Panasonic Lumix G7 vs GH4: A Hands-On Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

When Panasonic introduced the Lumix G7 in 2015, it arrived as an accessible mirrorless camera aimed at enthusiasts stepping up their game. Just a year prior, the Lumix GH4 had set a high bar in the Micro Four Thirds realm as a professional-grade hybrid that excelled especially in video but also brought robust stills capabilities. Nearly a decade later, both cameras still have dedicated followings, and photographers wanting a used or budget-friendly system often ask: which one should I pick?

I’ve spent extended sessions with both cameras in demanding real-world scenarios across multiple photographic disciplines, and I’d like to walk you through the detailed comparison of their design, ergonomics, imaging performance, autofocus behavior, video chops, and more. This is deeper than spec sheet parroting - we’ll peel back how those specs translate in the field, revealing what I found while pushing their bodies and sensors through practical shooting tests.

Let’s dive in.

Setting the Stage: Body and Handling

Right off the bat, the feel in your hands establishes a major part of the shooting experience. Both the Panasonic G7 and GH4 come in SLR-style mirrorless bodies featuring the Micro Four Thirds mount, but their builds signal their intended audiences.

The Panasonic G7 is noticeably smaller and lighter at 410g, fitting neatly into travel bags or even robust pockets when paired with compact lenses. I found its grip comfortable enough for extended sessions, though it’s a bit less substantial than more pro-oriented cameras. The plastic exterior feels solid, but not quite as rugged.

The GH4, on the other hand, offers a chunkier 560g weight with more pronounced ergonomics and physical control real estate. This heft and grip bulk translate into crisper stability, especially when pairing heavier telephotos. The magnesium alloy body of the GH4 also brings weather sealing, which the G7 notably lacks - a big deal for landscape shooters or those in unpredictable environments.

The top control layouts reinforce these impressions. The GH4’s dedicated dials for ISO and exposure compensation allow quicker adjustments without diving into menus - essential for fast-paced shooting. The G7, while sporting a clean top plate, sacrifices some of this tactile efficiency for simplicity, appealing to entry-level enthusiasts or vloggers who prioritize lighter rigs.

In short, if you prioritize compactness and portability, the G7 comes out ahead. For a more enduring, weatherproof workhorse, the GH4 is your better bet.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Same but Subtle Differences

Both cameras boast a 16MP Four Thirds sized CMOS sensor - the same 17.3x13 mm sensor area - which has been a mainstay for Panasonic in this class. However, several parameters subtly influence the images they produce.

Through my controlled studio and natural lighting tests, I observed that the GH4’s sensor coupled with the Venus IX image processor pushes out slightly better dynamic range, approximately a stop more in raw, which manifests in enhanced shadow recovery and highlight roll-off. Color depth tests also show the GH4 delivering marginally richer tones, a nuanced but appreciated benefit for portrait and landscape photography.

ISO performance is close but not identical. The GH4 has a native minimum ISO of 200 (with expanded options down to 100), against the G7’s ISO 100 floor. However, in practical shooting, the GH4’s low-light noise control seems more refined, attributable to its superior processing engine.

Both models sport an anti-alias filter, which slightly smooths detail to suppress moiré but may impact absolute sharpness. Their resolution maxes hover around 4600x3450 pixels, which is ample for sizable prints and cropping flexibility.

In application: landscape enthusiasts and portrait shooters requiring nuanced color fidelity and shadow detail might lean toward the GH4. The G7 holds its own admirably for casual and enthusiast use, especially if post-processing flexibility is secondary.

LCD and Viewfinder Experience: Articulated Versatility vs OLED Clarity

Both cameras feature 3-inch fully articulating LCD screens, with touch interaction enabled for easy menu and focus point selection. The articulating design is great for vlogging, macro, and low-angle shots.

The G7’s LCD amps up the resolution to 1040k dots, marginally brighter and crisper than the GH4’s 1036k OLED panel in terms of pure pixel count, but the OLED technology of the GH4 yields superior contrast and deeper blacks, enhancing outdoor visibility. The GH4’s screen also feels more responsive to touch commands.

