Want to know if the Panasonic LUMIX GH4 Camera can still improve your photos and videos?

Having shot with it in the field, I’ll give you real-world takeaways instead of a spec dump.

If you’re a hybrid shooter, event pro, or indie filmmaker, this camera’s strengths—reliable 4K capture, a clear EVF, an articulating touchscreen, and dual-card workflows—are worth a look.

I’ll walk through hands-on shooting impressions, where the GH4 still delivers value, and the trade-offs you should expect. Make sure to read the entire review as I test its real-world strengths and limits—keep reading.

Panasonic LUMIX GH4 Camera

Lightweight, rugged mirrorless delivers cinematic 4K video, responsive handling, and reliable performance for hybrid shooters. Intuitive controls and solid build empower filmmakers and photographers on location and in fast-paced shoots.

Check Price

The Numbers You Need

How It’s Built

Handling the Panasonic LUMIX GH4 Camera felt familiar and confident in my hands — the grip sits well and the main controls fall where you expect them. In my testing the buttons and dials are easy to customize, so once you set it up it becomes instinctive. One thing I really liked was how those custom buttons let me work faster on shoots.

I found the EVF sharp and usable even in bright conditions, which makes manual focus and picky compositions less stressful. The vari-angle touchscreen is a game changer for low or high angles and quick self-recording, and the touchscreen focus point selection is simple to use. For beginners this means you can get creative with angles without twisting into awkward positions.

Dual card slots were a lifesaver during event work — I used them for backup and overflow and avoided any delivery headaches. Wi‑Fi and NFC made remote control and quick client previews painless, and HDMI out gives you the option to monitor or record externally. The built-in stereo mic is fine for reference, but plan on an external mic for interviews.

One thing that could be better is the lack of in-body stabilization; in my hands it meant relying on a tripod, gimbal, or stabilized lenses for smooth video and low-light shots. Battery life handled a stills-heavy day well, though you’ll want extras for long video sessions. The Micro Four Thirds mount gives you lots of lens choices and easy adaptability as you grow.

In Your Hands

The GH4’s contrast-detect autofocus rewards careful shooting: single-frame focusing for portraits and posed work is reliable and often pin‑sharp, while continuous tracking for fast, unpredictable motion can feel a touch hesitant. In practice I found it best to anticipate movement, use focus‑and‑recompose or lock focus early, and fall back to manual focus for critical video or sports sequences.

Burst performance is a handy tool for brief action and fleeting expressions, letting you capture the decisive moment without swapping glass. The AF can keep pace during short bursts, but sustained tracking of erratic subjects benefits from conservative framing and deliberate technique.

Dual card slots and wireless features make the GH4 a dependable field companion—use one slot for instant backups or overflow during long runs, and hand off quick client previews over Wi‑Fi when needed. The high‑resolution EVF and articulating touchscreen are real strengths for awkward angles and run‑and‑gun shooting, with touch AF placement feeling intuitive even in hectic environments.

Battery endurance easily covers a stills‑heavy day, though video‑centric sessions will want spare cells or external power. And with no in‑body stabilization, serious handheld video work calls for a tripod, gimbal, or sturdy rig; for stills, solid support and careful technique keep slower shutter shots usable.

The Good and Bad

• 4K video at 30 fps (internal) and 4K/30p via HDMI out
• Up to 12 fps burst for action sequences
• 3.36M-dot OLED EVF for clear viewing
• Dual SD card slots for redundancy/extended capacity

• No in-body image stabilization (IBIS)
• Contrast-detect AF only; not a phase-detect system

Ideal Buyer

If you need dependable 4K/30p capture and a camera you can rig, the Panasonic LUMIX GH4 Camera still shines. It rewards shooters who are comfortable supporting stabilization with tripods, gimbals, or cages.

Hybrid shooters who swap between stills and video will appreciate the GH4’s 12 fps burst and solid battery life. It handles long event days when you need bursts and endurance.

The high‑resolution OLED EVF and vari‑angle touchscreen make composing at odd angles fast and precise. That usability is a boon for run‑and‑gun interviews, product work, and difficult vantage points.

Dual SD slots and dependable workflow features speak directly to paid shooters who need immediate redundancy or overflow. Wedding, corporate, and editorial work benefit from the peace of mind this provides.

Buy this if you’re invested in Micro Four Thirds glass or plan to build around that compact lens ecosystem. Adaptability with MFT lenses keeps the system nimble and cost‑efficient.

Be honest about autofocus needs: the GH4 favors contrast‑detect AF or manual focus rather than modern phase‑detect tracking. If you require IBIS or aggressive subject tracking, step up; otherwise the GH4 delivers excellent value for focused hybrid shooters.

Better Alternatives?

Now that we’ve dug into the GH4 and what it really offers in the field, let’s look at some other Panasonic options you might consider. The GH4 still makes sense for many jobs, but a few newer bodies make life easier for video or give you more room to grade and stabilize handheld shots.

