necessary like so many others, my question is which one would you recommend out of g80,gx8,g7 and gh4. Most of my lenses are not stabilized since I only shoot olympus at the moment, will I be able to get great stills and video with the panasonic bodies in terms of stabilization.

Hi David, again a great video. I am currently using a Pentax K5-2, and it couldn't be prized from my hands for anything. However I know that you have a Pro background and appreciate your view. This looks like a refinement of an already good tool ( this is a very Pentax thing). My current project is surveying for communications companies. I take maybe 5-600 photos a day for the surveys. The Pentax is a tough camera, small as well for its capabilities. Is there that much of a weight saving when you start to go with long lenses. I use my 120-400 sigma a lot for details of mast installations. Could it take the knocks and bangs that my Pentax gear puts up with?

Hi, David, Are you going to review the GX8? I'm hoping. You reviews are the best.

Great Review David. You may be interested to know that many GH4 users are shooting 4K video and then using certain frames as still images, rather than using burst mode and hoping to capture that instant moment in time. With 4K video, each and every frame is clear and crisp.

can not wait until you publish the focus part and thanks all raedy

Hi David , Great detailed review, this definitely helped me, I only wished you had added a bit about low light and noise levels, I am trying to compare with Sony A7S I really like the GH4 but only thing holding me back is the size of sensor and noise levels, but anyway, great review thanks!

I was wondering would you consider the Olympus EM-1 over the GH4 for stills? I know the EM-1 doesn't hold a candle to the GH4 as far as video but does the GH4 compare to the EM-1 concerning stills?

when u filming whats that green noise and white n black noise is

Do you know what the difference is between shooting in .MOV and MP4 LPCH? I am editing in Premiere Pro CC

What lens was used at 9:45? The depth of field is stunning!

Nice GH4 review. I just order mine, it should be here tomorrow and I'm so excited. Didn't buy a lens yet, but I did order a Canon to 4/3 adapter to play with it until I can determine which to buy. I'm a videography by profession, I also bought the DJI Ronin to mount my GH4 on. I really can't decide which lens to buy first., maybe I'll just pickup a Lumix G Vario 14-42mm f/3.5 -5.6 to get my feet wet, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Looking for a good recording camera for video production only, which one you suggest me, GH3 or GH4? Regards

I'm more interested in the GH-4 than the GX8, but that 20 megapixel sensor on the GX8 compared to the 16 on the GH-4 has my attention. I mostly shoot stills; video would be an afterthought. What about the GH-4 is worth choosing over the GX8 that makes up for the difference in sensors? Does the GX8 have focus peaking, and if not, is that in itself worth staying with the GH-4?

Also, do you know what lenses are best for underwater in a housing? The Oly 60 is considered the best macro. But for wide zooms, it is toss up between the 9-18 Oly and 7-14 Panny. The Panny is almost double the price.

David, do you have a website or some place I can view your work?

Great video David. I watched your reviews of the GH3 and the GX7 prior to buying both of those which helped in my decision making. I was intrigued that you mentioned that you use the e-shutter primarily. I seem to recall seeing someone mention that the image captured when using the e-shutter was of a lower bit depth and therefore IQ that the mechanical shutter. Is there any truth to this that you know of? Also I don't understand why the e-shutter resulted in less rolling shutter artefact compared to the mechanical shutter - is it more akin to a global shutter in it's action that the mechanical shutter? Finally, do you still get the lines/bars in the image under certain indoor lighting conditions that I get sometimes when using the e-shutter on my GH3 or perhaps GX7 - can't recall which I saw it on last. Thanks and keep up the great work! :)

Thanks for the review David. Is there no Live View for stills mode? Only video mode?

I am a newby whats the best setting for stills you can get out of gh4?

Thank you for the good review, but I have some questions about the electronic shutter. How to use it and what is the differents with the mecanic. Is it olso possible that you explane when to use AFF ore AFC it looks for me the same.Hope you you understand my bad engelish. keep on te good review I learn a lot of it.

thanks. good info

Can you comment more on gh4 vs em1? I am also a stills shooter and I have a gx7. Want a more Pro weather sealed camera and keep gx7 add my second shooter. I am considering em1 because of ibis. Otherwise I like Panasonic and want to stay with it but I have some Olympus primes and they do not have stabilization. What would you reccomend for stills gh4 or em1?

I finally upgraded from my Gh3 to Gh4 too. I hope there is no wabbly display issue again ^^

David Thorpe I'm really hoping you can help me out seeing as no one else I ask knows what to do. My GH4 is absolutely lovely except for one problem, I'm getting really unattractive unfocused blurring. My GH4 has the Metabones Speedbooster on it so that I can use my Canon glass, and I usually use a Tamron 24mm-70mm or a 35mm sigma. Items that are very far away and very out of focus look fine, but any object that is slightly out of focus develops a very gross doubling type thing. I did a couple comparisons with the same lens on my canon 60D and I get no such thing. If it helps I could send you a sample, as I'm really hoping you can help me here!

