Sony a7 Vs GH4 – Detailed Comparison

Our comparison today focuses on the Sony a7 vs GH4. These are pretty different cameras, obviously. However, there is one significant difference between these two cameras. The Sony a7 is more like an all-round camera that does everything pretty good from stills to videos. Then there is the GH4 which is mostly known as an amazing video camera – one of the best in its price category right now.

Get the Sony a7R here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

So, this comparison is going to be a pretty interesting one. You probably can already tell where these cameras’ areas of strengths lie, and you’re also probably right. However, to confirm that either of these cameras is what you’re looking for, you’d have to keep reading.

At face value though, we are looking at a full frame Sony vs a micro four thirds Panasonic. Doesn’t seem to be a very fair fight already. Plus, those who know Panasonic know that up until the GH5S, their cameras have been whack when we talk about low light performance.

On the other hand, there’s the video rock star – the GH4 which shoots nearly 5K and more modern offerings like a touch sensitive screen that we are crazy about. So, which of these should you be considering? Definitely not going to be an easy choice but we can help you if you keep reading. You could check out this comparison that involves the GH5, the upgrade to the GH4.

Sony a7 Vs GH4 – Comparison Overview

This is the section where we try to compress a really detailed review into something a little more bite-sized for a faster yet informed decision. We still advise that you go through the entire review in order to see all sides of the prism before settling for any one camera over the other. As they say, the devil is in the detail after all.

Where Both Cameras Get It Right

The Sony a7 and GH4 both come with wireless connection for the easy transfer of files. They also come with screens that articulate, at least, to some degree. There’s also an external flash shoe as well which helps when you need to use an external flash.

These cameras come with excellent viewfinders. Plus, they also feature RAW support, and face detection focus. For excellent audio quality for your videos, there are ports for your microphone and headphones.

Besides these, the Sony a7 and Panasonic GH4 also come with AE bracketing, dual-axis electronic level, as well as smartphone remote control.

Lastly, these cameras are both weather-sealed to improve ruggedness.

Get the Sony a7R here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Where The Sony a7 Does It Better

The Sony a7 comes with a full frame sensor and a resolution of 24 megapixels whereas the GH4 only has a micro four-thirds sensor of 16 megapixels. Its autofocus system is faster and it also has more focus points than the GH4.

Interestingly, although the Sony a7 has a larger sensor, it is smaller and more compact than the GH4. Its color depth is also much better as is its dynamic range.

In low light, the Sony a7 does comparatively better thanks to a larger sensor and a larger sensor pixel area. AE bracketing is also better on the Sony a7. Plus, in comparison to built-in WiFi, the Sony a7 also comes with NFC which allows for transfer of files even without internet.

Where The Panasonic GH4 Does It Better

First off, the Panasonic GH4 also a built-in flash in addition to an external flash shoe but the a7 lacks that. It also has a flash sync port. Plus, in comparison to the Sony a7, the screen of the GH4 completely articulates and, to make things better, also comes touch sensitive as well.

In continuous shooting, the GH4 is about 7 frames faster. Also, its time lapse recording comes in-camera unlike the Sony a7 which has its in an optional app.

For the 4K lovers, the GH4 is where you might be tending towards. It also comes with a 4K photo mode and post focus mode as well (very handy).

Because the GH4 has a smaller sensor, it does not experience the rolling shutter effect which the Sony a7 suffers. It is also really versatile and is adaptable with nearly any kind of lens with Metabones adapters specifically made for it.

Lastly, it has a much stronger battery than the Sony a7.

Get the Sony a7R here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Where Both Cameras Get It Wrong

The major common con these two cameras share is their lack of an image stabilization system.

Our Opinion On The Price/Value Ratio

These are relatively inexpensive cameras when you compare the prices of the camera in the market. There’s the Sony a7 which sells for about seven hundred bucks, depending on where you get it. Of course, that’s just for the base.

We also have the GH4 which also sells for about that price, but, mostly, that’s for used cameras. Nonetheless, if you’re on a tight budget, don’t be too quick to dismiss that idea. Some of these cameras are still in mint condition.

