Panasonic’s new mirrorless camera — the Lumix DMC-G7 — shoots 4K video, has smart ‘Starlight AF’ contrast-based autofocus, and the company’s latest 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor. It’s just as powerful as a digital SLR at a significantly smaller size, and it’s coming to Australia within a month.
Panasonic’s Lumix G7 was announced a few days ago internationally, but we’re only just getting our hands on them in Australia. The most interesting feature standing out from an already competent mirrorless camera is the G7’s 4K Pre-Burst mode, which will capture what is effectively two seconds of 4K video at 30 frames a second and then let you pick the best still photo. Even better is the fact that it captures one second of video after you press the shutter and one second before, so there’s a bit of a safety net there.
With Panasonic’s latest 16-megapixel Live MOS Micro Four Thirds 4:3-ratio sensor and a native ISO range of 200-25600, the G7 will be able to capture some pretty detailed snaps; Starlight AF contrast autofocus should also similarly be a boon for low-light and astrophotography enthusiasts, with an algorithm that picks up even extremely small contrast points (like, say, stars) within an image and snaps to focus.
The DMC-G7 sans lens will be available for an RRP of $899. With Panasonic’s 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens included, you’ll pay $999. A twin lens kit including the 14-42mm and a 45-150mm f/4.0-5.6 will set you back $1199, and a single lens kit with the Lumix G7 and 14-150mm f/3.5-5.6 will cost $1499. Those prices are pretty damn affordable for the quality of camera that you’re getting — and you’ll be getting it in “late June” this year, according to Panasonic. [Panasonic]