Panasonic has announced the release of its LUMIX DMC-GX7 mirrorless camera. It features a new 16 megapixel Live MOS sensor with an ISO range of 125 to 25600 and a new fast AF system. It records 1,920 x 1,080 60p (60 Hz) / 50p (50 Hz) videos in AVCHD Progressive or MP4 (MPEG-4 / H.264) in P/A/S/M modes and has focus peaking to aid keeping video sharp.

Prices and availability are to be confirmed.

Press release

The Ultimate DSLM (Digital Single Lens Mirrorless) Camera in Premium Flat Body

New LUMIX DMC-GX7

Packing a Host of Creative Functions for Photography Enthusiasts.

Panasonic is pleased to announce a new addition of LUMIX G Digital Single Lens Mirrorless (DSLM) Camera DMC-GX7 featuring high photographic performance and sleek design with tiltable LVF (Live View Finder) that satisfies advanced photographers.

The DMC-GX7 realizes high-quality image recording with real-to-life details through excellent resolution, image rendering and color reproduction. Taking full advantage of newly developed 16.00-megapixel Digital Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine, images are rendered with highly sharp resolution even shot in low-lit situations and at max. 25600 high ISO sensitivity can be selected.

The Contrast AF System of DMC-GX7 excels in both speed and accuracy by exchanging digital signal between the camera and the lens at max. 240 fps. A variety of extensive AF functions including Low Light AF, Pinpoint AF and One-shot AF enhances usability to comply with wide-ranging shooting situations.

One of the most significant feature of DMC-GX7 is integration of 90-degree tiltable LVF (Live View Finder) that lets users enjoy a whole new angle of view with flexible shooting style. The LVF boasts 2764K-dot equiv. stunningly high-resolution and approx.100% color reproduction* for high visibility under any circumstances. The 3.0-inch large 1040K-dot touch-control rear monitor also tilts up and down.

Furthermore, the DMC-GX7 allows photographers to use max. 1/8000 fast shutter speed for more impressive expression with high-speed lens. The Optical Image Stabilizer (as effective as the MEGA O.I.S. in the conventional DSLM lenses) is built-in the camera body, which makes it more enjoyable to mount classic lenses of your lens property. The DMC-GX7 is also compatible with Focus Peaking for more precise control of focusing.

The DMC-GX7 also features full HD 1920 x 1080, 60p (60 Hz) / 50p (50 Hz) smooth, high quality video recording in AVCHD Progressive and MP4 with stereo sound. The practical full-time AF and tracking AF is available in video recording, too. The cinema-like 24p video with the bit rate of max. 24 Mbps or P/A/S/M mode provide richly expressive afterimage with overwhelming image quality. The motion picture quality is greatly improved thanks to the new Digital Live MOS Sensor, too.

The DMC-GX7 incorporates Creative Panorama, Time Lapse Shot, Stop Motion Animation or Clear Retouch in addition to the popular Creative Control mode with a total of 22 fascinating filter effects. The Stop Motion Animation allows producing unique stop motion video and the Clear Retouch function enables to erase unwanted part of a picture after shooting – both operations completes with ease in camera.

With the Wi-Fi® connectivity with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, users can connect the camera to their smartphone / tablet anywhere at one-touch, which makes sharing images much easier. It is also possible to use a smartphone / tablet as a multi-capable remote shutter with a monitor. With the Instant Transfer function, photos are automatically sent to the smartphone / tablet right after shooting. On the other hand, both photo and video can be archived to the registered digital equipment such as PC automatically via the wireless access point (router) at home. Dressed in magnesium alloy full diecast frame in black or silver, the DMC-GX7 is a high quality camera in every aspect that has been awaited long by the enthusiastic photographers.

• Based on Adobe RGB color space, Panasonic in-house comparison based on the CIE 1931 x, y color space.

1. The Newly Developed 16.00-Megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor and Venus Engine Achieving Unprecedented Picture Quality.

Panasonic developed new 16.00-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor for DMC-GX7 that achieves both higher resolution and higher sensitivity image recording with less noise in comparison with the predecessor DMC-GX1. The photodiode in each pixel is enlarged thanks to the adoption of cutting-edge Semiconductor Fine Technology to improve color saturation by approx. 10% and the redesigned on-chip lens enhances light condensation to achieve approx. 10% higher sensitivity. Not only these, noise generation is minimized in both pixel circuit and digital signal readout circuit to provide better S/N ratio by approx. 25%.

The image processor Venus Engine features its advanced noise reduction systems. By extending the control level of noise, controllable area of noise is expanded by approx. 64x in size. This makes it possible to remove large block of noise which was formally hard to detect and helps produce clear, smooth image especially for the nighttime scenery. In addition, the Multi-process NR (Noise Reduction) works in two separate steps allowing even finer control over noise level. The texture of noise itself, regardless of the noise size, is improved with this deliberate control, which is resulting in the reproduction of smooth human skin even in high sensitivity recording.