However, for a brand new GH4, you’d probably have to spend a little over a thousand bucks to get it. But here’s the big question, are these cameras worth the money?

Yes, we believe so. Checking out the Sony a7, this is about the least expensive pro camera you can get from Sony, and that’s understandable. Sony has way more sophisticated cameras now and this is a pretty old camera relatively even though it’s still fantastic.

For only about seven hundred bucks, you’re getting a full frame sensor camera, 24 megapixels, full HD video (with microphone and headphone ports), and fantastic low light performance.

For the Panasonic GH4, whatever you choose to buy – old or new – you’re also getting a pretty amazing deal. The video quality of this camera would cause any videographer to drool and that’s the biggest attraction for us on the GH4. After checking out the video capabilities of these cameras, we had to agree that the camera was worth every dollar you’d spend.

Get the Sony a7R here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Comparative Brand Strengths

We are looking at two cameras today from different brands – Sony and Panasonic. Both Japanese brands, these two have blessed the world of photography with many great cameras useful for different things.

Sony, for instance, is mostly popular for its full frame cameras. These cameras are known for their amazing detail when it comes to stills especially for studio work. Besides high resolution, Sony is also popular for their low light sensitive cameras as well. Most of the best cameras used for low light settings are Sony cameras, especially those in the alpha S line.

Sony has also produced some amazing video cameras. However, Panasonic is the obvious leader in that respect. Of course, we can’t overlook Sony’s amazing pro video cameras like those in the FS line. However, for compact video cameras, we’d give that to Panasonic.

Many are looking to see how Sony competes with Panasonic in this aspect of the market. However, in the meantime, we are really looking forward to larger sensors from Panasonic to help with their stills which pale drastically in comparison to their videos.

But with Panasonic already coming out with their own ISO super sensitive cameras, this “growing brand” is already beginning to give Sony a run for their money.

Sony a7 Vs GH4 – Comparison Table Of Major Specs And Features

	Sony a7	Panasonic GH4
Announcement Date	22nd January, 2014	7th February, 2014
Sensor Size	Full Frame CMOS Sensor	Micro Four Thirds CMOS Sensor
Sensor Resolution	24 Megapixels	16 Megapixels
Mount	Sony E Mount	Micro Four Thirds Mount
LCD Screen	3 Inch Tilting Screen	3 Inch Fully Articulated Screen
LCD Screen Resolution	1.230k dots	1.036k dots
LCD Screen Touch Sensitivity	No	Yes
Continuous Shooting	5 Frames per Second	12 Frames per Second
Video Resolution	1920 x 1080	4096 x 2160
Focus Points	117	49
ISO	100 – 25600	200 – 25600
Low Light ISO	2248	791
Sensor Pixel Area	35.65µm2	14.12µm2
AE Bracketing Range	±5 EV	±3 EV
Dynamic Range	14.2	12.8
Color Depth	24.8	23.2
Built-in Flash	No	Yes
Flash Sync Port	No	Yes
Battery Life	340 shots	500 shots
Dimensions	127 x 94 x 48 millimeters	133 x 93 x 84 millimeters
Weight	474 grams	560 grams
	Get the Sony a7R here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a7R here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7 Vs GH4 – Which Situation Is Each Camera Better For?