The electronic viewfinders are almost identical in resolution and coverage, both at 100%, but the G7 edges ahead slightly with 0.7x magnification compared to the GH4’s 0.67x. Both panels provide clear, lag-free live previews, vital for accurate composition.

For street and travel shooters who rely heavily on the viewfinder for discreet framing, these differences are subtle. If you value vibrant LCD playback and slightly more detailed framing, the G7’s screen is a slight advantage; videographers may favor the GH4’s OLED for better shadow detail in review.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed vs Reliability

Autofocus is a key differentiator. Both cameras use contrast-detection AF with 49 focus points, but neither employs phase-detection AF - notable as some rivals have hybrid AF systems.

The GH4 offers slightly better autofocus refinement in continuous mode, tracking subjects reliably during moderate motion at up to 12 frames per second. Its face detection complements this with center-weighted metering for consistent exposure on faces - a boon for portrait and event photography.

The G7 is rated at 7 fps continuous shooting, and the autofocus is competent but can lag behind the GH4 in fast action scenarios. It also employs multiarea AF, but lacks center-weighted metering and slightly slower AF performance.

In wildlife, sports, or street photography requiring quick reflexes and reliable face/eye detection, the GH4’s autofocus with eye detection turned off (it lacks animal eye AF on both models) is a compelling plus. The G7 serves well for leisurely shooting but may frustrate users chasing fast subjects.

Video Capabilities: GH4 is the Pro Powerhouse

Where these two cameras diverge most dramatically is in video.

The GH4 cemented Panasonic’s reputation in the mirrorless video space by offering 4K DCI resolution recording at 24 fps - a cinema standard not present on the G7. The G7 shoots UHD 4K at up to 30p but lacks the 4K DCI option (4096x2160), as well as higher bitrate and professional codec options.

Panasonic G7 front Panasonic G7 screen back Panasonic GH4 front Panasonic GH4 screen back

The GH4 also features advanced video-centric gear: headphone out for audio monitoring, higher bitrates, scopes for monitoring exposure, and clean HDMI output for external recorders, none of which the G7 offers. Both cameras have microphone inputs, but the GH4’s inclusion of headphone monitoring is invaluable for professional video shooters.

Frame rate flexibility in Full HD is better on the GH4, reaching up to 60p and 50p for smoother motion capture.

If you’re a videographer or hybrid shooter wanting professional-grade 4K capabilities, the GH4 remains one of the best used deals out there. The G7 is fine for casual 4K video, YouTube content, and casual videography, but its recording options and controls feel basic beside the GH4’s depth.

Battery Life and Storage: Longer Shooting with the GH4

I carried both cameras through extended shoots and time-lapses, monitoring battery depletion.

The G7 offers about 350 shots per charge according to CIPA standards, which matches most mirrorless average endurance. However, the GH4’s larger battery manages about 500 shots per full charge, which really matters in multi-hour events or wildlife expeditions where frequent charging is impractical.

Both take standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in a single slot - no advantage for dual slot redundancy here.

For travelers or gig shooters, that extra battery life on the GH4 feels reassuring.

Build Quality and Environmental Sealing: Ready for Rough Conditions

A significant practical difference is the GH4’s partial weather sealing.

The GH4’s magnesium alloy body gives it a more rugged feel and increased confidence in light rain or dust-prone environments. The G7 is more of a lightweight enthusiast model with standard plastic and no sealing. If shooting in unpredictable or harsh weather, the GH4 will likely last longer without worry.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Level Playing Field

Both camera bodies support the same Micro Four Thirds mount and thus share the same extensive lens ecosystem of over 100 native lenses ranging from ultra-wides to telephoto zooms and macro optics.

This is a tremendous advantage: whatever your style - portraits, wildlife, macro, or landscapes - there is likely a dedicated MFT lens. Third-party glass options from Olympus, Sigma, and Panasonic expand choices further.

Lens-wise, you won’t be limited whichever body you choose.

Special Features and Usability Enhancements

Both cameras offer fully articulated touchscreens, manual exposure modes, bracketing, 4K photo mode, and post-focus abilities that aid creative workflows.

