14 DAY TRIAL // Following last year's release of the Panasonic GH3 camera, 43rumors found out from a reliable source that the new GH4 4K camera could be announced in spring 2014.
The same source states that a new Panasonic prototype was spotted having a partial modular design, which means that you could upgrade or change various camera components depending on your needs.
The new GH4 4K is rumored to have the following specs:
- 4K/24/25/30fps - 16mp sensor with full pixel readout - 10bit 4:2:2 codec (likely AVC Ultra) - 200Mbit MP4 ALL-I and 100Mbit IPB options - Adapter that sits on the camera has 4x 3G-HD-SDI and 2x XLR - Up to 30fps in 4K mode - OLED monitor, 1 million dot - 21mm OLED viewfinder, 3 million dot - Form factor similar to the GH3 but slightly larger, all output jacks facing out of the left side - Time code.
Panasonic announced many times that they wanted to tackle the pro market from a new perspective and this might be their chance in doing so.
It's possible that the GH4 4K will be a fully video-oriented camera without any photo capabilities. Featuring a 16mp-sensor and a 10bit 4:2:2 codec, the camera will be capable of capturing 4K videos at 30fps.
If the rumors are true, Panasonic GH4 4K will be the direct competitor of Canon's EOS C300. It's also said that the GH4 4K will hit shelves at 1/5 the price of the Canon EOS C300, somewhere around $2,999 / € 2,218 making it accessible to casual consumers as well as pro users.
Canon EOS C300 is still an impressive cinema camera that features an 8.3mp 3840x2160 Super-35 CMOS sensor, DIGIC DV III Processor and Canon XF Codec.
Stay tuned as we try to find out more information about the new Panasonic 4K camera before the official announcement is out.