Sony a7	Panasonic GH4
The Sony a7 was originally a pro camera. However, in the light of the recent times and improvements in the camera industry, we are tempted to rather call this a semi-pro camera.   This camera is a great camera for stills. So, if you primary take stills and not videos, go for the Sony a7 rather than the GH4.   It takes amazing photos for landscapes and architecture with its full frame sensor. It’s also great for taking portraits as the camera has a really sharp sensor that gives the shallow depth of field and beauty you’d want to see in your portraits.   If you’re an aggressive cropper or your clients constantly demand that you print in extra large sizes, then you’re in luck with the Sony a7. It’s got 24 megapixels, definitely not the highest that Sony has to offer but it’s high enough for many jobs.    In low light, this camera is pretty awesome. So, if you are thinking of which of these cameras to go for when it comes wedding receptions and the likes, of these two cameras, the Sony a7R is the one to go for.   All in all, we find the Sony a7 to be a wonderful, all-round camera in many respects. It takes amazing stills and also does great with video (although it might not compare to the GH4).   However, don’t use this for taking photos or videos of wildlife, sports or any other setting involving intense activity.	The GH4 is mostly known as a video camera which is where it has its greatest upper hand over the Sony a7S. In fact, among all the cameras in this price range, the GH4 knocks the ball right out of the park when it comes to its video capabilities. Most cameras that even come close are way more expensive.   If you need a truly versatile video camera, then the GH4 is it. It’s easy to move around (although considerably large for its small sensor). Plus, it is also relatively affordable as well, making it within the reach of budget photographers.   That said, despite the GH4’s affordability, it delivers exactly like a pro camera. Whether green screen or intense graphic work, the 4K video quality of the Panasonic GH4 over delivers, giving you more than enough material to work with in post.   Unlike the Sony a7S though, the GH4 is not great in low light. So, this isn’t your camera for such events. Better to carry along the Sony a7 if that’s where you mostly find yourself.
Get the Sony a7R here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

This section ends our comparison overview of this article. If you’re in a hurry, you can go ahead and make your purchase immediately. However, we’d advise you to keep reading to get every single detail from this review before making a decision.

Sony a7 Vs GH4 – Which Features Do They Have In Common?

In this section, we look at features which these two cameras share and how well each camera does with each feature. If you’re ready, then let’s get this show on the road.

Get the Sony a7R here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7 Vs GH4 – Common Feature 1: Tilting Screen

Both the Sony a7 and the GH4 have screens that tilt, however, not to the same degree. Let’s begin with the Sony a7. The screen of the Sony a7 is a tilting screen. That is, it does not completely articulate which could be a small limitation. Especially for more modern times, you want to be able to in charge of everything on your camera including how the screen rotates.

Worse still, the screen of the Sony a7 does not come touch sensitive. It hardly comes as a surprise though seeing as even many higher end Sony cameras also lack this feature. However, it does not make it less disappointing or less of a hassle to use the screen.

Thankfully though, the screen is quite sharp. Definitely not the sharpest we ever saw but it’s plenty sharp enough for you to enjoy working with it.

Now, we move over to the GH4. The Panasonic GH4 is wonderful when it comes to its LCD screen. The screen completely articulates. So you have that flexibility to turn the screen any way you want.

This flexibility gives the GH4 another added advantage in that it makes the camera great for taking selfie videos. So, Youtubers and vloggers get in here, this is a camera that might just be the one.

Another huge pro for the GH4 is that its LCD screen is touch sensitive. It makes it much sweeter to navigate the menu and own your experience with the camera. It’s also much faster as well.

Now, the screen of the GH4 is not quite as sharp as that of the Sony a7, nonetheless, it is quite sharp and serves its purpose quite well. You’d enjoy working with it.

Get the Sony a7R here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7 Vs GH4 – Common Feature 2: High ISO Range

Now, the Sony a7 and the Panasonic GH4 both come with about the same ISO range. At least, their max ISOs are the same, their lower boundaries, however, differ. While the Sony a7 goes down to 100 stops, the Panasonic GH4 only goes down to 200 stops. Now, let’s see their actual performance in low light.

So the Sony a7 does quit great and will perform well in low light up t0 3200 stops. That is, no noisy photos or anything – totally clean photos. In fact, with the Sony a7, it can even go up to 4800 stops without any noise.

Now, to the Panasonic GH4. In summary, the GH4 is not great in low light. At worst, you should only expose the GH4 to average lighting not bad or poor lighting.

Now, there are several reasons contributing to that. In the first place, the GH4 has a pretty small sensor which already sets it back somewhat in comparison to the Sony a7’s full frame. Besides that, the sensor pixel area and density of the Panasonic GH4 are also much lower than those of the Sony a7 as well.

