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Panasonic has finally released the full specifications for its new Micro Four Thirds mirrorless flagship, the DC-GH5, and they definitely do not disappoint.

This hybrid stills/video camera offers some outsized specs for its size, including UHD 4K at 60 fps, DCI/UHD 4K at 24/30 fps with internal 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, 12 fps continuous shooting, 4K and 6K PHOTO, 5-axis in-body stabilization, and more.

It also features a newly developed 20.3MP Digital Live MOS sensor without a low-pass filter with 1.66x faster processing and a new Venus Engine that is 1.3x faster to help produce and process the imagery. The camera can be yours for a bargain price of $1997.99.

A major selling point of the GH series has always been its video capabilities. The GH5 steps things up a notch with 4K recording at up to 60 fps, as well as the ability to record 4K video without any cropping on the sensor. It also can record internally at 10-bit 4:2:2 for 4K at up to 30 fps and can output 10-bit 4:2:2 at all settings via a full-sized HDMI port.

Full HD gets a speed boost, with maximum frame rates up to 180 fps. Those looking for picture profiles will find various settings, including multiple Cinelike options built in, while the advanced V-Log L is available by picking up an optional activation code along with a V-Log L View Assist Function for easier viewing during shooting. Finally, as with early models, the GH5 does not have any recording time limits.

One of the huge advantages of the GH5 is its expandability, including live monitoring and recording over HDMI while simultaneously recording internally to an SD card. It also comes with an HDMI Cable Lock Holder accessory. Shooters will have access to a 4K 4:3 anamorphic video mode at up to 60 fps, with firmware updates, promised to upgrade this feature in the future.

Other benefits include a dedicated GUI for videographers, which includes access to settings such as Gain and Shutter Angles, a waveform or vectorscope monitor display, and luminance level settings for 10-bit video.

Finally, not to forget about audio, Panasonic has implemented a redesigned microphone with enhanced noise suppression and created a DMW-XLR1 XLR Microphone Adapter that connects via the camera’s hot shoe and adds physical audio controls and two XLR inputs to the GH5.

These video capabilities are in addition to an extremely capable set of still-imaging features, including 4K PHOTO and 6K PHOTO modes with rolling shutter distortion correction for ensuring you don’t miss a shot.

These record either 18MP stills at 30 fps using HEVC or 8MP stills at 60 fps using H.264 to provide a series of high-res stills for users to choose from. Also, it has a customizable 225-area Advanced Depth-From-Defocus AF system that is faster and more accurate, able to lock on in less than 0.05 second and, with the addition of a joystick to the camera, choosing an AF point is much faster and more intuitive.

Speed is definitely a theme in the GH5, with 12 fps continuous shooting with AF-S and 9 fps with AF-C for up to 100 raw frames at full resolution.

A significant change is the implementation of two SD card slots, both of which are UHS-II compatible, for auto switching, creating an automatic backup, or selecting which files are saved to which card for organization. Also, five-axis Dual I.S. 2.0 makes its appearance on the flagship GH series, here using a five-axis in-body stabilization system and a two-axis lens stabilizer. This system can provide about five stops of compensation for camera movement and shake, ensuring sharp blur-free imagery.

In addition to this, the magnesium-alloy body has received numerous improvements, including the addition of freeze-proofing down to 14°F to the splash- and dust-proofing. The rear 3.2″ RGBW free-angle touchscreen LCD receives a resolution bump to 1.62m-dots while the OLED viewfinder is almost entirely revised, featuring much improved 3.68m-dot resolution, a large 0.76x equivalent magnification, and an eyepoint of 21mm.

The physical controls have been optimized and now include a rear joystick and the placement of the video Record button on the top of the camera. Additionally, the GH5 now offers a USB 3.1 port for fast image transfer and tethering. A new DMW-BGGH5 Battery Grip is available for extending battery life and improving ergonomics during vertical shooting.

[B&H]

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