Panasonic's groundbreaking 4K mirrorless — the first interchangeable-lens camera to record 4K video internally.
The Panasonic Lumix GH4 was released in April 2014 as the first consumer camera capable of 4K video recording, offering both DCI 4K/24fps and UHD 4K/30fps internally — at a time when 4K recording was absent from all other consumer cameras from Canon, Nikon, or Sony. The 16.05MP MFT Live MOS sensor uses DFD (Depth From Defocus) contrast-detect AF — there is no on-sensor phase detection. Weather sealing is built into the magnesium alloy body. No in-body image stabilisation is included.
The 16.05MP MFT Live MOS sensor pairs with the Venus Engine processor. The AF system uses DFD contrast-detection only — no phase-detection on sensor. Burst shooting runs at 12fps. DCI 4K records at 24fps; UHD 4K records at 24/25/30fps. No in-body image stabilisation — lens OIS is the stabilisation path. Battery life approximately 500 shots using the DMW-BLF19, body weight approximately 560g with battery and card, single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot.
The GH4's 4K capability at its 2014 launch defined the professional video MFT category: no consumer camera offered 4K internally at the time, making the GH4 the practical choice for video-primary shooters who needed 4K without cinema camera pricing. The DFD contrast-detect AF provides adequate stills tracking but is slower than on-sensor PDAF — GH4 video users typically prefer manual focus for precision work. Without IBIS, lens OIS or a stabilised rig is required for smooth handheld video.
On the used market the GH4 is affordable as a vintage 4K MFT video camera. The GH5 (2017) added IBIS, 10-bit internal video, and dual SD slots — substantially upgrading the video capability. Condition checks: DMW-BLF19 battery health (specific to the GH4/GH4-S/G7; not shared with the DMW-BLC12 or BLH7 batteries), single SD slot contacts, weather sealing at port covers, and EVF/LCD for marks. Compatible with all Micro Four Thirds lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, and OM System.