Get the Sony a7R here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7 Vs GH4 – Common Feature 3: Dynamic Range

Both of these cameras perform excellently when it comes to dynamic range. We were able to see these cameras more than deliver, although, once again, the Sony a7S trumped the Panasonic GH4 with a dynamic range of about 14 stops.

Like we already mentioned before this advantage of the full frame sensor of the Sony a7S. However, both cameras do well when it comes to dynamic range as the GH4 almost gets up to 13 stops.

Get the Sony a7R here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7 Vs GH4 – Common Feature 6: RAW Support

The Sony a7 and Panasonic GH4 both take beautiful photos. However, if you’re a photographer looking for the best photos, you’re definitely better off with the Sony a7. Even though they both have fantastic RAW support, the full frame sensor and high sensor resolution of the Sony a7 gives it an edge over the GH4.

At 16 megapixels, the Panasonic GH4 is not totally useless. However, despite its RAW support, 16 megapixels is too low for professional use except the user in question just wants to share the photos over the internet. And even in that case, the better choice would be to use JPEG.

Get the Sony a7R here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7 Vs GH4 – Common Feature 7: Continuous Shooting

If you’re into sports, wildlife, or any such activity that involves intense movement, then you shouldn’t be considering the Sony a7. It has such a poor continuous shooting which doesn’t come to us a surprise as Sony isn’t known to produce the best continuous shooting cameras.

For instance, in this case, the Sony a7 comes with 5 frames per second burst mode. There isn’t much you can do with this in the field, as you can tell. However, that said, you can use the burst mode for other things besides wildlife and sports.

Capturing the true essence of a person such that it looks natural and original can be difficult. So, you can try using the burst mode of the Sony a7 to take your portraits. You can also use it to take group photos. This way, you’re sure of, at least, one photo were everyone’s eyes are open.

Get the Sony a7R here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

The GH4, on the other hand, comes with 12 frames per second. This is, definitely, not the best you’d ever come across but it’s definitely impressive. You’d enjoy it for all kinds of shoots involving intense activities.

Sony a7 Vs GH4 – Common Feature 8: Electronic Viewfinder

The Sony a7 and Panasonic GH4 are both mirrorless cameras. This means that they lack the presence of a mirror which DSLRs use in their viewfinder systems. The removal of the mirrors from cameras is definitely the future even though purists are averse to the whole idea.

The simple fact that cameras are lighter, more compact, and yet developing every day to shoot even better than DSLRs is definitely endearing a lot of users.

So, back to the viewfinder here. If you’re a purist, these cameras might turn you off because they come with electronic viewfinders. But whether or not, we love the viewfinders here. They are not out of this world but they are quite sharp and clear and so it’s easy to get a clear image of what you’re shooting from them.

You probably already know some of the drawbacks that come with electronic viewfinders. They use up battery unlike optical viewfinder which do not. This means batteries die faster and you have to ensure that you have the paraphernalia for charging at all times.

Also, when out in the sun, electronic viewfinders tend to have issues since they reflect the light of the sun.

Get the Sony a7R here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7 Vs GH4 – Common Feature 9: Focus Points

In this category, the score is far apart while the Sony a7 comes with 117 focus points, the GH4 only comes with 49 focus points. Of course, the number of focus points a camera comes with affects the performance of a camera in the area of focus.

Generally, the more the focus points, the faster the focus system and the easier it is to focus on moving subjects. It becomes even more important when taking photos not necessarily videos because most videographers use manual when shooting. However, for selfie videos, faster autofocus becomes a priority.

So, let’s start with the Sony a7. It has a fantastic autofocus system which is also quite fast both in stills mode and in video mode. However, expectedly, in dark lighting, autofocusing becomes a little slower. But, generally, autofocusing is quite fast.

Now, one small challenge we noticed with the Sony a7’s focus system is in the adjustment of the focus points. Sure, there’s a knob to help with that, however, a touch sensitive screen would definitely have helped to make the experience much smoother.

The GH4, on the other hand, only has 49 focus points which isn’t too bad but isn’t too great. The GH4’s autofocus system is quite slow too in comparison to the Sony a7 which makes it difficult to use especially if you’re a one-man vlogger or YouTuber.

Get the Sony a7R here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7 Vs GH4 – Common Feature 9: Max Shutter Speed Of 1/8000s

With these two cameras, the max shutter speed is same. You get 1/8000s for each camera which is pretty impressive. On the lower boundary, you also get a nice, slow 30 second shutter speed. A wide range such as this is generally useful for achieving all kinds of effects especially for photography.

Based on this, therefore, you’d probably enjoy the shutter speed benefits more with the Sony a7. From clear, non-blurry photos of moving objects to certain dark settings where you need to let in a little more light into the sensor, the wide range of shutter speeds will definitely benefit the pro photographer.

Get the Sony a7R here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7 Vs GH4 – Common Feature 10: Wireless Connection

The Sony a7 and the Panasonic GH4 both come with built-in WiFi. This makes it easier and faster to transfer your files from the camera to other devices via the internet.

By eliminating the need for a cable, these cameras make it more convenient and more hassle-free to move files easily over the internet.

Get the Sony a7R here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7 Vs GH4 – Common Feature 11: Weather Sealing

Weather sealing keeps your camera rugged and protected against elements of the weather ranging from rain to snow to dust. This weather-sealing is mostly rubber used to protect vulnerable parts of the camera for the purpose of reinforcing strength. These two cameras come weather-sealed which means that they can resist certain levels of downpours.

Get the Sony a7R here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7 Vs GH4 – Common Feature 12: No Image Stabilization

This comes as a small surprise since Sony mostly fits its cameras with built-in image stabilization… especially its pro cameras. However, this one lacks any form of image stabilization. This could turn out to be a problem for a couple of reasons.

Of course, you already know that camera shakes are inevitable and this is why we have image stabilization.

We love the built-in image stabilization system which Sony often uses for a number of reasons. One is that it is less expensive and the other reason is that it is lighter.

Now, with these two cameras, one of two things would have to happen to avoid the blurriness that comes with camera shake. You’d either have to use a tripod stand (or any other kind of stabilizing gear) or you’d have to get image stabilization lenses.

By the way, a tripod stand is your best bet at stabilized images and videos.

The problem with image stabilization lenses is that these cameras do not have a wide variation of image stabilization lenses available. Plus, they don’t exactly come cheap. So, although it stabilizes your images real time, it also constitutes a heavy gear and could bore a hole through your pocket.

Now, if you love the GH4 but image stabilization is a must, then you might want to go for the next model after it, the GH5. It’s more expensive but it also comes with better features including image stabilization.

And if it’s a Sony camera you want, and image stabilization is a must, then you can go for the Sony a7II.

Get the Sony a7R here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a7R here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7 Vs GH4 – Unique Features

Here we discuss the various features that are unique to each camera. Let’s check them out.

Sony a7 Vs GH4 – Features Unique To Sony a7

Full Frame Sensor

The Sony a7 comes with a full frame sensor which is the source of many of its advantages over the Panasonic GH4. But before we get to that, a full frame sensor is one of the reasons the Sony a7 makes such a fantastic pro camera for the professional photographer.

The full frame sensor gives the Sony a7 that beautiful, shallow depth of field which makes portraits look even more alluring. However, there’s still the fact that full frame sensors make for larger, heavier cameras due to their own size. They also make for more expensive cameras being the most expensive part of the camera themselves.

But here’s the interesting about this particular comparison. In this case, the Sony a7 with its full frame sensor is still much smaller, much lighter, and more compact than the Panasonic GH4 which comes with a micro four thirds sensor.

So, if you need a small, daily camera, don’t let the full frame sensor of the Sony a7 fool you, Sony did a fantastic job on the Sony a7. They were able to fit such a large sensor into such a compact body which is what users are looking out for these days.

But to how the full frame gives the Sony a7 advantages over the Panasonic GH4. By virtue of their size, full frame sensors naturally give a better dynamic range as well as better low light performance and that you can easily see from the numbers and performance.

Get the Sony a7R here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a7R here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

24 Megapixels Sensor Resolution

This is definitely not the sharpest sensor in Sony’s collection. You just have to check their offerings in their alpha R line to know. However, even at that, 24 megapixels is plenty sharp enough for a lot of work. It gives you enough detail to work with in post from cropping to printing.

It’s also great for studio work as you have more than enough details on your portraits to get the best of your shots. And then you can print in large sizes thanks to the sufficient amount of megapixels.

Of course, downsampling is also possible thanks to the amount of megapixels as well. Downsampled photos from the Sony a7 will hardly lose their quality since there are enough megapixels.

1920 x 1080 Video Resolution

The Sony a7 does not have the 4K video resolution as you have seen. It’s not exactly a thing to be disappointed by, though as Sony cameras still do a pretty good job video wise. However, if 4K is a must, then wait and check out the Panasonic GH4

Let’s get to the nitty gritty of the video performance of the Sony a7.

First, the camera comes with both a microphone and a port for headphones as well. With this, you can ensure that the quality of the audio in your video is stellar with an external microphone. The headphones, on other hand, help you monitor sound without having to lug around an external monitor.

Next point, we discuss frame rate. The Sony a7 comes with a frame rate of 60 frames per second. This is definitely impressive and fast. Beautiful thing though is that it gives you enough raw material to create slow mo effects with your video in post.

We already mentioned that the Sony a7 has fantastic autofocusing which is great especially for selfie videos.

Now, let’s talk about low light performance… The Sony a7 performs great in low light and is the camera to go for if you constantly shoot in low light settings. From wedding receptions to concerts, etc., this is the camera to go for.

Now, to this other feature which might be considered secondary but is actually plays a part in your experience with your video, and that is the screen of the camera. The screen of the Sony a7 is not fully articulated which might limit convenience in the use of the Sony a7 in shooting video.

Get the Sony a7R here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a7R here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7 Vs GH4 – Features Unique To Panasonic GH4

Micro Four Thirds Sensor

The Panasonic GH4 has a really small sensor known as the micro four thirds sensor. As you can probably guess, the micro four thirds sensor is really small and this, normally, affects the performance of a camera especially if you plan to major in stills.

Panasonic probably got away with using such a small sensor because it made this camera specifically for video. No one is particularly looking out for a shallow depth of field when shooting video, so micro four thirds or not, it doesn’t really matter when it comes to video recording.

That said, something that particularly disturbed us was the fact that Panasonic had the opportunity to give us a small, compact, yet powerful camera. But they passed that up, choosing instead to fit such a small sensor into such a large camera – a far cry from what Sony did with the a7.

So, keep in mind that the Panasonic GH4 is quite large and a little heavy as well.

Get the Sony a7R here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

16 Megapixels Sensor Resolution

At 16 megapixels, the GH4 isn’t exactly the camera with the sharpest sensor. It’s more like average in its performance with its 16 megapixel sensor. You can definitely get some things done but there’s not much you can do.

For instance, you can’t exactly crop aggressively as even a little cropping could reduce the photo down to 12 megapixels which isn’t good enough. Plus, there’s also a limit to just how large a photo size you can print in.

And yet again, we are reminded of what exactly Panasonic had in mind when making this camera – and that is a video camera. Considering that, therefore, it’s hard to fault this camera. If you’re using this strictly for video, and you should, 16 megapixels won’t matter.

Get the Sony a7R here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

4K Video Resolution

If you’re a 4K kinda guy, then the GH4 is the camera to go for. It does a fantastic of shooting 4K, but the best part is that you don’t need an external recorder to shoot 4K with the Panasonic GH4. Yet you get an extraordinary ultra HD/DCI quality 4K and that’s so impressive.

