Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 vs Sony a7 II Comparison
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
Sony a7 II
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Brand | Panasonic | Sony | |
Model | Lumix DMC-GH4 | a7 II | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2014 | 2014 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | February 07, 2014 | November 20, 2014 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Sony a7 II emerges as the winner with a score of 69/100, while the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 trails behind with 58/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as being mirrorless and having a 2014 release year.
The Sony a7 II has advantages in its more compact size (127 x 96 x 60mm) and lower launch price of $1600. On the other hand, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 is lighter in weight (560g) compared to the Sony a7 II (599g), which could be a plus for some users.
Taking these factors into consideration, the Sony a7 II outperforms the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 mainly due to its size and price, while the latter may still appeal to those who prioritize a lighter camera.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 vs Sony a7 II Overview and Optics
The Sony a7 II prevails in the optics comparison with a score of 78/100, leaving the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 behind at 52/100. Both cameras share a CMOS sensor and distinct processors, the Bionz X for the Sony a7 II and the Venus Engine IX for the Panasonic GH4. Additionally, they each have unique lens mounts: Sony E for the a7 II and Micro 4/3 for the GH4.
The Sony a7 II outperforms the Panasonic GH4 in several aspects, including a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 90 compared to the GH4’s 74. Furthermore, the Sony a7 II has a full-frame sensor, a superior 24.2-megapixel count, and image stabilization. These features contribute to the camera’s enhanced image quality and low-light performance.
On the other hand, the Panasonic GH4 has a faster shooting speed of 12, double that of the Sony a7 II’s 5. This advantage allows the GH4 to capture fast-moving subjects more effectively. However, the GH4’s smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor and lower 16-megapixel count result in a lower overall optics score.
The Sony a7 II is the clear winner in terms of optics, offering better image quality and low-light performance due to its full-frame sensor, higher megapixels, and image stabilization. The Panasonic GH4’s advantage lies in its faster shooting speed, making it more suitable for capturing fast-paced action. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras comes down to the photographer’s specific needs and preferences.
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Optics
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
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Sony a7 II
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 16 MP | 24.3 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4608 x 3456 px | 6000 x 4000 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
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. | 13 x 17.3 mm | 23.9 x 35.8 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Micro Four Thirds |  Full Frame | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 12 fps | 5 fps | |
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. | Micro 4/3 | Sony E | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Venus Engine IX | Bionz X | |
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. |  4:3 |  3:2 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 200 | 50 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) 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. | 25,600 | 51,200 | |
Minimum 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. | 100 | 50 | |
Maximum 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. | 25600 | 51200 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 60 s | 30 s | |
Maximum 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. | 1/ 8000 s | 1/ 8000 s | |
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. | 49 | 117 | |
In-body Stabilization 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. | Electronic | Electronic | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 2,359,000 dots | 2,359,000 dots |
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 vs Sony a7 II Video Performance
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 outperforms the Sony a7 II in video capabilities, scoring 70/100 compared to the Sony a7 II’s 56/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as the ability to record high-definition video and offering manual exposure control during video recording. However, the GH4 surpasses the a7 II in several key aspects.
The most significant advantage of the GH4 is its maximum video resolution. It supports 4K video recording with dimensions of 4096 x 2160, while the a7 II only supports Full HD with dimensions of 1920 x 1080. This means the GH4 can capture more details and higher quality footage than the a7 II. Additionally, the GH4 has a built-in time-lapse functionality, which the a7 II lacks. This feature allows the GH4 to capture stunning time-lapse sequences without the need for additional accessories or software.
On the other hand, the Sony a7 II has a higher maximum video frame rate of 60fps, compared to the GH4’s 24fps. This allows the a7 II to record smoother video, particularly when capturing fast-moving subjects or action scenes. However, this advantage may not be significant enough for many users to outweigh the benefits of the GH4’s 4K resolution and time-lapse feature.
Given these differences, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 emerges as the superior choice for video capabilities. Its 4K resolution and built-in time-lapse functionality make it a more versatile and powerful tool for videographers. While the Sony a7 II has a higher frame rate, it falls short in other essential aspects, making the GH4 the clear winner in this comparison.
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Video
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
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Sony a7 II
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K |  Full HD | |
Max Video Dimensions 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. | 4096 x 2160 px | 1920 x 1080 px | |
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. | 24 p | 60 p | |
Time-Lapse 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. |  | | |
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, MP4, AVCHD | XAVC S |
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 vs Sony a7 II Features and Benefits
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 outperforms the Sony a7 II in features, with a score of 70/100 compared to the Sony’s 57/100. Both cameras share some specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size, flip screen, no GPS, WIFI, and no Bluetooth. However, there are notable differences that make the Panasonic GH4 a better choice in terms of features.
The Panasonic GH4 has a touchscreen, which the Sony a7 II lacks. This makes navigating menus, selecting focus points, and adjusting settings quicker and more intuitive. Additionally, the GH4’s screen resolution is 1,036,000 dots, slightly lower than the Sony a7 II’s 1,230,000 dots, but this difference is not significant enough to affect the overall user experience.
On the other hand, the Sony a7 II has a higher screen resolution, which may provide a clearer and more detailed display. However, this advantage is minimal given the absence of a touchscreen. In terms of features, the GH4 is the clear winner, offering a more user-friendly experience with its touchscreen capabilities.
In conclusion, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 is the better camera in terms of features, as evidenced by its higher score. The touchscreen functionality sets it apart from the Sony a7 II, making it more convenient and enjoyable to use. While the Sony a7 II has a slightly higher screen resolution, it falls short in overall features, making the Panasonic GH4 the superior choice.
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Features
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
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Sony a7 II
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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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. |  | | |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  | | |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  | | |
Screen Type | LCD | LCD | |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  | | |
Screen Size |  3" | 3" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,036,000 dots | 1,230,000 dots | |
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. |  | | |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  | | |
Wi-Fi |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 vs Sony a7 II Storage and Battery
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 outperforms the Sony a7 II in storage and battery, boasting a score of 60/100 compared to the Sony’s 35/100. Both cameras accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, but the GH4 has two memory card slots, while the a7 II only has one. Additionally, the a7 II accepts Memory Stick Duo, Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards.
The GH4’s battery life is superior, offering 500 shots per charge, whereas the a7 II’s battery life is limited to 350 shots. Both cameras use different battery types, with the GH4 utilizing a DMW-BLF19 and the a7 II using an NP-FW50.
In terms of storage and battery, the GH4 is the clear winner with its longer battery life and dual memory card slots. However, the a7 II does offer more memory card compatibility, which may be a minor advantage for some users.
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Storage and Battery
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
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Sony a7 II
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | DMW-BLF19 | NP-FW50 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 500 shots | 350 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
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Sony a7 II
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 22.1 bits | 24.9 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 11.7 EVs | 13.6 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 721 | 2449 |
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Scores
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
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Sony a7 II
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Main Features | N/A | ||
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Extra Features | N/A | ||
Construction and Durability | N/A | ||
Handling and Ergonomics | N/A | ||
Value for Money | N/A | ||
Total Score | N/A |
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 vs Sony a7 II – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 or the Sony a7 II:
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User Scores
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
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Sony a7 II
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B&H photo video |
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