Panasonic G7 in 2021 Review

I've had the pleasure of working with the Panasonic G7 since 2016 where it became my main VLOG camera for 170ish episodes, transition to my live camera, and then I had to use it to make some other video recently and it's still good. Let's talk about it's strengths and weaknesses and how it compares in 2020 vs the Canon M50 and Sony a6100.

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[AlexRossiharmonica]

I just got one, , brand new and it is amazing, , thanks for the tips..

[BenjaminHalsall]

I like this 4 years on review.... when you've really had a chance to make all the mistakes, find all the little quirks and give your thoughts based on experience. Nice work.

[Wolpher]

This is the kind of camera review i love, my man did the review with shots from the camera and specified the lens in use. Most reviewers will use a different camera and just talk rubbish and i can't even see what they are talking about or what they mean. Thank you mahn

[seandaniel]

Thank you Justin for always explaining things so that us beginners can learn and understand what you're talking about. Too many YouTubers loosely use technical terms without explaining those terms. Through your explanations and videos you've helped me learn more about videography and make proper decisions on which gear to purchase. Thank you!

[markdavies]

On my Panasonic G7/G9/S5 For video AF make sure in your video menu settings 2/5 (G7) you set the continuous AF to On and you set the camera switch to AFC and press the F2 button and set to tracking mode then half press the shutter button on the subject then release it. It should now focuse a lot better!

[ramkin]

You’ve just pushed me over the edge gosh dang it. I’m getting one.

Really great video about that little beast of a camera 🙂 (G7 user over here)
Keep up with the good work!

[elitexcomputing]

I just picked up one because it was a decent price. Love how it does color, and it’s so nice and light to hold. Thanks for helping to reinforce my choice of purchase.

[jeffslade]

Yeah, the DFD (depth from defocus) contrast system produces one focus solution whereas phase produces two, which is why phase has to hunt to know which way to move the lens. Unfortunately DFD is less clever when the subject is moving, it needs to read, move, read again, and then move to the focus point and check. So it needs focus aimed at one spot throughout not very long, and it needs obvious contrast. Tracking works if your aim hits the target, the camera doesn't guess well. Yes there are tricks to play shooting video to have it follow-focus. G5, GX7, GH4, E-PL7, G7, E-M5ii
Focus speed can depend on the lens motors but all of them are fast. The fastest in 0.07 seconds. DFD only works with Panny lenses like that 12-35mm which although getting old is "world class", meaning you will not find better glass. The Panny G X PZ lenses are video lenses, designed for shooting movies. Panny video focus and power zoom are deliberately slower to avoid harsh transitions, which can be annoying at times.
Some of the very best PCM recorders are made by Olympus, the same will be found in their cameras. Panasonic are not far behind, to the extend that the GH4 and the Tascam DR60Dii produce the same quality sound, and unlike most of the other brands Panny do not digital-clip harshly. The G7 has no earphone socket but a HDMI to jack with a headphone amp is a simple solution (if you've tried recording a rock band you'll understand why the amp is needed)

[ritzie]

Loved your comments. I just bought a G7. Can't wait to get it. The reviews are really good on the G7 (except relative to the AF, as you describe). The two features that made me pull the trigger (in addition to all the good reviews) was that this one is lighter/smaller, and a good design for making quick settings adjustments. Also like the flip out screen. I mostly take photos and want to get much better at that (more than just grab shots)...and I'm going to try to play around more with the video on this camera than I have with previous cams. I will be watching your channel for sure.

[silverlightphotoco]

I love how you mentioned, around 2:47, how mirrorless cameras make it a LOT easier to learn because the "constant preview" function allow you to see exactly what you'll be getting.

[FactStreamFriday]

I want to get it second hand.... Will you sell ?

[ItsNishaLaurenWest]

This camera is AMAZING I know for photography’s it’s different but for a regular person who’s used to taking pics with an iPhone it’s AMAZING

[MikeBabsBC]

I've since moved onto the GH5, but every now and then I break out my G85 and it still impresses me how good it is!

[dvdaltizer]

I just got my ZV1 this weekend and I must say... the Sony z-v1 is undoubtably the best vlogging camera ever made. I hope you can get your hands on one. Game changer in my book.

[lowbeampictures]

My 9-year old G6 is now the backup to my Nikon Z6. I used it two weeks ago when the Nikon's battery died. No 4K, but everything else is good.

[ecrespoCL]

great review!! very honest and full of great shots. Greetings from Chile

[gonootropics.]

I was excited when you said the viewfinder allows you to see a preview of the picture but nothing seems to change as im adjusting the settings. EDIT: enable constant preview

[BabyBackManiac]

Great video. Like you I’ve tried so many cameras. I had good reasons for trying new cameras and to be honest I still think part of this trail we are on is by design...it really doesn’t take much to make an uncrippled camera and they still aren’t doing it.

With that said, I’ve circled all the way back around to the 90d with a longer kit lens. For what I do, it checks the most boxes instead of trying to find a better tool and I think it’s made me a better Youtube creator. (Please hold my wallet for me. The r5/r6 should be out any day. Lol)

Great to see you uploading. I always enjoy your thoughts.

[StephanieFerrante_]

Hey. I am new to the channel. I just got the Panasonic lumix-g7. I love it so far. I'm watching your other videos too. I enjoyed the video. Thanks for the content.