When it comes to choosing a DSLR camera there is a wide spectrum of options on the market today. Whether you’re seeking to simply take high-quality photos as a hobby, or are looking to become a professional photographer or vlogger… there is a perfect camera out there waiting for you.
Today we are going to share with you the best Panasonic Mirrorless Digital cameras on the market. Our guide comprises three different Mirrorless cameras… an entry-level, intermediate level, and professional grade camera.
But before we get started let’s take a look at some of the reasons to go for a Panasonic instead of a Canon or Sony.
Large Selection of Lenses. Although micro fourth sensors are smaller than full frame ones and have a crop factor of 2x there is a definite benefit to these smaller sensors. This includes an amazing selection of lenses. With adapters, you can use lenses from almost any manufacturer including the big ones – Nikon, Olympus, and Canon.
You can shoot 4k video. And you can shoot it in a sub-$600 mirrorless digital camera, which is amazing. Besides providing great images, being able to shoot 4k allows you to push the limits of post-production processing and still getting great footage.
In-Body stabilization. If you’re going to be shooting photos or film free-hand you’ll love this feature. Because of the stabilization, you’ll also be able to use a wide range of cheaper lenses. In-body image stabilization is available in the G85, and the GH5.
Great Internal Preamps. If you’re going to be using an external mic without a sound recorder like the Zoom H4N Pro, then you’ll love the fact that Panasonic has a much better internal preamp over companies like canon. You get beautifully clean audio shooting right out of the camera.
Flip out screen. The flip out screen is amazing. It’s 3.2 inches with 1.6 million dots. This type of resolution allows you to easily frame your subject and tell if you’re in focus. For comparison, the screen is larger and has 50% more resolution than a canon 80d coming in at 3 inches and 1.04 million dots.
Battery life. Ok, Sony battery life is absolutely anemic. Where Canon’s is a little better. But if you looking to get the most video time or images from a single charge. You’ll want to go with a Panasonic.
Price. The fact you can get a 4K camera, with a lens for under $600 is amazing. A new canon 80d body will run you almost twice as much and it won’t have 4k, in body stabilization, or decent low light performance.
This guide will cover our three favorite Panasonics starting with the least expensive, the Panasonic G7
Panasonic G7 Mirrorless Camera W/ 14-42mm Lens
The Panasonic G7 Mirrorless Camera ($598) is the great beginner mirrorless camera. For under $600 you get a 4k camera with a number of great features. These include 16 megapixels, 49 autofocus points, and an ISO range of 100-25600. With the G7, you’ll be able to shoot in low light environments and overexposed areas (also known as direct sunlight) and be able to capture excellent photos/footage. This camera isn’t comparable to low light monsters like the Sony a7’s but it will blow most canon’s out of the water. Another great is the ability to shoot 4k video. The most film-like video is shot at 24 fps and the G7 does 2160p @ 30 fps and does full HD @ 60 fps. For a starter camera, you can’t go wrong with the G7.
Specifications
Megapixels: 16
Sensor Size: Live MOS MFT Sensor (17.3mm x 13.0mm)
AF Points: 49 pts
ISO: 100-25600
In Body Stabilization: No
Video Resolution: 2160p @ 30 fps
Continuous Shooting: 8 fps
Price: $598
Panasonic G85 Mirrorless Camera
The Panasonic G85 Mirrorless Camera ($999) is similar to the G7 and will run about $300 dollars more than its little brother. So what do you get for the extra layout? To begin with, the G85 has a full magnesium alloy chassis that’s been weather sealed. The G85 feels studier in hand and provides extra protection against water and dust over the G7. Both cameras utilize a 16-megapixel sensor micro four-thirds sensors, but the G85 doesn’t use the anti-aliasing filter which gives it a little more resolution in finer details. Both cameras also have ISO ranges of 100-25600, and 49 autofocus points. One of the major differences is the G85 in-body 5-axis image stabilization. If you use a Lumix lens you could shoot handheld with an almost 1s shutter speed which is unheard of. The G7 doesn’t have this feature but you can add stabilization to that camera by using Lumix lenses. There are also slight changes with regards to continuous shooting speeds. With autofocus locked the G85 can shoot 9 fps, compared to G7’s 8fps.
Specifications
Megapixels: 16
Sensor Size: Live MOS MFT Sensor (17.3mm x 13.0mm)
AF Points: 49 pts
ISO: 100-25600
In Body Stabilization: Yes
Video Resolution: 2160 @ 30 fps
Continuous Shooting: 9 fps
Price: $999
Panasonic GH5 Mirrorless Camera
The Panasonic GH5 Mirrorless Camera ($1999) runs about twice as much as the G85 so let’s figure out of the extra money is worth it. The GH5 still comes with a micro four-thirds sensor with an ISO of 100-25600, but instead of 16MP, it comes with 20.3 megapixels and 225 auto-focus pts vs 49 pts of the G7 and G85. It can also shoot at an incredible 12 fps for continuous shooting/burst speed. As far as video resolution goes it can shoot 4k video at 60 fps, but it can also shoot 6k @ 24 fps video. But you don’t get the 6k video in the standard 16:9 format. Then the only way to achieve that resolution is through a firmware update that utilizes the entire 4:3 sensor surface. Meaning there will be some crop when shooting 6k. Lastly, all of the cameras in this guide come with wifi, but the GH5 also has Bluetooth.
Specifications
