Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
 58
SCORE
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✓ WINNER
 70
SCORE
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| General | ||
| Brand | Panasonic | Sony |
| Model | Lumix DMC-GH4 | a7R II |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2014 | 2015 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
07/02/2014 | 10/06/2015 |
| Camera type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 133 x 93 x 84 mm | 127 x 96 x 60 mm |
| Camera weight | 560 g | 625 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
16 MP050 | 42.4 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
4608 x 3456 | 7952 x 5304 |
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 | 24 x 35.9 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
Micro Four Thirds | Full Frame |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
12 fps045 | 5 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. |
Micro 4/3 | Sony FE |
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 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
20030200 | 10030200 |
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. |
256003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
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. |
10030200 | 5030200 |
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. |
256003003280000 | 1024003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
6044080 | 3044080 |
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. |
800080032000 | 800080032000 |
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. |
490300 | 3990300 |
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. |
Electronic | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | 235900009900000 | 235929609900000 |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
4K | 4K |
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. |
4096 x 2160 | 3840 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. |
24 fps | 30 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. |
✓ | ✗ |
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 | XAVCS, AVCHD, MP4 |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✓ | ✗ |
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 dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
10360001150001500000 | 12288001150001500000 |
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 ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✓ | ✓ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| 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 shots1505000 | 290 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Sony a7R II outperforms the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 with a score of 70/100 compared to the GH4’s 58/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and were released in 2014 and 2015, respectively. They share similarities in size and weight, with the GH4 measuring 133 x 93 x 84mm and weighing 560g, while the a7R II measures 127 x 96 x 60mm and weighs 625g.
The Sony a7R II’s higher score shows that it is a superior camera. It offers better overall performance, justifying its higher launch price of $3198 compared to the GH4’s $1700. However, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 holds its own with a lighter weight and lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option.
When considering these factors, the Sony a7R II is the better camera for those prioritizing performance, while the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 remains a viable choice for budget-conscious consumers.
The Sony a7R II surpasses the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 in optics with a score of 81/100 compared to the GH4’s 52/100. Both cameras share similarities in specs, such as having a CMOS sensor type and different processors, with the GH4 using Venus Engine IX and the a7R II using Bionz X.
The a7R II outperforms the GH4 in several aspects. With a higher megapixel count of 42.4 compared to 16, it captures more detail, resulting in sharper images. The a7R II also boasts a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 98, indicating better overall image quality. Additionally, the Sony a7R II has a full-frame sensor size, allowing for better low-light performance and a shallower depth of field. The camera also features image stabilization and a Sony FE lens mount, which offers a wider selection of lenses.
On the other hand, the GH4 has some advantages over the a7R II. It has a faster shooting speed of 12 frames per second, compared to the a7R II’s 5 frames per second, making it more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects. Furthermore, the GH4 uses a Micro Four Thirds sensor size and lens mount, which typically results in smaller and lighter camera bodies and lenses.
Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7R II proves to be the superior camera in terms of optics, with higher image quality and better low-light performance. However, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 may still be a viable option for those prioritizing shooting speed and portability.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 outperforms the Sony a7R II in video capabilities, scoring 70 out of 100 compared to the Sony’s 56. Both cameras share the advantage of 4K video resolution, providing high-quality footage for videographers.
The Lumix DMC-GH4 has a maximum video dimension of 4096 x 2160, while the a7R II reaches 3840 x 2160. This difference allows the GH4 to produce slightly larger and more detailed videos. Additionally, the GH4 has a built-in time-lapse functionality, making it more versatile for capturing creative video content without needing additional equipment.
On the other hand, the Sony a7R II offers a higher maximum video frame rate of 30fps, compared to the GH4’s 24fps. This enables smoother video playback and better slow-motion capabilities in the a7R II. However, the lack of built-in time-lapse functionality in the Sony camera means users will need external tools or software to achieve time-lapse effects.
In comparing the video capabilities of these two cameras, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 takes the lead with its larger video dimensions and built-in time-lapse functionality. These features make it a more versatile and user-friendly option for videographers. While the Sony a7R II does offer a higher frame rate for smoother video playback, it falls short in other areas that contribute to overall video performance. Therefore, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 is the better choice for those prioritizing video capabilities in their camera selection.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 emerges as the winner in the features comparison, scoring 70 out of 100, while the Sony a7R II scores 57. Both cameras have a 3-inch screen, no GPS, WIFI, and no Bluetooth. They also both feature a flip screen, making them versatile for different shooting angles.
The Lumix DMC-GH4 excels with its touchscreen capability, which the Sony a7R II lacks. This allows users to navigate menus and settings more efficiently and intuitively. Additionally, the GH4’s screen resolution is 1,036,000 dots, which is slightly lower than the a7R II’s 1,228,800 dots. However, the touchscreen feature compensates for this difference in resolution, providing a more user-friendly experience.
On the other hand, the Sony a7R II has a higher screen resolution, which may offer a slightly clearer and sharper display. However, this advantage is not enough to outweigh the benefits of the GH4’s touchscreen capability.
In terms of features, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 is the superior choice due to its touchscreen functionality. It makes navigating menus and settings easier and more efficient, which can be crucial when capturing images quickly. While the Sony a7R II has a higher screen resolution, it does not offer enough of an advantage to surpass the GH4’s overall feature score. Therefore, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 is the better camera in terms of features.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 outperforms the Sony a7R II in storage and battery, scoring 60/100 compared to the Sony’s 16/100. Both cameras accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, but the Lumix GH4 has two memory card slots, while the a7R II only has one. Additionally, the a7R II accepts Memory Stick Duo, Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards.
The Lumix GH4’s battery life is superior, providing 500 shots compared to the a7R II’s 290 shots. The GH4 uses a DMW-BLF19 battery, while the a7R II uses an NP-FW50 battery. Neither camera offers USB charging.
Despite the lower score, the Sony a7R II has an advantage in accepting additional memory card formats, which could be beneficial for some users. However, the Panasonic Lumix GH4’s longer battery life and extra memory card slot make it the clear winner in this comparison for storage and battery capabilities.
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 a7R II:
