When the Panasonic G6 was launched back in 2013 it was met with universal acclaim thanks to the combination of an enthusiast specification, DSLR-style design and relatively small body. Fairly shortly it was viewed as one of the best enthusiast CSCs on the market and often a first stop for those wanting to upgrade on their compact or entry-level model.

The enthusiast CSC market has changed in recent years with a series of models – including Olympus’s E-M10 and Sony’s A6000 – providing some stiff competition for the newly-announced Panasonic Lumix G7.

So, is the G6’s successor up to the task and ready to take on the newcomers? We went hands-on with one of the first G7 review samples to find out…

The Panasonic Lumix G7 arrives with a host of new features

Panasonic Lumix G7 – First Look

Perhaps the headline of the G7’s specification is its video capture capabilities. Much like its stablemate – the Lumix GH4 – the G7 is capable of recording Ultra-HD 4K video in the QFHD format and at 3840 x 2160 (50hz) and 24p in MP4.

As is the case in other 4K-capable cameras, the G7’s Ultra-HD video functionality brings with it benefits for stills capture. It allows for 8MP still images to be extracted directly from a movie clip, with modes such as ‘4K burst shooting’ and ‘4K pre-burst’ making this process more simple.

Another key improvement for the G7 is found on the rear of the camera. The model borrows the same viewfinder as found on the GH4 – an OLED unit with a resolution jumping from 1,440k-dots to 2,360k-dots. This almost-doubling in resolution, combined with an improved eye-cup, results in an excellent viewing improvement.

The tiltable LCD is joined by a new and improved viewfinder

The imaging power is provided by a 16.1MP Live MOS sensor and Panasonic’s Venus Engine image processor, a combination which allows for a continuous shooting speed of up to 8fps

As is almost always the case with Panasonic Lumix cameras, the G7 is capable of some excellent focusing speeds. A combination of ‘Depth From Focus’ technology and contrast detect methods allow for a headline speed of just 0.07sec.

In terms of design, the major change on the G7 is regarding the camera’s controls. While the G6 features a single command dial, the G7 boasts a pair of command dials – one for aperture control and one for shutter control.

A range of dials and controls are located around the G7’s body

The top plate also features a pair of dials – one for shooting modes and one for drive modes – while a host of other control buttons are also present offering direct access to the camera’s functionality.

The Panasonic Lumix G7 is available for pre-order now, with stock expected to arrive from mid-June. The G7 will be available body only or in single and twin lens bundles, priced £599, £679 and £849 respectively.