Furthermore, the optimum design of newly adopted Detail Reproduction Filter Process enhances the limit resolution by max. 3% and the contrast of middle to high range by max. 5%. Plus, the advanced Intelligent D-range Control offers wider dynamic range while maintaining the smooth gradation thanks to the high-precision signal processing. Suppressing both blocked shadows and blown highlights, every part of an image – from dark to bright – is faithfully reproduced. The combination of the Digital Live MOS Sensor and the Venus Engine achieves approx. 10% finer detail reproduction, making it possible to capture clear image even in low lit situations and allows max. ISO25600.

2. The Top Level of AF Performance Above Any Mirrorless Cameras

All cameras of LUMIX G adopt Contrast AF for its focus system. Compared with the Phase difference system AF, the Contrast AF boasts higher accuracy especially in shooting with bright lens with small F value. The DMC-GX7 features high-speed Light Speed AF, making it possible to capture even the fast-moving subject clearly. Not only the accuracy but also the speed of AF in DMC-GX7 surpasses the high-end DSLRs with Phase difference. The camera and the lens exchange the digital signal at max. 240 fps to minimize the time to focus. The DMC-GX7 realizes the high-speed burst shooting at 5 fps in 16.00-megapixel and max. 40 fps using an electronic shutter. Also, AF Tracking enables consecutive shooting to capture moving subject in sharp focus at 4.3 fps*.

The Low Light AF, which is popular in DMC-G6/GF6, is incorporated making it possible to set focus on the subject more precisely in such as moonlight even without AF assist lamp. It further enhances the performance to work in -4EV lower lit situations, which is as dark as starry sky with no other light source.

Plus, the usability of Pinpoint AF is improved by allowing users to set magnification from 3x to 10x enlargement by 0.1x step. Picture-in-picture display is available and the magnification ratio of in-frame picture is selectable from 3x to 6x seamlessly, which enables users to set precise focus on the target point while seeing the whole image composition. The One-shot AF enables using AF even in MF mode by just pressing the AF lock button to set rough focus on the subject and you can go back to MF just to adjust precise focus.

The DMC-GX7 incorporates high-speed response desired for the Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera, taking only approx. 0.5 second** to get ready to shoot after startup. The compatibility with the UHS-I (Ultra High Speed I) SDXC/SDHC Memory Card allows faster data writing even in RAW recording mode.

• In 1-area-focusing AF mode.
  ** With H-FS1442A, based on the CIPA standard.

3. Innovative Expansion of Shooting Style – 2764K-dot Equiv. Tiltable Built-in LVF (Live View Finder) and 1040K-dot Tiltable Touch Monitor

The DMC-GX7 newly integrates 90-degree tiltable LVF (Live View Finder) with 2764K-dot equivalent high-resolution and approx.100% color reproduction* for the first time in DSLM (Digital Single Lens Mirrorleess) cameras**. This 16:9 Wide Screen LVF boasts approx.1.39x / 0.7x (35mm camera equiv.) magnification and 100% field of view. The tiltable LVF offers extraordinary angle of view with unique shooting style – looking down into the viewfinder to level the camera straight on the subject. It comes with the Eye Sensor that automatically turns ON/OFF according to the photographer’s action. The Eye Sensor AF starts auto focusing by just looking into the LVF not to miss the shooting opportunity. The image output between the LVF and the rear monitor is switched automatically with the eye sensor on the LVF, which features options of sensitivity – high, low and off – to reduce false operation during touching on the rear monitor. For this viewfinder, Eyecup DMW-EC1 made of elastic material is sold separately to enhance comfort in viewing either with naked eye or with glasses.

The new 3.0-inch large, approx. 1040K-dot high-resolution static-type touch monitor with approx. 100% of field of view tilts up by 45-degree and down by 80-degree. The front panel is directly attached to the new In Cell Touch LCD without containing air layer in between. The result is that the reflection of external light is dramatically suppressed. Together with the increased resolution by approx. 13% and improved color reproduction by approx. 20%, the monitor for DMC-GX7 secures higher visibility even in sunny outdoor than ever. Plus, attenuation of transmitting backlight is minimized to achieve wide-angle of view and by 25% of power saving.

The Touch AF immediately lets users to set focus to the subject by just touching it on the screen and you can even release the shutter. It is free and easy to enlarge the target point with fingertips to set precise focus. In addition, the popular function Touch Pad AF is improved for DMC-GX7 with higher sensitivity for quick response.

• Based on Adobe RGB color space, Panasonic in-house comparison based on the CIE 1931 x, y color space.
  ** As of August 1, 2013.

4. Expanding Shooting Experience with Wide Expression

Max.1/8000 Fast Shutter Speed

The DMC-GX7 offers highest shutter speed at max. 1/8000 not only to capture spur-of-the-moment of fast-moving subject but also to use high-speed lens with open aperture even in outdoors to give impressive defocus.

Optical Image Stabilizer in Camera Body.

Panasonic has been integrating POWER O.I.S. / MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) in the digital interchangeable lenses to suppress blur caused by hand-shake. To further enhance usability, the DMC-GX7 incorporates Optical Image Stabilizer in the camera body which works as effectively as the MEGA O.I.S. for the first time in LUMIX DSLM cameras. This lets users to enjoy blur-free photography not only with digital interchangeable lenses without image stabilizer but also with classic lenses. For example, by attaching Mount Adaptor DMW-MA2M (sold separately), LEICA M mount lenses can be used.

