LUMIX GH7: Internal ProRes RAW recording comes to LUMIX
The new LUMIX GH7 offers full frame Apple ProRes RAW HQ in 5.7K direct to the memory card and 32-bit float audio via the DMW-XLR2
LUMIX GH7 Features
Panasonic’s new LUMIX GH7 Micro Four Thirds camera packs every current LUMIX feature into a single body, and then adds internal Apple ProRes RAW recording on top. Think of any newly introduced high-end feature of any current LUMIX model and the GH7 has it:
- 5.8K open gate at 30p
- 4.4K 4:3 for anamorphic
- Apple ProRes 442 HQ/442
- The new hybrid PDAF system with AI detection
- Space for 39 Real Time LUTs
- Compatibility with the LUMIX Lab app
- 4K/FHD live streaming
- Proxy video recording
- Frame.io integration
- Built-in fan cooling
- SSD recording
- BRAW via HDMI
- 4-channel audio
- Flip up-and-out rear screen to avoid cables
- 300fps VFR
- 120fps High Speed video
- 7.5EV 5-axis IBIS
- Crop Zoom in stills and movie mode
- 2x-1.3x anamorphic desqueeze
- Perspective correction in EIS
- 100MP High Resolution stills
- 30 minutes to 1/32,000sec shutter speeds
- 75fps stills with AF-S/60fps with AF-C
- 1/250sec flash sync speed
- SD and CFExpress media
LUMIX GH7 Internal RAW Recording Data Rates
The LUMIX Greatest Hits list is very impressive and it is amazing to see all these features piled into one body, but the LUMIX GH7 adds a few unique features of its own. The ability to record raw video internally is a real milestone and propels the LUMIX GH7 well ahead of most other mirrorless cameras on the market. In the 5.7K 5728x3024-pixel 29.97p and C4K 4096x2160-pixel 59.94p modes the camera produces a huge data rate of 4.2Gbps for ProRes RAW HQ footage that’ll be brimming with information. In 50Hz frequency mode we get 3.5Gbps for 5.7K at 25p and C4K at 50p. In 50Hz the lowest data rate for ProRes RAW will be 1.2Gbps when we are shooting C4K 25p, and with the frequency set to 24Hz we can choose between 5.7K 24p with RAW HQ at the top end and C4K 24p at the lower end. Of course we have regular ProRes 422 HQ and 422 as well in all frequencies. ProRes RAW is reserved for resolutions of C4K and above, but ProRes 422 HQ and 422 is available in FHD. And these Apple ProRes codecs are only in addition to the regular MOV and MP4 options we’d expect to see.
LUMIX GH7’s DMW-XLR2 XLR Adapter Compatibility
A further new feature in the GH7 is compatibility with the new DMW-XLR2 XLR adapter. This model replaces the existing DMW-XLR1 and brings with it 32-bit float recording. With 32-bit audio recording it is no longer necessary to set recording levels as in post-production the quietest sounds can be amplified and the loudest booms can be pulled down without loss of quality. This is ideal for solo operators as it allows them to concentrate on shooting without having to worry about the sound and wonder if the levels need adjusting – you just set up, press record and manipulate the audio later. As well as the two inputs for XLR microphones the new DMW-XLR2 offers a third input via a 3.5mm stereo mini jack – ideal for the receiver of a wireless mic kit.
As you may have noted already, the GH7 uses the same body as the existing, and wonderful, GH6, so current users will be at home immediately with the new camera.
The new camera is due to ship at the end of July with an RRP of £1999.99, and the DMW-XLR2 will ship at the same time and cost £499.99. To try before you buy, book a GH7 trial through LUMIX Loan today.
