Panasonic has introduced the LUMIX GH5 - the latest flagship model of LUMIX G Digital Single Lens Mirrorless cameras based on the Micro Four Thirds system standard.
The new 20.3MP Digital Live MOS Sensor without low-pass filter combines with the Venus Engine to achieve high resolution picture quality, colour reproduction and noise reduction in maximum ISO 25600 high sensitivity image recording.
The 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 boasts more effective suppression against blurring. By using a new gyrosensor, the O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer, 2-axis) and B.I.S. (Body Image Stabilizer, 5-axis) are finely controlled to take maximum advantage of both stabilization systems.
The new GH5 is capable of 4:2:2 10-bit 4K 30p / 25p internal video recording as well as outputting better colour reproduction for the first time as a digital interchangeable lens camera. The VFR (Variable Frame Rate) lets users record overcranked / undercranked video in 4K (60 fps, maximum 2.5x slower) and FHD (180 fps, maximum 7.5x slower). The GH5 complies with V-LogL video recording with the purchase of the DMW-SFU1 Upgrade Software Key. Use of Upgrade Software Key also activates LUT (Look Up Table) in the camera so users can play videos recorded in V-LogL on the camera. Practical tools like Waveform Monitor and Vector Scope have also been added.
DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology is further empowered by the new Venus Engine, which is capable of ultra high-speed digital signal processing at a maximum of 480 fps. By analyzing every single frame precisely, it achieves higher precision frame detection with minimum motion detection error for higher tracking tolerance against moving subjects. The combination of Contrast AF and new DFD technology achieves the industry’s fastest level of auto focusing of approx. 0.05 sec and 12 (AFS) / 9 (AFC) fps high speed burst shooting. For more precise focusing, the focus areas are increased from 49 to 225 areas on the GH5 in addition to the conventional Face / Eye Recognition, Tracking AF, 1-area AF and Pinpoint AF.
The newly added 6K PHOTO makes it possible to capture pictures at 30 fps by extracting the frame with the best timing out of the 6K burst file (in 4:3 or 3:2 aspect) to save as an approx. 18MP equivalent high-resolution photo. 4K PHOTO is also upgraded enabling 60-fps high-speed capture in approx. 8MP equivalent resolution.
The GH5 has a large LVF (Live View Finder) with a stunningly high magnification ratio of approx. 1.52x / 0.76x (35mm camera equivalent). A high-precision, high-speed OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display features 3,680K-dot resolution and 100 per cent field of view. In addition to dual dials, an omni-directional joystick enables more intuitive and flexible operation, which is also a first on LUMIX G cameras.
The GH5 includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity to offer a more flexible shooting experience and instant image sharing with easy operation. Compatibility with Bluetooth 4.2 (called BLE: Bluetooth Low Energy) enables constant connection with a smartphone/tablet with minimum power consumption. For Wi-Fi, 5GHz (IEEE802.11ac) can be selected in addition to the conventional 2.4GHz (IEEE 802.11b/g/n) for an even more secure and stable connection.
For extended battery life and a more stable hold, the new Battery Grip DMW-BGGH5 (sold separately) is available. The XLR Microphone Adaptor DMW-XLR1 (sold separately) allows high-res sound recording with an external XLR microphone.
The GH5 is a highly evolved camera. Functional upgrades are scheduled, and the first is a Full-HD 4:2:2 10-bit video recording capability which will be available in April 2017. It will be compatible with 400-Mbps 4:2:2 10-bit All-Intra video recording in 4K 30p/25p/24p and 200-Mbps All-Intra Full-HD in the second half of 2017. At the same time, high-resolution video recording in Anamorphic mode and 4K Hybrid Log Gamma in Photo Style mode, which enables popular 4K HDR video recording, will be added.