Although it shoots in 4K, the Panasonic GH4 also shoots in 1080p which you can crop into different framing options while still in 4K and that’s really cool.

As for bitrate, the Panasonic GH4 can record up to 200 megabits per second which is super impressive. This give you enough material in post to edit and work on your video recording as much as you want. From green screen, to intense graphic work, to color grading, 200 megabits per second is more than enough for all of that.

Plus, you also get other bitrate options internally for your video recording as well.

Now, in comparison to the Sony a7 which comes with a full frame, the Panasonic GH4 comes with a micro four thirds sensor. This makes the camera great for fast panning as there is no chance for the rolling shutter effect which full frame sensors generally tend to have.

Furthermore, the Panasonic GH4 is quite the versatile video camera that works easily with all kinds of lenses. And this is important especially since the Sony a7 is not as versatile. Plus, Sony lenses are not exactly cheap either.

But back to the Panasonic GH4, there are a series of inexpensive adapters which you can use on the GH4 with which you can use all kinds of lenses. In fact, currently, Metabone offers a series of adapters and the speed boosters specifically made for the GH4.

So, in summary, the GH4 does amazing when it comes to 4K video and is definitely the camera to choose if you’re more into videos than stills.

Get the Sony a7R here!          Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a7R here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7 Vs GH4 – Unique Pros

Sony a7 Vs GH4 – Pros Unique To The Sony a7

• Comes with a full frame sensor.
• Higher sensor resolution at 24 megapixels.
• More focus points and faster autofocus system.
• Smaller, more compact, and lighter than the Panasonic GH4.
• Better color depth and, therefore, separates colors better, displaying less color banding.
• Better dynamic rang than the Panasonic GH4.
• The Sony a7 is a better performer in low light than the Panasonic GH4.
• Larger sensor pixel area also contributes to better low light performance.
• Better AE bracketing range performance than that of the Panasonic GH4.
• Comes with Near Field Communication which allows for the contactless transfer of files from camera to device without the need for internet. Quite handy.

Get the Sony a7R here!

Sony a7 Vs GH4 – Pros Unique To The Panasonic GH4

• Comes with built-in flash for those casual times when using an external flash would be overkill.
• LCD screen comes fully articulated and is also touch sensitive as well making for easier navigation of menu system.
• Continuous shooting is far better on the GH4 with 12 frames per second. Great for shooting wildlife, sports, and other activities with intense movements.
• Time lapse recording comes with the camera and not an optional app like on the Sony a7.
• Shoots in 4K.
• Comes with a flash sync port.
• 4K photo mode available.
• Post focus mode also available.
• Does not experience the rolling shutter effect during fast panning thanks to smaller sensor.
• Versatile camera that’s adaptable with nearly any kind of lens.
• Battery lasts longer than on the Sony a7.

Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7 Vs GH4 – Unique Cons

Sony a7 Vs GH4 – Cons Unique To The Sony a7

• The Sony a7 lacks a built-in flash which would have been useful in certain dark settings that might not require an external flash.
• Screen only tilts partially and does not articulate. Also, the screen doesn’t come touch sensitive as well.
• Continuous shooting is just 5 frames per second.
• Time lapse is only accessible on the optional app.
• No flash sync port.
• There are issues with rolling shutter effect when fast panning due to the full frame sensor.
• Battery power isn’t quite as strong.

Sony a7 Vs GH4 – Unique Cons

• Comes with a small, micro four thirds sensor and yet a really large body that makes the camera unnecessarily large and bulky.
• Only 16 megapixels of sensor resolution.
• Autofocus system is slow and focus points are few.
• Does not perform well in low light.
• No Near Field Communication.

