GH4vs A7S
Lumix
GH4 (2014)
Starting from £349 new
Best for Video, independent filmmaking & documentary
View GH4
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Video, Independent Filmmaking & Documentary — GH4 (2014): The world's first consumer 4K camera — the GH4 changed independent filmmaking and proved that broadcast-quality video didn't require a cinema camera budget.
Astrophotography & Low-Light — A7S (2014): The original A7S pioneered the concept of a camera optimised entirely for low light. Its 12.2MP sensor has enormous photosites — extraordinary high-ISO performance that still holds up. Lacking IBIS and limited to 1080p internally (4K requires external recorder), it is a specialist tool. For astrophotography, event videography, or any scenario where light is genuinely scarce, it remains outstanding.
Who should buy what
GH4 (2014)
- Videographers and independent filmmakers who want the camera that started the consumer 4K era
- Content creators looking for a capable 4K body at the lowest entry price
- MFT system users who want the best video capability on a tight budget
- Photographers interested in camera history — the GH4 is a landmark piece
A7S (2014)
- Astrophotographers
- Low-light event videographers
- Filmmakers needing clean high-ISO footage
Quick take: The gh4 has the highest resolution at 16mp; the gh4 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | GH4 (2014) | A7S (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £349 | £600 |
| Sensor | 16.05MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 16.1MP | 12.2MP |
| Video | 4K/30p, C4K/24p (first consumer camera with 4K), 1080p/96fps | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect DFD AF, face detection | Phase-detect / contrast-detect hybrid AF |
| Stabilisation | None (no body IBIS) | None |
| Burst Rate | 12fps (AFS), 7fps (AFC) | 5fps |
| Battery Life | ~500 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 560g (with battery and card) | 474g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 133.2 × 93.4 × 83.0mm | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, OLED 2.36M dots, 0.67× magnification | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi, NFC, 3.5mm mic jack, headphone jack, HDMI | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | GH4 | A7S |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Travel | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| Sports & Action | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Astrophotography | — | |
| Street | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
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Camera family history