Below are three clear alternatives I’ve used on shoots. I’ll point out what each one does better and where the GH4 still holds up, and who I’d recommend each camera to based on real shooting needs.

Alternative 1:

Panasonic LUMIX GH5 Camera

Professional-grade body with advanced stabilization, flexible codec options, and extended battery life for intensive video workflows. Robust ergonomics and precise controls make long-form shooting and creative production smooth and dependable.

Check Price

I used the GH5 a lot when I needed stable handheld 4K without hauling a gimbal all the time. Compared to the GH4, the big win is the in-body stabilization — it lets you walk and shoot with much smoother results. The GH5 also gives cleaner internal video options, so color grading and pushing exposure is easier on bigger projects.

That said, the GH5 is a bit bigger and heavier than the GH4, and it costs more. If you’re mostly doing quick run-and-gun stills or don’t mind using a tripod or gimbal, the GH4’s lighter body and simpler workflow can still be appealing. Autofocus is improved over the GH4 but it still isn’t as sticky as the very latest phase-detect systems for fast moving subjects.

Pick the GH5 if you shoot a lot of handheld video, documentaries, weddings, or long interviews and want less dependence on rigs and post-stabilization. If you’re on a tight budget, primarily stills, or already have a good gimbal, the GH4 remains a very practical choice.

Alternative 2:

Panasonic LUMIX GH6 Camera

Next-generation sensor and processing provide expanded dynamic range and high-resolution capture with clean, lifelike color. Improved stabilization and thermal management enable longer takes and confident performance for cinematic projects.

Check Price

The GH6 felt like a proper step up when I needed cleaner images and longer takes. In real shoots it gives wider dynamic range and handles highlights and shadows better than the GH4, so I spend less time fighting clips in grade. Its stabilization and heat management also mean I can record longer handheld or high-resolution clips without the same limits I hit on the GH4.

On the flip side, the GH6 is heavier and pricier. It also invites a more complex workflow — bigger files, more processing, and sometimes more careful planning for card space and edit time. For short jobs or simple delivery needs the GH4’s smaller files and simpler setup can be faster and easier to manage.

This is the camera I’d pick if you’re doing commercial video, short films, or lots of graded work where image quality and long takes matter. If you mainly need casual 4K, event stills, or a compact tool that’s easy to travel with, the GH4 still does those jobs very well.

Alternative 3:

Panasonic LUMIX GH6 Camera

Versatile hybrid tool offering high frame rates, refined autofocus and pro-grade connectivity to simplify complex shoots. Durable construction and user-centric controls streamline workflow, letting creators concentrate on storytelling anywhere.

Check Price

Used as a hybrid tool, the GH6 shines when I need high frame rates or pro connections on set. It’s better than the GH4 at slow-motion capture and gives more flexibility for multi-cam or live setups. The body and controls feel more geared toward long shoots, so it’s easier to make quick changes without digging through menus mid-take.

That said, the GH6’s improvements come with more complexity. Menus, codec choices, and clip sizes mean you’ll spend more time managing footage and batteries. The GH4’s simpler feature set can be an advantage when you want a camera that’s quick to start shooting and doesn’t create huge files to wrangle in the edit bay.

Choose the GH6 if you’re a creator who needs slow motion, stronger on-set connectivity, and a body built for heavier use — music videos, narrative shoots, and studio work. If you’re a run-and-gun shooter who values simplicity, low weight, and smaller file sizes, the GH4 still covers a lot of ground without the extra overhead.

What People Ask Most

Conclusion

The Panasonic LUMIX GH4 Camera still punches above its weight as a dependable hybrid. Its 4K/30p foundation, fast burst capability, clear EVF and flip touchscreen plus dual-card reliability make it a practical workhorse for shooters who value flexibility over flash.

That said, its lack of in-body stabilization and reliance on contrast-detect autofocus are real limits for fast-paced run-and-gun or low-light handheld work. And with 4K capped at 30p, those chasing high-frame-rate or cine-style workflows will feel constrained.

If you shoot with tripods, gimbals, or quality stabilized lenses, and you’re comfortable with manual focus or careful AF, the GH4 still delivers excellent value as a lightweight, proven Micro Four Thirds tool. If you need onboard IBIS, higher frame rates, or modern internal codecs, step up to later GH models. If cinematic raw and grading latitude is your priority, a dedicated cinema camera makes more sense.

In short, the GH4 is a smart choice for photographers and hybrid filmmakers who prioritize versatility, reliability and a compact MFT ecosystem over the latest bells and whistles. It’s not the flashiest option, but for the right user it remains a capable, cost-effective workhorse.

Panasonic LUMIX GH4 Camera

Lightweight, rugged mirrorless delivers cinematic 4K video, responsive handling, and reliable performance for hybrid shooters. Intuitive controls and solid build empower filmmakers and photographers on location and in fast-paced shoots.

Check Price