Sony a7 Vs GH4 – Common Pros

Sony a7	Panasonic GH4
Built-in WiFi is great for the effortless and wireless transfer of files via the internet.	Also comes with built-in WiFi.
Screen, at least, tilts making it more convenient to use the camera when filming or taking photos.	Screen fully articulates.
External flash shoe is great for connecting an external flash if need be.	Also comes with an external flash shoe.
Electronic viewfinder present.	Comes with an electronic viewfinder as well.
RAW support available.	Also available here.
Comes with the face detection focus feature.	Also features face detection focus.
Ports for external microphone and headphones present.	Same goes for the Panasonic GH4.
Weather-sealed to improve ruggedness and resistance to elements of the weather.	Also weather-sealed to protect the camera.
Comes with AE bracketing.	Also comes with AE bracketing.
Comes with dual-axis electronic level.	Also features dual-axis electronic level.
Smartphone remote control available.	Also available on the Panasonic GH4.
Get the Sony a7R here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Get the Sony a7R here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7 Vs GH4 – Common Cons

Sony a7	Panasonic GH4
Does not come with image stabilization.	Also lacks image stabilization.

Sony a7 Vs GH4 – General Feeling Among Users

Sony a7	Panasonic GH4
We can easily say that the Sony a7 was a much loved camera. There were many commendations from users on the Sony a7’s looks and feel. Many customers seemed to appreciate the tasteful combination of the retro look and modern design. So it wasn’t just about how the camera performed, it was also about proud customers were to show off their camera.   Another huge score for the Sony a7 was its light weight. This was something many customers found easy to carry around thanks to a compact, lightweight body. In fact, the camera is so small, it fits into most people’s purses.   Now, to performance, again, good ratings. Users loved the kind of photos they were able to take with the Sony a7. Of course, the full frame sensor was a plus. Plus, many were also excited to learn that the Sony a7 was a full frame camera.   Now, to battery life. Huge pain point! It wasn’t a most appreciated part of this camera. In fact, nearly every customer who got the Sony a7 had something to say about the battery, even those with good reviews. It was that bad.   Surprisingly, we did not observe so many comments about the lack of an image stabilization system. So, we guess it wasn’t a big deal for most users.	The Panasonic GH4 also got lots of love from customers as well. Even though we find the sensor to body size ratio absolutely ridiculous, it seemed many customers didn’t. We noticed that customers seemed to love the size and weight of their camera.   Besides that, the versatility of this camera didn’t go unnoticed. Just by getting a fairly inexpensive adapter, many found they were able to use all kinds of their old glass. For instance, a Nikon user found that he was able to use Nikon lenses on his GH4 without issues. This is definitely good news for those who’d rather use their classic, expensive lenses than use the kit lens on the camera.   Unlike the Sony a7, the Panasonic GH4 got commendations for its battery life. Even when shooting 4K, users observed that the camera still ran for a fairly long time which was impressive.   Now, focusing seemed to be a little confusing for a few users. They seemed to observe that with stills, the focus system was great, however, with video, it began to look not quite as good.   But that aside though, we’d say many considered the Panasonic GH4 a fantastic bag for their buck and you can easily tell from all the five star reviews the product got.
Get the Sony a7R here!	Get the Panasonic GH4 here!

Sony a7 V GH4 – Conclusion

So, having done all our research, we came to our own conclusion. A winner really cannot be decided in this comparison because these are two different cameras made with two different purposes. Therefore, in this case, a winner can only be a subjective thing.

Hence, if you’re looking for an all-round camera, then go for the Sony a7. It will deliver on excellent photos and won’t disappoint when it comes to videos. It’s not the best camera around for either purpose but its performance will leave you more than satisfied.

Now, if, on the other hand, you’re here for a video camera, strictly, then go for the Panasonic GH4. The Sony a7 does not even begin to come close to the capabilities of the GH4 when it comes to video recording. For a budget price, the Panasonic GH4 gives you access to pro level video recording.

The major flaw of the GH4 is its low light performance and that’s one area where the Sony a7 excels. Nonetheless, if you’re particular about a camera with powerful capabilities and 4K resolution, then we’d advise you to upgrade to the GH5S. It packs all the powerful features we know and love on Panasonic video cameras but, at the same time, is more sensitive in low light.

Get the Sony a7R here!

Get the Panasonic GH4 here!