CameraReview

Canon EOS 7D Mark II vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 — Which Is Better?

Canon EOS 7D Mark II versus Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
Side by side47 specifications
Canon · DSLR · 20.2 MP · APS-C · Full HD video Canon EOS 7D Mark II
60
WINNER
Panasonic · Mirrorless · 16 MP · Micro Four Thirds · 4K video Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
58
SCORE
Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
General
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20142014
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
September 15, 2014February 7, 2014
Camera type DSLRMirrorless
Camera size 149 x 112 x 78 mm133 x 93 x 84 mm
Camera weight 910 g560 g
Optics61/10052/100
Read the Optics Comparison

Canon EOS 7D Mark II vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 Overview and Optics

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II outperforms the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 in optics, scoring 61/100 compared to the GH4’s 52/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, including a CMOS sensor type, absence of image stabilization, and similar processors – the 7D Mark II with Dual Digic 6 and the GH4 with Venus Engine IX.

The 7D Mark II boasts a higher megapixel count at 20.2, compared to the GH4’s 16, which allows for better image resolution and detail. Furthermore, the 7D Mark II has an APS-C sensor size, which is larger than the GH4’s Micro Four Thirds sensor. This difference in sensor size results in improved low-light performance and a shallower depth of field for the 7D Mark II. The Canon EF-S lens mount is also compatible with a wide range of high-quality lenses, offering more versatility for various shooting situations.

On the other hand, the GH4 has a faster shooting speed at 12 frames per second, compared to the 7D Mark II’s 10. This can be beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects or action scenes. Additionally, the GH4 has a slightly higher DXOMARK score for its sensor at 74, compared to the 7D Mark II’s 70, indicating better overall image quality.

Taking these factors into consideration, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II emerges as the stronger camera in terms of optics, with a higher megapixel count, larger sensor size, and versatile lens compatibility. However, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 still has its advantages, particularly in shooting speed and a marginally better DXOMARK sensor score.

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
20.2 MP05016 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
5472 x 36484608 x 3456
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
15 x 22.413 x 17.3
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-CMicro Four Thirds
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
10 fps04512 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Canon EF-SMicro 4/3
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Dual Digic 6Venus Engine IX
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:24:3
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
1003020020030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
160003003280000256003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
1003020010030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
512003003280000256003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30440806044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
800080032000800080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
650300490300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
✗✗
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Optical (pentaprism)Electronic
Viewfinder dots N/A235900009900000
Video56/10070/100
Read the Video Comparison

Canon EOS 7D Mark II vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 Video Performance

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 emerges as the winner in video capabilities, with a score of 70/100 as opposed to the Canon EOS 7D Mark II’s score of 56/100. Both cameras share certain video specifications, such as Full HD video resolution and a maximum frame rate of 60fps for the Canon and 24fps for the Panasonic. However, the GH4 offers more advanced video features that contribute to its higher score.

One significant advantage of the GH4 over the 7D Mark II is its ability to record 4K video with a maximum video dimension of 4096 x 2160. This allows for higher quality and more detailed footage compared to the 7D Mark II’s Full HD video resolution of 1920 x 1080. Additionally, the GH4 has time-lapse functionality built in, providing more creative options for videographers.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II has a higher maximum video frame rate of 60fps, compared to the GH4’s 24fps. This enables smoother slow-motion footage and may be preferred by some users. However, this advantage is not enough to outweigh the benefits offered by the GH4’s 4K resolution and time-lapse capabilities.

To conclude, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 boasts superior video capabilities due to its 4K resolution and built-in time-lapse functionality, earning it a higher score in this category. While the Canon EOS 7D Mark II offers a higher maximum video frame rate, this feature is not enough to surpass the advantages provided by the GH4.

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
YesYes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
Full HD4K
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
1920 x 10804096 x 2160
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
60 fps24 fps
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
NoYes
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
MOV, MP4MOV, MP4, AVCHD
Features57/10070/100
Read the Features Comparison

Canon EOS 7D Mark II vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 Features and Benefits

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 emerges as the winner with a feature score of 70/100, while the Canon EOS 7D Mark II scores 57/100. Both cameras have 3-inch screens, similar screen resolutions (1,036,000 dots for the GH4 and 1,040,000 dots for the 7D Mark II), GPS, WiFi, and no Bluetooth.

The GH4 outperforms the 7D Mark II with its touchscreen and flip screen features. The touchscreen allows for easier navigation and control, while the flip screen provides flexibility when shooting from different angles or taking selfies. These features make the GH4 more user-friendly and versatile.

On the other hand, the 7D Mark II has GPS, which the GH4 lacks. This feature enables geotagging, allowing users to track and organize their photos based on location. However, this advantage is not significant enough to outweigh the GH4’s superior features.

When comparing the two cameras, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4’s higher feature score reflects its better overall performance. The touchscreen and flip screen contribute to its user-friendliness and versatility, making it the preferred choice for many photographers. The Canon EOS 7D Mark II’s GPS feature offers a slight advantage in photo organization, but it is not enough to compete with the GH4’s strengths. Consequently, the GH4 remains the superior choice in terms of features.

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
YesYes
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
YesYes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
YesNo
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
YesYes
Screen type LCDLCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
NoYes
Screen size 3"3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
1040000115000150000010360001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
NoYes
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
YesYes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
YesYes
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
✗✗
Storage & battery65/10060/100
Read the Storage & battery Comparison

Canon EOS 7D Mark II vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 Storage and Battery

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II wins the storage and battery comparison with a score of 65/100, while the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 scores 60/100. Both cameras have two memory card slots and accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. The 7D Mark II stands out with its additional support for Compact Flash cards, providing users with more storage options.

Regarding battery life, the 7D Mark II offers 670 shots per charge, which is superior to the GH4’s 500 shots. The 7D Mark II uses an LP-E6N battery, while the GH4 uses a DMW-BLF19 battery. Neither camera supports USB charging.

Despite the lower score, the GH4 still provides a decent battery life and storage capacity for most users. However, the 7D Mark II is the better option for those seeking longer battery life and more storage flexibility. Both cameras lack USB charging, which could be a disadvantage for some users.

Memory card SD / SDHC / SDXC, Compact FlashSD / SDHC / SDXC
Dual memory card slots YesYes
Battery type LP-E6NDMW-BLF19
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
670 shots1505000500 shots1505000
USB charging ✗✗

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