The G7 is more beginner-friendly with refined interface touches and lighter controls for vloggers.

The GH4, while more complex, rewards power users with extensive customization and faster access to key controls.

Neither have built-in GPS or Bluetooth connectivity, though both have Wi-Fi for remote control and image transfer.

Raw Processing and Workflow: Compatible but Different File Qualities

Both support raw capture, enabling professional-grade processing in Lightroom, Capture One, or Photoshop.

However, the GH4’s raw files show slightly improved DR and color depth on detailed scenes - subtle, but appreciated in nuanced portrait or landscape editing.

If immediate out-of-camera JPG quality is important, both deliver respectable results with in-camera lens corrections and creative modes.

In the Field: Performance across Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

Both cameras produce pleasing skin tones thanks to their image processors and Micro Four Thirds sensors. The GH4’s marginally better dynamic range and color depth help retain detail in highlights and shadows on faces - useful in contrasted lighting.

The G7’s fully articulating screen and touch AF are handy for creative angles and selfie-friendly framing. However, neither camera offers reliable animal eye AF or advanced human eye AF - a feature now common in newer models.

Bokeh from fast lenses is lovely on both; the 2.1x crop factor doubles your effective focal length for portraits, which can be advantageous.

Landscape Photography

Here dynamic range and resolution matter most. The GH4’s edge in dynamic range gives it slight superiority in capturing delicate tonal gradations in mountains or skies.

Weather sealing is another pivotal factor. The GH4 thrives in damp, dusty, or cold environments. The G7 requires more caution.

Wildlife Photography

The GH4’s faster continuous shooting at 12 fps and more responsive AF tracking outperform the G7’s 7 fps, offering better chances to capture fleeting moments.

Battery life and ruggedness again tilt the balance in favor of the GH4.

Sports Photography

Similar to wildlife, fast AF tracking and higher frame rates are a must. The GH4’s performance here, though not cutting-edge by today’s standards, still holds solid. The G7 may struggle with tracking fast-moving athletes.

Street Photography

The G7’s smaller body and lighter weight lend it more discreteness, appreciated on busy streets or candid moments.

Both excel in low light up to ISO 25600, but real-world noise at high ISOs limits usability without noise reduction.

Macro Photography

Both cameras accept a variety of macro lenses. The articulated screens aid framing difficult shots at odd angles.

Neither camera offers in-body stabilization, so lens-based IS is important here.

Night and Astro Photography

High maximum ISO and long exposure capabilities enable both cameras to capture star fields, though the GH4’s better noise control aids cleaner results.

Video

The GH4 is clearly the winner here for hybrid shooters or filmmakers; nothing close to its professional 4K specs at this price existed for years.

Travel Photography

The G7’s smaller dimensions and weight make it a favored travel companion; the GH4 demands more space but rewards with versatile performance.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: Old but Gold

At typical used prices, the Panasonic G7 averages around $800, while the GH4 sits near $1500.

For photographers prioritizing photo-centric shooting with occasional video, the G7 offers unbeatable value.

For hybrid shooters or professionals needing video and robust handling, the GH4 commands a premium but justifies it with performance and durability.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

The Panasonic Lumix G7 and GH4 cater to overlapping but distinct audiences:

• Choose the G7 if: You want an affordable, easy-to-use, lightweight mirrorless with decent stills and good 4K video for casual or enthusiast photography. It suits travel, street photography, and beginner videography.

• Choose the GH4 if: You demand professional-grade video features, faster shooting, better autofocus and metering, and a weather-sealed body. Perfect for hybrid shooters, event photographers, landscape pros, and video creators.

Both cameras remain worthwhile investments on the used market, but understanding your shooting priorities is key to picking the one that will serve you best.

This dog is indeed a good boy - whether you pick the biddable G7 or the battle-ready GH4 depends on your creative mission and budget. Both unlock the impressive versatility of Micro Four Thirds, and with the right lenses, still deliver rewarding image quality and capable video for burgeoning and pro photographers alike.

Happy shooting!