Great review of the GH4!

Cant ,but have to, wait for the your GH5 review,

Something even more interesting.. When I magnify using manual focus assist (focus peaking turned off) The point of focus reached is not clear at all. Even after using the dioptre adjustment, I still get a unclear image and cannot focus manually like I can on the GH2. My GH2 manual focuses like a dream. There may be a fault with my camera

Hello David.Thanks for your video..can you explain how to get good photo..i can good imege..if basible make video how to set up camera for video and photo..Thanks

I just noticed a interesting difference between the GH2 & GH4. I have both cameras turn on and they both have a 50mm lens on them. When I look into the GH2s Viewfinder and then go to the GH4's finder (looking through the eyepiece) The GH4's view is much smaller than the GH2's. On the GH2 I can see so much better. I am now on the GH4 and am picking up the GH2 and now looking through it and it's a beauty to judge focus. I wonder what the GH5's view is like?

What's is the maximum size prints would you make from the GH4 stills mode and 4K photo mode?

+Eugene Li Sorry about that Eugene! I thought the original looked like a review of a tiled roof :-)

I believe you are spot on with the 4k being a deciding factor for videographers but for stills I still much prefer an olympus body. In body stabilization opens the frontier to less expensive lenses with no need for in lens stabilization plus you can put older manual focus lenses and still have them stabilized. For me with the grip and all, you are literally just one step away from a dslr and having the dslr problems (weight and bulk mainly). But none the less a great leap for micro four thirds.

i cannot wait for the GH5

Would the D80 be better or this?

GH2 & GH4 which is the best for Stills photography? They both shot at 16 mega pixels RAW

Thanks for this review. It is frustratingly difficult to find a review on the GH4 from the point of view of taking stills, which is still one of those questions that I need to answer to decide if I should get Canon 70d or this. It's a tough choice. Video obviously GH4, EXCEPT the problem with autofocus which I think has to be the 70d. So it had to come down to the still performance.

Cool Video. Most all of the reviews I have found for this camera are about 4K video. I agree that is a very cool feature, but my reason for buying the camera was as an all around great camera -- smaller than the DSLRs of similar capability and also future proof with the great video features. However, I haven't been able to find anyone offering advice about settings and how to make the most of the stills features of this camera. And any of the videos that mention those features seem to imply the ability to get the photos is either self explanatory or should already be known by someone buying the camera. Can you offer advise on your favorite basic settings for inside, outside, portraits and high speed shots? I know that is asking a lot, and so much is just subjective feel... but while I am learning I am also often confused about what I am trying to do. Also, advice about other resources would be appreciated. Thanks.

I have purchased this camera 4 years later since it was released. I wanted to purchase the GH5s but instead went for the GH4 so I could also buy a Voigtlander 10.5mm F/0.95 and other needed equipment. How do you find focusing using the EVF viewfinder? Compared the GH2, I find it difficult to judge focus. This is of course without focus peeking switched on. I find the focus peeking not that accurate. I can see and focus so much easier manually on the GH2. I also find that the GH4 has a less smooth image and is very shaky. This camera really needs some kind of stabilization whereas the GH2 produces more acceptable results hand held.

William Snyder Yes, send me a sample. It sounds bizarre, as if there is a mismatch between the MetaBones and the lens. That seems unlikely, though. Does it alter on stopping down?

I'm waiting for my gh4..I am watching everything related to gh4 on youtube and vimeo :P Perhaps I could sell my good old nex5n and it's lenses, but I discovered I have gotten attached to it. Perhaps the nex have an advantage for pictures in low light as it has a bigger sensor.

FINAL TEST. Manual focus Problems with the GH4 The EVF of my GH4 has a "smearing" appearance towards the edges of the frame & the centre is not sharp, if the eye is not held exactly centred and/or the diopter adjustment is a bit off. Even When I adjust the dioptre wheel "smearing" is still visable in the EVF viewfinder. Apparently the glass is too soft or has not been hard coated. That is what I have heard. The preview/review image on my GH4's EVF is not really sharp on my GH4, making accurate focus determination before or after capture very difficult.

Which lens would you recommend / prefer? 12-35 or 14-140? I can only afford one of them is me. (powered by goggle translater)

Bobby Tables Can't reply directly for some reason, Bobby. Yes, the reviews will be upcoming. I'm still keeping the Panasonic GX7 and GM5 but that 40-150mm f/2.8 lens is unique - no equivalent at all even in FF as far as I now. It does need stabilzation, though, hence my swapover. I'd like to keep everything but I can't afford it!

dang i want the battery grip bc it looks cool but this camera has such good battery life id never need it lol

I am going to return my camera and go for a GH5s and see where I go from there

About the only disappointment I have with this camera is I would prefer the 4K data to be recorded at least at 200mb/sec. I mean it does at 1080P, But drops to half that at 4K. If anything the 4K needs much more than HD. Oh well external recorder it is. Lets hope theres a hack on the way soon.