Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 Mirrorless MFT (Micro Four Thirds) Camera Body, Black {16MP}

GH4: the mirrorless body that put internal 4K on the map.

The GH4 built its reputation on one spec that mattered when it landed: internal 4K recording, both Cinema 4K at 4096 x 2160 and UHD at 3840 x 2160, in a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body weighing 560g. That combination drew filmmakers who needed a light footprint for gimbal work, drone rigs, and run-and-gun documentary shoots where a cinema camera wasn't practical. The 1080p codec goes up to 200 Mbps ALL-Intra, and the dedicated microphone and headphone ports mean you're not taping adapters to the rig just to monitor audio.

On the stills side, 12 fps burst shooting with a 49-point autofocus system makes this a credible tool for sports and wildlife photographers working within the Micro Four Thirds ecosystem. The 2x crop factor extends reach on long glass, which has real value for bird and wildlife work. The 2,359,000-dot EVF covers 100% of the frame, and the fully articulated 3-inch OLED touchscreen with 1,036,000 dots makes low-angle and overhead framing straightforward. Exposure compensation runs to ±5 EV in 1/3-stop increments, and AE bracketing covers up to 7 frames. The GH4 is a proven workhorse that earned its place in production bags before most manufacturers took hybrid shooters seriously.

Who It's For

Indie filmmakers and video-first shooters get a body that records Cinema 4K internally at a weight that makes gimbal and drone work manageable. Wildlife and birding photographers benefit from 12 fps burst shooting and the 2x focal length multiplier, squeezing more reach from Micro Four Thirds telephoto glass. Documentary and travel shooters will use the weather-sealed body, fully articulated touchscreen, and built-in Wi-Fi together as a practical field kit. Event photographers who need stills and video from a single body get dedicated audio ports, a 1/8000 sec maximum shutter speed, and ergonomics that Panasonic clearly designed with videographers in mind.

Key Features

• Internal 4K Cinema (4096 x 2160) and UHD (3840 x 2160) recording
• 16MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor with 2x crop factor
• 12 fps burst shooting with 49-point autofocus system
• 1080p up to 200 Mbps ALL-Intra codec for compact files
• 2,359,000-dot 100% coverage EVF and 3-inch articulated OLED touchscreen
• Weather-sealed magnesium body at 560g with dedicated mic and headphone ports
• ISO 100-25,600 extended range with ±5 EV exposure compensation

FAQ

Does the GH4 really shoot internal 4K?

Yes. It records Cinema 4K (4096 x 2160) and UHD (3840 x 2160) directly to SD cards, both at 24p. The 1080p codec supports up to 200 Mbps ALL-Intra, which is why it became standard on gimbal rigs and drone work where file size and codec efficiency mattered.

How's the autofocus for video?

The GH4 uses contrast-detection AF with Panasonic's Depth from Defocus (DFD) system, which analyzes out-of-focus regions to predict subject distance. It works well for tracking moving subjects when you've set up a focus area properly, though manual focus remains the professional standard for critical work. Touch AF on the rear screen allows gentle focus pulls between two points.

What's the burst rate and AF system for stills?

12 fps continuous shooting with a 49-point autofocus system. The 2x crop factor on the Four Thirds sensor extends your reach on longer lenses, which is why wildlife and bird photographers gravitated to this body.

How clean is the image at high ISO?

The GH4 performs decently up to ISO 1600 in dim light, but shadows get noticeably compressed and noisier above that. It's not competitive with full-frame bodies at extreme ISO-you're trading high-ISO performance for the compact size, internal 4K, and crop factor that give you reach on telephoto lenses.

Can I use the articulated screen for video work?

Yes. The 3-inch fully articulated OLED touchscreen (1,036,000 dots) flips out for low-angle and overhead framing. In video mode, the touchscreen handles swiped control of gain, exposure compensation, and mic level when Silent Operation mode is engaged, keeping your hands on the body controls.

What audio ports does it have?

Dedicated stereo microphone input and 3.5mm headphone jack. No adapters needed to monitor audio during recording-that mattered when the GH4 launched and still does for field production.

Is the body weather-sealed?

Yes. Magnesium alloy construction with environmental sealing, rated at 560g. That weight and durability made it practical for handheld gimbal work and aerial rigs where every gram counts.