Focus Peaking

For more practical control over focusing, the DMC-GX7 incorporates Focus Peaking function that shows the peak of focus in MF and AF+MF mode. Users can see the peaking of focus while monitoring the subject in live view. It can be set to HIGH / LOW / OFF and the color can also be changed to blue, white or orange according to the color of the shooting scene during live view. Users can take advantage of this function when controlling the camera with smartphone / tablet via Wi-Fi in both photo / video recording.

Silent Mode

This mode switches shutter from mechanical to electronic and turns all sound (AF, operation) off while suppress emission of AF assist lamp and flash with just a single setting for special shooting occasions.

5. Full-HD 60p (60Hz) / 50p (50Hz) High Quality Video Recording Performance

All LUMIX G cameras, especially the DMC-GH3, are renowned for their capability of high quality video recording. The DMC-GX7 records stunningly smooth, high-resolution full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 60p (60 Hz) / 50p (50 Hz) videos in AVCHD Progressive or MP4 (MPEG-4 / H.264) format. The DMC-GX7 also supports 1080/24p native mode with 24 Mbps in AVCHD format bringing impressive afterimage to the footage. In addition, the P/A/S/M mode also lets users enjoy expressive video recording. The full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 60p (60 Hz) / 50p (50 Hz) video can also be recorded in MP4 at 28 Mbps. Thanks to optimum pixel-mix technology which is made possible by the improvement of sensor sensitivity, sharpness and clarity are improved in motion images, too.

In addition to the practical full-time AF, the Touch AF in video recording also lets users enjoy professional-like rack focusing. The AF Tracking locks on the subject with focus even it moves.

High quality sound can be recorded with Dolby® Digital. A Wind Cut function is also available to block out most of the noise from background wind. The Extra Tele Conversion function virtually extends the zoom range Max. 4.8x without deterioration of image quality in smaller resolution.

The Time Lapse Shot automatically starts recording photos at time lapse sequence once the start time, interval and the number of pictures to shoot are set. The Stop Motion Animation function enables producing a stop motion (stop frame) video in camera with the pictures that are sequentially shot while moving the object by degrees. This effect makes the object appears as if it is moving by itself.

• Maximum time to record motion pictures continuously with [AVCHD] is 29 minutes 59 seconds in Europe and some Asian areas.
• Maximum time to record motion pictures continuously with [MP4] is 29 minutes 59 seconds or up to 4 GB.
• You can check the recordable time on the monitor. (For [FHD] in [MP4] format, the file size is large and so the recordable time will drop below 29 minutes 59 seconds.)

6. Other Features That Completes DMC-GX7

Design and Operability

Dressed in magnesium alloy full diecast frame, the DMC-GX7 boasts high durability. Every single part of the camera is uncompromisingly designed to complete sophisticated metallic profile in traditional silver black color.

At the same time, Panasonic pursuits ease of operation for DMC-GX7. Two separate dials on front and back offer direct control over aperture, shutter speed or exposure, which achieves smooth manual shooting. The One Shot AF function can be allocated to AF/AE Lock Button (AF/MF Switch Lever) for more flexible control over focusing.

The Live View function is also advanced digitally making it possible to adjust highlight / shadow separately with the front/rear dial. 3 patterns of settings can be customized in addition to 3 patterns of preset. In addition, Fn (Function) tab is newly integrated in menu, which means a total of 9 functions can be assigned (5 in tab and 4 with button). The built-in flash can be synchronized with max.1/320 second shutter speed*.

• Max.1/250 second for External Flash

Creative Control / Photo Style for More Expanded Expression

The popular Creative Control mode is upgraded by increasing its filter option to 22 featuring new Rough Monochrome *, Silky Monochrome * and Monochrome in addition to the Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, High Dynamic, Soft Focus *, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, One Point Color, Cross Process, Low Key, Toy Effect, Star Filter * Miniature Effect **, Old Days, Sunshine *, Bleach Bypass, Toy Pop and Fantasy mode. Effect parameter of each mode is also adjustable. With the new Creative Panorama function, it is possible to shoot a horizontal / vertical panoramic image with consequent shots taken by overlaying the previous picture and to put on a filter effect of Creative Control ***. The Photo Style, which enables changing texture of photo, is also upgraded for DMC-GX7 with an inclusion of Monochrome Filter (Ye/Or/R/G) for more expressive monochrome photography. * For photo only. ** Sound will not be recorded with [MINIATURE EFFECT] in Creative Control Mode and approximately 1/10 of the time period is recorded. (If you record for 10 minutes, the resulting motion picture recording will be approximately 1 minute long.) *** Some filters of Creative Control cannot be used in Creative Panorama mode.

Easy Wireless Connectivity via Wi-Fi® / NFC with Smartphones

The DMC-GX7 integrates Wi-Fi® connectivity (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology camera to offer more flexible shooting experience and instant image sharing with easy operation. All these flexible shooting / browsing / sharing style are made possible with the DMC-GX7 and the Panasonic’s dedicated application software Panasonic Image App for iOS / Android smartphones / tablets.